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Welcome to another edition of our Car Care Service Tips blog!  We’re here to help you maintain our vehicle between your regularly scheduled maintenance appointments at our service center and auto body shop.  Check out these summer essential service points before you head out on your next long drive or day trip. more Check Tire Air Pressure and Rotate Tires After several day-trips or even a lengthy drive to your vacation destination, your car tires are going to have seen their fair share of wear-and-tear.  Check the tread depth for signs of wear or uneven tread; replace or patch any damaged tires.  Check the tire pressure before you depart on your next adventure, and especially with any 10 degree temperature change outside. Inflate them to the recommended PSI from the manufacturer’s guidelines. Make sure you bring your car in for a wheel alignment check and have the tires rotated to ensure even wear. Top off Fluids While it’s important to keep your car’s fluids in check on the regular and with each seasonal maintenance, it’s imperative that during the summer months you especially keep an eye on your Coolant and motor oil levels. An increase in summer travel along with high-heat can mean these fluids are depleted quicker than average, and the last thing you want is to be stranded on the highway with a seized engine.  Make sure that you have Antifreeze/Coolant topped off as well as the appropriate oil before you leave on a long trip. Change Oil and filter Each vehicle make/model will differ in mileage requirements for oil changes, but most are between 3,000 and 6,000 miles between an oil change service.  Be sure that you bring your car in at the appropriate mileage markers especially if you’ve been making frequent drives or a long journey.  It will ensure your vehicle runs more efficiently in hot weather, reducing the chance of a seized engine or fuel inefficiency. Clean and/or replace air filter Summer heat means running the AC frequently, and that can lead to a need to replace your air filter in just one or two months as opposed to the usual 3.  Make sure you’re regularly checking the filter and cleaning it as needed, or replacing it earlier if you’ve been doing a lot of driving this summer.  It will ensure that your AC runs properly and can consistently cool your vehicle. Park your car in the shade Finding the shadiest spot in the lot during summer has quite a lot of benefits for your vehicle.  The most obvious benefit of a shady spot is keeping the interior cool, making it more comfortable for you to drive later and preventing damage to the car’s leather or fabric surfaces.  If you can’t find a shady spot, you can add a window shade or a sunshield to the windshield and prevent UV light from warming your car as quickly.  Shaded parking over the long term can also help protect the longevity of your car’s paint and protective clear coat, which can be damaged over time by long exposure to direct sunlight.  Using a fabric car cover for prolonged storage or lengthy parking times such as a few days can help keep paint safe. Is there a topic you wish to see covered in depth on a future service post update? Let us know in the comments on our social media!

There’s only a few short weeks left until the season ends and school begins again, so let’s make the most of it with one last memorable camping adventure of the Summer! Today we’re highlighting some of our best picks for gadgets we’ve found for those who seek to elevate their road trip to the next level.  We’re covering must-have gadgets for globetrotting “glampers” who want a taste of that instagrammable “Van Life” with all the modern amenities.  You’ll find everything from portable power units that can run your whole car or camper, outdoor friendly furniture and sleeping mats, and upscale GPS options for your offroad dreams.  Let us help you make the best of your last blast of summer in the coming weeks. more So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy that warm summer breeze while you can! If you’ve tried any of the items on this post, or have a suggestion of your own?  Feel free to chime in with a comment on our social media.  We’d love to hear what you have to say! YETI’s GoalZero portable power generator is a must-have for those who prefer to live off-grid on their road trips and campsites.  This plug-and-play option has solar powered charging, so you’ll never have to worry about the dangers of transporting fuel tanks or making a pit stop at a gas station to keep it powered.  It powers everything from laptops to tablets to gaming devices and phones, as well as featuring wall outlet options for lights and small cooking appliances.  Perfect for travel bloggers to keep their devices charged while recording beautiful scenery and vistas!  Works in weather conditions as chilly as  32º or as warm as 104º! Luno’s Air Mattresses are a top tier choice when it comes to inflatable mattresses for car camping and van life.  No matter what vehicle you’re using for your road trips, you’ll find one that fits perfectly for your exact make and model.  The company also makes a variety of additional accessories to make life more comfortable on the road. The Tread Powersport Navigator by Garmin is the ultimate accessory for your off-road adventures.  Gone are the days of shaking your phone in exasperation as the signal drops out again.  Forget about waiting for the infotainment system to load with its 1 bar of service.  With Tread, you’ll have seamless transition from road to rugged terrain along with a group ride option with radio and tracking for up to 20 of your pals.  You can sync the data across several wireless devices, too. It's perfect for traveling off the beaten track, with its weather resistant features and topographic mapping options.for North and Central America as well as US Forest Roads, Motor Vehicle Use Maps, and street makes of North America.  It highlights land boundaries and national parks and much more. A portable shower like the NEMO is an essential device for all hikers and campers to keep in their vehicle. Bid farewell to dirty boots, gear, and car mats;  rinse your equipment off before stowing it for the ride home, or wash your boots after hitting the muddy hiking trails.  Or keep it on hand at your next off-grid campout, so you can have a nice warm shower with fresh clean water!  It’s even great for hosing down your pets after a day in the mud or the sand!  No need to hang it off your vehicle like standard gravity showers, this one is easily portable and convenient with a foot pump and pressurized waterflow. The Belkin Magnetic Wireless Apple Compatible charger is the lowest priced item on our list, but certainly a must-have for tech savvy travelers. It’s compatible with the newest iPhone models from the 12 onwards, and uses USB-C and works with official MagSafe cases. The Carsule is an amazing pop-up camping option that fits most small to medium vehicles with hatchbacks or upward swing tailgates.  It easily folds and stows away in your trunk with space saving features.  Photographers and travel bloggers will enjoy the flexibility of being able to work on their photos, videos, and posts on the go. Campers and hikers will love the convenience for rests in between long hikes or day-to-day campsite rotation.  It’s a great budget friendly option with quick assembly that’s great for solo travel or couples.

What better way to celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day than a post highlighting our neighbors to the North: Wisconsin!  Wisconsin is the Cheese capital of the world, and for good reason; the state is home to six hundred different cheeses. And of course, what goes better with cheese than an incredible wine? Good thing that Wisconsin is home to some of the area’s best vineyards, too.  So for today’s post we’re taking you to “Wisconsin Wine Country” as we explore some of the region’s best wineries. more Welcome to Wisconsin’s Vineyards: We’ve already covered a little bit of the history of Wisconsin’s dairy farming industry, but did you know it’s also an area where wine grapes flourish?  Wisconsin is home to a variety of specialized grapes which do quite well thanks to the unusual soil composition of the Niagara Escarpment, the climate of the Mississippi River Valley, and the eastern-facing vineyards with lake effect air from Lake Wisconsin and the Wisconsin River. Check out these wonderful wineries with locally grown, locally harvested, and locally aged wines in Wisconsin: Best vineyards and wineries in Wisconsin: Wollersheim Winery & Distillery in Prarie du sac Staller Estate Winery in Delavan WI Cedar Creek Winery in Cedarburg WI Botham Vineyards & Winery in Barneveld Three Lakes Winery in Three Lakes WI Brambleberry Winery in Taylor WI Fawn Creek Winery in Wisconsin Dells WI Hawk’s Mill Winery in Browntown WI Spurgeon Vineyards & Winery Timber Hill Winery in Milton AEppelTreow Winery in Burlington WI Pieper Porch Winery & Vineyard in Waukesha Northleaf Winery in Milton WI Fermenting Cellars Winery in Janesville WI Edwin Brix Vineyard in Juneau SoLu Estate Winery & Meadery in Cascade Cambridge Winery in Cambridge Two Brothers’ Wines in Richfield Why do we love to pair wine and cheese? Here’s a little inside look into the science behind these iconic flavor profiles from usualwines.com! Wondering how to pair cheese and wine for an expert flavor profile?  Check out this blog from winecoolerdirect.com and learn more! Looking to pair your local wines with local cheeses? This Wisconsin Cheese Guide will do just the trick! Best places to snag artisanal cheese to host your own Wine and Cheese night: Best of Wisconsin Shop in Oregon WI Fromagination in Madison WI Wisconsin Cheese Makers in Egg Harbor WI Wisconsin Cheese Mart in Milwaukee The Cheese Wedge in West Bend Alp & Dell Cheese Store

It’s National Day of Motoring, and we’re honoring that holiday with a round-up of some of the most famous well-traveled roads, scenic highways and byways of America!  Check out these iconic landmarks and plan your next getaway today. more North Shore Scenic Drive in Minnesota: 449 miles from Classic Auto Group This 150-mile drive up Highway 61 stretches from Duluth, Minnesota, all the way up through to the Canadian border along the shores of Lake Superior. It makes its way through 8 state parks, and small shoreline towns filled with local seafood eateries, art galleries, and unique shops to explore. We recommend stops at: Split Rock Lighthouse, Grand Portage National Monument, the Great Lakes Aquarium, and Superior Hiking Trail, just to name a few. Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina: 665 miles from Classic Auto Group This winding 500-Mile roadway snakes all through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park as well as the Shenandoah National Parks.  The drive is worth making more than once, too, as this ever changing landscape is prime viewing in all seasons.  From the lush green canopies of the dense forest or rolling hills of fiery oranges, yellows, and reds in the autumn, to the wintertime hillsides dotted with ski slopes and snow capped mountainscapes, it’s never the same experience twice! Scenic Byway 12 in Utah: 1500 miles from Classic Auto Group Clocking in at 123 miles and an elevation of about 9,200 feet, this winding roadway dips in and out of red rock cliffs, mountainscapes, rural roadside towns, evergreen forests, and deep cut rock canyons. It’s worth planning stops at Dixie National Forest. Capitol Reef National Park, Anasazi State Park and Museum, Lower Calf Creek Falls, and lots of other incredible National Parks and historic sites.  This Byway is home to so many vistas and hot spots we could spend all day giving you an itinerary! High Road in New Mexico: 1,300 miles from Classic Auto Group Ever heard the phrase “you should take the high road,” well, turns out it’s not just a catchphrase!  You can actually take the higher ground from Santa Fe to Taos and back again.  This 56-mile stretch of road weaves its way through the Southwest across an ever changing landscape: from deserts to mountains to forests to farms and indigenous villages and historic sites.  You’ll want it on your bucket list for sure. Olympic Peninsula Loop in Washington: 2,000+ miles from Classic Auto Group Take a ride through the deciduous rainforests of the Olympic National Park in Washington state.  If you’re driving the entire length of the loop, it  clocks in at an average of 8 hours and 329 miles, wow!  You’ll find the area host to all manner of outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, rafting, fishing, and plenty of hiking trails.  You can visit the Hoh Rainforest, La Push Beach, Shi Shi Beach, Hurricane Ridge, Ruby Beach, and Lake Crescent  For a shorter trip, driving the route via Olympic National Park Quinault Lake and Rainforest Loop around the lake; it’s just 32 miles and is home to beautiful waterfalls, an impressive creek, and the world’s largest sika spruce. There’s so many ways to immerse yourself in the scenic views of magical, misty mountains and rich, emerald green treescapes. Pacific Coast Highway in California: 2,000+ miles from Classic Auto Group Clocking in at 656 miles, it’s the longest state route in California. It snakes southerly along the coast stretching from Washington State all the way through to the end of California.  If you’re driving the California portion only, the trip will take you about 5 hours to complete all 123 miles.  Recommended stops include Crescent City, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Half Moon Bay, the intimidating Devil’s Slide Trail, Shark Fin Cove, Davenport Beach, Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf and 17-mile drive, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Big Sur. Let us know your suggestions for Iconic Road Trip Destinations in the US that we should include on our next roundup! Pop your suggestions in the comments on our social media!

It’s summer road trip time, and we’re heading to the 2nd largest city in Missouri, just 5 hours drive from Classic Auto Group.  What do you say, wanna meet me in St Louis?  Well, then, hop in your new car from Classic Auto Group and let’s get this party started.  From Barbecue to Blues to History and Adventure, there’s lots to see in this iconic city where Lewis and Clark began their westward journey exploring America!  Check out our picks for unconventional and exciting stops to see when visiting this lively metropolis. more The City Museum is unmatched in ingenuity and artistic creativity, consisting of four incredible floors of unique art and architecture.  Perfect fun for the whole entire family,  no matter how old you are!  Explore the museum’s many tunnels, the cave system, more than 30 slides, an outdoor climbing space, exhibits made from repurposed and recycled materials, the Museum of Mayhem Mirth and Mystery, a circus, a rooftop Ferris Wheel, and a gravity-defying bus which hangs off the roof.  It’s unparalleled entertainment, and hard to describe, so you’ll have to see it for yourself! Grant’s Farm has been open to the public with free admission for more than 60 years. Once the home of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, it’s now owned by the Busch Family and operated as a 280+ acre historic farm and landmark.  You can enjoy a historic home tour, a visit with the animals, take aride around the park on the Tram, enjoy a spin on the carousel, and so much more!  It’s a must-see destination. Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum is a charming, kitschy venue located in an 1880s warehouse converted to an art museum.  For just $10 a person you can observe and take pictures with more than 200 lifelike wax sculptures of celebrities, characters, and important historical figures. The Magic House is perfect for families, and especially for those with younger children.  This not-for-profit museum is located in Kirkwood just outside the St Louis city limits.  Kids can explore hands-on exhibits, explore STEAM activities, and even a miniature village where they can enjoy some play-acting in different careers and hobbies.  PBS has also just opened an exhibit centering around “Molly of Denali” where you can learn about Alaska and Alaskan Native life! Citygarden Sculpture Park will be perfect to explore on a bright sunny day, and a fun way to pass the time without breaking the bank.  This nearly 3 acre sculpture garden is open to the public and full of quirky, unusual sculptures, beautiful water features, and expertly landscaped grounds. It's a photo op that will be one for the memory books, so be sure to snap lots of pics! The National Museum of Transportation houses one of the largest and most diverse collections of transportation vehicles in the world, with over 190 exhibits!  Set just outside of the city in Kirkwood, this 42 acre facility features iconic cars, vehicles, planes, trolleys, trains and so much more.  It’s a larger than life stop-off for the gearheads and history nerds. Laumeier Sculpture Park is another budget friendly option with free admission and plenty of outdoor activities and interesting things to see.  Another great attraction to explore in Kirkwood, it’s home to more than 70 large-scale outdoor sculptures, and is a gorgeous 105 acre open-air museum.  It’s also home to several special events each year, including the Laumeier Art Fair! The Pulitzer Arts Foundation provides special exhibitions and public programs to connect the public with art history and contemporary artwork and architecture.  It’s free to explore and housed in a building designed by internationally recognized architect Tadao Ando.  And it’s only 15 minutes west of the illustrious St Louis Arch. The Chess Hall of Fame is a nonprofit facility highlighting the history, art, and culture of this beloved game.  It’s purpose is to highlight the historical significance of chess, and its impact on arts and culture.  You’ll find monthly events catered to adults such as their Monthly music series, Sip & Sketch classes, Composer Spotlight Series, and more.  Families will enjoy special Toddler Tuesdays and Saturday Family Day geared just towards kids each week, and unique shows and programs perfect for all ages including the novice through expert. Other incredible places to see include: The St Louis Zoo, The St Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, The St. Louis Auto Show (January), Lone Elk Park, Forest Park, Municipal Theatre Association, Tower Grove Park, The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, Lemp Mansion, Weldon Spring Site & Interpretive Center, Venice Cafe, Turtle Playground, Missouri Botanical Garden, Miniature Museum of Greater St Louis, the National Blues Museum and so, so much more. Check out these great videos on YouTube to plan out even more of your itinerary! Expedia’s Guide to St Louis Vacation St. Louis Travel Guide 2022: 21 Things to Do in St Louis Top 8 House Museums of St Louis The Mural Mile Graffiti Art Tour of St Louis

Today is Ice Cream Soda Day! And we’re thinking about all the great old fashioned soda shoppes of yesteryear, and thought it would be fun to explore some of the great ice cream parlors that are still in operation today.  So let’s take a look at some of the spots that would make great stop-offs on your next cross country road trip! more Homer Soda Company in Homer, IL - 182 Miles from Classic Auto Group This specialty soda company began as a small retail storefront and quickly grew into a nationally loved wholesale soda distributor of retro soda flavors.  Their specialty blends and classic flavors can add a little excitement to your traditional ice cream soda flavors. They also sponsor the Homer Soda Festival which brings together craft soda makers from all around the country to one central location where you can try cocktails, mocktails, ice cream floats, and more! Stop by and pick up your favourites to make your own ice cream floats and sodas at home. Doc’s Just off 66 aka Doc’s Soda Fountain in Girard, IL - 261 Miles from Classic Auto Group This Local Family Favourite haunt started as the family owned Deck’s Drug Store in 1884, and a soda fountain opened some years later in1929. Taking over the family business from their grandfather, the lat Bill and Bob Deck maintained the property until the early 2000s. Bob and Renae Ernst purchased the building and renamed it as Doc’s Soda Fountain until it changed hands once again, but rest assured the new ownership has still kept tradition going strong!  Recent updates have seen a few facelifts and renovations to the interior, but it’s maintained much of its classic charms as a roadside stop off on the old Route 66.  Offering classic diner fare and soda shoppe treats. Crown Candy Kitchen in St. Louis, MO - 326 Miles from Classic Auto Group This place is just about everything one could hope for in a retro soda-fountain stop!  Offering homemade chocolates and vintage style classic candies, classic American Diner fare for lunch and dinner, and a plethora of classic soda shoppe drinks and treats.  Plus, the front of the shop is perfect for snapping a family photo for the memory books! Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum in Columbus, IN - 281 Miles from Classic Auto Group In operation since 1900, and founded by the 3 Zaharakos brothers from Greece, this magical establishment has opened its doors to countless families for every day treats as well as special events.  It’s got a classic soda shoppe facade, and interior that marks you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.  In 2009, restorations included a Museum Room, Soda Fountain Library, Mechanical Music Library, Banquet Room, and the late-1800s Victorian-style Crystal Parlor.  So what’re you waiting for? Don your best vintage attire and come on over! Elliston Place Soda Shop in Nashville, TN - 524 Miles from Classic Auto Group If you’re planning a trip to Nashville after our last travel guide, you’ll want to make sure to add Elliston’s to your itinerary!  Part soda shop, part diner, and 100% classic Southern, this gorgeous restaurant is sure to give you a memorable meal. It’s got charming old-school flare with retro tiled walls and classic jukeboxes galore! It’s a cant-miss destination. Other great American Soda Shoppes and Ice Cream Parlours to visit across the US: Brent’s Soda Fountain in Jackson, MS The Pickwick in Greenville, SC Goolrick’s Pharmacy in Fredericksburg, VA Toomer’s Drugs in Auburn, AL Leopold’s Ice Cream in Savannah, GA Shady Glen in Manchester, CT Eddie’s Sweet Shop in Forest Hills, NY Little Drug Co in New Smyrna Beach, FL Highland Park Soda Fountain in Dallas, TX St. Francis Fountain in San Francisco, CA Cole Drug Co in Big Timber, MT The Franklin Fountain in Philadelphia, PA

We love creating new travel guides for our readers, and helping you find new, exciting, and interesting places to explore! Today we're highlighting some of our picks for great car museums that highlight transportation history and the evolution of the automobile. We've even included a helpful mileage guide so you can plot your adventure there and back, and find other stops along the route. more Did we leave your favourite off the list? Let us know in the comments on our social media and we may just include your suggestions in a future post update. Amazing Automotive Museums to Explore: Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners , MI – 215 Miles from Classic Auto Group Just a short trip from our dealership is this gem of a car museum, chronicling the history of the American Automobile. The facility hopes that by sharing the history and heritage of automotive industry, visitors of all ages will be able to connect with the past and improve the future of transportation! What started in the early 1960s as the personal collection of Donald Gilmore was eventually grown into an incredible museum thanks to the ingenuity of his wife Genevieve. The non-profit foundation and museum have collected more than 400 vehicles and established a 90-acre historic campus including a vintage restored diner, working Shell Gas station, and additional smaller museums! Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, AL – 758 Miles from Classic Auto Group This incredible time capsule of transportation history showcases more than 1,500 motorcycles and cars including more than 50 Lotus Racecars! It's also home to the 3 day long Annual Barber Vintage Festival, one of the most renowned motorcycle events in the world! And if that's not enough, the facilities also include an on-site racing track. If you prefer the more educational side of things, a trip to the on-site Museum Research Library and archives is in order; you can take a gander at some iconic trophies, awards, toys, models, artwork, and so much more. Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, MA – 1,019 Miles from Classic Auto Group Located on a portion of the grounds in Larz Anderson Park, the facilities are home to America's Oldest Motorcar Collection! Two new exhibitions have been added to the 2022 roster, including “Hidden Treasures” and “Born of Necessity,” shown alongside the permanent exhibit known as “The Anderson Collection.” Visitors can get an up close look at historic vehicles and the evolution of the automobile since its inception, and can attend a series of workshops, lectures, and also observe memorabilia and literature on the subject. With the advent of warmer weather, the museum has also rekindled its series of outdoor driving events and car shows, so be sure to check out the calendar of events for updates! Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FL – 1,141 Miles from Classic Auto Group This incredible automotive museum is truly one-of-a-kind and covers the history of the exhilarating sport of Drag Racing. Since 1976, the facility has been home to 300 cars on display in multiple galleries in 2 buildings. In addition, the facilities also house a collection of memorabilia and history presentations in racing sports history. It also houses the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, where you'll learn about top competitors across the globe! They're open every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It makes a wonderful short stop-off on your next road trip or family vacation to Florida. National Automobile Museum in Reno, NV – 1,934 Miles from Classic Auto Group With an impressive permanent collection of more than 200 of America's most iconic cars from celebrity vehicles to champion race cars and limited edition collectibles, this is a Gearhead's Dream venue. Currently home to the “Cars of the Stars” exhibit and the “Batmobile Exhibit” to historic collections such as the “Thomas Flyer Exhibit” and “NASCAR Exhibit” you'll have a chance to explore many memorable and educational galleries. There's truly a car on site to impress just about everyone of any stage! Enjoy the life-like scenery and authentic recreations like a hardware store, vintage movie theatre, and more, each of which houses their own collection of memorabilia and artifacts. LeMay: America's Car Museum in Tacoma, WA – 2,222 Miles from Classic Auto Group With a 9-acre campus, 4-story tall building, and 165,000 feet of exhibition space, there's no shortage of things to see at the LeMay car museum. You'll enjoy a rotating and permanent collection of exhibitions and at least 350 cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Current collections include: “Reclaimed Rust: The James Hetfield Collection”, “Route 66: See the USA in your Chevrolet”, “Classics and Custom Coachworks”, “Legends of Motorsports: The NASCAR Story”, “Lucky's Garage: A Tribute to Harold LeMay” and much, much more. Blackhawk Museum in Danville, CA – 2,231 Miles from Classic Auto Group Consisting of five different galleries exploring different eras and topics in history, the Blackhawk Museum includes an extensive collection of automobiles in “The Classic Car Collection.” Covering everything from luxury performance cars to rare classics and contemporary collectibles, you'll explore some of the world's finest, most luxurious vehicles in a magnificent setting. The collection features a rotating selection of more than 40 iconic classic cars from movies to sports to racing. Other Museums of note worth fitting in to your next Road Trip schedule: Auto World Museum in Fulton, MO Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford, WI Wills Sainte Claire Museum in Marysville, MI Kemp Auto Museum in Chesterfield, MO Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum in MI The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum in Speedway, IN Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, TN National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia, PA More Great Museums to Explore: The Hollywood Star Car Museum in Gatlinburg TN Vault Tour of the Peterson Museum Collection The San Diego Automotive Museum https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCefoCa-GNhYe-dmZNnvxcwQ

Looking for an exciting new place to visit this summer on a family road trip? In just half a day's drive you can be on your way to exploring one of the great American traditions: The Kentucky Derby and world of competitive horse racing! On today's post, we're sharing our picks for great places to visit in Lexington and Louisville Kentucky and the surrounding areas. You'll find plenty of history, horseback riding, and great food and drink in “Horse County” Kentucky! Check out our travel guide and start plotting the Summer vacation of your dreams today, or plan ahead for a visit later this year. more Our Picks for Seriously Cool Things to Explore in Lexington and Louisville of Kentucky Lexington was founded as a city by the frontiersman and explorer William McConnell, about 17 years before Kentucky was ratified into statehood. It was named thus after word reached their encampment that the first battle of the American Revolutionary War had been fought in Lexington, Massachusetts. The settlers wanted to honor this iconic moment in American History, and named the settlement in kind. Book a public or private tour at one more more locations out of the 30+ Horse Stables, Farms, and Tracks in the Lexington Area via "Horse Country" Tours or one of these other organizations. Kentucky Horse Park is an incredible destination for horse lovers of all ages to tour the museum, walk about the facilities, learn about horse breeds, and even take a horseback ride or carriage ride. The activities, lectures, workshops, and presentations are educational and fun! You can even enjoy a weekend of camping for a taste of the great outdoors! Attend a race, learn about horses, or just enjoy the chance to explore the grounds on a tour of Keeneland, a National Historic Landmark. A destination for all things Horse Country, you'll have an opportunity to pet horses or ride one, purchase locally made goods, and enjoy some prime fine dining, among other fun activities! The Mary Todd Lincoln House is the childhood home of iconic American Political figure and spouse of President Lincoln Mary Todd Lincoln. The home has been converted into a 14 room museum and historic home open for tours, exhibitions, and lectures. See Kentucky like you've never seen it before with a Zipline Canopy Tour through Kentucky River Palisades with Viator. Why not spend a lovely day with your family enjoying the fresh air and local food and a one-of-a-kind dining experience by booking a Private Picnic with Goats for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. We guarantee you'll get some “instagrammable” moments and iconic family photos like never before! The Arboretum at the University of Kentucky is a beautiful and budget friendly activity for all ages. Your the grounds from dawn to dusk with absolutely free admission in this 100 acre public garden and horticultural displays on the campus grounds. Louisville was founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark, and named after King Louis XVI of France after his assistance during the Revolutionary War; it's also known as “Falls City” as relates to its position on the Falls of the Ohio. It's now known as the home of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Fried Chicken, home of legendary boxer Mohammed Ali, and of course the famous Louisville Slugger Baseball Bats! The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville is an award winning museum and multicultural center devoted to preserving the legacy and history of Louisville native and champion athlete Muhammad Ali. Check out the exhibits, galleries and presentations to learn more about his life and legacy. The Saint James Court Art Show and Fair in Old Louisville returns annually in October! The Conrad Caldwell House Museum in Louisville is an incredible historic home from the Victorian Era that's open to touring year round, and also hosts programs, events, and rotating exhibitions! The Louisville Mega Cavern is a true wonder to behold and great for explorers of all ages for walking tours, tram rides, as well as zip-line adventures! The Derby Museum in Louisville offers visitors of all ages a look into the history and tradition of the Kentucky Derby event! You'll also have an opportunity to meet Thoroughbreds, Miniature horses, and even create some horse themed artwork. It's a blast for the whole family! Sportsfans will delight in a tour of the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Bourbon Tasting Room experience located next door! Explore the tastes of the South with a tour along the Urban Bourbon Trail of Louisville by exploring distilleries and breweries of craft brews and bourbons! The Waterfront Park at Louisville is a non-profit public park meant to connect residents and visitors with their neighbours, serve as a community hub, and central meeting point for folks from all walks of life! Enjoy fundraiser events, waterfront yoga classes, kids and family camps, Pokemon meet-ups, the yearly lantern festival flea markets and craft fairs, 5ls, bike racing and so much more all year round. The Frazier History Museum in Louisville offers a wonderful look into the local culture and tradition of Kentucky. Explore local history with a series of current and upcoming exhibitions highlighting historic neighbourhoods, iconic moments in US history, local artisans and artwork, and even regional food and beverage. Short on time or just passing through on the way to your next adventure? Here's a crash course plan for exploring the best of Louisville, Kentucky in 24 hours! A 3-hour drive along the Kentucky Scenic Byway makes a great detour and day trip for those who enjoy a scenic drive with plenty of overlooks and stop-offs for photo opportunities. The 71/2 mile stretch of Lincoln Heritage Scenic Highway runs from Hodgenville through New Haven, Bardstown, Springfield, Perryville, Danville and more as you drive along the Mississippi. Take a drive along the Bluegrass, Blues and BBQ Byway on a tour of Kentucky! Amazing Eateries and Distilleries to Check out in the Lexington and Louisville area: Dudley’s on Short in Lexington Carson’s Food & Drink in Lexington Tony’s of Lexington Josie’s Restaurant in Lexington Pies & Pints in Lexington The Social Vegan in Lexington Moody Mike’s in Lexington Mellow Mushroom Lexington Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine Lexington Minton’s in Lexington Oasis Mediterranean restaurant Lexington Lussi Brown Coffee Bar in Lexington Graze in Lexington Barzeiros Brazillian Steakhouse in Louisville Vincenzo's in Louisville Proof on Main in Louisville Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville Prohibition Craft Spirits Copper & Kings Louisville Brough Brothers Distillery Louisville Angel’s Envy Distillery in Louisville Old Forester Distilling Co in Louisville Check out these videos for more great travel tips: Top Ten Things to Do in Lexington Kentucky Kentucky Top 10: Travel Guide for Louisville and Lexington 15 Things to Do in Louisville Kentucky

Today is Shark Awareness Day, a holiday created by marine biologists and scientists to dispel fear, myths, and misinformation around these incredible ocean dwelling creatures. Check out our post today to learn all about these amazing creatures, local aquariums where you can see them up close and personal, and other fun facts. more Here at Classic Auto Group, we're thrilled to not only be doing our part to move towards sustainability and protect these creatures, but we're honored to sell vehicles from brand manufacturers that have committed to the same! Thanks to combined conservation efforts, these majestic sea dwelling predators will continue to thrive in their watery worlds for many years to come. We hope that global conservation organizations and research teams will continue to find ways to care for and protect our oceans, and sharks will be around for hundreds of years more. If exploring the open ocean in person doesn't seem quite your style, you may wish to adventure more safely to these local aquariums! May all the budding marine biologists in our mist become inspired by outreach programs and in-person exhibits. Here are some wonderful facilities that are worth visiting this summer with your family and friends: The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is home to more than 20 sharks in its 400,000 gallon habitat! You'll find Blacktip Reef Sharks, Sandbar Sharks, Japanese and Spotted Wobbegongs, Zebra Sharks, Bamboo Sharks, Bonnethead Sharks, Horn Sharks, Dogfish, Leopard Sharks, and Swell Sharks! The field scientists of Shedd Aquarium are working tirelessly on conservation efforts, and currently conducting research in the Caribbean to learn about how to best safeguard these majestic ocean predators. Seven Seas at the Brookfield Zoo in Riverside has a wonderful aquarium feature with gorgeous bottlenose dolphins as their star attraction. It's also been home to two types the Horn Shark and the Leopard Shark, and has played home to a rotating cast of characters from the deep blue sea over the years! Oceans of Fun in Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee is host to a 28,000 gallon Pacific Coast Marine Aquarium featuring gorgeous landscaped habitats and touch-a-ray displays. It has been home to White-Spotted Bamboo Sharks and Bonnethead Sharks along with Sting Rays, and an ever-changing cast of creatures. Reiman Aquarium at Discovery World in Milwaukee has a many wonderful exhibits exploring all sorts of aquatic and marine life, and has highlighted several species of shark in the past, including a previous installation touch-tank experience with bamboo sharks! A visit to their Facebook page also explains how the staff helps train and feed the animals. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque, IA is a pinnacle research center and museum associated with the Smithsonian Institution that helps connect visitors with the importance of the Mississippi River. Their “Rivers to the Sea 2.0” exhibit explains how major waterways across the US contribute to larger environmental and biological effects. You'll learn about aquatic environments and the different species that live in each, and even get to learn about how Great White Sharks breed. The facilities offer outreach programs to the Midwest including a mobile shark touch tank, and the Conservation Lab provides virtual and physical labs to connect folks with research and exhibits. Do you ever find yourself wondering how these incredible animals get transported from aquarium to aquarium or from rehabilitation centers back to the ocean? This is an incredible article from a few years back on aquatic transport that explains exactly that! Special transports and vehicles are needed to move aquatic animals around the world, and as automotive aficionados we find the whole ordeal really interesting! How Do Sharks Get to Georgia Aquarium: Moving A Shark into Audubon Aquarium: Have some budding marine biologists or automotive afficionados in your midst? Check out these amazing options in toys for young minds that will inspire them to connect with sharks and other sea creatures and protect their environments. Fisher-Price Go Diego Go Shark Rescue Car Animal Planet Shark Rescue Transport Truck Matchbox Marine Rescue Shark Ship

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

Saddle up your horses and let’s hit the road!  Today’s travel guide is all about Nashville, Tennessee! We’re going to check out some of the classic stops and sites to visit, but also some great places with more untapped potential.  We want to highlight some of the more unique and interesting places that are often left off travel guides, and we hope you’ll find them intriguing enough to explore on your own! more And of course, as always, if we’ve left your fave destination off our list, you can suggest it in the comments of our social media. We love hearing from you and looking into reader suggestions for future travel guides. Grand Ole Opry is synonymous with Nashville. This American Country Music stage has been open since 1925 when it began as a 1-hour radio show on WSM, and has since been host to just about every legend in the genre!  You can book a behind the scenes tour of the facility for an up-close look at the past and present of country music performance, and then snag tickets to a show after! Country Music Hall of Fame Museum is a leading institute for research and preservation of American Music History, and one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to music.  It has an incredible and extensive musical collection of more than 2 million artifacts from the industry. And it’s been building new exhibits and preserving more history year after year since the mid-to-late 1960s! Visit on your own self-guided, or schedule a tour with a local guide and group. Johnny Cash Museum is an amazing destination which commemorates the life, contributions, and career of the iconic music legend, and it’s one of Nashville’s top must-see attractions. Gaylord Opryland Resort and Garden Conservatory is more than just a beautiful place to stay!  In fact, you can enjoy it even if you haven’t booked your lodgings there.  The grounds are open to the public and managed by a staff of more than 20 horticulturalists. You can book a ticket and explore the grounds, visit the indoor and outdoor water park, and talk a walk through the historic hotel. The Nashville Parthenon at Centennial Park is an incredibly impressive full-scale replica of the Athens Parthenon in Greece, since Nashville was known as “Athens of the South.”  Originally built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Expo, the city tore the structure down in 1920, and rebuilt it from long-lasting materials in 1931. A $12million restoration and renovation project was unveiled in 2001, and it is now reopened to the public for all to enjoy.  The Parthenon is open 7 days a week to the general public with minimal entry fees. “Music Row” is set in the heart of Nashville, and is home to just about every record label, radio station, and recording studio in the Country Music industry.  Many streets in the area are even named in honour of country music stars!  You can take a sightseeing tour and get an in-depth look at the industry for a more intimate experience.  You’ll even find RCA Studio B, home to recording artists like Elvis and Dolly Parton!  And if you play your cards right, you might catch a glimpse of some of your country music faves as they head in for a session or stroll about the town. Tennessee State Museum is a wonderful new place to explore the history of Tennessee in depth!  The rotating series of exhibitions and permanent collections cover the rich cultural history of the state.  Enjoy lectures and workshops on the history of community, culinary traditions, entertainment and music, sports and so much more.  Explore and learn about the Civil War, check out artifacts and clothing, and get an up close look at history. Lane Motor Museum holds one of the largest collections of European Cars and Motorcycles in the whole USA!  This non-profit organization was founded by the Lane family to commemorate the family automotive business, and chronicle the automotive industry.  Explore the permanent collection and a rotating series of exhibits with memorabilia, media, and more.  Your whole family will love looking at the unique cars and vehicles and archival goodies! Frist Art Museum has been contributing to the preservation of arts and culture in the area for more than 20 years now.  Housed in the historical building a former US Post Office, this 24,000 square foot facility is dedicated to providing locals with a rotating collection of arts programming, historical artifacts, and in depth overview of art from around the globe.  You’ll find everything from paintings to sculptures to lectures to historical costuming!  It’s a fantastic place where fun meets curiosity and education. Texas Troubadour Theatre is a wonderful historic spot to enjoy live radio shows and musical performances, and is also home to a non denominational Sunday worship service if you’re into that sort of thing. It’s right across the street to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which would be the perfect way to end your day, enjoying live music with the family! Natchez Trace Parkway is a historic forest trail and roadway that runs 400+ miles from Nashville down to Natchez in Mississippi, and is a great mini-road trip side step on your getaway.  This route commemorates the “Old Natchez Trace” route, originally created and used by Native Americans in the region for centuries,; later, European traders and American explorers used it as a trade/travel route between eastern states and southern frontier land with food and lodging stations dotting the way.  It’s now one of the most used Federal Roads in the entire National Parks System! Music City Escape Room is a popular stop-off for friend groups and families to enjoy a little break from all the sight-seeing and concert performances.  Keep your brains active and thinking caps on as you race against the clock to escape the many themed rooms and puzzles. Marathon Village is housed in the brick building of the former Marathon Motor Works automotive factory which was built in 1881! This historic building is home to a bustling creative community including small businesses, one-of-a-kind retail shops, a bourbon distillery, antiques shop, and is also the homebase for the folks at American Pickers on HIstory Channel!  The site is also host to many wonderful, vibrant special events, workshops, and series  open to the public. It’s a hotspot for eclectic nightlife activities and unique dining options. Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple of Nashville is a bustling cultural hub for educational and spiritual activities, and promotes a very welcoming environment to all folks from all social, religious, and cultural backgrounds!  Attend a meditation workshop, explore the beautiful architecture and artwork, and visit the cafe restaurant on site.  It’s a very unique stop on your trip! Nashville Food Tours, Pedal Party Bars, and Local Distilleries/Breweries are plentiful in downtown Nashville.  You can take a pedal tour and do a pub/distillery crawl, or visit such places as the Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Tennessee Brew Works,  and more! Looking for unique places to eat in the area? Here are some of the top recommendations from locals and frequent visitors: Bluebird Cafe Butcher & Bee on Main Street Arnold’s Country Kitchen on 8th Ave South The Stillery on 2nd Ave North The Continental Restaurant Once Upon a Time in France Henrietta Red Ellington’s Rolf & Daughters Hattie B’s Hot Chicken Midtown on 19th Ave Bolton’s Spicy Chicken Main street Prince’s Hot CHicken Shack South Nolensville Pike Biscuit Love Got a unique stop and destination in Nashville we might’ve left off our list or a fave local eatery we should know about? Tell us in the comments section of our social media, and your suggestions might make it into an updated Travel Guide! Check out these additional local suggestions and vacation tips:

If you’ve ever taken a car ride with kids, you know it’s almost always a “bumpy ride” so to speak.  With the advent of Summer, that means lots more trips: to the beach, to grandma’s, to the cabin, to the world’s biggest ball of yarn, etc etc.  And that means lots more need to keep the little ones entertained so you can arrive to your destination with minimal nerves frazzled. more Every parent or caregiver knows that long car rides can be a test of patience and strength when it comes to traveling with your children. But we’re here to help ease the stress with great options for keeping your kids too busy for them to argue, bicker, or ask “ are we there yet?” for the 100th time! Our content today is a fun car post filled to the brim with activities and entertainment for your whole family while on the road. We’ve also got a list of great games for playing at your hotel, campsite, or vacation home.  And as always, feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments and it might make it into a future blog post. Families will love bonding with classic card games like Memory, Go Fish, Spoons, and more with the National Parks Playing cards, and parents will feel great knowing that funds from each sale of the minimalist Playing Card Deck go into helping fund America’s National Parks System.  Their bright geometric designs make them an eye catching delight to any games collection. Making a roadside stop for the night or looking to give the kids a screen break in the RV? Take a load off and enjoy the Parks Board Game. It’s a fun game for the whole family, and also a great strategy game with an educational twist about our National Parks system. This National Parks Travel Edition for Yahtzee is perfect for planes, trains, and automobiles!  Families will love this update featuring icons and imagery of some familiar National Landmarks in the Parks System with unlimited hours of family game night fun. National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas is jam packed with games, maps, activities, and facts to entertain kiddos on any car trip.  It’s also a great way to get kids involved in vacation planning, as there are lots of iconic stops and sites listed.  Try letting your kids suggest a point on the map for your next getaway! The Road Trip Travels and Activity Journal for Kids has a plethora of more than 100 Games, Mazes, Mad Libs, Scavenger Hunts, Word Searches, and so much more.  There’s also fun prompts to get your kids engaged with the road trip experience by writing about what they see and how they feel, and log their family memories.  It’s a wonderful alternative to screen time and allows them to connect with creativity. The 50 States: Explore the USA book is perfect for family fun time in the car.  Take turns reading out facts about each state, or hone in on the one you’re visiting and see how many places you've been!  It’s also a great way to begin orienting your kids to using maps, and familiarizing themselves with US locations and historic sites. National Parks of the USA is a wonderful illustrated book that details all of the beauty and wonder of America’s great National Park system.  Kids will love learning about landmarks, geography, wildlife, and plants of each area.  It’s perfect for history and nature enthusiasts alike.  The bright, colorful, and bold illustrations are captivating for all ages, making it a great activity to share between siblings. Follow That Map! Is a wonderful introduction for kids to navigating a physical map. In the age of GPS technology, reading a map is no longer a typically acquired skill, but it’s important nonetheless.  Kids can gain a better understanding of how to use a map’s key features and icons, and learn how to chart a trip or hike with this basic guide.