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The start of summer is just days away, and we’re getting ready for all of the adventures and excitement!  Join us in learning how to best prepare your car for the ultimate road trip getaway, so you can be safe, on the ball, and ready for whatever the road throws your way.  From service pointers to must-have organizers to safety gear, we’ve got you covered. more Must Check Automotive Service Points Before Your Next Road Trip Check your battery. Dead batteries are the worst!  There is no worse feeling than being halfway to your destination at a rest stop with a car that just won’t start.  Get your battery checked out by your local service center, and ensure that it is properly conditioned, especially if it’s older than 2 years. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure the connectors are showing no signs of corrosion and the connection is tight. Your trusted service technician can also help you clean the corrosion if you notice any. Have your brakes inspected. Have your service technician give the brakes system a good once-over. If you’ve noticed any squealing or squeaking or whistling sounds coming from your vehicle’s brakes, it may be a sign that parts are wearing down and in need of replacement soon. Make sure that any odd noises are examined by your mechanic, and serviced prior to embarking on your journey. If your brake pedal feels spongy or soft when depressed, it may indicate low brake fluid.  If you’re noticing longer stopping times, you may need new brake pads. Check the fluid levels. Be sure to check all of the vital fluids in your vehicle including the engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, engine coolant, and wiper fluids.  If you’re just about due for an oil change, go ahead and get that scheduled a little earlier prior to your trip. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Clean and change your filters. If you’re getting an oil change that filter will be swapped out at the same time. You’ll also want to check the engine filter and air filter while you’re there. Test all lights and signals and change bulbs as needed. With all the driving you’re about to do, especially if part of your journey will be at night or during inclement weather, it’s vital to make sure they’re fully functioning for visibility and safety. Plus, you don’t want to receive any unnecessary traffic tickets for dysfunctional turn signals or brake lights.  Check the interior lights as well and replace those bulbs as needed. Change your wiper blades. On average you should be replacing your wipers every 6 months, but it would at least be a good idea to replace them before your trip if you haven’t done so in a while.  Select wipers that have an aid of hydrophobic coating to aid even clearer visibility during rain and misty weather. Check your insurance, license, and registration. Don’t get caught without proper paperwork on hand! Ensure that you’ve renewed your license, printed or received your newest up to date insurance cards, and have renewed your vehicle registration and all paperwork is stowed safely in your glovebox or center console.  We also recommend checking if your insurance provider has a phone or tablet app available as those can come in handy in a pinch! Be Prepared for roadside emergencies. Stock your emergency roadside kit. We’ve already covered car emergency kits and roadside assistance in previous blogs, but here’s a short refresher of our recommended necessities. At bare minimum, you should always have the following in your car when traveling long distances: a solar or hand-cranked flashlight; jumper cables; portable battery packs; hand sanitizer and flushable wipes; a tire patch kit and portable air compressor; paper copies of maps for each of your destination regions; flares or LED warning lights; bottled water and shelf stable snacks (protein bars and granola bars are a great option);emergency contact numbers written on a piece of paper in your glovebox or wallet or stowed in your emergency kit; a basic first aid kit. Travel with charging options. Grabbing a few extra USB cables or wireless chargers is a great idea.  Make sure you have portable batteries and their recharging cables as well.  Additional wall connector bricks are another key option. Keep one in your glovebox with a charge cable, and one in your backpack or purse or other luggage.  We also recommend a portable smartphone mount for hands-free navigation and emergency use. Take advantage of fueling stations along your route whenever possible. There’s nothing more nerve wracking than being caught in stop-and-go traffic and having the fuel light tick on, especially if you’re not sure when the next rest stop is or nearest fueling station!  Ensuring that you’re traveling with no less than ½ a tank of gas at all times can give you a very good buffer for emergencies and unexpected delays. When traveling on highways and byways and especially in unfamiliar areas, it’s always best to top off your tank when you have the opportunity. You never know when you may hit a snarl of traffic, unexpected detour, or may even miss a GPS direction and take a wrong turn. Remember to pack your medications and OTC pain relief and emergency medications. When traveling, remember to keep your vital medications and inhalers on your person. Make sure your travel companions know where to find them and how to access an emergency list of medications if needed.  If you use an Epi Pen, bring that with you and ensure everyone knows how to use it in case. Additionally, Benadryl is a great medication to travel with in case of surprise allergic reactions. Travel with all the necessities and creature comforts. You’ll never go wrong with packing a few extra rolls of toilet paper along with wet wipes. Heaven forbid the bathroom is understocked, or you have to make an emergency roadside pit stop.  A portable toothbrush and toothpaste and some anti-nausea medication can relieve motion sickness.  Reusable camping utensils and portable plates/cups are always a help!  Along with a cooler filled with fresh fruit, premade lunch items, and other fresh snacks to save you time and money from making pit stops.  A small travel pillow and blanket will come in handy if you need to take a catnap or swap off with another driver for some rest.  If you’re traveling with pets, we recommend quick-dry towels, a spare leash and collar, portable collapsible pet bowls, a portable litter box (if applicable) and some spare snacks. What do you like to bring as a road trip essential?  What are your go-to emergency kit items in your experience? Let us know in the comments on our social media!

Continuing our posts for National Dog Training Month, we thought it would be fun to highlight some of the great snowy trails you can visit in Illinois with your furry best friend by your side!   Why leave your trusty sidekick at home when they could be having the time of their life running through the fresh powder, exploring the trails, and catching snowballs?  Check out our picks for winter destinations in WI and IL where you can have fun with your pets and enjoy things like snowshoeing, skijoring, and more. more Did you know that dog sledding and skijoring are allowed on non-designated cross-country trails and off-trail areas (so long as dogs are permitted on property) in Wisconsin? Here are some great places to visit if you’d like to enjoy winter sports with your pup! Justin Trails Resort in Sparta, WI - This dog friendly area has more than 200 acres of open areas and forests just rife with adventure opportunities.  You and your pup can enjoy camping on-site, or opt for a more cozy stay in a cabin, and accommodations can be made for up to 3 pets (for a small fee per night.)  This is a great location to enjoy skijoring or snowshoeing with your pet for some tandem snowy fun!  There are also plenty of options for snowshoeing trails and cross-country skiing as well, and for the kids (and kid at heart!) there are sledding hills and tubing hills, too. Indian Lake County Park in Cross Plains, WI - This park has a beautiful 442 acre lake with a winding trail around it that leads to an incredible historic chapel from 1857.  If you’d like to go cross country skiing or snowshoeing, this is the place to be. If you’re looking for ski-joring, seek out trails marked pet friendly and ones that aren’t specifically groomed for x-country skiers.  You’ll find plenty of opportunities to take photos of your pooch enjoying the snowy conditions at any of the scenic vista points along the way.  There’s also a designated pet-friendly exercise area on site next to the small boat launch on the west side of the lake. Interstate State Park in St. Croix Falls, WI - Although the area does not boast any official skijoring trails, the area has plenty of multi-use trails to choose from. Please bear in mind that some areas may be off limits to your pet, so always check the signage and keep them on leash as directed by Wisconsin State Park rules.  The Winter Recreation Trails are open for snowshoeing, winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and pet friendly activities like walks, trail running, and skijoring; note that the Skyline Trail does prohibit pets when it’s been groomed.  The area is open to camping in tents, trailers, and RVs if you’d like to take a longer a pet-friendly vacation together. While you may be new to the concept of skijoring, it’s been growing in popularity as a sport in the Midwest!  In fact there are several skijoring competitions happening each year specifically in Wisconsin.  You may want to check out the Barkie Birkie in Hayward event, the Three Bear Sled Dog Race in Land O’ Lakes, Willow Springs Round Barn Sled Dog Race in Wausau. Pretty cool, right? Check out more information on Midwest Skijoring and Sled Racing here. Looking for something local? You’ll find lots of Skijoring and Sledding and winter dog sport opportunities right here in Illinois! We bet you didn’t know that the Waukegan Savanna is a ski-joring and dog sledding hot spot!  If you and your pup still haven’t had enough adventure for the day, there’s an incredible 11-acre off-leash dog park that’s perfect for snowy weather fun like snowball fetch, snowy running, and frosty socials with fuzzy pals. The Blackwell Forest Preserve is another wonderful area, especially if you’re just starting out with your skijoring and dog-in-tow snowshoeing pastime.  The trails are perfect for beginners and intermediate snowshoers, but if your dog hasn’t had enough physical activity you can make a stop at the off-leash dog area on site. For those seeking adrenaline and adventure, you’re also welcome to seek out the dog-sledding trails, too. Looking to join the fun on a regular basis and explore dog sports year round? The Windy City Mushers Club in Chicago is a great place to start!   If you’re looking for like minded dog owners who enjoy dogsledding, bikejoring, skijoring, and more, this group will point you in the right direction.

We’re back with some more helpful service tips for winter weather driving!  It’s essential to prepare for wintry conditions and hazards of inclement weather.  Our handy guide is chock full of reminders and pointers to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape for chilly temps and then some. more Make sure you have a winter emergency kit stocked up and ready to go. In a bin, box, or duffel bag we recommend keeping the following on hand in your trunk or backseat: thermal blankets and fleece blankets, a clean set of warm clothes, extra winter hats & gloves, kitty litter and/or small container of rock salt, a small portable or foldable snow shovel, flares, hand-crank LED flashlight or LED lantern, hand warmer packets, jumper cables, a fully stocked first aid kit, an ice scraper and snow brush, and a tow rope. These can all help you should your vehicle become stuck in any ice or encounter any other inclement weather related accident. Check your front and rear brakes, emergency brake, and brake light system.  Do not skimp on this checkpoint. A  good solid set of brakes and quality rotors can be the difference between a safe stop and total decimation of your vehicle and serious injuries.  It is important to make sure that your braking system and brake light are in perfect working order before you’re faced with a split second decision to swerve, stop short, or avoid dangerous snowbanks or black ice.  If you hear any sort of scraping, whining, or squealing when you brake, bring your car in for a service call straight away. Check your tires.  Check your tire pressure and make sure the PSI matches the manufacturer requirements (can be located in your manual or on a label on the side door pockets or frame.)  Look for signs of wear and tear such as bulges and bubbles, cracks or small tears, or significant tread wear leaving bald spots.  Consider rotating your tires if you’ve not done it in awhile.  Any damaged tires should be replaced, and any summer tires swapped out for all-weather or winter tires should be considered if you live in an area that gets particularly rough winter weather! Inspect your wiper blades and ensure they are clean and not showing significant signs of wear.  As the weather gets colder, it’s vital to your safety that you have properly working wiper blades to clear away frost and snow or other inclement weather. Before it gets too cold out, consider applying a thorough application of a water-repellant such as RainX to the glass surfaces on your vehicle to aid in visibility during storms. Check your heater and blower.  It’s important to check the defroster and heat blower functionality, as these two elements must be functioning properly to ensure wiper efficiency and clear visibility.  When cars are iced or frosty, gradually warming the window to loosen the ice before scraping can save you from windshield damage and scratches. Additionally, it can save you time by melting the frost and ice as well as bringing your car to a comfortable temperature for driving.  If you become stranded or broken down for an extended period of time, the heat can also keep you safe and comfortable. Check your car battery.  Colder months mean we’re more apt to leave our car running to “warm it up” so we don’t face a frosty morning commute, but this also means a higher potential for draining the battery through accidental means.  Cold weather can put additional stress on your battery, and can cause it to lose around 20-30% of its charge when the weather hits 32 degrees.  If a vehicle is going into or coming out of storage, the battery should definitely be checked and replaced as they do lose charge while sitting. Clean your headlights and replace any dim or broken bulbs.  There is nothing more frightening than encountering a white-out storm or horizontal icy rains and not benign able to see more than 2 feet ahead of you.  Having bright, clear headlights is going to make all the difference in getting where you’re going safely and in one piece.  Be sure to apply a headlight cleaner and swap out your bulbs for bright clear ones if yours are not up to par. If you’ve got any questions about vehicle maintenance or wish to schedule a service appointment, please reach out to our representatives.  We would be happy to get your vehicle winter-weather ready!

Art is everywhere and Art is for everyone!  We’re celebrating International Artist’s Day  by highlighting some great reasons you should support The Arts in our local community, and fantastic places to view local art. So hop in your new car and let’s hit the road on an amazing quest to find the most interesting artwork around. more What is art? Why are The Arts important to culture and society? International Artist Day celebrates the wonderful contribution that all artists make to society by promoting and raising awareness for the arts and increasing their visibility as creative professionals both locally and internationally. Artists and the arts are an integral part of society, helping us frame the world in creative ways so we can better understand humanity. Artists and the arts are an integral part of society, helping us frame the world in creative ways so we can better understand humanity. Everything from industrial design to culinary arts to engineering and architecture revolves around Art.  The phones you use, the cars you drive, the tech gadgets you depend on, the movies you stream, the shows you binge...all of them were created by someone who was passionate about the arts!  The songs you listen to and music videos you stream are all created by performance artists and musicians who have a passion for self-expression and creativity. How do we interpret art? What makes something art? How does art make you feel and how do we explore the world through art? Let’s take a look: Without creativity and ingenuity provided by exploring the arts, we would not be enjoying the wonderful road trips and joy rides we take in our cars!  To create the vehicles and technology we use today, many teams of designers, engineers, and creative minds had to work together from concept sketches to completion of physical manufacturing; from the vehicle itself to the machines that made it, they were all designed using visual plans and creative ingenuity. A thriving Arts district vastly improves local communities on multiple levels: aesthetically, via tourism, economically, and also socially!  Art can beautify and unify a community through public art installations, group art events, classes, and more.  It provides citizens with a common ground to communicate and express themselves, and understand each other on a non-verbal level.  The Arts can also provide income via local tourism to view exhibits, installations, markets, and local businesses, galleries, and museums. Let’s check out some of the most influential painters of yesterday and today: Immerse yourself in the arts and enjoy these wonderful public art sites and exhibits across Illinois and Wisconsin: Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park in Skokie Goldman-Kuenz Sculpture Park at Cedarhurst in Mt Vernon West Street Sculpture Park in Galena The Jay Pritzker Pavillion in Chicago Illinois Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural in Morrison ArtsPartners of Central Illinois in Peoria Oak Park Arts District in Oak Park Downtown Jacksonville Walldog Murals in Jacksonville Metropolis Murals in Metropolis Downtown Elgin Public Arts Tour in Elgin The Oregon Sculpture Trail in Oregon Scofill Sculpture Park in Decatur Ace Sign Company Museum in Springfield The Murals of Ottawa in Ottawa International Walldog Mural and Sign Art Exhibit Illinois Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural in Oswego Frank Lloyd Wright’s B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee Rock Falls Sculpture Walk in Rock Falls Macoupin Art Collective in Staunton Walldog Murals of Streator Stevens Point Sculpture Park in Stevens Point, WI Dr. Evermor’s Sculpture Park in North Freedom, WI Lynden SCulpture Garden in River Hills, WI Bobrowitz Sculpture in Colgate, WI Fred Smith’s Wisconsin Concrete Park in Phillips, WI James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden in Sheboygan, WI Jurustic Park in Marshfield, WI Paine Art Center and Gardens in Oshkosh, WI

Our last haunted road trip guide for Halloween is covering our neighbors in Missouri.  We’ve scoured the state for the scariest and most haunted places, and gathered them in one place so you can plan the creepiest car ride from destination to destination.  Some of these sites are stuff of local legend, but others have been verified by professional paranormal investigators. What do you think? Let us know in the comments if you’ve visited these sites and had an experience! more Lemp Mansion in St. Louis This haunted home and brewery site is considered one of the ten most haunted places in the United States!  Visitors can opt in for a historical ghost tour, or even participate in a paranormal hunt after hours during “The Lemp Experience.”  Unfortunately, not one, not two, but three members of the Lemp family committed suicide on site, and a fourth off site.  William Lemp Senior and William LEmp Junior both shot themselves in the same room, 18 years apart, in an extra office space at the Brewery.  It later became a boarding house in the 1940s, and several residents reported hauntings and spiritual encounters,  Additionally, other spirits have joined the Lemp Family and use the mansion as a way station to the afterlife.  There have been reports of figures circling the bed, leaning over and looming near visitors, and general unnerving discomfort. Beattie Mansion in St. Joseph The original owner of this historic residence was the first mayor of the city, and a wealthy Victorian businessman Armstrong Beattie, and his wife Elizabeth, who lived there until their deaths  in 1878 (Armstrong) and 1880 (Elizabeth.)  Without any heirs, the home was sold off to the Ladies Union Benevolent Association, and used as a group home for the houseless, aged, and displaced residents of the city.  Later, it was converted to a home for the elderly, mentally ill, and addicts.  In 2004, it passed hands with plans to be converted to a bed and breakfast, but any renovations were thwarted by paranormal activities and experiences.  Disembodied voices, shadowy figures, and full body apparitions unnerved the contractors and construction was halted.  Professional ghost hunters have confirmed the presence of Eliza, a child spirit, and multiple unidentified apparitions.  You’ll experience ghosts that tease and taunt, giggles and disembodied laughter, and footsteps in rooms that have no other presence. Pythian Castle in Springfield This historic castle has a dark and storied history with nefarious connections to torture, suicide, and medical violence.  Originally built as an orphanage in 1913, it was later commandeered by the US military for prisoners during WWII.  Visitors can book a history tour during the daytime to learn the unnerving history, or participate in a nighttime ghost tour and chance an encounter with a malevolent spirit.  Ghost hunters and visitors alike have reported disembodied voices, shadowy figures, and an unnerving atmosphere. The Elms Hotel and Spa in Excelsior Springs This hotel and spa was subject to two destructive fires in 1989 and 1910, and although no one died in either blaze, it’s long rumored that a dastardly spirit may be the culprit.  Guests have reported encounters with visitors from the spirit realm in the lap pool, which was once the site of a Speakeasy during the days of Prohibition.  The hotel has embraced its ghostly guests, and hosts tours where you may encounter the spirit of a gambler, a spiritual advisor from the 1920s, and other gracious, gentle spirits. Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph This unusual museum is a dark and macabre, and frankly disturbing, look at our past treatment of those with mental illness and disorders of the brain.  At one time, it was home to some 3,-000 patients at any given time over teh decades, but now it’s a nineteenth century time capsule of our country’s strange medical history, founded in 1967 by the Missouri Department of Mental Health.  You’ll find bizarre exhibits such as 1,000 items removed from a patient’s stomach, strange medical equipment, and unnerving tools of the trade for psychiatric practitioners.  Some say the grounds are haunted by patients who have passed on during their stay, and ghost hunters host limited tours o n special event nights at the museum for visitors with a taste for the paranormal. Union Station in Kansas City This active and in-use railroad station is not just open to the general public, but also a whole rotating cast of spectral characters.  As you head off to your destination, you may spot the figure of notorious criminal Frank Nash, who is said to wander the station faceless, or other strange and hauntingly faceless figures with shined, polished shoes and classy wardrobes, or a figure of a woman in a black dress walking down the stairs after hours, and spirits dragging their suitcases down the halls.  At sundown, the paranormal presence increases as the ghosts of those who are still waiting for their train take over. Other terrifying destinations in Missouri to explore on your trip through the state: Vaile Mansion in Independence, Rivercene Mansion in New Franklin, Belvoir Winery in Liberty, STL Haunted History Ghost Tours in St. Louis, St. Charles Ghost Tours on Main Street in St. Charles

We love things that go bump in the night and give us a chill of fright!  That’s why we’re exploring even more fun haunted road trip destinations.  Today, we’re traveling to nearby  Michigan.  Why stop at exploring haunted sites like graveyards and theatres when you can book a stay with a surprise ghost as an extra guest?  We’ve got plenty of haunted hotels, inns, and resorts that are still open to the public today.  Check it out on today’s blog and see for yourself! more Doherty Hotel in Clare This 1924 redbrick hotel once housed the town’s library, a soda shop, and even a barber shop!  It was a notorious hangout for infamous gangsters of the 1920 and 1930s.  And, as is the case with so many unsavory personalities in one place, it became synonymous with illegal gambling and even murder.  Numerous visitors to the location have reported seeing the ghost of Isaiah Leebove, of the former Purple Gang, wandering the halls.  Other ghostly apparitions have been seen locking and unlocking doors, and knocking on doors and walls with no other possible explanation. Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo Often touted as one of the top ten haunted places in Michigan, you’ll find no shortage of spectral shenanigans here!  Step through its doors and you may be greeted by the castle’s original owners Frank and Mary Henderson.  Wander its halls and you may find Calre Burleigh, a Spanish-American War veteran who served alongside Hendersons’s son in battle.  Other apparitions include that of an unidentified little girl, and even a rogue dog!  You may find opening and closing doors, disembodied voices, figures at the top of the stairs, and other ghastly activities.  You’ll just have to come investigate for yourself! The Landmark Inn in Marquette If you’ve ever wanted to book a room in a haunted hotel, we think you’ll really get your jollies from a stay in the Lilac Room, one of the Inn’s most reportedly haunted rooms.  You may catch a glimpse of the Librarian who lost her one true love to a shipwreck at sea who peers out the window waiting for her betrothed’s impossible return.  Or perhaps you’ll find unexpected trinkets nestled in the sheets or blankets that weren’t there at check in, such as one guest who reportedly requested housekeeping remove screws from the sheets.  Even the front desk has experienced unexpected happenings such as phantom phone calls from the Lilac Room even without guests lodging! Spooky…. The Terrace Inn in Petoskey Michigan This historic inn offers 38 rooms to choose from, 1 restaurant on site, and at least 2 resident ghosts.  Book a stay at the Terrace Inn and you may encounter the Lady in White or the Man in Tweed.  Wander downstairs in this Victorian Era hotel and you may even bump into the Boy from the Basement!  Rumor has it, there may even be more aloof apparitions to be found if you keep your eyes open.  Ask the front desk and they will gladly share with you the book of Ghost-Tales from past guests and visitors! Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island…and more Mackinac Island is such a special place it’s known to be a paranormal activity hotbed, so many, in fact, that some speculate there may be more specters than residents at this point. Check out these videos from MattsRadShow on Youtube to learn more about a few of the haunted happenings on this iconic resort island: Masonic Temple in Detroit The Detroit Masonic Temple is the largest Masonic Temple in the world. This impressive and quite imposing piece of Gothic Architecture has more than 1,000 rooms as well as a cathedral, multiple chapels, 2 ballrooms, lodging facilities, a library, and even a 4,000 seat auditorium.  Visitors report seeing the specter of George Mason himself going up and down the stairs, but that may just be a Halloween Tale of Terror.  You’ll just have to see for yourself! Mary Mayo Hall in Lansing The oldest residence hall on campus is located on the West Circle are aof Michigan State University’s northern end.  It was built in 1931 and named after Mary Anne Mayo, a leading member of several organizations on campus, and a thoughtful leader with progressive views on womens’ education.  Though rumors swirl that her death was caused by murder, ill-will, or even self-inflicted injuries, she actaully passed away of illness in 1903off-campus.  Nevertheless, after years of campaigning for womens’ equal access and housing on campus, students report seeing her ghost wander the halls of the dorm. Other areas of note for ghost hunting in Michigan: South Manitou Island in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, H ell’s Bridge near Grand Rapids Rockford, Calumet Theater in Calumet, Felt Mansion in Saugatuck Holland, David Whitney House in Detroit, Fayette Ghost Town in Fayette, Holly Hotel in Holly, Fort Shelby Hotel in Detroit, Bowers Harbor Inn in Traverse City, Seul Choix Point Lighthouse in Gulliver, White River Light Station in Whitehall

With Halloween just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to explore some of the strange haunted happenings across the state.  What could be better than an autumnal road trip to chase down the ghosts of days gone by?  It’s a perfect way to spend the weekend or enjoy a late-night exploration. more We love exploring as much as the next, but be mindful, please.  Make sure to adhere to any posted signage as some areas may be off limits or be part of private property.  We recommend doing additional research to find out which sites offer tours or are open to the public and when.  We do not condone trespassing! Your Guide to Haunted Sites in Illinois The Englewood Post Office and H. H. Holmes True Crime aficionados will be fascinated to know that this modest post office branch sits on the site once home to serial killer H.H. Holmes and his infamous “Murder Castle” Postal workers at this location have reported hauntings throughout the building.  The basement area especially is noted to fill visitors and employees with an intense fear of dread, and it is advised any tasks in that room be quick and timely to avoid anxiety. The Chicago River and the SS Eastland In 1915 the SS Eastland passenger ship was docked along the Chicago River when it suddenly capsized.  Sadly, 844 people lost their lives in the incident.  Today, visitors to the area and patrons of local restaurants have reported looking out from the windows or down from the Clark Street Bridge and report seeing the ghostly faces or bodies of people in the water, reaching out for help. The Couch Tomb in Lincoln Park Chicago Lincoln Park sits on the former grounds of City Cemetery, with the Couch Tomb the only remaining tomb surviving the Great Fire of 1871. The tomb was sealed for decades, leaving many to speculate what may lie buried there.  In 1998, a team of workers and researchers opened the tomb and discovered around 80 bodies entombed within!  Visitors to the area often claim to see and hear strange apparitions and experience strange occurrences in Lincoln Park, but especially near this tomb. Resurrection Cemetery in Justice This is one of the largest cemeteries in North America, sprawling across nearly 540 acres with 152,000 graves and 5,300 crypts in the mausoleum.  Consecrated as a cemetery burial ground in 1904, it officially opened to the public in 1912.  This site is purported to be hte site of Chicago’s infamous “Resurrection Mary” who haunts these grounds, the surrounding highway, and the nearby Willowbrook Ballroom.  You may catch a glimpse of her dancing at the foot of the Resurrection of Christ monument next to the on site chapel.  Keep your eyes peeled for a lithe woman in a flowing white dress and blonde locks! McPike Mansion of Alton The McPike Mansion, sometimes referred to as Mount Lookout, is a historic and haunted property on the former 15-acre estate of Henry Guest McPike.  The 16 room mansion features a vaulted wine cellar in an Italianate-Victorian style.  In 1994, the home was purchased at auction by Sharyn and George Luedke, with plans to restore the mansion to its former glory!  Sharyn herself has reported ghostly sightings of servants and residents or guests of the mansion while removing items from the home, making repairs, and restoring the house.  She and George have also caught a whiff of lilac perfume wafting through the hallways of the third floor.  Some people claim the house was built on hallowed grounds, still others report the happenings only began after McPike and later owners’ passings.  Either way, this is a truly special site for otherworldly occurrences! The Woodstock Opera House in Woodstock This beautiful historic performing arts venue and opera house is the reported site of local spectral visitor, Elvira.  Elvira’s tale is a sad one, with big dreams of making it big on the stage and landing the lead in an upcoming ballet perfor. Unfortunately, she was passed over for the part which was handed to another girl in the company.  In her grief of shattered dreams,, she leaped from the Opera House’s highest tower, and fell to her death on the streets below.  Visitors have reported sights of a forlorn young woman with long, golden hair wandering the halls and aisles.  Some have even caught a glimpse of her in seat 113, and those who sit near it report the seat lowering on its own and sad sighs in the air.  Additional reports include props falling down with no one nearby, and even things disappearing from the stage and backstage areas.  Book at ticket and see for yourself! Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet The Rialto Square Theatre opened its doors in 1926, and a parade of spirited guests have wandered in and out of its halls and auditorium over the years. That’s right, it’s haunted!  We won’t spoil the backstory here.  Why? Because this vaudeville venue and movie theatre turned performing arts center offers Paranormal Tours of the theatre where you can spend two hour learning about the lost souls of the Rialto!  Come see a show and book a tour.  You can bring your friends and your family along for the fun and may even have some unexpected guests join your party. Other notable places with real spirit include: Haunted Abingdon Middle School in Abingdon, The Old Milton School in Alton, Robinson Woods in Chicago, Haunted Tours at the Museum of Science and Industry German U-505 Submarine, The Haunted Glessner House Museum, The Haunted Red Lion Pub in Chicago, Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur, Ridge Cemetery in Williamsburg, Aux Sable Cemetery in Alton

September 30th is International Podcast Day, a global celebration of one of the most popular media forms around the world today.  Founded in 2014, this “holiday” was created to celebrate the incredible power of podcasts as informational and entertainment media. Podcasts have truly changed the way people consume and receive media, giving listeners and viewers an opportunity to engage in topics they love most with this innovative, streamable “radio show” style media.  Once an obscure, strange new form of media, this beloved streaming audio and talk-show format has now become as ubiquitous as gas stations and coffee shops! Today we’re sharing some of our picks for best automotive related podcasts, and we’ve included links to their companion YouTube channels or visual components for a more enhanced experience. more What are your favorite automotive podcasts? Let us know in the comments and we may feature your suggestions in a future update! The Collecting Cars Podcast with Chris Harris and Edward Lovett is an excellent show dedicated to “motoring horror stories” and tall tales from the community. It is an extension of the Collecting Cars YouTube channel, dedicated to highlighting the adventures (and misadventures) of automotive enthusiasts and collectors. Everyday Driver Car Debate with Paul and Todd is an informative and entertaining podcast dedicated to helping listeners find their perfect daily driver.  The hosts debate which car is the right fit, give a little behind the scenes access on their review channels, and other hot topics in the automotive industry.  They also discuss the highs and lows of car shopping, car ownership, and car collecting. The Smoking Tire with Matt Farah and Zack Klapman features a rotating cast of weekly guests from all corners of the automotive industry.  From professional drivers to avid collectors and automotive icons, there’s no shortage of excitement and entertainment here. With experience as an automotive journalist, Farah’s channel is a unique spin on the typical car chatter, covering topics from daily drivers to sports cars to supercars and beyond.  It’s a very thoughtful channel and companion podcast with no shortage of entertainment! The Best of NPR’s Car Talk is one of America’s funniest podcasts, featuring Tom and Ray Magliozzi, also known as “Click and Clack, the car guys,” as they attempt to troubleshoot, diagnose, and otherwise lovingly hassle their listeners from live call-ins to their radio broadcast.  Their charming wit, goofy antics, and friendly demeanor has made them an accessible show for listeners of all age levels and experiences.  Their witty banter, wild sense of humor, and charming conversation with listeners makes for an unforgettable and timeless podcast that is at once hilarious and informative!  You’ll find yourself listening to your favorites again and again, and even learning a thing or two along the way. Past Gas by Donut Media continues the channel’s quirky, offbeat sense of humor and enthusiasm for all things automotive. Join these goofy gearheads as they take a deep dive into the stories behind your favorite car manufacturers, car collectors, and automotive superstars.  In true Donut Media Fashion, they present information and factual anecdotes with expert comedic timing, plenty of laughs, and an overall jovial atmosphere.  It’s a wonderful lighthearted look at some of the wildlest, weirdest, and most interesting aspects of the car industry. The TrailChasers Podcast is a weekly unscripted podcast providing fun and informative content for those looking for a little offroad adventuring.  Created as a tie-in to the “OFFROADERLANDER” community the producers and cohosts deliver the perfect blend of informational content, anecdotes and first-hand stories, and community input from offroad adventures.  Their aim is to connect drivers and adventure enthusiasts to accessible offroading equipment and inspire a wondrous sense of adventure in their listeners! Hooniverse Podcast exists at the intersection of all things automotive: cars, trucks, race tracks, road trips, things that run, things that don’t, and everything in between!  Helmed by Jeff Glucker, also known for his work with Autotrader and Motor Trend, this podcast serves as an outlet for a love of the more offbeat side of the automotive industry. Driving While Awesome is a weekly podcast hosted by automotive experts and three of the RADwood Co-founders: Lane Skelton, Warren Madsen, and Art Cervantes.  Tune in to listen to these long-time friends discuss the ins and outs of gearhead life and the automotive industry, but especially sports cars and vintage rides from the 80s and 90s.  With more than 700 episodes and counting, you’ll never run out of things to listen to on your daily commute or next road trip! Car Pro Podcast is your go-to source for just about everything and anything automotive.  From buying to selling to leasing to maintaining and collecting cars, this show covers it all!  Hosts Jerry and Kevin provide listeners with an insightful look at the industry by providing insider information on how to buy your car, secure the best deals, prices on the new/used car market, and much more.  Not sure whether to buy gas or electric?  Contemplating used versus new versus leased? They’ve got you covered on their detailed shows live every Saturday on WBAP or wherever your fave podcasts are streaming. Behind the Glass Podcast with Sam from SeenThroughGlass on Youtube.  The show aims to provide listeners with a behind the scenes look at the car industry and world of automotive YouTubers!  Each episode features a new and exciting guest from the car vlogging and/or automotive social media sector.

It’s no secret that we here at Classic love to get involved in our community and meet new people!  That’s why for World Tourism Day, we’re sharing some of the wonderful places newcomers and visitors can explore when visiting our area. We want you to get to know our towns and cities as well as we do, and enjoy all of the things that make it so great to live here!  Let’s show the world all of the incredible things that the Lake County Illinois and surrounding area have to offer. Feel free to chime in with your picks in the comments on our social media, too. We’d love your input and feedback! more Genesee Theatre in Waukegan hosts year round events, concerts, shows, and live music.  It’s one of the best venues in town! Waukegan Municipal Beach is a 400-acre lakefront with a mile-long stretch of beach. It’s open 6AM to 9PM all 7 days a week, and s free to the public on a daily basis from Labor Day to Memorial Day, making it a great budget friendly option to visit in the off-season and enjoy some time in nature. ZumBier Bier Halle in Waukegan is a great way to spend a few hours and support a local small business!  Schedule a tour, visit the taproom, or take advantage of their wide array of products for sale or buy and fill a growler to take home and share with friends. Waukegan Harbor Lighthouse is located at the end of “Government Pier” on Lake Michigan. It’s a great destination for photographers and tourists! Lyons Wood Forest Preserve is a gorgeous 272 acre park with prairie and forest areas that’s just perfect for hiking, cycling, trail running, and wildlife viewing. Three Brothers Theatre is a local non-profit independent venue that offers an intimate theatre going experience.  It thrives on diverse and inclusive programming that’s “brash, brave, and bare”, producing shows that are driven by the artist and creator, providing audiences with a truly unforgettable experience! The Anderson Japanese Gardens are 12-acres of meticulously manicured Japanese garden grounds in Rockford Illinois featuring peaceful Koi Ponds, winding paths and scenic bridges, trickling streams, cascading waterfalls, and award winning botanicals. The Kenosha North Pier Lighthouse in nearby Kenosha, WI is not just a gorgeous coastal lighthouse open for tours, but it is also home to the Kenosha Lighthouse Studio, an incredible community of artists and art enthusiasts. Geneva Lake Museum in Lake Geneva, WI is a one-of-a-kind local history museum filled with an indoor replica of a historic town, local relics, and interactive exhibits inside a historic waterworks building!  It’s a great destination for tourists to spend the day and learn a little about the local area! Dinosaur Discovery Museum in Kenosha, WI is an absolute must-visit on your list for kids and the kid-at-heart!  It’s a unique science museum exploring not just the history of carnivorous dinosaurs and their biology, but also their connection to modern birds and raptors.  It’s a small but truly fascinating location with impressive dinosaur skeletons and educational displays. Where are some of your favorite local and regional destinations to visit? What would you recommend tourists put on their must-see list? Let us know in the comments and we may feature them in future updates!

Today we're covering some of the most interesting and exciting places to visit in nearby Fort Wayne, Indiana!  Did you know that in just a few short hours you can explore a whole new state and see gorgeous artwork, explore historical sites, take in natural wonders, and enjoy a night out on the town?  If you're looking for an affordable road trip to take with family and friends, Fort Wayne has so much to offer.  Check out our latest Travel Guide and find some new destinations to visit and make lasting memories with your loved ones! more Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo first opened its doors in 1965, and this impressive 40 acre facility is now home to 1,400 animals.  It’s a wonderful way to spend some time outdoors, learning new facts about animals, meeting critters up close and personal, and enjoying some quality family bonding for all ages.  It’s budget friendly as well, with tickets under $20 (babies are free!) Science Central is a regional museum dedicated to inspiring young minds to explore the sciences and STEAM activities with hands-on learning!  Tickets are affordably priced between $10-$12, with kids 2 and under free.  Where else could you check out mastodon bones, walk on the moon, and perform science experiments live?  There’s also lots of great physical activities including a two-story slide!  Perfect place to bring your high-energy kids to get the wiggles out. The Genealogy Center and Lincoln Collection is a unique experience for those who love a more scholarly destination.  Enjoy a tour of the facility with a knowledgeable guide for personal exploration or research purposes.  Ask the Genealogy Librarians questions about researching your family tree, or schedule a personal consultation for a 30 minute in-depth one-to-one meeting. Debrand Fine Chocolate is a super sweet way to have some fun and a delicious reward at the end!  This artisanal chocolatier offers guided tours to visitors of all ages where you’ll watch a short informational film, sample some of the finest confections, get a behind the scenes look at operations, and then exit through the most delicious gift shop there is! Sweetwater Music Store is the largest purveyor of instruments and music gear in the United. States.  Want to try your hand at “Stairway” on a spectacular electric guitar? No one will stop you from rocking out, here!  Open 7 days a week, this incredible musical supercenter is a musicians dream. The Embassy Theatre was built in 1928 as a movie theatre, but was later converted into a music hall and performance center. It’s now the official home of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra.  Stop by and book tickets for an upcoming show and enjoy some stand-up comedy, musical theatre, live concert, and so much more. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is a wondrous place to behold! This enclosed nature conservatory is located in downtown Fort Worth and is a lush, tropical paradise filled with bold blossoms, waving palms, and a cascading waterfall.  With three indoor gardens covering 24,500 square feet, you’ll have plenty of exciting things to see.  There’s also a whimsical goldfish pond that’s sure to delight curious minds! The Fun Farm is a one-of-a-kind memorable experience with 100 square feet of space to explore in each unique playhouse!  Rent an individual play house for your family and friends and spend the day laughing, making memories, and enjoying all sorts of cheerful entertainment.  You can opt in to balloon art, face painting, caricature drawing, and even visits from costumed pals! Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in nearby Auburn is a must see for automotive fans!  Dedicated to preservation of Auburn Automobiles, Cord Automobiles, and Duesenberg Motors Company.  With a combination of both rotating and permanent exhibits, there’s always something new and exciting to see when you visit.  Whether you’re enjoying car themed artworks, exploring vintage vehicles, or learning about automotive engineering, we’re sure it’ll be a hit on your vacation. The Fort Wayne Museum of Art’s focus is collecting, preserving, and exploring decades of history in American Art, and encouraging the public to engage in these unique perspectives. With both permanent and rotating traveling exhibits, visitors can observe and appreciate artwork from the 19th century through today. Escape Rooms in the Fort Wayne area include “Fort Wayne Escape Room”, “ Escapology”, “LockedUpLife” and “Hysterium Escapes” with themes and difficulties of numerous levels tailored to your party’s age group.  A great exercise for teamwork and camaraderie as you work to solve a puzzle, solve codes, and explore mysteries all before the clock runs out! Artlink Contemporary Art Gallery is a regional non-profit organization that supports the creative arts through exhibitions, workshops, classes, and events!  The gallery provides free admission for all to enjoy the work of local Indiana state artists. Lindenwood Nature Preserv e is an outstanding 100 acre wooded preserve with a gorgeous open-air pavilion, 4 different hiking trails to explore, picnic facilities, and a sparkling lake. Lakeside Park and Rose Garden is a stunning facility with 2,000 rose plants,a fish pond, and 25.8 acres of space for enjoying recreational activities such as trail walks, tennis, basketball, fishing, skating, picnics, and more.  It has been open since 1908 and named a National Rose Garden in 1928.  It’s a wonderful place to rest, relax, and even enjoy a little romance! Bread and Circus Gallery is committed to highlighting community connection to art through artist residencies, local and regional art exhibitions, and international and national artist mentorships.  It’s the place to be if you want to have your finger on the pulse of emerging and newly established artists on the rise. Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum is located in a former engine house, and showcases artifacts, gear, memorabilia, and even fire trucks from days gone by!  It’s going to delight and impress even the youngest in your midst, especially the fire truck enthusiasts. You’ll have a chance to take a journey back in time through two floors of exhibits, and can even opt into a special workshop to get some safety training of your own! Hanson Quarry Observation Deck is an impressive and thrilling viewing deck above a 1,000-foot-deep hole in the ground known as “Indiana’s Grand Canyon.  You don’t have to be a geological expert to enjoy the magnificent sight of this limestone quarry!  It’s a gorgeous photo op for the whole family to enjoy. Have you got a favourite place to visit in Fort Wayne, Indiana that we’ve left off this list? Let us know in the comments on our social media and we may include it in a future road trip guide! Walking Downtown Fort Wayne Indiana Things to Do in Fort Wayne Indiana

There’s no better way to say farewell to summer and hello to the pending fall weather than a great campout!  And of course, as the nights get cooler and the days shorter, a great campfire is an absolute must! Today is national campfire day, and we thought it fitting to share fun and easy ways to camp in your vehicle!  No matter if you’re just taking a little nap on the side of the highway on an epic road trip, or you’ve made plans for a wilderness adventure as a weekend getaway, you’ll find lots of useful content on today’s blog.  We’ve got tips and tricks for campfires, campsite meals, gadgets and gizmos to camp in your car without a tent, and more. more Here’s some easy hacks to staying safe while using your car as a campsite: Make sure the space you choose for your car campout is a legal parking area; some spaces may require temporary passes, permits, or registration. Choose a flat, shaded area so your car will be stable and cool, and make sure the parking brake is engaged to avoid accident or injury. Adhere to posted signage and any warnings for roving wildlife, natural disaster prone areas, areas available to hunters/bowman, etc. Charge your electronics while you’re driving and ensure they’re fully powered before you turn in for the night.  Otherwise, choose a portable solar charger or battery pack for your car and electronics. Ensure all of your food is safely stowed in a container with a secure lid or a cooler. Hang a battery operated headlamp or battery operated lantern nearby for safety especially in case you need to take a bathroom break, check on your pets or human companions, or just do a little late night reading. Make sure your windows are open to provide proper ventilation and air circulation; you can DIY your own mesh window covering or buy a car tent mesh window cover. Make sure you have given your location to a family member or friend for safety, and check in with them before you turn in for the evening, and again when you wake up, for safety precautions. Check out this really cool camping conversion for a car: Great Car Camping Gadgets Buffing Hero’s Non-Inflatable Car Mattress is under $200 and a great portable mattress for backseats, hatchbacks, and more. Portable Camping an with LED Lantern and 40H Battery Life is great for circulating air and keeping cool while resting for less than $20. EcoNour  Car Window Screens for Camping 2 Pack is under $20 and keeps the bugs and pests out but lets fresh air in and is under $20 a pair. Tips and Tools for Making a Great Campfire: Adhere to any posted signage that allows or prohibits bonfires, firepits, grilling, etc. Follow one of the 5 methods of building a campfire. Check out Smokey the Bear’s tips for maintaining a safe and sustained campfire. Do not light a campfire or ignite anything near a vehicle as it is a fire hazard. Learn how to choose the right area of a campsite to build your campfire or fire pit. Snag yourself these essential campfire tools The Campfire Pocket Torch on REI.com A good pair of fire gloves from REI.com Campfire utensils from REI.com A Cast Iron Fire Pit Griddle A Cast Iron Dutch Oven Wonderful Campfire Recipes to Try on Your Next Campout Vegan Camping Meals Campfire Fish Recipe Campfire Trout with Herbs and Bacon Mini S’mores Grilled Corn in Husk Camper’s Breakfast Hash Skillet Herb Bread Get-Up-And-Go Granola

Today is National Dash Cam Day!  We’re here to help shine a light on one of the most important new tools to enhance safety and security for all vehicles and all drivers.  Give yourself more peace of mind in the event of an accident, reduce the chances of theft, and even potentially lower your car insurance premium thanks to added protection. more This tiny camera can be mounted on the windshield or dashboard of your vehicle, and the rear windows.  Dash cams are a wonderful piece of technology that can help accurately report damage during collisions by serving as a witness with record, improves your driving skills, and can upload footage to the cloud for later use as needed. It’s also a great way to protect younger drivers by having an “extra set of eyes” when you can’t be there as a parent to monitor them. Basic models will record the road, mid-range models offer additional protecting like parking monitoring, and higher level options can do all of that and more! Check out our picks for some options to fit just about every need and budget. The Dual Dash Cam Front and Inside 1080P Camera for $59.99 on Amazon has Infrared Night Vision and dual mounting options.  It’s great for drivers who spend a lot of time on the road after dark, and also great for monitoring your car if you use street parking.  In addition, it has features that trigger the camera recording if your car is hit while parked. LAMTTO’s Mirror Dash Cam with Front and Rear Dual Camera and Parking Assistant is another great budget friendly feature on our list today. At just $69.99 on Amazon at the time of posting this, it’s a fantastic entry level model to increase your safety and security without breakin the bank. The Nextbase 222 Dash Cam is available for $90 at Walmart and it has 1080P HD capabilities, and enhanced tech for both daytime and nighttime recording. It’s compact design makes it convenient to place anywhere to monitor your car both on and off the road.  It’s got a low-profile design and high-strength magnets for easy installation that stays out of your eyesight. Car and DRiver’s Dash Cam Road Patrol Dual FHD 1080P Cameras have a Sony sensor, night vision, GPS and more.  The convenient and clear OLED touch screen makes it easy to change settings, view footage, and navigate menu options.  It will keep your car safe on and off the road with Drivesmart Alert System for enhanced driver safety, and parking mode which starts recording as soon as it detects a collision. The Garmin Dash Cam 47 at Best Buy for $169.99 may not be the highest quality camera on the market, but it’s got clear visuals, an easy app interface, it’s simple to install and use, and it’s a great value for the dollar! The Thinkware U1000 Wi-Fi Dash Cam with 32GBS memory card and Rear View Camera is the top tier price point on our list, but it's worth it. With 4K UHD Dash Cam Resolution, Low-Light 30FPS Recording potential, a built-in GPS tracker with microphone and speaker, and the Thinkware Cloud App for iOS and Android, it’s the best of the best right now on the market. It also includes driver assistance features such as forward collision, lane departure, and other safety features. Check out this video from CNET on Choosing a Dash Cam for your car: