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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!

We’re getting ready for holiday break with the kids by collecting all sorts of fun creative projects over the wintertime season.  To start things off, we’ve got an easy to customize DIY snow globe project!  Following that, we’ve got other great crafts and plenty of coloring pages for everyone to enjoy.  You’ll find lots of creative activities on today’s blog!  Plus, as an added bonus, most of these make great handmade gifts for loved ones and friends! more DIY Your Own Water Snow Globe What You Will Need: Recycled or new glass jars with matching tight fitting lids or snowglobe containers Optional: decoupage and paper, spray paint, or felt for Jar Lid Hot Glue or E6000 Epoxy Glue or Super Glue (both to be used by adults) Glitter and/or small sequins A small container of glycerin Miniature toy cars or miniature figures that fit on jar lids Distilled water How to Make It: Paint or decoupage your lid if desired. Arrange your decorations on the jar lid, and secure them with the glue.  Allow to dry fully (check glue container, tube, or glue sticks package for dry time.) Once your decorations are glued and dry.  Add your glitter or sequins to the clean, empty jar, add ½ teaspoon or so of glycerin to the jar, and pour distilled water into the jar until it’s just about full, leaving room for your decorated lid to fit inside. Add glue to the edge of your jar lid, secure it tightly to the top of the jar and allow the glue to fully set and dry (yes, your decorations will be upside down until the glue is fully dry and sealed!)  Add glue around the edges of the seal once the lid is applied. Once the glue is all dried and fully sealed, flip your jar over, and voila!! It’s a snow globe you’ve made all on your own! Great Decorations and Add-ins for Your Snow Globes Micro Machines 20 Pack of Tiny Toy Cars via Amazon Vintage Mini Figures via Etsy Holiday Snowflake Glitter Laser Sequins Via Amazon Holographic Chunky Glitter via Amazon Mini Christmas Ornaments Resin via Amazon 25pcs Pull Back Metal + Plastic Tiny Toy Cars via Amazon Superhero Mini Figures via Amazon ​​Plastic Toy Cars via Etsy Miniature Snowmen via Etsy Easy Wintertime Arts and Crafts for Families This is a great list of preschooler friendly winter themed crafts to make together. Here’s a great list of really easy Snowflake Crafts for Kids! FreeKidsCrafts.com has an awesome list of 10 easy crafts to make with kids. You can find them all right here. HomeMade Lovely has this adorable waterless snow globe craft idea. Great for decorating or gift giving. Lean into the classic, vintage aesthetic of the holiday season with this vintage inspired car snowglobe. Commemorate your family fun time with a photo snowglobbe craft! Fun for all ages and a great way to showcase a year of memories together. Check out this adorable Christmas Light Snowglobe craft for some festive holiday cheer. No need to be a trained fine artist to start painting!  You can easily learn paint a snowflake in acrylics, watercolor, or gouache. Start off making cut paper snowflakes with this helpful tutorial for Paper Snowflake decorations, and then get creative and design your own! You don’t need piles of coloring books to have fun, you can print-on-demand with these great coloring pages depicting winter wonderlands! Crayola has a great selection of wonderful Winter Coloring Page s on their site for more print on demand fun!

We love celebrating the holidays both day and night!  From daytime strolls through the glistening snow and sunshine, to nighttime drives and wandering walks through Christmas Light Displays we can’t get enough of this festive season. Check out our picks for local lights displays to enjoy with your family and friends and get into the holiday spirit.  Let’s celebrate joy, laughter, and togetherness this season! For one month, running from November 26th through December 26th, the Rotary Club of Aurora is running the annual Festival of Lights festive light displays in Phillips Park.  It’s free to attend! The Let It Shine Light Show has three different events and installations around Illinois!  Check it out below: Now through January 9th 2022 and happening nightly from 4:30PM to 11PM head on over ot the Fox Valley Mall for the Let it Shine Lightshow in Aurora. Now through January 9th 2022 and happening Mondays through Thursdays from 4:30PM to 10PM, and Fridays through Sundays from 4:30PM to 11PM at the Northbrook Court for the Let it Shine Lightshow in Northbrook. Now through January 9th 2022 and happening nightly from 4:30PM to 11PM at Wintrust Field come out and enjoy the Let it Shine Lightshow in Schaumburg. Running through December 25th 2021 from 6:30PM to 9:30PM, head on over to Naperville and enjoy the Drive-Thru Christmas Lights along Reindeer Road! Locally owned and operated festive activities include christmas music, letters to Santa drop off, and much more! Now through December 31st from 5PM to 9PM, enjoy a nightly drive through one of the Chicago area’s most beautiful light displays, the Mooseheart School Holiday Lights. It’s the 12th annual event with more than 80 light displays to enjoy! Now through December 31st 2022, enjoy a wonderful festive walkthrough with synchronized music and lights, beautiful twinkling trees, and sidewalk arches as you wander through “Lights on Rockville” from 4:30PM to 8:30PM in Gilberts. Now through January 2nd 2022 in Grayslake at the Lake County Fairgrounds, enjoy a drive through twinkling tunnels of sparkling lights and festive cheer at Santa's Rock N Lights display. Now through January 2nd 2022 from 4:30PM to 10:30PM at the Willow Hill Golf Course in Northbrook you can enjoy the drive-thru Christmas cheer at the Willow Hill Winter Magic Drive-Thru Christmas Lights Experience. Running now through January 3rd 2022, The Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Gardens is an after-hours event full of twinkling lights and starry-eyed surprises for the holiday season.  Get your tickets far in advance because it sells out quickly! Running now through January 2nd 2022, The Morton Arboretum is hosting Illumination: Tree Lights event with beautiful illuminated, festive lights and decorations  on a beautiful nighttime walking tour of wintertime beauty. Now through January 2nd 2022, the Lincoln Park Zoo is hosting their annual ZooLights event with 3D LED light displays and twinkling displays!  You’ll also find more festive fun such as holiday snacks, mulled wine, and one-of-a-kind experiences.  Get your tickets ASAP! Now through January 9th 2022 on select dates, enjoy the Holidays in the Park Drive Through Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. It’s a beautiful way to start the holidays!

Here at Classic, we love cars, holiday traveling, and festive baking!  So for today’s post we’re going to celebrate the classic holiday treat: fancy cookies. Yum! You’ll find everything on this list from car themed cookie cutters to car-friendly travel containers for cookie deliveries, and some of our very favourite cookie baking recipes. more Easy and Delectable Cookie Recipes Soft Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Mexican Wedding Cookies Thick and Chewy Classic Gluten Free Cookies Best Vegan Sugar Cookies Moving Car Sugar Cookies Spritzer Cookies Meringue Cookies Sally’s Gingerbread Cookies Take Those Cookies On the Road Safely Food Storage Container with lid, for $15.99 Flat storage bins that are sturdy, stackable, and see-through so you know exactly which tray of cookies to deliver to which drop-off location! Snapware Snap N’ Stack 2-Layer Cookie & Cupcake Carrier, $38.99 Excellent for cookie storage with reversible inserts that serve dual-purpose for cupcakes as well.  Easy to clean, secure locking lid and stackable layers.  Perfectly portable for all holiday baking! Decorative Cookie Tins with Window, $4 These festive containers are perfect for cookie swaps and gifting to friends. Everyone can see your beautiful handiwork on display, and they’ll be so impressed with your festivity! Cookie and Cake Carrier Container, $35 With four separate layered trays perfect for stacking.  Also includes deviled egg trays for multipurpose appetizer carryall.  Holds 9 average sized cookies per tray. Car Themed Cookie Cutters Ann Clark Cookie Cutters 4.5” cookies, $6.99 These adorable cookie cutters are round, bubbly, and cheery. A little vintage festive flare. Sports Car Cookie Cutter, $12.99 Small, but sleek and stylish racecar cookie cutter is perfect for festive Christmas cars! Ann Clark Cookie Cutter Vintage Truck 4.5”, $6.99 Great for gifting to car enthusiasts or baking up a batch for your local mechanic. A little vintage charm in the form of a peppy little pickup truck. Extra Large Vintage Pickup with Christmas Tree, $10.99 Who doesn’t love a good Cchristmassy cookie? Check out this great option for vintage pickup with a festive little evergreen in the trunk! Decorated up nicely, this will make a splendid focal point on your cookie swap trays.

There’s so much to see and do in the Waukegan and Chicago area, and we’re thrilled to bring you another fun local calendar of events for December! You’ll find lots of great holiday gift shopping options and make-and-take workshops for the whole family to craft handmade presents.  From Christmas crafting, to visits with Santa, to New Years celebrations for families, we’ve got lots of festive events to enjoy. more Saturdays and Sundays through December 12th enjoy free showings at 1PM and 4PM of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. The Eight Crazy Nights of Hanukkah Pop-Up Started on December 1st and runs through January 2nd 2022. Get your tickets to any of these fun performances here. The Kris Kringle Artist market is happening on both December 4th and 5th at the CAP Catering Venue hosted by the City of Waukegan. December 4th and December 11th in Libertyville is the Dickens of a Holiday event from 10AM to 3PM in Downtown Libertyville. December 5th and 12th in Libertyville from 10AM-12PM and 1PM-3PM enjoy photos with Santa!  Other events include Children’s Holiday Shoppe at Petranek’s Pharmacy community room for kids to shop for family members and friends.  And enjoy a Victorian tea from 11AM to 1PM at St Lawrence Episcopal Church. More info on all “Dickens of a Holiday” events here, including purchasing tickets or advance reservations for tea. December 5th from 12PM to 5PM is the Holiday Vendor Fair featuring loads of local artisans and craftspeople, visits with santa, and delicious food! On December 5th at the Vernon Hills Hawthorn Mall, from 9:30AM to 10:30AM parents of children with autism and disabilities who require a sensory friendly experience may come enjoy quiet, relaxing, and fun photos with Santa Wednesday, December 8th at 4PM at the Lake Bluff Public Library in Lake Bluff you can enjoy an “Adult Crafternoon” experience! This session you’ll be making crayon shaving ornaments for the holidays.  Additional craft opportunities at 1/12 and 2/9 as well at 4PM. Thursday December  9th at 6PM at the Lake Bluff Library is a lovely evening out for Teen and Tween Crafts.  Additional workshops held on 1/6 and 2/3 December 11th from 5PM to 6:30PM at Mis Plantitas in Wauconda, you’ll enjoy a paper poinsettia ornament making workshop! Create handmade ornaments for gift giving or decorating your home. December 12th at Lakefront Park in Fox Lake come and join in the fun f or the Children’s Holiday Party from 7PM to 9PM. December 12th at 8AM through 1AM enjoy some pancakes and bring the kiddos for a family fun day with Santa!  BYO Camera and leave with a great holiday photo for the family. December 15th from 10AM to 1PM the free Diaper Pantry will be rolling into Waukegan at the Lake County Health Department’s Belvidere Medical Building.  Offering families in need free disposable wipes and diapers for little ones. Register in advance required online 24hrs prior to 12/15. Drop the kiddos off on December 29th at Ceramics For You in Gurnee for an afternoon of Pizza and Snow Penguin crafts! Happening at 11AM through 12:30PM with pizza included; register in advance. December 31st from 10:30AM to 12:30AM at Lakefront Park come join in the Noon Year’s Eve Family Dance event in Fox Lake!

We’re bringing you a calendar of family friendly holiday events and drive-through holiday lights in the Waukegan, Kenosha, and Greater Chicago Area!  If you’ve got an upcoming event that our readers may be interested in, please post it in the comments section.  We’d love to share family-friendly events for inclusive festivities! more Santa’s Rock N Lights in Waukegan runs from November 21st 2021 through Sunday January 2nd 2022 between 5PM and 9PM. Price ranges from $19.99 to $34.99 per vehicle. Book in advance for the Northbrook “Let it Shine” Drive Through Light Show on weekday evenings.  $29.99 admission per car for a family friendly drive-through festive experience! Click here to book a time and date. The Willow Hills Winter Magic Drive Thru Christmas Experience at Willow Hill Golf Course is running from November 20th 2021 through January 2nd 2022 between the hours of 4:30PM and 10:30PM. Book an admission experience right here. All ages and family friendly! Enjoy a beautiful family friendly holiday light experience at the Magic of Lights in Milwaukee from November 24th 2021 through January 2nd 2022 between 5PM and 10PM. Buy your tickets and book a bundle package now. Friday December 4th from 12PM to 2PM, bring the whole family out for the Jewett Jingle Jam in Deerfield Park!  This is an open house activity including Hanukkah and Christmas activities and crafts, Winter festivities, a visit with Santa, Holiday Storytime and more! Open from ages 1 through 10 with accompanying adult; admission charged per child. On Friday December 10th from 4:30 to 5:30, make a stop off at the Kenosha IUptown Neighbourhood Library for a holiday lights themed craft session and festive activities for families.  Then you can follow it up with a local drive around town to view the festive decorations in the area! Registration for the event is required, and opens on 12/3 at 12PM via the Library. The Chanukkah Film Festival runs from November 28th through December 5th, and celebrates with 8 nights of movies with Menemsha Films with North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park. Enjoy a painting session with friends from 6:30PM to 8PM at Bottle & Bottega of Chicago Lakeview with the Hanukkah Happy Hour Dreidel paint class. Book your spot now, space is limited. Head over to Split-Rail for their annual Hanukkah Dinner on Tuesday November 30th starting at 6PM.  Served family style, reservations are required - click here to book! On Wednesday December 15th from 7:30PM to 9PM, enjoy an evening of art and music with holiday favourites at the College of Lake County in Grayslake. More information on booking tickets and attending here. Book a ticket for your friends and family on December 17th or December 18th to the Holiday Ice Show at the RECPLEX Ice Arena in Pleasant Prairie, WI.  The Friday evening show begins at 6:30PM, and the Saturday evening show starts at 5:30PM. Click here to purchase tickets and learn more.

It’s National Espresso Day today, and we’re going to celebrate with our favourite local coffee shops and great portable gadgets for the office or your next road trip!  Go on and grab your fave cup o’ joe as you peruse our list, and let us know your faves in the comments.  We might just include your suggestion in an upcoming blog post!  And be sure to check out our picks for great portable coffee makers if you’re looking for travel-friendly holiday gifts. more Best Local Spots for Espresso Prairie Espresso + Wine Bar in Lake Bluff, IL Drip and Cultur in Waukegan, IL Hansa Coffee Roasters in Libertyville and Lake Bluff IL It’s All Good Coffee & Espresso in Zion, IL AREA Coffee in Mundelein, IL Tina’s Italian Bake Shop in Gurnee, IL Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea in Vernon Hills, IL Gurnee Donuts in Gurnee, IL Coffee Break and Lunch in Waukegan, IL Milkcow Cafe in Vernon Hills, IL Birdy’s Coffee House in Libertyville, IL Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters in Libertyville, IL Dalton’s Cakes in Grayslake, IL Something’s Brewing in Grayslake, IL Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe in Libertyville, IL He Brews Coffee Shop in Winthrop Harbor, IL The Buzz Cafe in Kenosha, WI Harborside Common Grounds in Kenosha, WI The Daily Dose Coffee in Kenosha, WI Wilson’s Coffee & Tea in Racine, WI The Grind Cafe in Racine, WI O&H Danish Bakery in Racine, WI Shirl’s Drive-In in Kenosha Portable Espresso Makers for A Caffeine Fix On the Go Portable Electric Coffee Machine by YaoTown via Wayfair Despise the office coffee pod machine?  We feel you!  For just $69.99, this budget friendly portable coffee machine makes frothy espressos for professional cafe style drinks in a pinch. ESPRO Travel Press 16oz Bottle via REI From road trips to camping to picnic lunches in the park, this is a great portable french press style espresso maker.  And with the low price of $49.95, it also makes a great gift for the travellers on your holiday shopping list. Simpresso Portable Espresso Maker via Crate and Barrel Perfect for camping, beach days, picnic brunches at scenic overlooks, or just a quick morning brew.  This is a shatterproof, lightweight, travel friendly option for brewing espresso with crema under $100.  With options to use pods (coffee grinds in a fabric teabag style) or your own fresh grounds, it’s a double-walled coffee carafe for every java junkie at just $79.99 The Wacaco Minipresso via Amazon This wallet friendly option offers coffee on the go compatible with Nespresso pods for no-fuss no-muss creamy espresso.  You can even drink it right from the “lid” for a portable cup!  Just add hot water and you're ready to roll.  It’s $59.95, too, making it great for those who are minding their pennies while saving up for their next road trip.  Perfect for camping, van life, and more!

Just because Autumn is winding down doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an exciting road trip filled with scenic views and breathtaking sites on winding highways and byways!  We’ve gathered a list of 8 different roadways worthy of a visit in both Wisconsin and Illinois that are beautiful year round.  Explore the unique people and places in the historic towns that dot the mapways, or immerse yourself in the beauty of nature along trails and waterways.  If we’ve left your favourite off the list, just let us know in a comment and it may make its way into a future travel guide! more Illinois Grandview Drive Peoria This might be the shortest drive on our list, but it’s certainly not short on gorgeous views.  Winding its way along the Illinois River and through the valley from PRospect Road to Route 29, you’ll find a plethora of historic homes as well as beautiful landscape photo ops.  If you’re looking for outdoor activities, this will also hit the spot as it’s got plenty of options to get out and walk, hike, or bike the trails along the route.  Prime time to visit is during Autumn, but this winding roadway is still picturesque year round.  Learn more about the area here from Heroes of Adventure blog. The Morton Arboretum Lisle IL A versatile stop for those who prefer driving or those who prefer hiking, with 9 miles of paved roadways and 16 miles of hiking trailways.  Families can enjoy a stroll through the Children’s Garden and Maze Garden, or enjoy an active day of exploring in the woods.  From blossoms and blooms in springtime and summer, to bright fiery foliage in the autumn, to picturesque snow-covered statues in winter, the Arboretum is an essential scenic stop all year round.  Check out the special events and park highlights here. Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Canton With over 140 scenic miles of roadway in the valley, you’ll find plenty of stops for photo ops, scenic views, markets to shop, and special events.  The highlight of the region is its yearly fall festival in October, featuring open air markets, vendor tables, artisan goods and crafts, and plenty of family fun.  Take a self guided tour of the valley through several Illinois towns and along the Illinois river and make some family road trip memories.  You’ll make your way through 17 historic villages and sites along the way. Learn more about it and download a map of the route here. Illinois River Road Scenic National Byway Peoria This iconic 140 mile stretch of roadway cuts through 10 counties and connects 100 different nature sites, trails, and parks in the Illinois River Valley; a portion of it includes the Great River Road which follows the Mississippi. Prime time to visit is autumn for the fall foliage and leaf peeping season, but it’s gorgeous year round to be sure.  Including gorgeous waterfront views, cliff bluffs, and forest landscapes, you’ll have plenty of choices for family photo op backdrops.  If you’re looking to experience the great outdoors, you’ll find lots of spots for hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and other fun activities.  If you enjoy shopping and strolling, you can visit any of the region’s picturesque towns and main streets for shopping, cultural events, art, and then some.  Create a family travel itinerary via the official website here. Wisconsin Highway 35 and The Wisconsin Great River Road Bordering the Northern end of Mississippi River up and down the western coast of Wisconsin, this 250 mile road connects a whopping 33 historic river towns.  This is a great trip to explore historic architecture, historic downtowns and main streets with local shops and businesses, and take a short step back in time.  It’s a fantastic route to explore the glacial path that shapes so much of Wiscons’s geological landscape.  Click here to view the northern half of the roadmap, and click here to view the southern half of the roadmap.  Looking for some amazing ideas for stopping points? Look no further than the State Trunk Tour blog. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive Spanning 115 miles through six different Wisconsin counties, it connects the two halves of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.  It’s perfect for those who love the great outdoors, with lots of options for fishing, swimming, visiting state parks, hiking, camping, and scenic views for picnicking.  Travel through many of Wisconsin’s impressive state parks and explore all of the lakes, wetlands, mountain trails, and natural vistas.  Click here to download driving directions by region. Highway 33 Scenic Drive This spans coast to coast stretching between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River along the southern end of Wisconsin.  From beautiful port cities with picturesque  harbors, fishing and boating activities, to beautiful marshes and wildlife refuges, to historic downtowns with vintage architecture and postcard worthy scenic stop-offs, it’s the total package when it comes to road trip options.  You’ll find a great list of recommended places to explore on State Trunk Tour’s blog! Cranberry Highway One of the shorter routes on our list, this 50 mile section of roadway crosses Highway 54, Highway 173, Highway 13, and roads in 3 different counties.  You’ll want to bring your camera for this one, because you’ll be traveling through centuries old cranberry beds, with visuals of beautiful swathes of scarlet red!  The prime time to hit the cranberry marshes for these stunning views is September and October, but other notable events such as bloom season occur in June and July.  The route is still worthy of a trip year round with such site stops as Sandhill Wildlife Area, Necedah National Wildlife Area, Meadow Valley Wildlife Area, and then some!  You can take cranberry marsh tours, visit Rubi Reds cranberry market, and more. Plan your trip with some helpful hints here.

Today is National Camp Day and we’ll be sharing some of our picks for great camping gear for life on the go and all your road trip needs.  In addition, we’ll also be highlighting some great spots to visit in both Illinois and Wisconsin.  So pile your pals and your family in your new car from Classic and let’s experience the Great Outdoors together.  You’ll find everything you need in our handy guide! more Great Campsite and RV Park Destinations Illinois Beach State Park at 1 Lake Front Drive in Zion IL MWR Navy Gateways RV Campgrounds at 7150799 Ziegemeier Street in North Chicago IL Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort at 32223 N US Highway 12 in Volo IL Grass Lake Marina and RV Park at 26250 W Heart O Lakes Boulevard in Antioch IL Island On the Chain Inc at 38600 N Lakeside Place in Antioch IL Fox Den Campground at 8068 State Park Road in Spring Grove IL Happy Acres Kampground at 22230 45th Street in Bristol WI Red Maple Campsite in Salem WI Sanders Park in Mt Pleasant WI Cliffside Park Campgrounds in Racine WI Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Caledonia WI Tips For Camping in the Car, SUV, or Van Most modern day cars are roomy and spacious and make the perfect alternative to camping in tents or RVs.  Check out these great tips for using your Van, SUV, or roomy sedan as cozy camping quarters! Make sure you’ve packed these ten camping essentials from REI experts in your car and have fully filled your car’s gas tank. Check which spaces are designated for parking your vehicle overnight, and if a ticket or permit is required to do so. Some places may require you to pay in advance to secure the site. Select a flat, shaded area to set up your “campsite” so you don’t overheat or have to worry about your car rolling. Place your food in a safe place inside the vehicle in a cooler or carrier to prevent spoilage or animal intruders. Keep any overhangs, tables, chairs, and other belongings close to your vehicle to avoid crowding out other campers.  If your campsite permits fires, be sure to set up any campfires about 150 feet or so away from your car to prevent accidents. Make sure all the interior lights are turned off so you don't run your battery down.  Hang battery operated lights from the handles or clip headlamps to the headliner of the car so you can see at night when needed, or bring a reading light for a little relaxation. Roll out a compact pillow and bedroll, foam mattress, or thick sleeping bag to keep comfortable. Keep the windows or moon roof/sun roof cracked open for ventilation and air circulation.  You can apply a thin mesh or piece of screen to prevent little critters and bugs from sneaking in the gaps.  Don’t place any valuables under the windows to prevent any potential moisture or rain from getting in. Here’s a list of Campfire Friendly Recipes to try: Campfire Foil Packs Fish packets with Caper and Snap Peas Marinated Steaks with Flatbreads Chilaquiles with Tomatillos and Black Beans Flax and Chia pancakes with Bacon and Eggs S’mores Dip Foil Packs Cast Iron Frittata Red Lentil Sloppy Joes Suggested Camping Gear for Your Next Road Trip iKamper Skycamp 2.0 This is a convenient camper accessory for your SUV or other vehicles (different models are available for your car!)  Enjoy a socially distanced vacation flying solo or with a partner or your kid.  Sets up in 60 seconds, sleeps up to 4 people, and fits most vehicles!  The closing straps have locks for your security and safety.  Also includes tension poles, a ladder with angled steps, a UV cover to protect it, too.  Comes in multiple sizes (mini or regular) and works with a wide array of accessories on the iKamper site! Campfire Solo Stove Don’t want to travel with tanks of butane or gasoline? We get it!  Moving through the world in a waste-free, safe manner is important to us, too.  Reducing your carbon footprint is great for the environment!  Why not grab one of these wood-fueld Campfire Solo Stoves.  Fire it up lickety split with just foraged twigs, ruffage, and sticks from your campsite.  (Make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy, though, just in case!)  Packs away safely and can travel in all weather! Ultimate Cast Iron Camping Cook Set Keep it simple with these easy to use, easy to clean, travel friendly campsite cooking utensils. This 8 piece set has everything you need for perfect campsite meals.  From grilling the fresh catch of the day to stewed veggies and herbs you’ve foraged safely (grab some wilderness and foraging books and take a class to learn how to safely ID non-toxic edible plants!) you can cook it all. These are the perfect thing for every travelling roadtripper! Thermarest’s MondoKing 3D Sleeping Pad This sleeping mat comes in two sizes: Large and XXL.  It’s four inches thick and has stable sidewalls and comfortable stretch knit fabric so you can sleep soundly.  It’s easy to compress and store, but convenient to inflate for use. The Trekker Chair Kit Turn your mattress roll into a chair for no-fuss seating without the bulk or hassle of carrying folding chairs in your gear.  Multiple sizes to fit your bed roll. Compressible Pillows from Thermarest This convenient portable pillow is easily stowed for travel, but expands quickly for comfortable sleep.  Has multiple styles and sizes to choose from! MEGAWHEELS Trunk Tent Waterproof Fabric Included in this kit is a carry bag, car lock rings, and a tent with waterproof fabric.  Attach this to your car/truck body to keep yourself safe and dry and warm while camping in your car.  It also stops bugs and critters from invading your space late at night or in muggy weather.

With the blustery winds of late Autumn ushering in a cold front, we thought it might be nice to give you something to look forward to this Winter!  We’re sharing a great list of can’t miss scenic destinations to visit in the Late Autumn and the Winter.  Pile on into your new car from Classic and bust through your cold-weather cabin fever! Our list is chock full of memorable sites to visit and beautiful scenery.  So let’s hit the road and liven up those winter blues, because this is most certainly drive-over country! Cool Places to Visit in Wisconsin & Illinois As Weather Gets Colder Twelfth Night Holiday Tree Bonfire; Pleasant Prairie WI 20 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships This historic village tradition takes place every January at Park Drive in Pleasant Prairie.  The upcoming year’s event will be on January 6th 2022 at 6PM.  Everyone in the village takes down their trees and participates in a community tree burning.  There will be hot chocolate and holiday caroling!  Just a short drive away with some beautiful scenic lakeside views in the evening. Wilmot Mountain; Kenosha, WI 30 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships Grab a season pass now to ensure an exciting time all winter long!  Beautiful mountain views, wintersports, snowshoeing, skiing, and special events galore at the Wilmot Mountain resort.  Great for weekend getaways or day trips!  It’s got gorgeous views and scenery so you’ll want to bring a camera for sure. Winterfest; Lake Geneva WI 45 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships Lake Geneva is gorgeous any time of year, but Winter is especially beautiful.  Stop by on December 4th and attend the 46th Annual Electric Christmas Parade. Or plan a winter getaway for the family to Winterfest 2022 in February; would be a great holiday gift alternative!  Winterfest is home to the only US National Snow Sculpting Championship and it’s chock full of talented artists who sculpt the ice and snow in magnificent forms.  And there’s lots of fun to be had on the beach such as bonfires, s’mores roasting, and hot cocoa!  You might even want to try a hovercraft ride if you’re feeling brave. Ice Skating at Edgewater Skating Rink; Madison WI 128 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships Located on Lake Mendota, this beautiful skating rink has lakeside views and the twinkling skyline of Wisconsin’s State Capitol.  The rink hosts special events and themed skate nights throughout the season.   Enjoy family skating events and take plenty of memorable photos.  A trip here would be a  great option for a holiday gift excursion instead of going with Big Box Retail gift items. Snowtubing at Cascade Mountain; Portage WI 153 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships There’s nothing more fun than sliding down a pile of snow at warp speed, laughing all the way down as you relive childhood bliss!  Gather your friends and family and enjoy a fun filled afternoon of snowtubing and other winter sports at Cascade Mountain. Enjoy the gorgeous mountain scenery along the way! Garden of Lights; Green Bay WI 172 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships Just because the leaves have fallen and the temps are dropping doesn’t mean you can’t still have a blast at the Botanical Gardens!  More than 300,000 twinkling lights compose the exquisite displays of nature-inspired light and sculpture at the Garden of Lights experience.  Enjoy a walking tour or a Horse-Drawn Wagon experience.  A perfect gift for the whole family if you’re going the “giving an experience” route over toys or goodies. Winterfest Sled Dog Race; Merrill WI 255 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships With over 100 sled dog teams competing in past races, this is a great event for all ages to attend.  The race awards prizes for the Top 6 competitors.  You’ll find lots of other family friendly activities all weekend long, and even try your hand at some of the kid-friendly mini races!  Events will be announced by the Merrill Chamber of Commerce as it gets closer to January/February. Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad; Trego WI 377 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships This scenic 15-mile stretch of track runs along the Namekagon River and boasts some truly stunning views.  Book the bed-and-breakfast ride or a dinner excursion for a truly unique and unforgettable experience.  Fun for all ages and great for groups!  Would make a lovely family or friends trip for the holidays, or even a romantic date-night experience. The Ice Caves; Apostle Island National Lakeshore 420 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships These stunning ice caves are located in the Meyers Beach area of the Lakeshore region.  The Ice Caves are only open during certain times of the year, and access to the area may be closed in cases of inclement weather.  But as soon as Lake Superior’s surface has adequately frozen for safe travel, you’ll be able to explore the ice caves in person!  Behold the magnificent icicles and crystalline surfaces of the lake and sandstone cliffsides.  It’s a round trip distance of 3 to 6 miles depending how far you choose to walk on the trail.  Great for busting winter boredom and cabin fever! White Pines Ranch; Oregon IL 126 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships The Ranch is a beautiful 200 acre swathe of land with wooded areas, a sandstone canyon, horse trails and pastures, and places to hike.  Bring the kids and enjoy a day of horseback riding, visit with the local animals, and just take in the breathtaking views.  Enjoy the peace and quiet solitude of the area when snow blankets the pastures and creates a magical winterscape!  You can even enjoy workshops such as wilderness survival, enjoy some cross-country skiing, have a blast sledding, or kick back and relax with some crafting.  There’s lots to do at any age!  Book a stay and enjoy a late autumn, early winter getaway as an early holiday gift for the whole family. Depot Pond; Batavia IL 70 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships If you’re visiting in Autumn you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverwalk which connects Depot Pond and Fox River.  It’s got some truly beautiful views of the riverside and shorelines. A classic spot for ice skating and winter activities as soon as the ice measures 8” thick or more!  It has even inspired several painters and artists to capture the whimsical winter wonderland and wide-eyed joy of children learning how to skate.  Pending on weather and seasonal closures, you might even want to visit the Batavia Historical Society’s Depot Museum nearby. Starved Rock State Park; Oglesby, IL 123 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships This state part is beautiful all year round, but visiting during the autumnal Golden Hour or in the early weeks of winter with fresh snowfall are a real treat!  Whether you’re hiking or perhaps birding in search of a Bald Eagle and the migratory birds or just taking your camera for a spin in hopes of catching a whitetail deer mid-leap, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do here.  The region includes the St Louis Canyon, French Canyon, and Wildlife Canyon and their beautiful waterfalls.  Enjoy views of the Illinois River as well as Starved Rock Dam as you explore these sandstone glacial canyons.  A wonderful place to visit during each season to observe the change in the landscape and scenery. Do you have a favourite place you like to visit in the area? We’re always interested in hearing from our readers about new places to visit in Wisconsin and Illinois.  Let us know your picks and we may just feature your suggestion in a future post!

We’re excited for all of the upcoming festivities during the holidays, and look forward to spending time with family and friends doing lots of fun things in the holiday spirit!  Here are some great ideas for ways to reconnect with family and friends and find some unique gifts.  We encourage our customers to shop small and support local artists, artisans, and small businesses this year.  Let’s spread some holiday cheer and the giving spirit, right here in our own backyard. Check out these great markets, events, and activities in Southeast Wisconsin, Lake County, and the Greater Chicago Area! Your November and December Local Community Calendar On Tuesday November 9th, November 16th, and November 23rd from 10AM to 10:30AM, come over to the Kenosha Uptown Neighbourhood Library in Kenosha and enjoy a family story time for all children ages 2 and up.  Enjoy stories, singing songs, and lots of fun activities! Wednesday November 10th from 6:30PM to 8:30PM come out to Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie, WI and paint yourself a beautiful monogrammed piece of artwork for a holiday centerpiece! STarts at $38 per guest, supplies all included. On November 12th and 13th, get ready to rock your heart out at the Nightmare in November metalfest concert in Kenosha. Order your tickets here. Running from November 12th through January 2nd 2022, the Lightscape exhibit is a beautiful holiday lights spectacular at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL. Order your tickets and get more info right here! On November 13th, shop small and shop local at the Holiday Handmade Market at the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumberg from 10AM to 3PM. It’s a great way to support the community and find the most unique and beautiful gifts for loved ones! On November 13th, grab a ticket to the Lunar Tide Music and Arts Festival in Waukegan.  Event Runs from 7PM on Saturday through November 14th at 3AM. On Saturday November 13th from 3PM to 5PM, enjoy an afternoon of pumpkins and flowers in a painting class at Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie! $38 per person with supplies included. On Friday November 19th starting at 8PM, enjoy an evening of wonderful music with Phil Vassar’s Piano Bar Tour!  An intimate showcase of this singer-songwriter’s best work with limited seating. Check for Tickets here. Open Nightly starting on November 20th and running through January 2nd 2022, the Willow Hill’s Winter Magic Drive-Thru Christmas Lights Experience is great fun for the whole family! Check this link for ticket timeslots and a calendar of availability. From November 20th through November 21st enjoy an evening of fine holiday shopping with local artisans and craftsmen at the Island Lake Holiday Art and Craft Faire. Forget about the stress of shipping holiday gifts and check out these local exhibitors and artists isntead! Admission is $1 and includes food booths and artist shopping stands. On Saturday November 20th at 2PM and a second performance at 6PM, head over to Genesee Theatre to enjoy a bit of holiday tidings with “A Charlie Brown Christmas” play!  It’s fun for the whole family; check availability of tickets here. Saturday November 20th from 11AM to 1PM bring your family and friends to paint a beautiful autumnal turkey for just $25 per person at a Pinot’s Palette painting class in Pleasant Prairie! On Saturday November 20th from 11AM to 12PM at the Civil War Museum in Kenosha, come and visit The Young History Heroes Storytime session for ages 4 through 8. A new hero will be highlighted every month!  “How Kate Warne Saved President Lincoln” will be the topic of 11/20’s session.  The following storytime will be December 18th! Enjoy the celebrations of “Long Grove Vintage Holidays” from 11:30AM through 6PM in Long Grove downtown! This free event first runs on November 20th and runs again every weekend from 11/21, 11/27, 11/28, 12/4, 12/5, 12/11, 12/12,12/18, and 12/19.  Enjoy caroling and vintage carriage rides for the whole family.  Event is free but registration is required On Sunday November 21st from 10AM to 3PM, The Vault Banquet Hall and The Pine Blossom have partnered up to host the Winter Wonderland in Kenosha! Come and visit for a little early holiday fun, and kids can even meet Santa from 12PM to 3PM. On Friday, November 26th from 4PM to 5PM, head over to the Kenosha Public Museum and enjoy the annual “Lightin’ Up” celebration and Christmas tree lighting ceremony downtown!  It’s a free holiday program for all to enjoy. On Friday November 26th, skip the shopping madness and opt into a quiet afternoon of fun with friends and family by painting a snowy moon and stars landscape.  Or paint a festive Christmas Tree rustic truck painting from 6:30PM to 8:30PM Just $38 per guest at Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie. On Saturday November 27th from 4PM through midnight, come kick off the Holidays with the Holiday in the Park & Parade event in Glenview! Fun for all ages starting at Glenview road and going through town. On Wednesday December 1st, paint this cheeky little gnome from 6:30 to 8:30PM and gift it to someone special for the holidays! Painting supplies and a lesson are just $38 at Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie. On Saturday December 4th, paint a family heirloom winter painting of “The Perfect Tree” at Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie for just $38 per person with supplies all included! On December 4th, come listen to an evening of music by Yheti and Toadface at the Lakehurst Events Center in Waukegan. More event information here! On Saturday December 11th starting at 7PM, head on over to the Genesee Theatre for a wonderful festive evening as they host The Chris Isaak Holiday Tour!  Event and ticket availability may be limited, check here! Are you hosting a local event or market?  Got plans to take your family to a fun holiday event nearby? We’d love to hear from you! Tell us in a comment all about how you plan to spend your holiday season together.