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Chocolate and Mint are a match made in heaven.  They’re as refreshing as a leisurely Sunday Drive on a crisp cool morning with the windows open!  That luxuriously rich and smooth chocolate with cool, crisp mint is a heavenly treat!  It’s the perfect mid-Winter flavor dessert palette, with flavor profiles teetering on the edge of seasonal holidays and emerging spring greenery.  Today, on National Chocolate Mint Day, we’re sharing some of our favourite places to grab this rich, chocolatey dessert combo in the Greater Chicago Area! more From Gelato to Milkshakes to Cupcakes and Cookies, you’ll find the best places to snag this iconic sweet treat right in our own backyards.  If you’re the DIY kind of soul, we’re also including some of our favourite chocolate mint inspired recipes at the end of this post.  They’re perfect for bringing to family gatherings, office parties, or dropping off a plate at your friendly neighbourhood car dealership (Hint hint? Just kidding, unless you want to!) Got a favourite recipe of your own?  Drop it in the comments and we may feature it in an upcoming post. Best Places for Chocolate Mint Treats in the Greater Chicago Area Insomnia Cookies in Lincoln Park Chicago Ghiardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop in Streeterville Chicago Annete’s Homemade Italian Ice in North Side Chicago Margie’s Candies in Logan Square Chicago Windy City Sweets in Lake View East Chicago Scoops Ice Cream in Bridgeport Chicago The Sweet Oasis in Norridge Shirl’s Drive-In Waukegan La Michoacana Premium in Waukegan Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store in Gurnee Mr Kite’s Chocolate Shop in Chicago Snow Dragon Shavery in Navy Pier Chicago L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates in North Bridge Chicago Fannie May Chocolate Shop in Chicago Wicked & Sweet in Chicago Chocolate Uzma Shop in Chicago The Coffee & Tea Exchange Coffee Shop in Chicago Sandy’s Popper in Kenosha, WI Scoops Ice Cream & Candy in Kenosha, WI Divino Gelato Cafe in Racine, WI Paparazzi Ice Cream Shop in Racine, WI Our Fave Mint-Chocolate Recipes Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Homemade Thin Mint Cookies Goodie Godmother’s Creamy Mint Oreo Milkshakes Lo’s Kitchen’s Mint Oreo Milkshake Sally’s Baking Addiction Chocolate Mint Brownies Averie Cooks’ Andes Mint Brownies Big Bolder Baking’s Real Mint Chocolate Chip Gelato Numi Tea’s Mint Chocolate Latte Contest Winning Recipe Life Made Sweeter’s Peppermint Mocha Latte

No matter where you live in the US, chances are your state lays claim to fame for “best kinda pizza anywhere!”  As much as we’d love to agree with you, we know that the only real pizza worth eating is the  illustrious regional classic: the Chicago Deep Dish! more No matter what ingredients you prefer in your pie, we won’t judge you, because we're free spirited people; just about anything goes when it comes to toppings for our state’s greatest culinary achievement.  Be it pepperoni or pineapple or peppers and onions, we can’t complain! It’s all gravy (the tomato kind, even.) So for today, on this, the day of National Pizza appreciation, we’re sharing some of our picks for best local and regional pizzamakers.  And you can feel confident in our suggestions, because we consider our collective staff something of an expert in the subject. Leave the thincrust, take-a the deep dish! Classic Auto Group’s Recommended Local Pizza Places Double D Pizza at 1500 N Lewis Avenue in Waukegan K & R Jesters at 1500 N Lewis Avenue in Waukegan Louie’s Restaurant at 1009 North Avenue in Waukegan Jimano’s Pizza 938 N Green Bay Road in Waukegan Quonset Pizza at 2606 Grand Avenue in Waukegan North Avenue Tap at 637 North Avenue in Waukegan MOD Pizza at 970 S Waukegan Road  in Waukegan Potestas Pizza at 434 S Green Bay Road in Waukegan Marco’s Pizza at 741 W Glen Flora Avenue in Waukegan Anastasia’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge at 3880 Northpoint Boulevard Big Ed’s BBQ & Bar in Waukegan Mama K’s Pizza and Grille in Gurnee Kaiser’s Pizza & Pub in Gurnee Giordano’s in Chicago Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria in Chicago Pequod’s Pizza Gino’s East in Chicago Pizzeria Ora Chicago George’s Deep Dish My Pi Pizza in Chicago Nancy’s Pizza in Chicago Bartoli’s Pizza in Chicago Pizzeria Uno in Chicago Bacino’s of Lincoln Park in Chicago Great Pizza Car Gear: Deck Your Ride with a Proclamation of Your Love For Pizza Pizza Fixes Everything Car License Plate Frame Set of 2 Pizza Car Coasters 3-Pack Car Air Freshener Pepperoni Pizza Design Pizza On Board 6in Sign Pizza Floor Mats with  Blue backgrounds

Hey there friends and neighbours, we’re here with our beloved community calendar for the Chicago area!  You’ll find a lot of great activities and events to enjoy over the next few weeks, all just a short drive away.  Check it out on today’s blog. more Today from 12PM to 2PM at the College of Lake County, enjoy a lecture with a panel of guests for CLC Lake County’s History Makers: State of the Black Male: Changing the Narrative event over Zoom. This evening from 6:30PM to 9PM at Zumbier, enjoy LIVE Trivia! BYO Food or order delivery in. Tomorrow, February 4th, at Tony’s Fresh Market from 2PM to 6PM in Waukegan is the Job Fair! Learn more about it here. On February 4th at the Genesee Theatre, enjoy a wild, wacky, madcap evening of musical comedy for Guys on Ice starting from 7PM through 9PM. Check it out here. On February 5th from 12PM to 2PM at the Dandelion Gallery & Studio, bring a friend or your kiddo and enjoy a Love inspired evening of Block Art. Learn more at Dandelion Gallery & Studio’s site. On February 5th from 7:30PM to 9PM at the Three Brothers Theatre on Stage 115, enjoy a performance of “When It Comes We Can Worry Then” for a lovely evening of theatre. On february 6th from 12PM to 5PM enjoy an R&B Brunch with tickets ranging from $20-$50. Book your spot now for a day out in Chicago with your friends! On February 10th enjoy a Galentine Party hosted by Olson’s Ace Hardware in Park Ridge!  You can stop by for a fun filled evening of crafting and decor inspiration with your friends.  It’s a DIY extravaganza with a Sip & Shop to boot! Event is from 5 to 7 and you can get tickets here. On February 12th, get a little rest and relaxation with Gentle Yoga for Terrible Times at this free event hosted via Zoom! Click here to learn more and select a date; participation is limited to 500 person capacity login. On February 12th and February 13th at 10AM at Olson’s Ace Hardware, come on out for a free Kid’s Workshop creating Succulent Plant Valentines! On February 19th, enjoy the “Intro to PLants” workshop from 11AM to 12:30PM in a free class with a 20% off discount included on all purchases that day. Click here to register to learn how to be your best plant-parent self! On February 20th head on over to The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire for a rousing rendition of West Side Story. February 20th is Lady Day from 3PM to 5PM at the Metropolis Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights, chronicling the life and music of the illustrious Billie Holiday at Emerson’s Bar and Grill. On  February 24th, get in touch with your inner child at the “Adults Night at the Trampoline Park” in Chicago from 7:30PM.  Tickets range from $21-$30 and you can book it right here. On February 26th, the Second Annual Black Excellence Awards Gala is taking place from 5PM to 8PM. Learn more about it here.

It’s February and we’re really excited about it, because that means the Chicago Auto Show is just around the corner!  From February 12th through the 21st, you can stop by McCormick Place Convention Center to experience the best, brightest, and most spectacular new advancements in the automotive industry!  We cannot wait to see all the exciting new technologies, concept cars, and incredible vehicles. more What You Need to Know Before You Go: The event runs February 12th through February 20th from 10AM to 10PM, and on February 21st from 10AM to 8PM. Tickets for the auto show are available online for $10-$15 (priced by age) and children under 3 are free with accompanying paid adult admission.  Group and school discounts are available! This year, there are some additional COVID-19 precautions in place to keep everyone safer: masks are required for everyone over the age of 2, and they must cover the mouth and nose; proof of vaccination is required for entry into the food and beverage and eating areas (this includes photo ID for those 16+.) Thursday February 17th and Friday February 18th be sure to bring some food to the Grand Concourse Ticket Lobby for the Chicago Auto Show Food Drive. And check back here for updates on food and beverage vendors to plan your day. Click here to enter to win a Grand Prize Package to the 2022 Auto Show! What We’re Most Excited About: This is one of the highlights of our year here at Classic Auto Group! Our staff at Classic Kia are extremely excited to check out all the amazing vehicles that Kia will be sharing this year!  They’ll be debuting the 2023 Kia Sportage, along with some other fantastic vehicles in production like the EV6, K5, Forte, Carnival, Soul, Stinger, and more! Check out the full list here. Head over to the Kia Display between 10AM to 6PM for the Kia Test Drive events. Our staff at Classic Toyota are looking forward to all of the great vehicles that Toyota will be showing off this year, too.  This year we’re anticipating the debut of the 2023 bZ4X, 2023 Sequoia, and the 2022 Tundra.  And that’s not all!  Toyota is also displaying selections from the production line such as the GR86, GR Supra, Corolla Cross, Venza, and the Prius. Check out the full lineup here. Where to Stay: The Marriott Marquis Chicago and Hyatt Regency McCormick Place are the official hotel partners for the Chicago Auto Show. Additional hotels include: Chicago South Loop Hotel Congress Plaza Hotel Best Western Grant Park Hotel Le Meridien Essex Chicago The Buckingham Hotel The Jaslin Hotel Villa Dubois Guest House McCormick Place Guest House The Blackstone, Autograph Collection Where to Eat Nearby: The Fine Print Restaurant Third Star Sixes & Eights Savor Chicago Connie’s Pizza Il Culaccino Woven + Bound Restaurant Piezano’s Pizza & Pasta VU Rooftop Bar Chicago Oyster House Mustard Seed Kitchen Apolonia What To Do Nearby: There’s also a lot of fabulous things to do nearby the area if you’re making a whole fun trip out of the event!  Check out our great picks for other activities to explore in Chicago near McCormick Place. Aerie Crown Theater The Art Institute of Chicago Tommy Gun’s Garage Millennium Park Chicago Cloud Gate The Field Museum Hamilton: The Exhibition Soldier Field Secret Food Tours Chicago Prairie Avenue Historic District The Magic Parlour The Magnificent Mile

Happy Lunar New Year! 我们祝你幸福，万事如意 Wish you happiness and all the best in the Year of the Tiger! Check out our picks for local restaurants, recipes, Lunar New Year traditions, books, and movies on today's blog. more February marks the beginning of Lunar New Year celebrations for the Year of the Tiger!  This week,  Asian-Americans in the US will be celebrating with their families, just like many others around the globe in China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, North Korea, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines! Each country has their own version of the festival’s celebrations, but at the central core of each of them is Family.  Today we’ll be focusing mainly on the Chinese celebrations for Lunar New Year, but we encourage you to explore other global versions of these celebrations with your family, as they are equally important and wonderful! Here are some key elements you will see in Lunar New Year celebrations: Dragon - Much like many of the other symbols in Chinese new year, this also represents prosperity and good fortune, as well as a cultural symbol that the Chinese people are descendants of the  Dragon. Click here to learn more about the festival origins! Duilian - These are two vertical banners usually placed on either side of a doorway which announce wishes for good fortune, success, and happiness in the coming year: - Wan Shi Ru Yi: May everything be as you wish - Da Zhan Hong Tu: May you achieve your great plan - Sheng Yi Xing Long: May your business be prosperous Fish - Whole fish is a traditional dish served on New Years, and it is considered quite lucky.  It is customary to leave the head, tail and bones in one piece symbolizing a good beginning and end to the year. Flowers - The Plum Blossom and the Water Narcissus (or white daffodil) are both prevalent in Chinese New Year celebrations.  Plum blossoms represent growth, hope, and courage.  The Narcissus plants are representative of good fortune and prosperity, and if the blossoms open precisely on New Year Day, it is said to bring good luck all year long! Lanterns - On the 15th day of Lunar New Year celebrations is the Lantern festival. Red - This hue is considered an auspicious color in Chinese culture, often used in decor, gift giving, clothing, and more.  It represents life, vitality, good fortune, and prosperity.  Red envelopes, or hong bao, are envelopes filled with money given to unemployed single folks and young children Lunar New Year Crafts for Kids Make some dragon crafts with the kiddos at home like these from Red Ted Art. Chinese dragon puppets would make a great addition for storytime! Hang up some handcrafted Chinese Paper Lanterns to get festive! Make a family friendly “T is for Tiger” Felt or Paper Craft with Printable Pattern Whip Up a Culinary Treat for the Lunar New Year Shochu Punch Chou Dao Miu Pea Sprouts Lunar New Year Dumplings Whole Fish with Ginger Sesame Oil Spicy Dan Dan Noodles Peking Duck with Honey Glaze and Five Spice Chinese Restaurants to Support in the Greater Chicago Area China Garden Restaurant in Waukegan Ming Toy Restaurant in Waukegan China Kitchen in North Chicago Hunan Sixth Happiness North Chicago Lung Fung Restaurant in Zion Win Win Restaurant & Bar in Waukegan Lao Sze Chuan in Highland Park House of Szechwan in Des Plaines Lao Sze Chuan in Skokie Chengdu Impression Restaurant in Chicago Mrs. Gu Skewers Hot Pot in Chicago Laojiumen Hotpot Chicago MCCB Chicago Xi’an Cuisine in Chicago Supporting Asian Creators Year Round We believe in supporting the AAPI community all year round and not just on special holidays or months! To celebrate all global Asian cultures that participate in Lunar New Year, we’ve compiled a wonderful list of books and films by Asian creators for you to enjoy! Fantastic Books by Asian Authors for Audio/EBooks Make sure to load up your e-reader or tablet with some of these great books before your next road trip! You’ll find a slew of incredible tales written by both new and treasured voices in the writing community. Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin Amy Wu and the Perfect  Bao by Kat Zhang Land of Big Numbers by Te-Ping Chen How Much of These Hills is Gold by C. Pam Zhang A Pho Love Story by Loan Le Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park Stargazing by Jen Wang The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo Home Remedies: Stories by Xuan Juliana Wang Front Desk by Kelly Yang Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi Finding Julie Kim by Ellen Oh A River of Stars by Vanessa Huo Severance by Ling Ma The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang Movies to Stream Starring Asian Americans and AAPI Talent: Raya and the Last Dragon Over the Moon The Wish Dragon The Guardian Brothers Next Gen Ne Zha Go Back To China Front Cover It’s Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong Lucky Grandma Minari Crazy Rich Asians Shang Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings Always Be My Maybe To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Today we’re covering a list of fantastic drive-in theaters with unique viewing experiences, and those who offer a wide range of media from family flicks, indie films, foreign cinema, and more. hen the weather outside’s less frightful, we think a trip to the drive-in sounds delightful!  You’ll find lots of fun suggestions for destination movie theatres on today’s post. We’ve also got some quick tips and tricks for packing up the car to ensure everyone has a great time no matter how far from home you go.  Let’s go to the movies! more Note: Some of these locations may be closed for the season, but others are open throughout the season (weather permitting.) Let’s Go To the Movies: What to Bring To the Drive-In Going to the movies is very exciting for little ones, especially if you’re at the drive-in!  And as fun as it is, an unexpected mess or a case of the fidgets while waiting for the show to start can make things go haywire.  That’s why we love to keep a little bag of tricks in our trunk to ensure that the experience is a breeze, and everyone can enjoy themselves together with less stress.  Plus, there’s some bonus picks for grown-up movie nights and date night suggestions! For Kiddos: Pack boxes with juice pouches, bags of fresh fruits and veggies, and crackers or munchies to keep them satisfied.  Pack some insulated water bottles to keep them cool and hydrated. Bring some cozy snuggle stuff such as a hooded blankie, fleece blanket, stuffies, or cotton throw. Pack an overnight bag with extra clean clothes - one spare outfit per child, and make sure it’s easy to wiggle-on in a pinch such as PJs or sweatpants or leggings.  For babies or toddlers, consider packing at least two onesies or sleepsuits.  Plan for being out late, and perhaps having some spills or accidents needing a swap. Bring simple outdoor toys such as velcro mitts with a tennis ball, a frisbee, a beachball, or similar to play outside and keep the kids happy before the movie starts. Plus, it means they’ll be a little knackered and more likely to sit still for the duration! A box or two of glow sticks and glowing jewelry, and party style spinning flashlights will keep kids entertained in the dark before the movie starts. For Everyone: Snag some comfortable cushions or pillows with waterproof material for sitting outside, or to add a little luxury to your car’s interior. Stay warm and cozy and comfortable in your car with a pile of soft blankets. Folding chairs for those who need a change of pace from sitting in the car and want to sit outside. A box filled with your favourite movie theatre snacks, chips, crackers, and other snack packs and candies.  Include a small cooler with ice for veggies, fruits, and bottled drinks.  And you can even jazz things up with a simple charcuterie tray for a date night twist! Don’t skimp on the wet wipes, napkins, paper towels, or hand sanitizer (and you might even want to toss a spare roll or two of toilet paper in there in case the bathrooms are less than equipped.) Bring some bug spray in case you leave your windows open or opt for the outdoor seating. Flashlights and LED candles can add an ambiance and make it easier to find your way to and from the car in the dark while stretching your legs or a walk to the facilities. Last but not least, pack some plastic grocery bags and a garbage bag to gather up your trash at the end of the night.. Fabulous Drive-In Movie Theatre Experiences Drive-In movies are a special experience in movie watching, so why not make a mini road trip and memorable weekend getaway around this cinematic excursion?  Grab your own camera or your smartphone and film a little documentary about your road trip as you go to your destination, and create some beautiful keepsake videos together.  Check out these suggestions for drive-in theatres and plan your next visit when the season opens, or check what’s playing now! The Milky Way Drive-In in Milwaukee, WI Chi-town Futbol and Movies in Chicago, IL McHenry Indoor/Outdoor Theater in McHenry (formerly the Skyline Drive-In) Blue Moonlight Drive-In Theater in Galesburg, IL Harvest Moon Drive-In Theatre in Gibson City, IL The Chicago Drive-In in Bridgeview, IL The Cascade Drive-In in West Chicago, IL Midway Drive-In, Sterling, IL Route 66 Drive-In Theater Hi-Way 18 Outdoor Theatre in Jefferson, WI 49er Drive-In Theatre in Valparaiso, IN Route 34 Drive-In in Earlville, IL Melody Drive-In in Knox, IN Skyview Drive-In in Litchfield, IL

Did you know that today is National Puzzle Day?  Whether you’re looking for a rousing good time with friends, an activity for the whole family, or a lively new addition to your date night rotation, you’ll find plenty of ideas on today’s blog! We’re highlighting our picks for interesting Escape Rooms and Mystery Dinner Theatre puzzles that involve diving right into the center of all the action.  Solve a puzzle or a mysterious crime with a little bit of cheeky improv and a lot of laughs! And for those who prefer to stay indoors, but want to stay busy at home we’ve got some great picks for car themed puzzles. It’s all happening right here on today’s blog. more Amazing Escape Room Experiences in Greater Chicago Area and Southern Wisconsin: You might have seen Escape Rooms or Puzzle Escape Game Experiences popping up in your area over the last few years.  They’re an excellent way to spend time with friends and family, and perfect for those who have a competitive edge!   You and your friends, or even a group of strangers, will work together to solve puzzles by putting together clues or brain teasers in order to beat the clock and gain your freedom.  It’s a fun teamwork experience with challenging adventures and themed elements, and no experience is the same twice!   You’ll experience a whole new form of experiential storytelling and role playing for a truly unique night out on the town.  Check out our picks for great escape rooms in the area and snag your ticket now! 60 to Escape in Gurnee IL Golden Escape Rooms in Grayslake IL Edge of Escape Rooms in Zion IL No Escape Room in Buffalo Grove IL Xscape in Time in Barrington IL Lock Chicago Escape Rooms in Wilmette IL Noggin Builders Kid Escape Room in Northbrook, IL EscapeQuest in Crystal Lake IL Twisted Limits Escape Rooms in McHenry IL Mastermind Escape Games in Schaumburg IL Lake Geneva Clue Room in Lake Geneva WI TeamEscape 262 Menomonee Falls, wI City13 Milwaukee in Oak Creek, WI Seven Keys to Escape in Racine, WI Mystery Dinner Theatre Shows in Wisconsin and Illinois: If you really enjoy the escape room experience, but want to shake things up a bit, then dinner mystery theatre is just the ticket!  Check out these super fun experiential supper clubs and virtual experiences that put you and your guests in the middle of a mystery to solve.  It’s a super unique experience that will change each time you go thanks to the magic of improv theatre. The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Schaumburg The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Chicago The Murder Mystery Company in Milwaukee, WI St Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre in Hudson, WI Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, WI Murder Mystery Dinner Parties in Chicago Cool Car Themed Puzzles to Do At Home SpringBok’s 1000 Piece Classic Car Puzzle MasterPieces 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle Route 66 Pitstop Road Trip License Plate Map Puzzle by TDC Games Road Trip Puzzle Map Book for Kids on the Go by Conceptis Puzzles Road Trip 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by Buffalo Games Store

It’s National Chocolate Cake Day, and we feel that’s cause enough to celebrate. Who doesn’t love a great chocolate cake?!  It’s the perfect sweet moment to punctuate a busy week once the weekend rolls around.   All that fudgy, moist, sweet, rich deliciousness on a plate is the best treat at the end of a long day.  And we’re here to support some fantastic local businesses in the Greater Chicago Area and Southern Wisconsin, all just a short drive away from Classic Auto Group!  So let’s hit the road and find some truly luscious chocolate treats right here on today’s blog. more Best Places to Grab a Slice of Chocolate Cake or Order Dessert: Illusion Bakery Inc in Waukegan O Brothers Bakery in Waukegan Tony’s Bakery in Waukegan Panaderia y Pasteleria Arizmendi in Waukegan Sweet Tooth Delivery in Gurnee Dalton’s Cakes in Grayslake Tina’s Italian Bake Shop in Gurnee Gloria’s Cakes in Racine, WI O&H Danish Bakery in Racine, WI Larsen Bakery Inc in Racine, WI Olde Madrid in Racine, WI Sebastian’s in Racine, WI Nothing Bundt Cakes in Greenfield, WI Sweet Mandy B’s Bakery in Chicago Mindy’s Bakery in Chicago Lutz Cafe & Pastry Shop in Chicago Jennivee’s Bakery in Chicago Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Cafe in Chicago Make Your Own Car Themed Cakes in These Fabulous Tins and Moulds: Wotoy’s Cake Baking Pan Mold Wilton’s Lightning McQueen Cake Pan Mold Car Shaped Silicone Molds for Cake or Candies

Today is National Hugging Day, and with the pandemic in swing, we realize this may not be the easiest holiday to celebrate for everyone, but if you’re able, give your loved ones a hug and let them know you care! (Don’t forget to hug your pets, too!)  And if you can’t see your loved ones for whatever reason, we’re here to share some great ways you can “hug” your community and show them you care! Today we’re highlighting a wonderful local charity who needs your help providing not just hugs but safety and security to our local community here in Lake County.  Additionally, we’ve got a short list of more ways you can help local organizations and individuals. more We Support COOL Ministries, and so can you: COOL Ministries is a not for profit charitable organization serving families in Illinois.  Founded by members of six Lutheran Churches, the organization first opened its doors to the community in 1983 with its inaugural COOL Food Pantry project.  They opened an additional location in 2007, COOL Pantry West, in Ingleside by way of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, which remained in operation through 2018. COOL pantry provides local families and veterans with breakfast, lunch, and dinner; they also provide accommodations for cardiac and diabetic diets, as well as options for those with allergies, and a wide array of ethnic food offerings. Since 2015, COOL Ministries is now a fully recognized social services organization run by the COOL Board of Directors who put their heart and soul into their work.  In 2016, after 30 years of operation out of a storefront in downtown Waukegan, headquarters relocated operations to a beautiful facility downtown at the Glen Flora Building on West Glen Flora Avenue. The COOL pantries receive an immense amount of community support from everyone here in Lake County; everyone from churches to individuals to the United Way of Lake County, and incredible grant funding and corporate donations.  We are also proud to count ourselves in the midst of those who support the efforts of COOL Ministries as they help local families and veterans find their footing on stable ground!  The support for COOL Ministries and the COOL Pantries is as diverse as the beautiful community we all love, work, and live in. Please, join us in supporting our community by helping raise funds and collecting donation items for COOL ministries from this list: Other fantastic ways you can support your community: Donate your time and physical presence to helping stock food pantries or serve meals Give blood at local blood banks or blood drives Ask if your employer will contribute a “gift match” to your personal donation When shopping on Amazon, set http://Smile.Amazon.com as your homepage Create care packages for the local homeless population and distribute, or bring to warming stations around the city. Collect gently used toys, books, and clothing in good condition which has been laundered and folded neatly, and bring them to a local family shelter or to warming stations around town. Donate or volunteer at events with other local charities and nonprofits: American Cancer Society in Lincolnshire, IL Barrington Area Community Foundation in Barrington, IL Beyond Sports Foundation in HIghland Park, IL Hands of Hope Foundation in Barrington, IL Jac Education Foundation in Highland Park, IL Jewish Council for Youth Service in Ingleside, IL Lake Forest Open Land Association in Lake Forest, IL Save a Star Drug Awareness Foundation in Highland Park, IL United Service Organizations in Great Lakes, IL (And many, many more!) And of course, all of us here at Classic Auto Group send a comforting virtual hug to you all in thanks for your support and dedication to building a better community!

Today is National Spaghetti Day! And we thought it would be fun to celebrate in a few different ways. Today’s blog post will be a light and cheerful one full of delicious facts and exciting eateries. First, we’ll be highlighting some of the great racing drivers and pioneers from Italy throughout motorsports history. And secondly, we’re going to shout out some of our favourite local eateries to grab a nice plate of Nona’s “s’getti and meat-a-balls!” So dig in to today’s post and mangia these fun historical anecdotes to impress your friends at your upcoming pasta dinner. more Image of Alberto Ascari from thesportsman.com Alberto Ascari competed in motorcycle racing and car racing, and was described as “Italy’s Greatest Ever,” a claim even supported in part by Enzo Ferrari! He was known as “Little Ascari” and “Ciccio.”  Ascari was a Formula One World Champion twice over, and competed for years in the racing circuit until an accident caused his untimely death on May 26th 1955. Image of Giuseppe Farina from Formula1.com Guiuseppe “Nino” Farina was the first official Formula One World Champion and won the first driver’s title, crowned in 1950!  He was also the Italian Champion in 1937, 1938, and 1939 consecutively.  He was sadly killed in a car accident in 1966. Image of Mario Andretti via indycar.com Mario Andretti was born to an Italian family and achieved fame as one of the most successful American F1 racing drives in all of motorsports history.  His name is synonymous with several championship wins, and notoriety as one of only 2 race drivers to win races in F1, IndyCar, World Sportscar, and NASCAR!  He was also the only person to be dubbed United States Drive of the year in 3 different decades (1960s, 1970s, 1980s.)  He is currently 81 years old. Image via Ferrari.com Giancarlo Fisichella has been a celebrated Italian racing driver since 1984.  Heentered his first race in 1996 at the Australian Grand Prix, and continued on to participate in an impressive 231 races, three of which he won in the Formula 1 circuit.  He also made an appearance in the beloved movie “The Art of Racing in the Rain.” Image from F1.Fandom.com Michele Alboreto was an Italian race driver. He was runner up to Alain Prost in the ‘85 F1 World Championship, and later won the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 2001 12 Hours of Sebring races.  He passed away in April 2001 in an accident in Germany at the Lausitzring during a test drive with Audi. Image from italyonthisday.com Luigi Musso was an Italian race participant who competed in 24 Formula 1 races, and 15 of them were under the ferrari flag starting when he was just 30 years old. He won the 1956 Argentine Grand Prix, but unfortunately perished after just 5 years in the circuit in a fatal accident at the 1958 Grand Prix. Grab a Great Plate of Spaghetti at These Fine Establishments Jimano’s Pizzeria at 938 N Green Bay Road Waukegan Quonset Pizza at 2602 Grand Avenue Waukegan K&R Jesters at 1500 N Lewis Avenue Waukegan Potesta’s Pizza on 434 S Green Bay Road Waukegan Louie’s Restaurant at 1009 North Avenue Waukegan Anastasia’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge at 3880 Northpoint Boulevard Waukegan Double D Pizza at 1500 N Lewis Avenue Waukegan Honey Bay’s Barbecue at 1726 Belvidere Street Waukegan La Scarola in Chicago, IL Siena Tavern in Chicago, IL Viaggio Restaurant in Chicago, IL Quartino Ristorante in Chicago, IL Sapori Trattoria in Chicago, IL The Pasta Bowl in Wicker Park in Chicago, IL Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse in Chicago, IL Il Porcellino in Chicago, IL Riccardo Trattoria in Chicago, IL Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio in Chicago, IL Topo Gigio Ristorante in Chicago IL Salute Italian Restaurant in Racine, WI Casa Capri Restaurant in Kenosha, WI Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen in Kenosha, WI Renzo’s Pizzeria & Trattoria in Kenosha, WI Ruffolo’s Special Pizza 2 in Kenosha

We’re back with another installment of the Local Community Calendar!  We’ve rounded up some lovely events and entertainment for you to enjoy over the next month and change. Please be sure to double check all websites and listings for cancelations, delays, and closures due to weather or Covid19 regulations.  Remember to mask up, social distance, test frequently and often as possible to keep  your family and peers in the community safe. more Classic’s Local Community Calendar for Waukegan and Chicago Area On January 3rd, enjoy a Free Outdoor Men’s Workout at the Columbus Park Golf Course in Chicago from 5:30AM to 6:15AM. January 5th at the Belvidere Recreation Center in Waukegan, bring the family for a day of fun at Holiday Adventures with the Waukegan Park District from 7AM to 6PM. January 5th is a lovely evening to enjoy the finer side of the arts with “Kiss Me Kate” at The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. Repeat performances this morning in afternoons and evenings. January 5th at Dan Ryan woods in Chicago, bring your kids and teens for Open Nature Play Day in Chicago from 10AM to 1PM. January 6th there’s a great Baby friendly storytime session at the Palatine Library District from 10AM to 10:30AM in Palanti ne. Tired of dinners at home? January 6th you can head to the Lucky Burger and Grill Foodtruck from 5PM to 8PM at the Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein. Enjoy Legos @ The Library at the Uptown Neighbourhood Library in Kenosha from 4:30 to 5:30, perfect for families and kids under 5. January 7th is a great time to take your kids over to the McHenry Public Library for “Storytime for Little Ones!” from 4PM to 4:30PM. January 7th is a great day for family fun!  Head over to the Watts Ice Center in Glencoe for an exciting Superhero Skate for Friday Family Skate Night from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. January 7th at the Palatine Library District from 4PM to 5PM is a great time to get the older kids out of the house for a Tween Hangout Session in Palatine. On January 8th at the Genesee Theater, enjoy an outstanding tribute to David Bowie at “David Brighton’s Space Oddity.” On Sunday January 9th from 4PM to 9PM, enjoy some wonderful outdoor time with friends and family at Skating in the Park at Rosemont in Rosemont. January 9th is a wonderful time to enjoy an evening of fine jazz music with Magnetic Jazz at Madcats from 5PM to 8PM in Palatine. On January 9th starting at 5PM, enjoy the ChiTown Movies Presents: Finding Nemo at ChiTown Movies in Chicago. Let’s support local agriculture and find something exciting to make for dinner at the Kenosha HarborMarket in Kenosha from 9AM to 1PM. If you’ve resolved that 2022 means you’ll get the job of  your dreams or bust, you’ll definitely want to check out the Waukegan Job and Career Fiar at the Job Center of Lake County.  The event runs from 11AM to 2PM on January 12th and January 20th and January 26th! Pencil in a day of fun January 13th from 12PM to 8PM at the Lake County Fairgrounds at Grayslake for the Northern Illinois Sports Show in 2022. January 19th, tune in for a special Family to Family Health Information Center webinar series hosted by ARC of Illinois with Molly Hoffman, DSCC. January 20th at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan from 7:30 to 11:30PM, throw it back to the 90s and 00s with Nelly in concert! On January 22nd at 8PM, come spend an evening at Bass Station in Waukegan for Euphoria II and have an amazing night on the town. Head over to the College of Lake County in Grayslake for the Mini Job Fair from 11AM to 1PM. Head to Schaumberg on January 27th from 12PM to 8PM at the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. Enjoy another fun evening of Family togetherness at the Blackhawks Night for Family Skate Night in Watts Ice Center in Glencoe on the 28th of January. February 6th in Highwood at the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory enjoy the musical selections and fun activities at the Chicago Bass Festival at BGH from 9AM to 5PM. February 5th and 6th is the Waukegan Township’s “Groundhog Shootout” for 6 more weeks of Basketball! February 13th at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, book a ticket to see West Side Story live on stage!

Tonight is New Years Eve!  We’re glad to be here to celebrate the close of another wild year.  We’ve all been through so much the last year or two, and we deserve a night off.  So we thought we would use today’s blog space to suggest some fun activities to let loose, unwind, and relax! more Let’s begin the new year as we mean to end it, on a happy note, with good intentions, and paying no mind to any stresses, trials or tribulations. Get your noisemakers ready, because we’re here to party! Local New Year’s Eve  Fun New Year’s Eve Sparkly Fun at Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan from 8 to 11:59PM! New Year’s Eve Party at Just for Fun Roller Rink from 11AM to 2PM in Mundelin Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Fox Lake from 4:30PM to 6:30PM New Year’s Eve Sip, Nibble, Celebrate and Stock up in Wauconda New Year’s Eve Early Bird Dinner Show at The Marriot Theatre in Lincolnshire from 2PM to 8PM Unwind with a Festive and Fun New Years Eve Party at Home! With virus rates on the rise again in many places, some folks may not be up for the usual party antics. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a super swell shindig anyway.  Check out our suggestions for long-distance celebrations for those of you who wish to avoid the bar and restaurant scene this year, and celebrate more low-key options at home. Schedule a virtual game night with your pals! Whether you’re gaming together on Xbox or PC etc, or gathering over zoom for a game of virtual charades, there’s lots of ways to play party games from afar!  Here are some fun racing games with online play options with friends: Forza Horizon 5 Forza Motorsport 7 Super Mario Kart Split/Second: Velocity Gran Turismo Sport Bake up some fun treats and do a drive-by dessert swap this evening with friends!  We recommend raising a proverbial toast to the new year with these festive boozy-treats (recommended for adult consumption only!)  These are easy enough to make and take today! Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Pink Champagne Cake Pink Champagne Truffles Blood Orange Champagne Creme Brulee Sparkling Champagne Cookiewiches Almond Champagne Poached Pears with Almond Whipped Cream Plan a virtual watch party with friends and family for a movie night!  Grab your favourite movie snacks and queue up a movie chat via Teleparty or other streaming chat service.  Here’s a great list of movies to rent or stream on New Years Eve: An American in Paris (1951) via Amazon Prime New Year’s Evil (1980) via Amazon Prime Terror Train (1980) via Amazon Prime When Harry Met Sally (1989) via Amazon Prime Mermaids (1990) via Amazon Prime Sleepless in Seattle (1993) via Amazon Prime While You Were Sleeping (1995) via Amazon Prime Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) via Amazon Prime RENT (2005) via Amazon Prime High School Musical (2006) via Amazon Prime New Year’s Eve (2011) via Amazon Prime Snowpiercer (2013) via Amazon Prime The Great Gatsby (2013) via Amazon Prime Phantom Thread (2017) via Amazon Prime Make a list of New Year's Intentions instead of New Years Resolutions.  Instead of making very specific promises to ourselves that most of us won’t keep, let’s think more abstractly. You can add in your own flair and flavor, but these statements are more broad, all-encompassing, and less intimidating. Here’s some examples: I intend to prioritize joy and happiness. I intend to take more chances and be brave. I intend to turn my hobbies from side projects to center stage interests. I intend to spend more time with my loved ones and prioritize social time. I intend to prioritize my health, and not procrastinate important appointments, or prolong necessary rest. Create fun collaged vision boards together!  Grab those rogue catalogues, flyers, magazines, and promotional postcard materials.  We’re going to use them to make some super fun art together.  Cut out all of the inspiring images that you wish to manifest this year: that dream road trip, a brand new car, upgraded gadgets to your vehicle, a new pair of driving gloves, bucket list destinations.  Then paste them to a piece of paper or poster board and decorate with photos of yourself, your friends, your family, and words of encouragement cut out from headlines and articles.  You can be inspired by financial goals, personal goals, career goals and more! Then share them with your friends and family via web chat or post to social media.  It will be fun to look back on next year and see how many you were able to check off. No matter what you do this evening, we hope that you have a wonderful close to 2021.  And we are all sending you best wishes and good cheer for the happiest, healthiest, most optimistic New Year in 2022!