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It’s International Mud Day, and what better way to get in touch with your wild side than off-roading and ATV adventures!  Today’s blog is all about excitement and exploration as we take a look at great trails across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana that are built just for adventure and thrill seekers!  Some of these destinations are a distance away, but they’ll make a perfect road trip for you and some friends.  Hitch the trailer up to your new car from Classic Auto Group and take this show on the road, whether you’re offroading in your Truck or SUV or hitting the trails on your dirtbike, ATV, or motorcycle. more Great Trails for Offroading and Rally Racing: Des Plaines River Trail in Libertyville, IL - 10 miles from Classic Auto Group Grants Wood Preserve in Ingleside, IL - 15 miles from Classic Auto Group Lakewood Preserve in Wauconda, IL - 18 miles from Classic Auto Group River Road Rally Park in McHenry, IL - 25 miles from Classic Auto Group Richard Bong State Recreation Center in Kansasville, WI - 32 miles from Classic Auto Group Rocky Glen OHV Park in Rockford, IL - 100 miles from Classic Auto Group Fox Valley Off Road in Ottawa, IL - 105 miles from Classic Auto Group The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off-Road Park in Marseilles, IL - 110 miles from Classic Auto Group South Wayne ATV Park in South Wayne, WI - 127 miles from Classic Auto Group Cheese Country Trail at Mineral Point WI - 161 miles from Classic Auto Group Riverview ATV Park in Kewaunee, WI - 170 miles from Classic Auto Group South Fork Dirt Riders in Taylorville, IL - 250 miles from Classic Auto Group Brushy Ridge Motosports in Browning, IL - 255 miles from Classic Auto Group Sandhill Wildlife Area Scenic Drive - 226 miles from Classic Auto Group Redbird State Recreation Area in Duggar, IN - 266 miles from Classic Auto Group Coyote ATV Trails in Coulterville, IL - 360 miles from Classic Auto Group Little Egypt Off Road Motorcycle Club in Marion, IL - 370 miles from Classic Auto Group Looking for trailers to haul your ATV and bike? TrailerSuperstore.com has just about anything and everything you can think of to take your equipment on the road. New to ATV and off-roading? No problem! Check out these great videos for some beginner tutorials, or perhaps a refresher.  Not sure how to load an ATV into your truck or trailer? We’ve got you covered.  It’s all here in our gallery of YouTube Videos:

Today is Take Your Pet to Work Day!  So we thought it would be helpful to highlight a few safety tips for traveling with your furry friend in the car and on the road.  These tips and tricks will keep your pets healthy and secure on all of your adventures, be they commuting to the office or away on a vacation.  Check it out! more Always travel with ample water to ensure that you and your pet can remain hydrated and cool down in event of excess heat and extreme weather conditions.  In some cases, you can even include a small towel to saturate with cool water to help your dog stay cool. It’s tempting to keep your dog in your lap for company, or to allow them to roam in the car instead of howling or whining anxiously in the back, but it’s extremely important to keep them secured and safe.  Not only are roaming dogs a distraction for drivers, but it can cause a pet unnecessary injury or death should your vehicle become involved in an accident. The safest place for your pet is secured in the backseat in a pet-safe seatbelt harness or pet friendly car seat, or secured in the cargo area. If your dog gets car sickness and vomits, you can avoid that situation by having the dog travel on an empty stomach, and keep them secured in their seat so they will settle and rest. For dogs that are nervous or excitable about car travel, having your dog practice by letting them sit in the car with you in the driveway, followed by short drives of increasing length around the local area can help get them accustomed to the feeling. Keep your car well ventilated while driving, but don’t allow your pet to hang out of any open windows or hatchbacks. Dogs have been known to jump out of windows and be placed in peril on busy highways, or leap out of them in parking lots or spotlights and go missing.  Cracking the window only enough so they cannot fit their head through, or aiming air conditioning/heating vents in their direction is best. On lengthy car trips, be sure to stop and allow your pet exercise every few hours and plan in some water and potty breaks in a dog-friendly area to reduce accidents as well as anxiety. Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. No matter whether it’s just for a moment, or if the windows are cracked, your pet should never be left by their lonesome in the car. In fact, as of May 2018, 28 different states have laws to protect animals left in a vehicle, especially when parked in dangerous conditions such as intense heat or cold, or parked in direct sunlight, etc.  Law enforcement may reserve the right to forcibly enter the vehicle to rescue the animal. A Car can be 20 degrees hotter inside than the outside ambient temperature, meaning even on a 70 degree day that feels lovely outside? Your vehicle can reach a dangerous high of 90 degrees in the interior, even with the window cracked.  On an 85 degree day, your car’s temperature will climb above 100 degrees in mere minutes, and within half an hour it will be an unbearable 120 degrees!  Shady spots do not offer efficient heat protection on hot days and as the sun shifts, so will the direct sunlight. Pets who are overweight, in their senior years, have special medical needs, and those with very dark coats are extra susceptible to the risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.Remember that Flat Faced Dogs and Cats are extremely susceptible to heat stroke, as their flat nasal and mouth cavities prevent their ability to properly breathe and cool themselves.  They cannot pant properly, and what appears to be “stubbornness” may in fact be exhaustion and early signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke! Ensure that your animal has a proper grooming and haircut for the summer months and warm weather.  Be sure to bring your pet to an experienced groomer for a trim, but be sure that they don’t fully shave them down to their skin unless medically necessary to prevent sunburn. Know the signs and symptoms of overheating in your pet.  These signs can include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, excessive drooling, weakness and wobbling, dazed or confused behavior, and even fainting.  Extreme heat can cause seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, and elevated body temperatures. Do not walk your pet on pavement or asphalt without proper foot protection for their paw pads; ambient temperatures above 65 degrees can already cause physical burns and discomfort as well as irreparable damage due to the fact that roadways, concrete, and rocks will be even hotter. This helpful information from the AKC will explain safe temperatures for pets and when footwear is necessary. CNET’s Smart Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe in the Car: Teach Your Dog to Get Into the Car: 5 Items to Have with you When Driving with Your Pet:

We love a good road trip car game that gets your ol’ noodle going!  So for today, National Scrabble Day, we’re sharing picks for fantastic car friendly word games for everyone to enjoy. From classic spoken word games using the alphabet to mobile and travel friendly versions of your favourite board games.  The best part about playing these games together is that they are silly, goofy, creative, and competitive and each one builds on each other to improve vocabulary and critical thinking skills.  Who says learning can’t be fun?! more Free Word Games to Play With the Whole Family Think Fast (No Purchases Required!) One person begins by suggesting a category theme (ex: Food, Animal, Places. etc) and a second player will have until the count of 10 to say (or shout) the name of an item that corresponds with that theme.  If the second player cannot think of something to name in the time it takes for a 10 count, they lose their turn and it passes to the next one.  If they come up with a word, it’s their turn next to pick a category and count for the next player.  For an added challenge you can use the rule of starting with alphabetical order “The Category is Flower, and you must use the letter A!” “Aster!” “The next category is Food and you must use the letter B!” “Blueberry” and so on until someone gives up, or you reach the end of the alphabet! The Alphabet Game (No Purchases Required!) Starting with the letter ‘A’, one passenger takes turns calling out a word that starts with that letter, and the next player’s turn responds with a word beginning with ‘B’ and so on and so forth until you get to the letter ‘Z’.  If you’d like an extra challenge, subsequent rounds can have a theme such as “plants” or “animals” or “foods” to correspond with each letter. Same Letter (No Purchases Required!) Begin with a category, just as you would with “Think Fast,” except this does not involve a count timer.  One category chooses a word that matches that category, and the following player must follow-up on that theme using the last letter of that word as the first letter of their next guess.  For example: “The Category is Birds!” “Seagull” “Lark” “Kestrel” “Lovebird” “Duck” “Kingfisher!” “Robin!” and so on until the group gives up and someone is stumped. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (No Purchases Required!) Another great game that can be played with all car passengers and requires quick thinking, sharp memory, and alphabetical challenges A through Z.  The starting player will use the letter A, and will say the phrase “I’m going on a bear hunt, and I am bringing   The second passenger will follow by repeating the first item, and adding a second with the subsequent letter (in this case, ‘B’): I’m going on a bear hunt and I am bringing an avocado and a blueberry!  The third player will repeat those and add the next letter, and so on and so forth until you reach a point where someone cannot remember anymore, or you reach the end of the alphabet!  It’s great to play with small kids as well as adults. Great RoadWorthy Games to Pack for the Car, The Beach, or Picnic Fun We’ve got some great suggestions for travel friendly versions of classic board games.  From pocket-sized options to digitized versions to magnetic or tile-lock versions, you’ll find something to fit every need and age group of traveler.  Perfect for playing at a rest stop lunch break, while camping, or even while driving in the car to your destination. Scrabble: Road Trip Series Scrabble to Go (APP) Tile Lock Scrabble Travel Edition Word Master (APP) Words with Friends (APP) Scrabble Slam Hasbro Boggle to Go Boggle Travel Edition Scroll-O-Matic Banana-Grams Duel Fournier’s Magnetic Hangman Bananagrams: The On-the-Go Edition Melissa & Doug Flip-To-Win Hangman What’s My Word (Travel Edition) Hot Tips for Scrabble Points Using Automotive Themed Words Engine, 7pts Carburetor, 14pts Serpentine, 12pts Gasoline, 9pts Brakes, 12pts Transmission, 14pts Tires, 5pts Windshield, 18pts Antifreeze, 22pts Pedal, 8pts Gears, 6pts Bumper, 12pts Warranty, 14pts Insurance, 11pts Mechanic, 17pts Lease, 5pts Motor, 7pts Hoses, 8pts

Just a few hours north of our Classic Auto Group dealerships in Waukegan is the great city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee is the most populous city in Wisconsin, and one of the 25 largest cities in the entire United States.  Incorporated in 1846, this city has also historically been a very bustling and vital international seaport for North America.  The worst of Milwaukee winter is over, with January being its coldest month, and the weather is warming up for plenty of outdoor activities and sunshine!  Thanks to Lake Michigan’s “lake effect” weather, summers are a little cooler here with July reaching an all-time high of 75-80 max.  It’s the perfect city to explore for walking tours and sightseeing trips. more Awesome Walking Tours of Milwaukee: Untapped Tours Milwaukee City Tours offers small group sightseeing tours of the city from local guides who really know all there is to see, do and love about Milwaukee!  The tours are a combination of driving in a mini-coach bus with stop-offs for walking tours to see history sites, architecture, food, and brews and cocktails. Historic Milwaukee Store & Tours starts at a local historic Milwaukee gift store, where you can choose from guided architectural tours or historic walking tours of the city.  Local docents will take you sightseeing, and you can feel good knowing that your dollars have gone to supporting this nonprofit historic tourist organization! City Guided Tours MKE Milwaukee take you for an interactive tour around The MKE with a combination of history, food, and brewery tours.  Who doesn’t love a little snack and a beverage with their history lesson?  Exactly! Gothic Milwaukee Haunted Tours of Milwaukee explores a darker, spookier side of the city like you’ve never seen before.  With options for private and group tours, this is a truly unique experience led by a costumed tour guide leading you through the shadowy past and dark secrets of Milwaukee’s past. You may even see some spirits or and spooky sightings. Milwaukee Food Tours are perfect for the adventurous foodies in our midst!  You’ll get to sample all sorts of local cuisines and culinary delights such as breweries, taquerias, regional pizzas, desserts, fine spirits, and so much more.  Make sure you come with an empty belly and excited tastebuds, because it’s a delectable experience. Milwaukee Ghosts Tours and Investigations leans into the local legend and folklore of the region,and is the original Ghost Tour of the area!  You’ll learn about the arts districts dark and menacing history once known as “The Bloody Third” and so much more American Family Field Walking Tours in Milwaukee are perfect for those who are big fans of America’s Pastime: baseball!  You can take a tour of the Milwaukee Brewers home field from Monday through Saturday, and get an inside look at this iconic sports destination.  Take a self guided tour at your own pace, or book a group tour. Other great destinations to explore and walk around the city include: Immortal Milwaukee History Tours, Milwaukee Seven-Seat Bike Tours, Milwaukee Pedal Tavern, Historic Miller Caves Tour, North Point Lighthouse in Milwaukee, Tour the Historic Pabst Brewery.  And you’ll definitely want to make sure you explore all there is to offer at the annual Summerfest Milwaukee event! In addition to these fun walking tours, you’ll definitely want to explore some of the city’s most interesting museums, arts venues, and science centers: The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum The Charles Allis Art Museum The James Lovell Museum of Science, Economics, and Technology The Milwaukee Art Museum The Milwaukee County Zoo The Milwaukee Public Museum The Mitchell Park Conservatory The Schlitz Audubon Center The Villa Terrace Decorative Art Museum The William F. Eisner Museum of Advertising & Design The Milwaukee Repertory Theater The Pabst Theater The Milwaukee Ballet The Milwaukee Theatre The Florentine Opera Company Once you’ve spent the day exploring all the city has to offer, we know you’re going to be absolutely famished.  We’ve made a list of top notch restaurants and bars to grab an incredible bite to eat to refuel before your next endeavor. Sanford at 1547 N. Jackson Street Birch at 459 E Pleasant Street Swingin’ Door Exchange at 219 E Michigan Street Zarletti at 741 N Milwaukee Street Calderone Club of Downtown Milwaukee at 842 N Old World 3rd Street Morel at 430 S 2nd Street Rodizio Grill Milwaukee Brazilian Steakhouse Restaurant at 777 N Water Street The Capital Grille at 310 W Wisconsin Avenue Harbor House at 550 N Harbor Drive in Pier Wisconsin Third Coast Provisions at 724 N Milwaukee Street Carnevor at 718 N Milwaukee Street Stella Van Buren at 550 N Van Buren Street in the Westin Milwaukee Ardent at 1751 N Farwell Avenue Blue’s Egg at 317 N 76th Street in Jennings Village Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro at 3133 E Newberry Boulevard in Lake Park Story Hill BKC at 5100 W Bluemound Road The Diplomat at 815 E Brady Street The Original at 2498 N Bartlett Avenue Mason Street Grill at 425 E Mason Street at the Pfister Hotel Momo Mee Asian Cuisine at 110 E Greenfield Avenue Maxie’s at 6732 W Fairview Avenue

In the age of smartphones, infotainment systems, and GPS navigation, it’s easy to fall into the habit of fully relying on technology to get us where we’re going.  But what happens when you take the road less traveled?  How do you navigate when your vehicle’s GPS lags behind due to poor reception, or your smartphone doesn’t get service while you’re roadtripping?  You’ll want to make sure you can navigate an offline roadmap just as easily as a paper map or almanac. more That’s why we’re celebrating “Read a Road Map Day” with these helpful tips and tricks and a what’s-what of map iconography so you can be safe no matter where you’re going.  In addition, learning how to read a map is a great asset to anyone who loves to go off-roading, camping, hiking, and more! How to Read a Map Drive confidently no matter what service you have or where the road takes you thanks to our handy dandy “How to Read a Map” guide! Color: Cartographers will color code a map based on its many different purposes.  Check the legend on your road map or atlas to figure out where you’re driving through, which roads are major highways, county roads, residential streets, etc.  It will also help you understand the terrain, environment, and proximity to water or coastal regions.  It can also be used to determine elevation, or even state and county lines or town and city districts. Contour Lines: If your map includes topography, you’ll see different lines that indicate elevation such as mountains, hills, valleys, etc.  There will be solid, dotted, straight, and wavy lines.  This can also help you determine which vehicle to take on your road trip depending what type of terrain you’re driving on. Compass Rose: A compass rose is a symbol used to display the orientation of “cardinal directions” (north, south, east, west)  This helps navigators discern which direction is the Earth’s magnetic north when using a physical compass. Every paper map includes a compass rose to illustrate true North at the top of the map.  You can use a compass to help you get a better sense of where you are. Map Index: Maps often include an alphabetical list of locations in an index.  City maps will include street names or major landmarks of the region.  County maps will include major highways and major cities and towns.  A State map will have significant cities and towns.  Oftentimes these are coded with letter-number combos which match a point on the map. Map Legend: All maps contain a legend or a key which explains what each symbol represents and what every line, mark, or colour means.  This will help you decode the difference between major interstate highways and smaller back roads.  It may also help identify hills and mountains or bodies of water. Orientation: Make sure you have your map so that the compass rose shows “N” at the top of your page, this will help you align your current position on the map and navigate which direction you need to travel on the next leg of your route. Scale Ruler: When plotting a course using a paper road map, you’ll need to use the map’s integrated “scale”: a line marked in inches which represent distances.  Use that scale line to determine the “miles by inches” between your destinations to get a scale of the distance.  For example, 1 inch of distance on the map may equal 10 miles of actual distance driving.  Grab a ruler and measure the distance between your road trip points and multiply.  Without knowing the scale of your map, you may miscalculate distance between destinations or time it takes to travel to and from. Topography/Terrain symbols: Some maps include lines, shading, and color to explain the terrain around you.  Using a topographic map means you’ll be able to identify mountains, hills and valleys, desert versus field, etc.  Many maps include basic topographical elements to explain basic geographic features of the region. Essential Road Maps to Keep On Hand National Geographic’s Map of the United States Great Lakes Region National Geographic Road Atlas 2022: Adventure Addition Illinois Atlas and Gazetteer Rand McNally Easy to Fold Illinois State Map Rand McNally Easy to Fold Wisconsin State Map Rand McNally Folded Map to Central United States Moon USA State by State: The Best things to do in every state for your travel bucket list Helpful Car Gadgets to Navigate a Map Compass, Surface Mount Dial When you’re not able to rely on your smartphone or infotainment system to help you navigate, having a car compass can be an invaluable tool!  You can check it to be sure you’re heading in the right direction without having to spread out a map all over the dash or struggle to find bars of service.  Some of them also included longitude and latitude to help you pinpoint your location.  They can also be used in boats, motorcycles, ATVs, and while camping! GARMIN eTrex Handheld GPS Navigator This device has 8GB of space to store maps offline and a micro SD card slot.  It conveniently uses 2AA Batteries for 25 hours of GPS mode usage, making it easy to replace and recharge as needed.  When your regular GPS doesn’t work, the 2inch display will help you navigate beyond your smartphone’s capabilities for offline use.

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

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day from all of us here at Classic Auto Group!  Today we’re celebrating by highlighting some wonderful facts about Ireland’s automotive history!  And when you’re fully in the spirit o’ the holiday, we’ve included lots of local pubs and restaurants to visit or some recipes you can make to enjoy Irish meals at home. more Fast Facts About Famous Irish Race Car Drivers Derek Patrick Daly is an Irish-American race car driver who drove competitively for 17 years and participated in 64 World Championship formula one grand prix races in his career. Eddie Jordan was not only a race car driver who won the Irish Kart Championship in 1971, but he was the founder and owner of Jordan Grand Prix Formula One from 1991-2005. Tommy Byrne is a former race driver fro Irland, participating in two Formula One Grands Prix races in 1982, raced in the Irish Formula Ford Championship in 1981, and won the 1982 British Formula 3 Championship. Ryan Smith is an Irish racing driver who drove in the British Formula Ford Championship in 2012, the GP3 Series in 2014, and currently competes in the European Le Mans Series races. Oliver O’Donovan is an Irish Rallycross Driver who currently competes in the FIA European Rallycross Championships.  He was previously the 2007 British Rallycross Champion. Paddy Hopkirk won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally.  In 1968, he participated in the London-toSydney Marathon, but he and teammate Tony Nash lost the race to stop and rescue two drivers from a collision.  A race car participant crashed headlong into a commuter, despite the fact that the road was to be closed to the public through traffic.  Hopkirck and Nash pulled both drivers to safety and returned to the race site to warn other drivers and call for help. Martin Birane is the owner of Mondello Race track, and also a former race car driver who won the GT class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1985.  He also set the Irish land speed record in 1990, going 176mph! If you’re looking to visit Ireland and explore the racing culture in person, you might want to check out these wonderful tracks and locations: Mondello Park in Naas, Tipperary Raceway in Rosegreen, Kirkistown Racing Circuit in Newtownards, Carlow Autograss Club in Leinster, ALMC Motor Club Limited in Drogheda, Nutts Corner Raceway in Crumlin, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit in Downpatrick. Fun Facts About Driving and Cars in Ireland: It is prohibited to use your car horn between 11:30PM and 7AM. The minimum age for a driver’s license in Ireland is 17 years old. The Alesbury was the first Irish Car; it had solid tires, a 10 horsepower engine, debuted in Dublin in 1907, but was discontinued just one year later in 1908. The Shamrock was an ill-fated Irish dupe of the classic American Cruiser of the 1950s, failing to achieve peak sales and manufacturing output due to poor handling, awkward aesthetics, and weak 53 horsepower engine. The Shamrock was only manufactured for one year due to its poor design and drive capabilities (too large for UK motorways, and too slow for American roads.) The owner built a 40,000 square foot factory in County Monaghan, and planned to make 3,000 cars per year but sadly less than 12 were made total; only 3 of them made it to the US. John DeLorean received over $130 million dollars to build upwards of 9000 DeLorean DMC-12s in Dunmurry, Ireland.  Sadly, the cars had many quality control issues since many of the employees at his manufacturing facility had never worked in automotive before. Electric vehicles are catching on worldwide, and Irish manufactured/designed ALEX eRoadster is aiming to take their crack as an industry competitor. Ford Motor Company opened in Ireland over 100 years ago, manufacturing models such as the Prefect, Escort, and Sierra on site; it continued to manufacture sedans there until 1984. Now that we’ve got you all excited about celebrating Irish accomplishments and achievements in automotive history, why not paint the town green at these local establishments?  And if you prefer to celebrate at home, we’ve also rounded up some of our recommended reacipes tha are easy ot make in a pinch. Great Bars and Pubs to Visit Today and Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day: Waukegan Bally Muck Bar in Waukegan Frolic Bar in Waukegan Timothy O’Toole’s Pub in Gurnee The Mill in Mundelein Up North Pub in Waukegan Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Restaurant & Pub in Arlington Heights Flanagan’s Bar & Grill in North Chicago Booners in Waukegan The Taproom in Waukegan Green Town Tavern in Waukegan Toby’s Tavern in North Chicago Anastasia’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge in Waukegan Eleven19 Kitchen & Cocktails in North Chicago The Park Inn in Round Lake Park Wholesome St Patrick’s Day Recipes to Make At Home with Your Family: The Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie Best Ever Instant Pot Beef Stew Absolute Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Irish Colcannon Fried Cabbages Irish Boxty Potato Cakes Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread

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

Ways To Make Your Vehicle More Accessible We love sharing posts about car gadgets and gizmos that help make transportation and travel a breeze.  Today’s post, however, is sharing car tech from a different perspective, and we think it’s a truly vital one. If you’re a non-disabled person, chances are you may not have thought about how modern day to day activities may not be accessible to folks with disabilities or health concerns.  Today we’re going to shed some light on the subject, and show you how modern vehicles can be adapted for a wide variety of accessibility needs. more If you are a friend, spouse, or caregiver who is looking to provide adaptive driving aids and accessibility modifications to your vehicle, we’ve got a great list of pointers to get you started on that path. Likewise, if you're a disabled person looking for resources on accessible items and mobility aids for transportation and driving, we’ve got you covered as well.  We have done our best to include product suggestions and accessibility companies.  If you have recommendations for an accessible product that you have found useful for your travel needs, we’d love for you to share it in the comments section! Before we dive into that topic, there are a few important reminders we wish to share regarding disability, accessibility and traveling with disabled individuals: Persons of any age, race, ethnicity, or demographic can have a disability, and not all disabilities are visible. Babies, Children, Teens and Adults may have accessibility requirements.  Be mindful. Updated terminology guidelines from disability activists and disability organizations advise that “disabled individual/person” and “person with a disability” are the preferred language for references instead of “differently-abled” or “special needs” or “challenged” etc. Mobility and accessibility aids are actually more common than you think!  Contact Lenses, Eyeglasses, hearing aids, and even speakerphone features are all commonly used mobility aids that assist common disabilities and chronic health issues. Wheelchairs, walkers, and other adaptive devices are more common than you’d realize. When traveling with disabled or chronically ill individuals, please ensure that you call ahead to your venues, destinations, or meeting places to inquire about accommodations and access for mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.)  If a destination is not accessible, it is best to inform your disabled companion and/or their caregiver in advance so that arrangements can be made or you can coordinate together for alternate plans. People who use mobility devices may require additional space or to board transportation first for easy navigation; please give them the same space and respect you would for non-disabled passengers. It is never okay to touch or lean on a person’s wheelchair or mobility aid, or to touch a person’s body in any way without their explicit consent. Physical impairment or illness does not automatically mean someone necessarily has a mental impairment as well; treat people with disabilities with the same respect as you’d speak to non-disabled folks.   Please address disabled people directly, instead of speaking around them to any companions or aides with them. Follow disabled creators, activists, and individuals on social media, and listen to what they have to say.  Learning from first-hand experiences and observing accessibility feedback from the community is an important step in crafting a more inclusive society. Accessible Features to Look for When Purchasing a Vehicle Keyless Entry enables caregivers and disabled passengers easy access to opening the car doors instead of fumbling with keys. Electric Locks, windows, and child-safety door features are all great options;  Electric windows ensure that people can easily control their environment as needed for temperature control.  Electronic locks and child-safety door locks can prevent elderly dementia patients from unexpectedly opening a door on a moving vehicle. Easy-Access to Large Cargo Capacity is helpful for stowing equipment and mobility aids such as foldable wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and medical necessities. Higher Seats allow those with disabilities and mobility aids easier entry and exit when getting into a vehicle instead of excessive bending or twisting of lower seating. Electric Seats allow for more room for passengers in the backseat when entering or exiting the vehicle, and the ability to recline front or back seats for users who need to lie back to swing their legs into the car easily. Heat/AC in the seats can be helpful for those with physical impairments or chronic illness by providing Bluetooth Connectivity and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are among the modern hands-free amenities that can be assistive devices for those with hearing impairments, mobility aids, and other needs, as well as providing additional communication methods for all disabled persons. Electronic park assist and cameras are helpful in navigating parking lots and street parking to ensure you leave enough room for mobility aids, ramps, and other equipment.  In addition, it also helps drivers  ensure they have properly secured mobility aids and medical equipment, and prevent backing over any equipment you may have unloaded in the driveway, parking space, or curb prior to parking How To Make a Vehicle More Accessible: Adaptive Driving Equipment Turning Automotive Seats - Mobility aid companies can retrofit your vehicle with a mechanized seat that rotates for the driver or front seat passenger to get in and out of their vehicle safely.  This provides ambulatory wheelchair users an easier option for entering and exiting the vehicle, and provides those with other mobility aids a less stressful option than bending, twisting, or crouching to get into the front seats. Wheelchair and Scooter Carriers  and Wheelchair Securement - These devices function similarly to bicycle carriers, but are designed to withstand the weight and shape of mobility aids such as wheelchairs, power chairs, and scooters.  They will ensure a person’s equipment is safely stowed and secured on the vehicle’s exterior. Car Transfer Aids - Seats like the the Slide ‘n’ Ride are adjustable, compact assistive devices that allow passengers to transfer from walker or wheelchair to car seat more safely. Assist Bars and straps- Items like the Able Life Auto Cane are portable support handles and standing mobility aids to assist with entering/exiting a vehicle. The Stander CarCaddie Adjustable Support Strap i s just one of many options for non-slip grip support for more stability when exiting and entering a vehicle. Swivel Seats - These portable, removable cushions are a great way to provide accessibility for guest passengers who are coming along for special events or outings. The HealthSmart 360 Swivel Seat cushion can help reduce hip, knee, and back strain experienced by getting in and out of seats.  Swiveling seats allow your passenger more mobility and independence to exit the vehicle comfortably. Scooter and Wheelchair Lifts - Companies can customize a special lift to accommodate disabled individuals who need to stay seated in their wheelchair or scooter, or to provide those who have transferred to a seat a safer way to load their equipment into a vehicle. Models such as Conversion Vans and large SUVs work best, but there may be additional options available. Ramps for Vehicles - This can provide wheelchair users with more accessibility and less issues with needing to transfer from wheelchair to their seat.  It is a good option for those who cannot afford a wheelchair or scooter lift, allowing more access without permanent or costly changes.  You will need to verify your vehicle’s weight limits, make/model for size, and the equipment used by the disabled individual, and we recommend consulting with a mobility aid company. We know that when it comes to accessibility, there is no one-size-fits all solution.  When comes to personal travel and daily driver cars, you should be free to select the equipment that best works for each individual need. If you are looking for additional information or resources, you may visit The Mobility Resource for more information on how to acquire Adaptive Driving Equipment or even find assistance to locate an accessible vehicle in your area. And of course we recommend you consult with a doctor, caregiver, or therapist to find the best options for your or your loved ones needs.

Today’s post is all about that “treat yourself” mindset and living your best life!  We’re highlighting some our best picks for gadgets we’ve found for those adventure seekers living their fullest.  You’ll find everything from luxury glamping equipment to portable power units that can run your whole camper and upscale GPS options for your offroad dreams.  So, if you’re looking for some ideas on how to spend your tax refund this spring, let us make a few suggestions.  With these cool gadgets and gizmos, you’ll be the talk of the town on all the travel blogs.  Check it out! more 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. GentleTent’s inflatable furniture options are perfect for those who love a good campout or RV trip!  Forget about folding chairs and uncomfortable pop-up benches, this is the comfortable yet durable option you want to have.  With options for single seating or multiperson, you’ll find an option to fit any lifestyle. Luno’s Air Mattress is the best in the game when it comes to inflatable mattresses for car camping and van life.  You can find a custom fit air mattress for your exact make and model, as well as other convenient accessories and apparel options.  There’s even a package called the “Ultimate Car Camping Bundle” which includes some of their best selling items!  And very soon they’ll be offering a truck bed air mattress for those who prefer wide open skies above them while they snooze. 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. YETI’s GoalZero portable power generator is a must-have for those who prefer to live off-grid on their road trips and campsites.  It’s a plug-and-play option with solar powered charging, so you’ll never have to worry about carrying containers of fuel around.  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.  Works in weather conditions as chilly as 32º or as warm as 104º! The Yakima 7G Road Shower is an essential device for all hikers and campers to keep in their vehicle.  It’s made of lightweight but durable aluminimum and its sleek modern design means it’s convenient for traveling and storage.  With the Road Shower you’ll 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!  Holds up to 7 Gallons of water which are heated by solar and monitored by an easy-to-read stick-on thermometer.  This pressurized pump and hose with nozzle will make cleanup a breeze anywhere you go!

Thrifty automotive consumers know that buying a pre-owned vehicle can save you big bucks, and who doesn’t love to save money? We respect it!  We commend you for your fiscally and environmentally responsible choice, but we also know that it might not come with all the custom bells and whistles you were looking for.  Since you didn’t get to pick your add-ons and options, we thought we’d bring you a list of budget friendly options to upgrade your car’s tech into 2022! From voice activated infotainment systems to signal boosters for smartphones, we’ve got you covered.  All of these items are under $500 and easily upgrade your car’s tech specs in minutes. more The BlueDriver Scan Tool This is an excellent tool for slightly older model vehicles which may not have the most detailed alert data for your car’s vital systems.  Keep connected to your smartphone for monitoring on and off the road, and catch your car’s minor problems before they become big ones.  It’s great for travelers who may need a repair during their journey, and it will give you the confidence to stop at any mechanic for a service call. Portable Philips HEPA Compact Purifier This wonderful device is budget friendly and helps recycle and clean the air inside your vehicle.  Great for driving the kids around to and from activities and school, because it will clear the air of kid-germs with it’s HESA/HEPA technology.  Great for preventing spread of germs for rideshare passengers as well. ACECAR Heads Up Display Device Keep your eyes front and center on the road and stay focused. All the important information will be projected safely on the windshield for a heads-up view of your vital statistics like speed and RPMS. The Garmin Dashcam 66W With an Extra Wide view and automatic incident detection, your car has never been safer! Affordably priced and exquisitely crafted for high-tech, ultra-safe security, the Garmin Dashcam will help you in the event of an emergency, theft, break-ins, or hit-and-runs among other things.  Dashcams are really an essential part of a new driver’s safety kit in 2022. Alexa Enabled ANKER Roav Viva Phone Mount Turn your car’s lighter port into an Alexa enabled voice-activated charger and bluetooth assistant!  It’s great for modernizing older vehicles or adding some tech pizzazz to a car with a only the budget options package. Available for $50 at B&H. WeBoost Vehicle Cell Phone Signal Booster This is an item available for personal vehicles or RVs, and it can extend your cell phone’s reach and signal while driving in difficult areas.  This can be a big boon for those relying on a GPS or Maps App for arriving safely at their destination.  It is one of the more pricey options on our list, but well worth the investment for anyone who does heavy road travel cross-country or long distance.  Great for camping and travel bloggers.

When you’re always on the go, it’s vital to have things that are easy and convenient!  You want to be able to grab your gadgets in a jiffy, and pop them up in a heartbeat.  Thanks to our handy gizmo guide on today’s blog, you’ll never have to worry about missing a minute of fun.  Each of these items is easy to stow and take with you and also open and use.  They’re also incredibly useful and perfect enough for everyday use and perfect for keeping in your emergency car kit.  We’re all about easy, convenient, and portable items for today’s blog, and many of these can stay in your vehicle all year long so you're ready for any adventure life throws your way! more C-gear’s sandfree beach mat means trips to the shore and other sandy locations are going to be less of a hassle.  Forget the mess of grit, grime, and sand as a souvenir, and only bring back what you buy at the boardwalks or gift shop!  Great as well for picnics and sporting events. Priced under $75. ​​ We love the Nevlers inflatable lounger! If you're a minimalist who opted for a smaller car with less storage space, you’ll be very excited with the Nevler’s inflatable bed.  Inflates to hold up to 300lbs so you can sleep on the beach or at the campsite, but rolls up into a small carry bag for easy storage. Snag a two pack for under $50! The LESES Portable picnic table is convenient and useful. At an affordable price and with virtually no footprint space in your storage, this is a no brainer for those who love road tripping.  Whether you’re having a picnic lunch at a rest stop, beach days, camping weekends, or even tailgating, this is a great choice for travel gear. Under $50 on Amazon. The Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle is leakproof and convenient. Comes in a variety of colors and patterns to choose from.  It’s a traveler’s dream because of its clever portability.  Stay hydrated and travel light with this item. Under $35 on amazon! The 4Monster Camping towels are an essential travel item. Whether you’re popping them into your luggage for your beach vacation, or keeping them in the car for emergencies, they’re indispensable.  With their own carry case for convenience and portability, we think you’ll love these in any size or color.  Mix and match to create a flexible set for use anywhere, and never stress about being without a washer dryer - they can be air dried in a short time! Ranges from $10-$25 on Amazon. Aaliff’s Standard Compressed Towel Tablets are a lifesaver for long trips. We’ve all had to do an emergency pitstop for a bathroom break, and been “up the creek without a paddle” so to speak.  And that’s why keeping a bag of these compact tissue tablets is going to change your life.  Travel without the fear of being left in a messy situation. You’ll have access to the toiletries you need for under $20! You can keep these Portawipes compressed Toilet Paper Coins in your car or bag on the go. Just like the towel tablets above, these can be opened to a convenient and luxurious wipe that you can use anywhere. Check it out in a 500 bulk pack for $40! The goTenna Mesh keychain helps you stay connected. Even if you’re entering a low or no cellular service zone, this keychain device is portable and convenient.  You’ll have the option to share location info with a range of up to 4 miles; it pairs with smartphones via Bluetooth-LE.  It also allows 1 on 1 texting and roup chats from connected devices. $200 via the goTenna site!