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Today is Classic Car Collector Day and what could be more exciting than that? Nothing!  Today we’re going to take a look at some of the great automotive museums you can visit in Illinois, and get in touch with automotive history!  Gearheads of all ages will appreciate the incredible history, culture, and design as well as the memorabilia and collectibles on display at these museums and galleries. more Did we leave your favourite off the list?  Let us know in the comments on our social media, and we might just feature your picks in an upcoming blog! Great Automotive Museums in Illinois Pontiac-Oakland Auto Museum in Pontiac is a great stop off on Route 66, and houses rotating collections and exhibits of iconic automobiles and touchstones in automotive history.  The cars were made in Pontiac and are now on display with educational presentations, lectures, and memorabilia that covers the history and manufacturing process.  It’s a must-see for any gearhead and car enthusiast, no matter the age! Volo Museum in Volo is located on 35 gorgeous acres of land, and is one of the USA’s most unique automotive museums!  First established in the 1960s, this is a one-stop shop for automotive history as well as classic car collectors - you can view the cars on display, or visit the showroom and invest in an iconic car for your collection.  The museum has 300 different cars from classics to antiques to muscle cars, and showcases the nation’s largest collection of Movie and Television’s iconic cars. Mid America Motorworks My Garage Museum in Effingham is a budget friendly day trip work making!  This specialized museum offers free admission to all, so you can get an up-close-and-personal look at rare, unique, and classic cars.  You’ll find vintage memorabilia, rare low-mileage originals, and 15-20 cars in a rotating exhibit so you’ll not see the same thing twice!  The display changes several times a year, so there’s always something new to explore.  The main highlights are classic Corvettes and historic Volkswagens, and general retro car memorabilia. Klairmont Kollections in Chicago is a private car collection and museum curated by Larry Klairmont, an 84-year-old retired Marine, and one of the Chicago area’s top vintage auto collectors.  This 100,000 foot building is jam packed with an incredible variety of cars and thorough automotive history.  Each of the 300+ cars is in pristine condition, and also displays a wide variety of motor scooters, motorcycles, airplanes, and even a model train layout from the New York World’s Fair in 1964!  You don’t want to miss the golden opportunity to view his impressive collection. Wheels O’Time Museum in Dunlap is a real interesting destination, especially for families!  This creative museum is home to a selection of Locomotives, Railcars, Rare Cars, Collectible Toys, Unique Clocks, and so, so much more!  LEGO enthusiasts will love the “Bricks in Motion” display, a new part of the museum’s permanent collection as of 2022.  Toy car collectors will appreciate case after case of vintage toy cars, john deere tractors, and model trains.  There’s even an American History exhibit on loan from the Dunlap Public Library.  It’s a real eclectic mix of things to explore, and everyone in your party will have a great time perusing the exhibits! Corvair Museum in Glenarm is another wonderful roadside stop on any Route 66 road trip.  Operated by the Corvair Preservation Foundation, this facility houses pristine models of Corvair Cars, Trucks, Powertrain displays, and general brand memorabilia.  Gearheads will be enthralled by the exquisite condition of these vintage vehicles! Interested in starting a vintage car collection of your own? Yeah, us too!  Check out some of these great YouTube videos from our personal playlists that can give you some inspiration.  Don’t have your own garage or any room to store full-size cars? We get it, and that’s why we’ve also included some picks for how to start your own Scale Model Car Collection and save some space until you can have the real deal! Glenns Car Collection: How to Start a Car Collection Glenns Car Collection: How to Own Multiple Cars ​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs5S1mhXFMo Evan Shanks: Neighbor Gives Me a Tour of his INSANE Classic Car Collection Extreme Automotive Addiction: Car Collecting 101 JMCPorsche: Tips for Starting a Model Car Collection:

While we all certainly love all things automotive, our staff have each got lots of other hobbies and pastimes, one of which includes gardening!  And we thought it only fitting that we celebrate National Gardening Day by highlighting local greenhouses and garden centers, and some tips on how to start your own mini garden at home. more Here are some of the amazing benefits to gardening, aside from the positive environmental impact: A boost of Vitamin D from being outdoors in the sunshine! You can boost your mood with just 30 minutes of gardening thanks to its ability to lower the stress hormone cortisol. It’s fantastic physical exercise and aerobic activity to help you raise your heart rate and break a sweat. It can improve your mental health by boosting confidence, increasing a feeling of happiness and satisfaction, and a dose of healthy self-esteem from a successful venture. It’s a bonding experience with your friends, family, and community If you’ve not got the room for a container garden or your homeowner association/landlord doesn’t allow it, you can join a community garden!  The incorporation of community gardens, flower beds, container gardens, and even small orchards can reduce urban poverty, increase environmental management efforts, and promote an inclusive space for all to enjoy. Community Gardens in the Area: Madeleine Fuqua Garden in Waukegan GreenTown Waukegan Mundelein Community Garden in Mundelein Century Park North Garden in Vernon Hills Grayslake Community Garden in Grayslake Plymouth Farms Community Garden in Vernon Hills Century Park Boat Dock Garden in Vernon Hills Check out our picks for local area garden centers, urban agriculture facilities with resources and classes, and even a Living Farm you can visit!  Then pack up your new Classic Auto Group home with some trunk storage supplies, and get started on your own container garden and urban agriculture project. Garden Centers in the Area: Gurnee Garden Center in Gurnee Mary’s Greenhouse in Gurnee Larsen Florists and Greenhouses in Waukegan Plant House in Waukegan Lurvey Landscape Supply in Park Cit y Country Gardens Garden Center in Lake Villa Pasquesi Home & Gardens in Lake Bluff Country Bumpkin Garden Center in Mundelein Roses & Roses & Roses in Wadsworth Windy City Garden Center in Evanston Reds Garden Center & Fireplace Logs in Northbrook Rolling Hills Nursery in Lincolnshire J&E Nursery in Libertyville Perricone Garden Center & Nursery How To Start Your Own Container Garden A set of large plastic planters, large utility buckets, small containers on wheels, something that is at least 4-6 inches in depth or deeper A large bucket of compost An XL bag of garden soil formulated for containers or raised beds Seeds of your choice or juvenile plants Watering Can with Long Spout Small gardening tools: hand trowel, claw rake, gardening shears, twine, floral tape Wooden stakes, tomato cages, moss sticks You can purchase containers such as Grow Bags, Self Watering Planter Boxes, Indoor Hydroponic Garden Tower, Modular Metal Containers.  If the area you’re planting in does not receive a lot of light, seek out plants which require low-light or partial shade to maximize growth and crop yield. Tomatoes, Peppers, Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, and Herbs all do wonderfully well in containers and pots. Great Books on Container Gardening and Urban Agriculture Your Farm in the City by Lisa Taylor The Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Homesteadin g by Lisa Lombardo The Backyard Homestead in Carleen Madigan The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible by Edward C. Smith Grow Your Own Food Anywhere by Rita Butler Field Guide to Urban Gardening by Kevin Espiritu Grow Bag Gardening by Kevin Espiritu The Gardener’s Logbook by Peter Pauper Press

Festival Season is finally here!  From food trucks to mobile brew-pubs to art fairs and more, there’s a lot of fun to be had this spring!  We’re excited to share this lineup of awesome events in our great state of Illinois over the next two months. more There’s so much to see and do, we recommend planning ahead and making a weekend out of it with your friends and family.  Or perhaps you’d like to snag a ticket and secur planse a fun-filled week for Spring Break and Memorial Day Weekend? No matter what your plans are, there’s lots of excitement in store!  Check it out and feel free to suggest a festival to us in a comment on our social media. Excellent Events in April Across Illinois and Wisconsin From April 8th through April 10th, t he 2022 Spring Festival: An Arts and Crafts Affair rolls into town at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park! On April 9th, The Chicago Beer Fest returns with an afternoon of awesome food, craft brews, and a whole lot of fun! On April 9th, The Finders Spring Market Decatur is filled with a wide array of vintage items, boutique clothes, custom furnishings, handmade artisanal crafts, and more!  There’s also food, drink, live music, and lots of giveaways. On April 9th you can head over to the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion because the Vedic Cultural Society is hosting the Holi: The Festival of Colours in Naperville. On April 9th, grab your best pals and a designated driver and head on over to http://tinleychamber.org/brew-and-vine/ You can sample craft beers, wines, food, and fantastic local vendors with live entertainment. On April 9th, the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club is hosting the Riverbend Earth Day Festival in Alton! On April 16th in Lake Geneva, plan a lovely weekend with your date, your significant other, or even a friends weekend at the Lake Geneva Festival of Wine in Wisconsin. On April 23rd, head on down to Freeport for the second annual Downtown Freeport Pretzel Fest! There will be a BBQ competition, top tier food and drink, and entertainment.  It’s an up and coming new local tradition, so don’t miss it! On April 23rd, dessert aficionados will rejoin in the return of Chicago Donut Fest: A River North Donut Tasting in Chicago at Moe’s Cantina River North. On April 23rd, the 6th Annual Oak Street Art Fair returns to Murphysboro with an incredible variety of arts, crafts, and artisan works by local artists and the arts collective. On April 30th, you’ll have a chance to sample more than 100 types of craft beer and craft cider when the Craft Brews at Lincoln Zoo in Chicago for the 7th year. On April 30th, Long Grove’s Craft Beer Festival transforms the historic downtown into a lively beer garden in the suburbs of Long Grove!  Sample local and craft brews and listen to some live music and entertainment all afternoon. On April 30th, the exciting Dairy State Cheese and Beer Festival returns to Kenosha, Wisconsin with artisanal foods, local beverages, vendors, entertainment, and so much more. On April 30th and May 1st you can sample a large selection of wine, brandy, whisky, and spirits along with other treats at the Spring Festival at Vahling Vineyards in Stewardson. Even more exciting events and festivals coming up in May: 5/1 Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Sycamore 5/1 German American Central Society Maifest in Peoria 5/1 Maestown Springfest/Fruehlingsfest in Maeystown 5/1 Lilac Time Art and Craft fair in Lombard 5/5-5/8 The Milwaukee Maifest at Estabrook Beer Garden in Milwaukee 5/6 Bolingbrook Food Truck Rally in Bolingbrook 5/6 Aurora Food Truck Festival in Aurora 5/6-5/7 Lake Zurich’s Craft Beer Festival in Lake Zurich 5/7 American Farm Heritage Museum  Spring Fling Festival at Greenville 5/7 Naperville food truck festival in Naperville 5/7 Locust Street historic fair in Centralia 5/13-5/15 Art on the Square in Belleville 5/14 Springfield Area Highland Games and celtic festival in Chatham 5/14 Ballpark brew fest in Schaumburg 5/14 Chicago Wine Fest: Spring Edition in Chicago 5/20-5/22 Mayfest in Chicago 5/21 Canni Fest in Milwaukee 5/21-5/22 Family Kite Festival in Milwaukee 5/21 Mulholland music fest in Nauvoo 5/21 Blooming fest in West Chicago 5/21 Starved Rock Country Brew Fest in Ottawa 5/21-5/22 Northbrook Art in the Park at Northbrook 5/28 Fruling Fest in Milwaukee 5/21-5/22 Arts at the Lake in Lake Zurich 5/25-5/29 Washington Good Neighbour days festival in Washington 5/28-5/29 The Prairie Arts Festival in Schaumburg 5/28-5/29 Mackinaw Valley Winery Music Wine and Craft Beer Festival in Mackinaw

The weather is starting to warm up, and we’re itching to get outside and spend time in the sunshine!  Today’s post is all about wonderful options for walking tours in the great state of Illinois!  Won’t you come join us?  Let’s explore the history of our state’s wonderful cities and historic villages, or take a trek through beautiful nature centers!  No matter what you choose from our list, it’s going to be a wonderful walk down memory lane with family members for years to come! more Great Walking, Hiking and Sightseeing Tours in Illinois Chicago Prohibition Tours in Chicago offers both bus guided and walking tours exploring Chicago’s storied history during The Prohibition Era.  You’ll visit many of the area’s historic speakeasies, and become a “scofflaw” as you learn about the history of politics, gangsters, and Prohibition crimes.  You’ll love that it’s coupled with great food and drinks along the way on your 3 hour trek or 2 ½ hour bus tour. Bobby's Bike Hike Tours of Chicago have been the USA’s longest running bike tour company, and offer a wide variety of bike, food, and walking tours of the Chicago area.  No matter your age or skill level, there’s a tour for you!  You’ll get a new perspective on the Chicago Metro Area, learn about its history, and have some delicious local Chicago Favourites to eat. Chicago Architectural Center Tours offers a 90-minute walk through tour highlighting the most famous buildings in Chicago, and the history and stories behind their inspiration and design.  This wonderful nonprofit organization aims to inspire new generations of architects and designers. The city also has numerous options for walking, bus, or boat architecture tours if you are further inspired by the CAC’s exhibits and programs Chicago Detours Walking Tours offer a personal and up close look at the different neighbourhoods around Chicago!  You will be invited to learn about the history, food, and culture of the city while connecting with local businesses and enjoying some sightseeing.  You’ll take “the roads less traveled” and explore the city from a local’s perspective, and see the city like never before. Shawnee National Forest Guided Tours and Shuttles in Eddyville are an excellent way to make memories with your loved ones while exploring the hidden wonders of the Shawnee National Forest.  Choose from Guided walking tours, adventure excursions, and guided shuttle trips.  You’ll have lots of opportunities to explore breathtaking views and get up close with nature, so be sure to bring your camera! Downtown Elgin Public Arts Tour is a wonderful walking tour celebrating the rejuvenation and revitalization of the downtown area.  The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission has been working hard over the last six years to cultivate public art projects and commission new mural work.  Grab the map from their website and be sure to bring your camera as you wander the city exploring beautiful artwork and creativity.  Two new pieces are commissioned each year through the New Works Program, so there’s always something fun to see! Nachusa Grasslands Visitor Center in Franklin Grove is a stunning wildlife preserve with over 3500 acres to explore.  Flowing grasses, native wildflowers, and beautiful Bison grazing along the plains are just some of the natural wonders you’ll see.  The visitor center will help you choose which paths to explore, and what other plants, critters and creatures you may find along the way. If you’ve got a recommendation for a great walking tour that our readers would like to check out, let us know in the comments on our social media!

We love exploring the local area, but we especially enjoy spending the day taking in Chicago’s bustling metropolitan energy!  Today we’re sharing our top picks for great walking tours in the area, so you can see the city from a whole new perspective!  You’ll find everything from tours which appease the local history buffs in your midst to the dark, spooky tours that will win over even the most persnickety of brooding teenagers.  You can even choose to snack your way around the city with a Food Tour or two! more We’ve done our best to find you as many affordable or free options as we could, and price points to fit even the most frugal budgets.  You’ll find it all right here on today’s blog!  If you've got a favourite tried-and-true option for walking tours, feel free to give us a shout out on social media with your suggestions. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, bring a water bottle for hydration, and charge your phone and camera. You won’t want to miss a minute of these memorable city views and experiences! Free Tours By Foot offers no-cost and low-cost walking tours of chicago!  Connect with the city like never before with a local freelance tour guide.  There are numerous tour styles to choose from such as architectural tours, ghost tours, historical tours, nature watching tours, and more all available on a daily or weekly basis, and many of them on a “pay-what-you-can” basis.  Check out their current catalogue of events right here! Free Chicago Walking Tours are led by local guides who know the neighborhoods inside and out for free public tours or reasonably priced paid private tours for groups of more than 6 and up to 20!  (Tipping your guide is recommended, especially on the free options.)  This group’s tours are perfect for those who do not want to do endurance training via sightseeing, because they’re just 1 to 3 miles in distance!  It’s the perfect option for those with kids and teens, because it’s just the right amount of time.  It’s a great way to make new friends and socialize with locals and tourists alike.  Click here to learn more about upcoming tours or schedule a private group! GPSMyCity has a great app that allows you to fly solo and take self-guided tours of just about anywhere!  You can download the app, select Chicago, and choose from any number of detailed tour maps with navigation and notable attractions.  It’s also available offline, so you can save on data and still access your guides.  Click here to learn more about it and download the app! If you’re a foodie we think you’ll really enjoy Chicago Food Planet Tours! Explore local culinary treats and restaurants as well as an option for purchasing a gift box to enjoy locally sourced snacks.  Choose from private or public tours exploring the most delicious neighborhoods and local haunts in Chicago for up to 3 hours.  Or perhaps a family-owned and operated local romp around the city with Tastebud Tours will do the trick (they also operate around the country!) Bizarre Bucktown is where it’s at if you’re looking for interesting, quirky, and memorable experiences of Chicago.  It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been to the city, you’ve never seen it like this!  On your 90 minute walk with a small, intimate group of folks, you’ll learn about the history and hauntings of Bucktown and Wicker Park.  Tickets are just $15 per person, but the memories are priceless; click here to book your tour! Chicago Gangsters and Ghost Tours give you two creative experiences for the price of one, and run four times a day.  Explore Chicago’s gangster era of the 1920s and 1930s, and the storied past of its hotels, speakeasies, mysteries, and murder!  You’ll get to walk through haunted crime scene locations frequented by the ghosts of gangsters and their victims, and experience some spooky twists.  Click here to reserve for yourself or request a group visit. Weird Chicago Tours is an excellent option for adults, finicky teens and older tweens to experience history with a bit of mystery.  With options for Walking tours and Bus tours, you’ll enjoy a wide range of entertainment and education.  It’s a dark, mysterious, and dramatic Chicago tour touching on true crime, gangsters and mobsters, and haunted happenings in the city.  Click here to immerse yourself in the dark side of Chicago’s historical sites. The Offbeat Street Tours are the best way to explore the city and its unique characteristics.  Celebrate the street scene and indie arts culture that has helped turn the metro area into a living, breathing gallery of murals and drawings.  Explore the vibrant arts scene of Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Logan Square and get a background about each artist, their painting styles, and their inspiration.  Tickets range from $15-$25 and you can reserve a time slot and tour by clicking here. The Art Institute of Chicago offers guided tours, interactive experiences, and educational lectures so you can learn more about the pieces on display, and history of the institute.  You can choose from a variety of topics and experiences and workshops, such as “American Art,” “Asian Art Through a Global Lens,” “Mindfulness Tours,” “Impressionism: Monet, Degas, Renoir, and More,” and other wonderful experiences!  Tours may be limited for the time being due to Covid19 pandemic restrictions and limitations, so be sure to check the schedule frequently for updates.  Click here for more info about the tours and rates. The Loop Mural Walk is a free downtown adventure tour and self-guided journey to view the ever-changing landscape of street art in Chicago.  It features more than 20 murals by internationally recognized artists and creatives around the globe.  You can use your smartphones to navigate the turn-by-turn directions to view the works in the recommended order, or check out “The Murals” option to take your own path.  It’s a colorful, creative, and unforgettable experience for the whole family, and makes a fun day out with pals as well!  Be sure to bring your camera or leave extra room on your smartphone, because the murals make excellent backdrops for selfies and portraits.  Click here to l earn more about the Mural Walk program.

Today we’re sharing our tips and tricks about the St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2022, and best places to watch it along with other fun ways to celebrate the occasion!  The Chicago St Paddy’s Day Parade is the largest one in the whole US, and we’re very proud of that fact.  We’ll be covering where to catch the parade, more information about VIP access, and recommendations for local Irish eateries afterwards. It’s all right here on today’s blog more 2022’s Guest of Honor is Kevin Byrne, the Consul General to the Midwestern US, and Patrick O’Donovan, the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with Special Responsibility for the Office of Public Works at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The return of the 67th annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade will kick off at 12:15PM on Saturday March 12th, and in celebration of the first parade post-lockdowns the traditional beautiful Kelly green hued river will return!  (If you’d like to catch the river dying, you’ll want to get a spot along the Michigan Avenue Bridge, between Columbus Drive and State Street before 10AM.) Public transportation to and from the parade is recommended due to high volume of visitors and parade viewers. The parade will kick off at Grant Park before marching its way North on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive, so make sure you arrive early to get a prime spot!  Entry to the parade route begins at 10AM and will only be allowed at Jackson Avenue and Ida B. Wells. The Viewing Stand is located at the Buckingham Fountain.  Grandstand seating is $60/seat to be purchased in advance, and the grand stand will open at 11:15AM. The 11th is the last day to purchase tickets, and it closes at 9AM; no refunds will be given, and ticket + ID is required for entry. While Masks and COVID-19 Vaccination cards are not going to be required for parade entry, bu they are still recommended for personal safety and reduction of community spread.  Security will be checking bags and personal items such as purses; note that coolers, alcohol of any kind, open beverages, and personal water bottles won’t be allowed. In addition to the main event, two more annual St Patrick’s Day Celebrations are resuming their festivities this year! The Northwest Side Irish Parade will begin at 12PM in Norwood Park starting at the William J. Onahan School; the South Side Irish parade will walk through Beverly and Morgan Park, then head south from 103rd street and Western Avenue. Fresh Shepherd's Pie, Made in a Cast Iron Skillet If you’re looking to continue the celebrations post parade and well into the next week, we recommend headin over to the following restaurants and bars on St Patrick’s Day the 17th for some official Irish meals and treats: Cork & Kerry in Chicago Charm’d in Chicago PB&J in Chicago The Gage in Chicago LG’s Bar & Kitchen in Chicago Chief O’Neill’s in Chicago Mrs. Murphy’s & Sons Irish Bistro in Chicago Emerald Loop Bar & Grill in Chicago The J. Parker in Chicago aliveONE in Chicago The Owl in Chicago Shamrock’n the Block in Chicago Central Park Bar in Chicago The Mill in Mundelein Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Restaurant & Pub in Arlington Heights McGonigal’s Pub in Barrington Timothy O’Toole’s Pub in Gurnee Pug Mahones Irish Pub & Grill in Fox Lake Celtic Knot Public House in Evanston Green Town Tavern in Waukegan The Harp And Fiddle in Park Ridge Island Tap in Libertyville Finn McCool’s Irish Sports Pub in Schaumburg May every petal of the shamrock bring you joy and good luck We hope you all have a happy, fun, and safe trip to the parade this year. Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at Classic Auto Group!

It’s not only Women's History Month but it’s also International Women's Day.  Today we’re going to talk about some amazing historic sites to visit that celebrate the amazing progress and contributions women have made and continue to make. more Great Spring Break Day Trips to Sites Celebrating Womens’ History in the Chicago Area Who says learning can’t be fun?  Why not head over with your friends and family to these amazing historical sites and destinations, and make a nice memorable day out of it at a nearby eatery. Jane Addams Hull-House Museum; 800 S Halsted Street, Chicago IL The Hull House museum was co-founded in 1889 by JAne Addams and Ellen Gates Starr as a settlement house for European Immigrants; by 1911 that one house had expanded to 13 buildings.  Nowadays, two of the original settlement buildings have been converted into a National Landmark, Meeting Center, and Museum.  The Hull Home and the Residents’ Dining Hall are host to many educational and informational programs and special speaker events regarding current social issues.  It is a way to honor the legacy of Jane Addams and the many residents of Hull-House who helped pass critical legislation and policies on health, education, free speech, labor laws, immigration, and other topics.  It’s been an integral part of cultural and political and social history in Chicago!  You can stop by the grounds and visit in person, sign up for a lecture or event, or even take a virtual tour from wherever you are right now! Where to Eat Nearby: Boston Blackie’s on S. Riverside, The Marq on W Adams Street, Thai Bowl on W Taylor Street, Tuscany Taylor on W Taylor Street, Green Street Local on S. Green Street, The Outpost Mexican Eatery on W. Harrison Street, Portillo’s Hot Dogs on W Taylor Street, Busy Burger on W Taylor Street, Chilango Mexican Street Food/Litos Empanadas on W Taylor Street, Chez Joel Bistro Fancais on W Taylor Street, Two Shades Cafe in W Taylor Street Jane Addams Memorial Park 550 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago IL With nearly 4 and a half acres of beautiful, quiet space across from Navy Pier and at the edge of Ohio Street Beach, this park once was home to a 6-piece sculpture series honoring Jane Addams created by Louise Bourgeois titled “Helping Hands;”  the sculptures  were vandalized and later moved to Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens thanks to a restoration and relocation effort.  Today the park is a beautiful green oasis with many walking paths connecting it to Olive Park Woodland, Milton Lee Olive Park, and the beach. Where to Eat Nearby: XOCO at N Clark Street, Barrio on W Kinzie Street, Little Goat Diner at W Randolph Street, Bub City at N Clark Street, Cindy’s Rooftop on S MIchigan Avenue, Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap at E. Superior Street, Tempo Cafe at E. Chestnut Street, Moti at W Huron Street Chicago Women’s Park 1801 S. Indiana Avenue, Chicago IL Covering 3 and a quarter acres and the former site of the Vietnam Veterans Museum, the Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, aka “the South Loop.”  There’s a beautiful indoor playground, a wonderful cafe, and event space/meeting room area at the park’s fieldhouse facilities.  In addition, renovations have been completed on 3 fitness studios, the Kids’ Club Room, and the new Kids Science Labs which host field trips, summer camp, and science workshops for children.  It’s a great place for families and friends to meet and have a wonderful day out, especially in nature.  You can spend time enjoying the warmer Spring days at he community gardens, the walking paths through the landscaped garden grounds, and viewing the relocated “Helping Hands'' sculpture commemorating Jane Addams.  It’s also close by to the Widow Clarke House and the Glessner House if you’d like to make a whole day out of it!  Be sure to check out the local community calendar for an updated list of the park’s classes, events, and special programming. Where to Eat Nearby: Goddess and the Bake r, Hanabusa Cafe, Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe, Sweet Bean, Cafecito, Heritage Outpost, Dollop Coffee Co, Patisserie Coralie, Lasalle Cafe Luna, Mojo Coffee, Saucy Porka, Nutella Cafe, Cafe Michelle Other Fabulous Women Centric Destinations to Visit for Spring Break: Frances Willard House, Ida B Wells-Barnett House and Grave, O’Hare Rotunda, Illinois Suffrage HIstoric Sites and Markers Trail, DuSable Museum, Ruth Page Center for the Arts

Botanical gardens are incredible places to visit!  Not only are they absolutely beautiful to look at and relaxing to walk through, but they’re a wonderful place for science!  The botanical gardens document local and exotic flora for the purpose of scientific research, education, and conservation. Did you also know that spending time within nature has the potential to improve your health, lower blood pressure, improve your mood, and a whole lot more?  Between the open spaces, gorgeous greenery, delicate blossoms, and special events like art and music, there’s so many opportunities to find joy, relaxation, and stress relief. more Put a little Spring in your step today, because we’ve got a great list of amazing destinations to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine over spring break.  Today’s post is all about gorgeous botanical gardens in the area. Botanical Gardens and Arboretums to Visit Over Spring Break Olbrich Botanical Garden in Madison WI Chicago Botanic Garden in Chicago IL Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum Frame Park Floral Gardens in Waukesha Monk Botanical Gardens in Wausau WI Green Bay Botanical Garden in Greenbay WI Morton Arboretum in Lisle IL Garfield Park Conservatory Lurie Garden in Chicago Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanical Gardens The Magic Hedge Wilder Park Conservatory in Elmhurst Prospect Gardens Park Anderson Japanese Gardens NIcholas Conservatory and Gardens Sunken Garden in Aurora Lincoln Memorial Garden Nature Center in springfield Schaub Floral Display Center in Decatur Brooks Farms in Fairmount Herrin Park District in Herrin The Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville Luthy Botanical Gardens in Peoria Nygren Wetland Preserve in Rockton Mandala Gardens in Marion How to Prepare For Your Day Trip to the Botanical Gardens You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so we highly recommend that you wear your most comfortable and supportive footwear, dress in layers such as tees/tanks under a hoodie or windbreaker/jacket.  Make sure you’re also wearing a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses since a lot of the area will be open without treecover, and likely very sunny. And make sure to bring a backpack, bag, or tote with the following: Water and Electrolyte Beverages Energizing and Protein packed snacks Sunscreen and bug spray Cash for donations, souvenirs, access to special exhibits Portable battery chargers for your phone and camera Small plastic bags to collect your trash and throw it away easily Optional - A plant and flower identification guide and/or bird identification guide Optional - A field notebook or small sketchbook with pens and travel art supplies

From March to early April, Chicago area fishermen have gathered on the shores of Lake Michigan for a time honored tradition started in the 1930s: smelt fishing!  Unlike the typical fishing techniques spent floating on a pond sipping drinks leisurely under the shining sun, smelt fishing takes place in the still of the night, most commonly from 7PM to 1AM.  This nocturnal pastime has delighted Chicago residents for decades; one of the telltale signs of smelt fishing season are the sights of lanterns along the lakefront all the way from the North side to the South Side. more Smelt fishing requires very little by way of complicated supplies, most frequently relying on nets instead of the usual fishing rod methods.  You’ll need a 15-25 foot wide seine net, some waders, head lamp, 5 gallon buckets, and waterproof gloves.  Easy peasy! Just like tailgating at sports events, smelt fishing has its own cheerful celebratory tradition of grilling a good meal, roasting snacks over the fire, enjoying drinks with family and friends, and sharing a moment together.  Over the years the smelt population has declined, but many still uphold this time-honored tradition for Chicagoans. Recipes for Smelt Fried Smelt with Garlic Swiss Chard Norwegian Pan-Fried Smelt Pan Fried Smelt Recipe Fried Smelt Fried Smelts No matter whether you’re into the smelt fishing tradition, ice fishing, or sport fishing, there’s plenty of options for the outdoorsy soul to enjoy.  If you’re angling for a good fishing spot this year, we’d love to help you with some suggestions!  Pack your car up with your favourite tailgate snacks and fishing gear, and let’s hit the road in your new car from Classic Auto Group! Best Spots for Fishing in Northern Illinois On the shores of Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park Auburn Fishing Area in Chicago Calumet Fishing Area in Chicago Canal Origins Fishing Area in Chicago Canalport Riverwalk Fishing Area in Chicago Daley Fishing Area in Chicago Douglass Fishing Area in Chicago Garfield Fishing Area in Chicago Heidecke Lake in Morris Braidwood Lake in Will County Rend Lake in Benton area Pierce Lake in Rock Cut State Park Lake Shelbyville near Shelbyville & Allenville Devils Kitchen near Marion Looking for some great gear for your car to make the fishing season more enjoyable?  Let us help you stress less with these recommendations for ways to store and transport your fishing equipment. Fishing Gear Storage for Your Car The River Quiver Fly Rod Roof Rack comes in several sizes and colors for your fishing needs priced between $480 and $840. The Thule Rodvault Fly Fishing Rod Carrier can help you carry your gear with a 2-rod or 4-rod option; up to $649 for the largest option. The YAKIMA ReelDeal Rooftop Fishing Rod Moun t can hold up to 8 fully-rigged rods on your roof rack, leaving the interior free to pack up your favourite snacks and camping gear, and all of your best pals, too! The Brocraft Aluminum Clamp Rod Holder holds up to 4 rods and reels and can be placed vertically or horizontally for more space as needed. The Hosmide Car Fly Fishing Rod Holder is perfect for keeping your rods and reels inside your vehicle and it’s certainly budget friendly!  Holds up to 5 and is adjustable from 38 inches to 52 inches depending on your need.  Great for those using SUVs, Vans, and Station Wagon model vehicles. The LL Bean Truck Seat Fishing Organizer is the perfect option for storing all your rods, reels, fly and tackle accessories with convenient pockets and zipper pouches so everything is easy to reach and find in seconds. YakGear’s Angler Crate Kit is perfect to store your essentials without too big of a footprint in your cargo space.  It’s compact 13”x13” inch design and convenient accessory pouch are perfect for squeezing into small spaces next to gear bags and more. The YETI Side Mounted Fishing Tackle Unit is perfect for boating, beach days, camping, and more.  It’s perfectly designed to mount to the side of your YETI cooler, and it’s fully portable!

Welcome to our Local Community Calendar of Events for March 2022.  We’ve rounded up our picks for family friendly e events and workshops both in person and online.  Most of these serve the Lake County area residents, and others provide a fun filled day out on the town under the lights of the big city.  If you have any local events that you think our readers would enjoy, feel free to let us know in the comments of our social media! more March 6th at the Highland Park Public Library, enjoy a Grab and Go Craft available for pickup all day long. You can stop by the youth services desk to pick up an arts and crafts project to make together as a family. Monday March 7th at the Deerfield Public Library, parents of very small children can participate in the Baby Book Bunch event, helping parents find age appropriate books and activities to do together. On March 9th from 7:30AM to 9AM you can enjoy speaker Eric Rinehart at Bonnie Brook for Wake Up Waukegan! Wednesday March 9th is the Kids’ Art Cart event from 5PM to 6PM, where the Fox Lake District Library is hosting a fun evening of creativity and crafting for families. On Thursday March 10th at the Deerfield Public Library in Deerfield, from 10AM to 10:30AM enjoy a Virtual “Movin’ and Groovin’ Storytime” with your family and children. On March 11th from 10AM to 1PM, log online and participate in the Waukegan Veterans Job Fair from 10AM to 1PM! On March 11th, parents with children aged 4 through 7 will want to register their kiddos for The Leaping Leprechauns event,  a magical evening of fun at the Grayslake Park District from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. Kids are encouraged to dress in green and gold, and enjoy some pizza, craft making, and a hunt for leprechaun gold.  There’s lots more fun activities for all to enjoy! On March 11th from 4 PM to 5PM at the Lake Forest Library Pokemon Party, come out and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Pokemon with a movie, music, games, and more.  You can even come dressed as your favourite pokemon or pokemon trainer if you’d like! On March 12th at Time Out Market Chicago, kids can enjoy a character storytime from 11AM to 12PM with Princess Belle and the Amazing Spiderman! Kids are welcome to dress in costume and take a picture with their favourite character On March 12th, get ready for a family fun afternoon in Chicago at Family Day from 12PM to 2PM at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago! Fun workshops and performances for the whole family to enjoy all day designed and led by local Chicago area creatives. March 19th at the St Patrick’s Family Barn Dance from 6PM to 8PM at the Village Hall Barn, families with kids ages 3 through 12 can enjoy a fun night out with a family member!  They will have a blast dancing the night away with games, songs, dancing, and of course plenty of snacks.  Children are encouraged to wear their sunday best formal attire, and advance registration is required. March 27th is Family Day at the Midwest Coast Brewing Company in Chicago from 10:30 AM to 11:30AM! Kids and families will have a blast with dancing, music, and magic tricks abound.  Tickets are priced per family and free on-street parking is available.  Recommended ages for the Mary Macaroni Magic Show are 0-7 years old. On March 30th from 1:30 to 3:30, take your kids out for a really sweet activity!  Join the crew at The Joyful Gourmet in Libertyville during spring break so your kids can get creative in the kitchen with a Kids Cookie Decorating class!

We’re very excited that it’s World Wildlife Day!  This year’s theme is all about recovering key local species with the intent of restoring and preserving the local ecosystem.  By raising awareness of the creatures and beings that live right here in our own backyard, we will be able to have a much better life for the future. more Caring for our home and its native species will help us cultivate and preserve the unique aspects of our region, inviting new folks to visit, stay, and play here!  In addition, we’ll be ensuring that animal, insect, and plant life will be thriving and surviving for many years and generations to come.  Let’s take a look at some of the native animals right here in the neighbourhood where Classic Auto Group lives, works, and plays, too! What kind of ecosystems do we have here in the Lake County Area? The southern portion of Lake Michigan has been, home to several types of ecosystem: northern bog and tundra, eastern deciduous woodlands, southern swamps, western prairie!  The wide variety of environments and ecosystems makes the region one of the most biodiverse areas in the world.  It’s very exciting! What is biodiversity? Biodiversity is the variety of life in the world, a particular habitat or ecosystem, and it is essential for all living things.  There are three levels of biodiversity: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity; without a wide variety of plants, microorganisms, and animals, our world and humans would suffer immensely as a whole.  We rely on biodiversity to provide us the air we breathe and the food we eat, so it is important we care for the physical environment to ensure its preservation and survival.  Together we have to work to fight against climate change and preserve life! Let’s take a closer look at some of the beautiful wildlife and creatures that call Lake County home! Highlighting Some of the beautiful Flora and Fauna of Lake County Illinois: 13-Lined Ground Squirrel (image via Squirrel Gazer) Achaearanea Globosa Spider Acorn Weevil American Black Duck American Coot American Pipit Bald Faced Hornet (image from Northcoastjournal.com) American ToadBanded Longhorn Beetle Banded Wooley Bear Beaver Big Brown Bat Black Bullhead Black Swallowtail Calico Crayfish Canvasback Bird Caspian Tern Channel Catfish Chinese Mantis Deer Mouse Eastern Pipistrelle False Darkling Beetles Gizzard Shad Hoary Bat (image from Batcon.org) Indigo Bunting Katydid Long-Tailed Weasel Masked Shrew Northern River Otter Northern Water Snake Peoria Gemmatella (Image from bugguide.net) Racoon Rams Horn Snail Red Fox Ruddy Duck Scissor-tailed Flycatch Short-tailed Shrew Silver-haired Bat Snapping Turtle Tiger Salamander (image from Statesymbolsusa.org) Verbena Moth Violet Dancer Warmouth Fish Yellow-throated Vireo Woodchuck Zebra Spider Check out the full list of Local Lake County creatures and plants right here.

The winter up North here in Illinois and Wisconsin can certainly be brutally cold and snowy!  For those of us who enjoy the brisk, blustery wintry weather and outdoor activities it can be blissful and exhilarating. However, for the person who prefers something more low key, it can cause a bit of cabin fever.  That’s why today’s blog is dedicated to the folks who want to get out of the house, stay out of the weather, but still find some fun and excitement!  We’re rounding up some great ideas and options for indoor destinations and non-winter sport indoor/outdoor activities in the Greater Chicago area.  Let’s get out there and add a little color to our lives and paint the town red! more Be sure to check local guidelines for COVID19 restrictions such as vaccination cards and mask mandates.  We also encourage our readers to abide by all establishment’s individual guidelines for masking and social distancing for your safety and that of others. Family Friendly Activities We’ve scoured the internet and pulled from local suggestions for some of the best Chicago area destinations that are great for families.  Whether you’re going on a family outing or you’re taking the kids on a playdate, there’s lots of fun in store at these destinations.  From indoor playgrounds to museums to zoos, you’ll have plenty of entertainment for all age groups. Fit City Kids Exploritorium ClimbZone Chicago Lincoln Park Conservatory The Escape Game Chicago iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Lincoln Park Sod Room Indoor Playground Chicago LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago Present Place Chicago Indoor Playground Shedd Aquarium at Museum Campus Chicago Children’s Museum Navy Pier Amusement Center Chicago Purple Monkey Playroom Amusement Center Altitude Trampoline Park in Chicago Museum of Science and Industry Chicago Fox in a Box Escape Room Chicago Bronzeville Children’s Museum Indigo and Violet Art Studio Children’s Museum of Art and Social Justice Kidcreate Studio Lakeview Chicago Wonder Works Children’s Museum Family Friendly Eateries After a fun-filled day of exploring the city and running around in museums or playgrounds, you’re going to be faced with plenty of hungry bellies!  Beat the hangry tantrums by planning ahead and reserving a table for your brood at one of these family friendly restaurants. We’ve done our best to pick kid friendly favourites, but also give you choices with a great atmosphere and lots of options for teens and adults, too. R.J. Grunts BIG & little’s Restaurant Crosby’s Kitchen SafeHouse Chicago Little Goat Diner JoJo’s Shake Bar Eleven City Diner Summer House Santa Monica Eggy’s Diner Lou Mitchell’s Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe Happy Camper Pizzeria Pinstripes Restaurant Funkenhausen Harvey’s Family Restaurant Big Kids Sandwiches Sunshine Restaurant Inc Friends Night Out and Date Night Ideas for Adults in Chicago You’ve had your fun with the kids and some serious quality time as a family, but now it’s time for you to kick back, let loose, and relax for a night on the town!  Get a little grownup time at these fun destinations that are perfect for couples, groups of friends, or even a nice night out alone.  You’ll find plenty of active choices such as skydiving and axe throwing, to walking tours and tours of brewpubs.  We’ve got a little bit of everything and a whole lot of creativity in our suggested destinations! WhirlyBall Chicago Bad Axe Throwing iFly Indoor Skydiving Broadway Playhouse Lucky Strike Downtown Chicago Chicago Magic Lounge City Winery Chicago Thomas McCormick Gallery Hofheimer Gallery WNDR Museum Gallery 400 FLXST Contemporary Kavi Gupta Gallery The Logan Theatre David Theater Chicago The Brew & View Nightingale Cinema The New 400 Theater Studio Movie Grill Ignite Gaming Chicago Redline VR Chicago FTW Chicago Play and Spin Museica’s Sip & Paint Deja Hue Art Wet Paint Chicago Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tours Restaurants & Bars for a Great Night Out On the Town Who says adults can’t enjoy theme restaurants?!  We’ve gathered our picks for bars and restaurants with playful themes, interactive experiences, breweries, and farm-to-table options.  You’ll find no shortage of enjoyment and unforgettable experiences shared over cocktails and award winning plates of food.  We know you’ll have a blast! Replay Lincoln Park Elf’d Up Grill The Little Mermaid Cocktail Experience Chicago Map Room Bar Three Dots and a Dash Weegee’s Lounge Brando’s Speakeasy Janitor's Closet Neon Wilderness SafeHouse Chicago The Violet Hour Cocktail Bar Bunny Slope The Drifter Moneygun Range New American Blue Door Farm Stand Lula Cafe Table, Donkey and Stick Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago Goose Island Brewhouse