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Chocolate and Mint are a match made in heaven.  They’re as refreshing as a leisurely Sunday Drive on a crisp cool morning with the windows open!  That luxuriously rich and smooth chocolate with cool, crisp mint is a heavenly treat!  It’s the perfect mid-Winter flavor dessert palette, with flavor profiles teetering on the edge of seasonal holidays and emerging spring greenery.  Today, on National Chocolate Mint Day, we’re sharing some of our favourite places to grab this rich, chocolatey dessert combo in the Greater Chicago Area! more From Gelato to Milkshakes to Cupcakes and Cookies, you’ll find the best places to snag this iconic sweet treat right in our own backyards.  If you’re the DIY kind of soul, we’re also including some of our favourite chocolate mint inspired recipes at the end of this post.  They’re perfect for bringing to family gatherings, office parties, or dropping off a plate at your friendly neighbourhood car dealership (Hint hint? Just kidding, unless you want to!) Got a favourite recipe of your own?  Drop it in the comments and we may feature it in an upcoming post. Best Places for Chocolate Mint Treats in the Greater Chicago Area Insomnia Cookies in Lincoln Park Chicago Ghiardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop in Streeterville Chicago Annete’s Homemade Italian Ice in North Side Chicago Margie’s Candies in Logan Square Chicago Windy City Sweets in Lake View East Chicago Scoops Ice Cream in Bridgeport Chicago The Sweet Oasis in Norridge Shirl’s Drive-In Waukegan La Michoacana Premium in Waukegan Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store in Gurnee Mr Kite’s Chocolate Shop in Chicago Snow Dragon Shavery in Navy Pier Chicago L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates in North Bridge Chicago Fannie May Chocolate Shop in Chicago Wicked & Sweet in Chicago Chocolate Uzma Shop in Chicago The Coffee & Tea Exchange Coffee Shop in Chicago Sandy’s Popper in Kenosha, WI Scoops Ice Cream & Candy in Kenosha, WI Divino Gelato Cafe in Racine, WI Paparazzi Ice Cream Shop in Racine, WI Our Fave Mint-Chocolate Recipes Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Homemade Thin Mint Cookies Goodie Godmother’s Creamy Mint Oreo Milkshakes Lo’s Kitchen’s Mint Oreo Milkshake Sally’s Baking Addiction Chocolate Mint Brownies Averie Cooks’ Andes Mint Brownies Big Bolder Baking’s Real Mint Chocolate Chip Gelato Numi Tea’s Mint Chocolate Latte Contest Winning Recipe Life Made Sweeter’s Peppermint Mocha Latte

Let’s Hit the Road, Baby: Great Gizmos for Traveling with Infants and Newborns We’ve been publishing a lot of travel guides and travel blogs over the last few months, so we thought it was high time we included a great travel gear post, too!  The avid globetrotter has more than likely got their own system of checks and balances when it comes to packing up luggage, preparing for flights and car rentals, and booking hotels or excursions.  But when you a child or two in the mix, things can start to unravel quickly. more When traveling with little ones, there’s infinitely more bags to pack, more toiletries to remember, and certainly more people to keep happy and entertained.  But don’t you fret, yet!  We understand the anxieties of parenting, and that is why we’re here to help ease a few of the pains and woes of traveling with little ones.  You’ll love our handy-dandy  guide to great road-trip and travel worthy gadgets for babies and newborns. We’ve got everything you need to make road trips with your offspring a real breeze.  Check it out! And if you’ve got a hot tip on tools for traveling parents, please be sure to let us know in a comment or on social media. We would love to feature your input on a future blog post! Great Gear for Traveling with Little Ones The Chico KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat is an excellent option for safety, convenience, and style when traveling with your smallest, most precious cargo.  It has 10 different colour ways, comes with a SuperCinch Latch for easy installation, and you can opt for a Zip-Extend canopy feature for sun and weather.  It’s easy to clean, and has removable newborn head and body supports.  It will grow with your family as your baby grows!  Best of all it’s under $300, which makes it easy on the wallet. Grab one here! Protect your car’s new upholstery with this convenient seatsaver cover from Buy Buy Baby.It’s easy to clean, a cinch to install, and conveniently priced at under $30, too.  It has 3 colorways for your choice of contrasting or blending with your interior. Get it here. Sure, the ideal situation is always to have an adult riding in the backseat with the baby, but busy parents sometimes need a little help.    Modern Parenting problems?  Meet modern parenting solutions!  The Itomoro Baby Car Mirror is a fantastic modern option for monitoring your baby in the backseat. It has daytime and night time modes to accommodate all travelers!  Aim this pocket sized web-cam at your kiddo in the back, and mount the monitor to the dashboard.  It’s the safest way to keep your eyes forward while also keeping your little ones safe.  And because it’s priced under $50 that means it’s friendly for new-parent budgets, too! Grab one here before they’re gone! This incredible diaper bag folds from backpack out into a full changing station.  It’s a three in one bassinet, changing table, and storage bag.  Also functions as a USB charging station for on the go convenience.  What parent doesn’t appreciate the heck out of a multipurpose carry-all item?  If you’re taking your kids on the road, this is going to be an indispensable part of your traveling gear. Get it today right here; comes in multiple colors. The Me4Kidz Medipro All Purpose First Aid Kit has over 100 items in a handy reusable container!  It’s portable, convenient, and practical.  It’s colorful and easily organized and great sized for shoving into luggage or diaper bags, or even the backseat pockets. You can grab it on amazon for under $10! This is a fantastic way to hold onto wet clothes, dirty diapers, or other icky articles without mussing up your purse or satchel.  It’s the perfect on-the-go roadside option until you can get to a garbage bin or a washing machine.  The Planet Wise Small Wet Bags come in multiple colours to match any look, but no matter what pattern you pick they’ll still have the same trustworthy qualities. Grab them today under $15! The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light is worth every single penny spent.  It is lightweight, portable, sturdy, safe, and reliable.  Take your pick of three different colour options, and purchase it as a kit with a fitted crib sheet or on its own.  It is light as a feather which makes it a wonderful option for fitting into luggage or carrying to the beach or popping up for rest-stop naps.  It’s comfortable, portable, and easily washable too! Check it out for under $350 here.

It's Classic’s Guide to Bird Watching in Illinois and Wisconsin! Today’s blog is Classic Auto Group’s guide to getting in touch with nature.  That’s right, today we’re highlighting amazing sites to visit for bird watching.  From a crash course in birds of Chicago, Lake County, and even Wisconsin, to guided tours for beginners and intermediate birders, and even open nature preserves and parks to explore on your own when you’re ready. more If you’re looking for a fun, rewarding pastime that gets you, your friends, and your family exploring the great outdoors, we’re here to help!    Break free of the cabin-fever by enjoying a socially distanced walk on the wild side in the fresh air.  Let’s spread our wings and try a new hobby! How to Start “Birding” For Beginners Gather a pen, pencil, journal, notebook, or even your tablet. You’ll need this to note your observations Step outside in your own backyard, balcony, patio, or local park.  Sit/stand quietly and observe your surroundings, note the time of day, the weather conditions.  You may want a chair so you can get comfortable and stay awhile! Listen closely to hear the sounds around you. Do you notice any birdsongs?  Are there any hoots or squawks or screeches?  Note them in your book underneath your other notations. Take some snapshots of your surroundings or any birds you spot, and/or videos to record the sounds.  You can use these to document your findings and verify your bird sightings later! Now walk around the area, slowly.  Observe the ground and see if you notice any footprints in the dirt, sand, dust, snow, or mud.  Take a peek amongst the trees, foliage, underbrush, or potted plants and gardens for any stray feathers, broken eggshells, or other signs of nests.  Note them in your book, and take photos if you are able.  You can print the photos out later and add them to your book! Now that you’ve practiced basic birding techniques, try to repeat your observations several times over the course of a week at different times of day and night.  See how many new bird friends or signs you find as you go along. If you’re not seeing any signs of birds just yet, don’t panic!  You can try adding points of interest for your avian neighbours: Invest in a suet bird feeder which makes great options for winter food sources. You can even make your own suet cakes and suet refills! Add a suction-cup bird feeder to a window or windows of your dwelling.  Fill them with different varieties of birdseed: black oil sunflower birdseed, black thistle birdseed, wild songbird birdseed. Place a hummingbird nectar feeder in your garden or on the balcony or near some natural wildflowers. Plant bird-friendly flowers for Northeast and herbs in your garden. Observe how birds react to these feeders and plants, see if you attract any new varieties. Keep your journal year round and compare bird patterns, varieties, and frequency of visits per season and time of day. Common “Backyard Birds” in Illinois and Wisconsin Depending on the season and time of day, these beautiful varieties of birds may be visible at different times.  Some are up at dawn or dusk, some in the middle of the day, and others have migratory patterns based on the weather! You can check with your local wildlife groups online, or the Audubon Society in your area.  Here are some of the local birds to keep an eye out for. How many of these have you seen in your yard or around town? American Robin American Goldfinch American Crow American Tree Sparrow House Finch Northern Cardinal Mourning Dove European Starling Downy Woodpecker Black-capped Chickadee Blue Jay Song Sparrow Red-Bellied Woodpecker Common Grackle White-breasted Nuthatch Indigo Bunting Barn Swallow Grey Catbird House Wren Eastern Wood-Pewee Cedar Waxwing Ruby-throated hummingbird Mallard Duck Great Blue Heron Sandhill Crane Red-Tailed Hawk Baltimore Oriole Dark-eyed Junco Explore and Observe More Avian Friends At These Great Spots Once you’ve practiced your observation skills, and you’ve catalogued a list of local birds, it’s time to get out there and explore!  Here’s a list of excellent guided groups for novice birders to get their feet wet, or experienced birders looking for a little socializing.M  Bring your birding log, binoculars, a camera equipped for distance shots and zoom, and your best walking shoes.  Let’s go bird spotting with a local club! Lake County Audubon Society Chicago Ornithological Society Bird Conservation Network Red Hill Birding Tours Hoy Audubon Society Audubon Great Lakes Chicago Audubon Society Chicago Ornithological Society Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society Evanston North Shore Birding Club Illinois Audubon Society Thorn Creek Audubon Society Prairie Woods Audubon Society Great Local Parks To Start Your Bird Watching Adventures Once you’ve got your bird watching skills down pat from guided hikes, workshops, and classes, you can try your hand at your own observations.  These parks and nature preserves are well-known spots for common bird observations as well as seasonal and rare sightings.  Plus, if you’ve got the National Geographic energy going at top speed, you can observe a lot more than just avian pals at these locations.  What other wildlife do you think you will see on your adventures? Bowen Park in Waukegan Waukegan Beach in Waukegan Bonnie Brook Sanctuary in Waukegan Lyons Woods Forest Preserve in Waukegan Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve in Wadsworth Serenity Park in Waukegan Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary McCormick Place Bird Sanctuary Illinois Beach State Park Jackson Park Lake Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Starved Rock State Park Matthiessen State Park Greenbelt Forest Preserve in North Chicago Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville Waukegan Harbor Light in Waukegan Bird Watching is Fun for the Whole Family Check out these great resources for kids, tweens, and teens to join in on the fun of bird watching!  You’ll find bird watching and observation projects, log books, flashcards, illustrated and photographic guides, and more. Best Birding Sites By Car Learn to Bird From the Car Bird Behaviourist Bird-Watching Project Bird Journal Bird-Watching Project Bird Track Tracing Bird-Watching Project Birdcall Bird-Watching Project My Bird Watching Journal Logbook for Kids and Families (Hardcover/Paperback) Backpack Explorer : Bird Watch (Hardcover) Audubon Birding Adventures for Kids Birds of New York Guide Printable PDF Booklet Sibley Backyard  Birding Flashcards Merlin App by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology National Geographic’s Birds of New York National Geographic’s Birds of North America Best Binoculars for Bird Watching Toddler Flash Cards Backyard Birds Fandex Family Field Guides to Birds Plow and Hearth Cape Cod Wooden Birdhouse Sun Grow DIY Paintable Birdhouse with Porch Attracting Birds with a Nesting Ball 10 Bird Learning Activities for Kids Owl Pellets and Dissection Kits from Pellet.com The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling Birds in Watercolor Collage and Ink

Huzzah, winter break is here!  We’re ready to kick back, relax, and celebrate the holiday season with our favourite people.  And what better way to do just that, than with a plethora of fun destinations to check out during your time off!  Whether you’re enjoying these activities with family or friends, we know you’re going to round out 2021 on a high note. more Just because the winter weather is here doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors and hiking trails in the area.  Hang up those hiking boots and swap them out for some snowshoes and skis!  On less than a tank of gas you’ll be on your way to winter wonderland bliss.  Feeling the crunch of the fresh snow under your feet, enjoying the brisk fresh air and that “it’s going to snow any moment now” scent on the breeze.  There’s nothing else quite like it! Local Places for Snowshoeing, Sledding, and Cross Country Skiing Lyons Woods Forest Preserve in Waukegan, IL Captain Daniels Wright Woods in Mettawa IL Adler Park in Libertyville, IL INdependence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, IL Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, IL Lakewood Winter Sports Area in Wauconda, IL Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry, IL Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, IL Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest, IL Captain DAniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve in Mettawa, IL Prairieview Education Center in Crystal Lake, IL Edward L Ryerson Conservation Area in Deerfield, IL Chiwaukee Prairie in Pleasant Prairie, WI Kenosha Silver Lake County Park in Salem, WI Richard Bong State Recreation Area in Kansasville, WI Parkside Cross-Country Ski Trail System in Kenosha, WI For those with a need for speed, you can swap your street racing energy for a set of downhill skis.  Forget the gravel flying beneath your spinning wheels on the road, and get ready for clouds of fresh powder and blustery swirls of snow.  We’ve got the best picks in the area for mountain downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing and more.  Check out our picks for best Ski and Snowsports Areas & Resorts worth the road trip! Best Downhill Skiing and Winter Sports Destinations Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports in Lisle, IL Snowstar in Andalusia, IL Norge Ski Club in Fox River Grove, IL Villa Olivia in Bartlett, IL Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, IL Gander Mountain in Antioch, IL Sagawau Environmental Learning Center in Lemont, IL Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort in Wilmot, WI Alpine Valley Resort in Elkhorn, WI Little Switzerland in Slinger, WI Fox Hill Ski Area in West Bend, WI The Mountain Top Ski and Adventure Center at Grand Geneva in Lake Geneva, WI Sunburst Ski Area in Kewaskum, WI Nutt Hill in Plymouth, WI Sundown Mountain Resort in Dubuque, IA Pines Family Ski Area in Valparaiso, IN If you’re not much for nature or winter sports, that doesn’t mean you’ll be left out in the cold for winter break fun!  You can head into the city for a night out on the town, enjoy some winter festivities like Ice Skating or Sledding, and other nifty ideas.  So check out our list for non-sports related winter destinations, and some unconventional holiday celebrations.  Start a new tradition with your loved ones this year, and live life to the fullest! Wintertime Fun for Everyone The Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge NYD Pajama Brunch at Side Lot Brewery New Years Day Musical Yoga Event Dungeons & Dragons: Waterdeep Adventures Virtual Event for Grades 5-12 Frosty Fest at the Gurnee Park District Holiday Adventures Zoo 4 U at Belvidere Recreation Center Holiday Adventures Space Station at Belvidere Recreation Center Holiday Adventures New Years Eve Eve at Belvidere Recreation Center Holiday Adventures Awesome Arts at Belvidere Recreation Center Grandpa’s Ho-Ho Holiday Hideaway at Lindy’s Landing Beach Club Sleigh Rides and Activities at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago Royal Carriage Rentals in Genoa, IL Field Stone Farm Carriage & Pony in Lake Geneva WI Alpine Biergarten at Buffalo Creek Brewing Co. Midway Plaisance Ice Rink in Chicago, IL Peninsula Sky Rink in Chicago, IL Indoor Gardens at Lincoln Park Conservatory in Chicago, IL Lincoln Park ZooLights Festival in Chicago, IL The Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park in Chicago, IL Curling at the Gwen Hotel in Chicago, IL Curling at the Kaiser Tiger in Chicago, IL Sledding at Soldier Field Sledding Hill in Chicago, IL Millennium Park in Chicago, IL The Lakefront Trail in Chicago, IL Looking to spend the break with quiet respite instead of being constantly on the move?  You’ll find all the rest and repose you’re craving on our Midwest Winter Getaways list.  We’ve found everything from charming cottages to log cabin retreats, so no matter your flavor or passion, you’ll have a blissful stay. Quiet Weekend Getaways Kishauwau Cabins in Tonica Goldmoor Inn in Galena Copperstone Inn at Orchard Ridge Farms Starved Rock Cabins in Oglesby White Pines Inn at Mount Morris Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort Galena Cellars in Galena Chicago Athletic Association Hotel in Chicago Heartland Lodge in Nebo Big Sky Cabins in Alto Pass Nauvoo Log Cabins in Nauvoo Haagen Haus in Alton Timber Ridge Outpost in Karbers Ridge Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton Peace of Earth Lodge in Rushville Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast in Antioch Christmas House Bed and Breakfast in Racine, WI Manor on the Mile in Franksville, WI Lilac Cottage in Bowen Park Augustus Chetlain Home and Log Cabin Guest Houses in Galena Lombard Log Cabin in Four Seasons Park If you prefer the staycation route, there’s also lots of fun things to do right here in Waukegan! Check out our many local restaurants, cafes, and small businesses.  And let us know if you have a recommendation for a nearby activity, recommended accommodations for cozy winter getaways, and we may just feature it in an upcoming post!

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

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

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

October may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end! We’ve got a great roundup of family friendly activities and great events for adults and friends to enjoy this weekend.   Choose from our list of lots of festive events in the Greater Chicago Area and Southern Wisconsin regions! From Halloween Parties to Trunk or Treats to Pet Halloween Costume Contests and Spooky Exhibits, there’s lots of fun for everyone you know.  So pile everyone into your reliable car from Classic, and let’s paint the town orange for Halloweekend! more Today, October 29th from 4PM to 6PM in Zion, come on over to enjoy the Halloween Trail of Treats and some good old fashioned family fun at Shiloh Park! Tonight from 6PM to 8PM, head on over to the Northfield Neighborhood Library in Kenosha to enjoy a fun filled evening at the Nights at Northfield Howl-o-ween event with your family pet.  Come out to paint a pumpkin, enter the pet costume contest, and more! This evening from 7PM to 9:30PM  pile the family into your new car from Classic and drive on over to the Halloween movie Drive-in in Gurnee at Hunt Club Park for just $20 per vehicle! Pile the kiddos and their treat bags in the car and get ready for a fun filled day! Because on October 30th from 10AM to 4PM it’s “Boo At the Zoo” with the Racine Zoo in Racine, WI. Kids under 2 are FREE, and family member tickets will range from $5 to $10 by age and both Event participation and Zoo Admission is included in the price. On Saturday October 30th from 1PM to 2PM you can take the whole family out to Bach to Rock in Northbrook, IL for festive Halloween candy and celebrations for free to families with kiddos age 3 through 12. On Saturday October 30th from 1PM to 3PM come on out for the Halloween Trick or Treat Trail in Waukegan at Bowen Park!  Your kiddos can enjoy a 2 hour event with treat bags and lots of costumed characters for an early Halloween event. Saturday October 30th starting at 4PM come on out to the 5th Annual Trick or Treat on 6th Ave event in Kenosha, WI -- all families are welcome! At 6PM on Saturday October 30th, join in the Monster Mash Dash 5K Run & Walk at North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor. Looking for a night out on the town? Enjoy some chill Halloween Vibes from 7PM to 11PM with Stone Theory at The Kenosha Creative Space in Kenosha, WI. This Sunday October 31st in Gurnee, come down from 2PM to 5PM for family friendly Trick or Treating! Come in costume and enjoy the festivities for all ages. Scare up some fun this weekend in Chicago at the “Sweet Dreams Halloween Pop Up 2hr  Experience” at Rizzo’s Bar and Inn from 5PM to 11PM or 1PM to 11PM (depends on day of week!) Running all weekend through the 31st! It’s time to Eat, Drink and Be Scary at the Halloween Rooftop Movie experience at Whisky Business in Chicago happening on October 31st from 4PM to 10PM, starting at just $15. All month long the Museum of Illusions has been transformed into The Museum of Spooky Illusions! So head on out for some special Halloween Treats this weekend in Chicago.  Book your museum ticket and get ready to scare up some excitement with your whole family!

National American Beer Day We love supporting our fellow local businesses, and on National American Beer Day, we thought it might be fun to highlight some local brewing businesses, taprooms, and microbreweries.  These fantastic food and beverage establishments not only provide income via taxes and sales, but also provide a valuable source of tourism for the area.  People love to eat and drink local but it also provides a great draw for tourism to the area.  Visitors come for the brews and stay for the local entertainment, shop local stores, book at nearby hotels, and do plenty of regional sightseeing!  It’s a win-win for everyone. more In addition to drawing outside support, many taprooms and breweries also encourage regional visitors by hosting fun local events. They may hold tasting events for seasonal releases, frequently host open mic nights, sponsor a showing for local artists and galleries or vendor markets, hire musicians to perform on a regular basis, and book small independent artists to create beautiful murals or public artworks.  It’s a great place for community gathering and socializing amongst not just casual visitors but tradesmen, local business folks, and networking groups. Brewery tasting events are also a great way to provide customers with new and interesting concepts in food and beverage, while also being mindful of responsible alcohol consumption and ensuring a customer’s safety on the road post-event.  Local taprooms and brewpubs often feature specialty brews made with locally sourced ingredients such as fresh local honey, local fruits and berries, or even partner with local catering companies and farms for joint events. So as you can see, small brewing companies and tasting rooms are a valuable part of our community.  So check out some of the options on our list and help support local businesses in the Southeastern Wisconsin region and the Greater Chicago Area! And remember, please drink responsibly. Always ensure you have a designated driver or set up a rideshare service to pick you up and bring you home. Buzzed driving is drunk driving, so drive sober if you don’t want to get pulled over! Notable Local Microbrew Pubs, Taprooms, and Breweries Venture Brew Co in Milwaukee, WI New Barons Brewing Cooperative in Milwaukee, WI Biloba Brewing Company in Brookfield, WI Driftless Brewing Company in Soldiers Grove, WI Rustic Road Brewing Company in Kenosha, WI Eagle Park Brewing and Distilling in Muskego, WI Racine BRewing Company in Racine, WI PUBLIC Craft Brewing Co in Kenosha, WI The Runaway Micropub & Nanobrewery in Burlington, WI R’Noggin Brewing Co in Kenosha, WI Harbor Brewing Co Lakefront Biergarten in Winthrop Harbor, IL Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing in Waukegan ZumBier in Waukegan, IL Only Child Brewing in Gurnee, IL Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville, IL Bosacki’s Brewery in Mundelein, IL Liquid Love Brewing in Buffalo Grove Il B eermiscuous in Highwood, IL Ravinia Brewing Company in Highland Park, IL Sketchbook Brewing Co in Evanston, IL Alarmist Brewing & Taproom in Chicago, IL Metropolitan Brewing in Chicago, IL Dovetail Brewery and Taproom in Chicago IL Pilot Project Brewing in Chicago, IL Haymarket Pub & Brewery in Chicago, IL Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom in Chicago, IL Alulu Brewery and Pub in Chicago, I L Before we go, we wish to also take another quick moment to remind you all that drinking and driving is never a good idea!  So we’d like to share some sobering facts to keep in mind and remember to always ensure your party has a Designated Driver when attending beer tastings or brewery event days. Drunk Driving causes more than 10,000 deaths every year and ⅓ of all traffic related deaths. Drinking and driving costs over $40 billion in deaths and damages every year. Drivers aged 21 to 24 account for 27% of alcohol related fatalities, followed by 25% for ages 25 through 34. The Blood Alcohol Content limit for Illinois and Wisconsin is anything greater than 0.079%, and may result in a DUI/DWI and fines if operating a motor vehicle while drunk or buzzed. Remember to assign a designated driver to your group or schedule a ride share service. Please drink responsibly, and if you or someone you know has an alcohol abuse or drinking problem there are services to support you.

A Halloween Inspired Road Trip from Illinois to Wisconsin That Will Surely Haunt Your Memories! Grab your best ghouls and goblins and let’s end October on an exciting note with some great suggestions for spooky road trips!  Hop on in your new car from Classic and let’s hit the road, because we’re going on an epic quest to find the most Haunted Places in Wisconsin and Illinois. more Travel Most Haunted Illinois up to Haunted Wisconsin Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, IL (345 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) This is a historic site once home to an ancient Native American village, and it is rumored to be home to a host of spirits of the Natives who used to reside here. There have been reports of orbs, strange shadows, and balls of floating light.  Remains of the Native Peoples have been found on site.  Archaeologists believe the location coordinated with a stellar event involving a supernova shining day and night for a three year duration. Peoria State Hospital Museum and Cemetery in Peoria, IL (199 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) In its prime, the mental illness institution campus contained 63 buildings on site.  Many of the buildings have since been demolished, but the Bowen Building was the last one standing.  The grounds are also home to four different cemeteries.   Some paranormal investigators have even reported tastes of blood in their mouths, or smelling the pine scent used in cough syrups for ill patients. There have been sightings of patients walking through walls, echoes of footsteps, banging on the walls, and pushing or shoving of the investigators. Peoria Public Downtown Library in Peoria (196 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) Legend has it that this library was built on cursed grounds!  Mrs. Andrew Gray lived in the house in the 1830s, and when financial troubles ultimately led to foreclosure, she allegedly cursed the grounds for future owners and residents.  The house was eventually demolished and the library was erected in its stead in 1894.  Shockingly, the first three directors of the library died under quite mysterious circumstances!  Eventually the old library was demolished and a new improved building was built in its place in 1966.  Staff have reported feeling cold drafts, seeing apparitions of former directors lurking in doorways, and even whispering their name amidst the stacks. Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur, IL (221 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) It is believed that prior to the 1820s this was the site of a Native American Burial Ground until colonizers took over the site and used it as a graveyard from the 1820s on, becoming an officially recognized cemetery in 1857.  Visitors to the site have reported hearing screams and strange lights from inside some of the mausoleums.  Visitors report seeing apparitions of confederate prisoners in tattered uniforms wandering in a daze.  You might even come across The Greenwood Bride, a lonely figure in a wedding gown searching for her beloved! Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery in Midlothian, IL (70 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) The local area was originally settled by English colonizers and homesteaders who relocated from New England in the 1830s.  It was originally named the Everden Cemetery after the original property owner Conrintha Everden, who bought the land in 1835.  There have been many reports of spooky phenomena such as floating orbs, strange lights, and even sightings of a phantom car!  If you are brave you may even witness a farmer with his horse, a white cloaked spirit of a woman with her infant, and a woman sitting atop a tombstone. Graceland Cemetery in Chicago, IL (41 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) From “The Eternal Silence” statue of a hooded cloaked monk to the isolated grave of Daniel Burnham to the imposing architecture of The Palmer Mausoleum, there is no shortage of haunts here!  You might hearcries of disembodied voices, or be overcome with an overwhelming sense of dread, or notice the eerie stillness and silence and cold spots.  You’ll just have to visit and see for yourself! Bloods Point Cemetery in Belvidere, I L (88 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) This graveyard was founded in 1935, and is famed for sightings of a nefarious woman buried on site named Beaula who murdered all of her children and now haunts the grounds for eternity.  Visitors have also reported the site has a very off putting stench. Kemper Hall in Kenosha, WI (18 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) Once used as a boarding school for young ladies it is now a recreation center, this is considered one of the most haunted destinations in Wisconsin!  Rumor has it that the grounds are haunted by the ghost of a headless nun who died when several students cornered her and shoved her down a stairway.  Some visitors have also reported apparitions of nuns peeking out of the windows. Fork in the Road Mukwonago, WI (60 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) We thought it might be nice to include a restaurant stop off on our trip, and what better than a haunted one!  Visitors to this establishment have reported seeing foggy apparitions out back, heard ghostly footsteps in the halls, and even heard the echoes of pool cues hitting pool balls and rolling across the floor. Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, WI (50 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) If you’re looking to take a break on your spooky road trip, why not spend the night here if you dare!  Spirits here are said to appear in your room and interfere with your television or radio. You may even hear a pounding or knocking on the walls at night, jangling your nerves and your wits.  Many MLB players refuse to stay in the hotel due to disturbances, yikes! Brumder Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Milwaukee, WI (51 Miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) If you prefer an even more frightening lodging experience, try this terrifying B&B.  Guests have reported disturbing nightmares, apparitions floating in the halls and in and out of rooms, and it’s even been said that blood was found in a bathtub that no one had been using.  Guests have been reporting hauntings in this four story building for nearly 100 years. You can read the reports and then decide from there, if you dare! Karsten Hotel in Kewaunee, WI (170 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) If you’re interested in strange spectral encounters, then this is the hotspot (or cold spot…) that ghost hunters like you are just dying to experience!  In fact, it’s so haunted that the owners have fully embraced the paranormal experience and accept it.  It has been in operation since 1912 and is home to at least three very active spectres.  Stay for the night, if you can make it that long... Maribel Caves in Maribel, WI (184 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) The grounds are the former site of the Maribel Caves Hotel aka Cherner Hotel, a site known for its wonderful activities and fine amenities, but which sadly burnt down to the ground with its guests still inside.  The hotel has had its fair share of notorious visitors from famed living gangsters and mobsters like John Dillinger to the spectral figure of the former owner’s ghost. High Cliff State Park in Sherwood, WI (182 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) If you like spending time in the great outdoors, you may enjoy the challenge of pitching a tent on one of the most haunted campgrounds in Wisconsin!  It’s considered a hotbed of supernatural and paranormal events, which some attribute to the fact that there are Native American burial grounds nearby the camping ground.  Some folks report strange figures and apparitions and otherworldly sounds in the dead of night. West Cove Lanes in Ladysmith, WI (341 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) Stop in for a bite to eat or explore the nearby campgrounds. But be on the lookout for the ghosts that frequent this bowling alley.  Folks have reported hearing footsteps with no figure in sight, and peals of laughter when no one is there.  Others have seen an apparition of a man in a flannel shirt.  Will you strike the big time and see a spirit or will you roll a gutterball and zero out? If you have been to any of these spooky locations and have a story to tell, let us know! We’d love to hear all about it in a comment! Have a safe and happy halloween!

We’re celebrating all things creative by highlighting some great reasons you should support The Arts in our local community!  Join us as we explore ways you can support local artists and arts councils, and why art is vital to our society. Why Should You Support The Arts? Artists and the arts are an integral part of society, helping us frame the world in creative ways so we can better understand humanity. Our society does not exist without creativity and ingenuity provided by exploring the arts.  By enjoying freedom of self expression, we are encouraging people to think outside the box and create a sustainable future! And that’s something we’re very passionate about.  Encouraging exploration and experimentation in The Arts can absolutely lead society to a brighter, better future!  In fact, many industrial designers and engineers got their start as children experimenting with creativity. more Artists and the arts are an integral part of society, helping us frame the world in creative ways so we can better understand humanity. Everything from industrial design to culinary arts to engineering and architecture revolves around Art.  The phones you use, the cars you drive, the tech gadgets you depend on, the movies you stream, the shows you binge...all of them were created by someone who was passionate about the arts!  The songs you listen to and music videos you stream are all created by performance artists and musicians who have a passion for self-expression and creativity. It’s no secret that the Arts invite people to become innovative thinkers and inspire others to do the same, fostering ingenuity and higher thinking.  It has been proven that participating in the arts can improve academic performance amongst students of all ages, and provide creative reasoning skills, and students achieve higher scores on standardized tests.  The act of creating can also provide an outlet for self expression which can promote better mental health, as well as physical health. Not to mention a thriving Arts program or district can improve any local community on multiple levels: aesthetically, via tourism, economically, and also socially!  Art can beautify and unify a community through public art installations, group art events, classes, and more.  Art provides citizens with a common ground to communicate and express themselves, and understand each other on a non-verbal level.  The Arts can also provide income via local tourism to view exhibits, installations, markets, and local businesses, galleries, and museums. Encouraging exploration and experimentation in The Arts can absolutely lead society to a brighter, better future.  Art is everywhere and Art is for everyone! So hop in your new car and let’s hit the road on an amazing quest to find the most interesting artwork around. Explore Public Arts programs and projects throughout Wisconsin! Explore Public Arts programs and projects in the Chicago Area! Museums, Studios and Galleries to Explore in Illinois and Wisconsin Robert T Wright Comm Gallery in Grayslake, IL Blue Moon Gallery in Grayslake, IL Jack Benny Center in Waukegan, IL Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County in Libertyville, IL The African American Museum at the England Manor in Waukegan, IL Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, IL Artpie Studio, Gallery and Art School in Waukegan National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago, IL DePaul Art Museum in Chicago, IL Design Museum of Chicago in Chicago, IL WNDR Museum in Chicago, IL The Art Institute of Chicago Kavi Gupta Gallery | Washington Blvd in Chicago, IL Hyde Park Art Center in Chicago, IL Addington Gallery in Chicago, IL Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art in Chicago, IL National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, IL Smart Museum of Art in Chicago, IL Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago, IL Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in Chicago, IL ECHT Gallery in Chicago, IL The Richard Driehaus Museum in Chicago, IL Latvian Folk Art Museum in Chicago, IL Masterworks Art Gallery & Studio in Vernon Hills, IL Aurora Public Art in Aurora, IL Gary Brown Art in Aurora, IL Schin Goethe Museum in Aurora, IL Seven Setting Suns Art Gallery in Aurora, IL Water Street Studios in Batavia, IL Du Page Art League Gallery, School and Gift Shop in Wheaton, IL Kenosha Public Museum in Kenosha, WI Lemon Street Gallery in Kenosha, WI Re:Vision Gallery & Artist Studios in Kenosha, WI Left of the Lake Gallery in Kenosha, WI Anderson Arts Center in Kenosha, WI Kenosha Art Association in Kenosha, WI Learn a Little About Car Design and Industrial Design Have a recommendation of your own for a gallery, museum, or artist you love? Let us know! We may even feature your suggestion in a future blog!

A Fall Travel Guide to Autumnal Wonders Abound: Southeast Wisconsin and Greater Chicago Area We’re hitting the road in search of some of the best Fall Foliage views in the Southeast Wisconsin and Chicago areas.  Grab a pumpkin spice latte, a hot apple cider, your camera, some friends, and get on out there to enjoy the crisp autumn weather together!  Our Fall Foliage report has some of the best sites to see and visit for optimum seasonal content for your socials or your scrapbooks. more Here are some tips for photographing autumnal wonders with your smartphone: Charge your phone before you go! You don’t want to get to the top of the vista point only to find your prize-winning shot is a miss because you used your last 10% battery on one-to-many selfies! Bring a portable charging device with you. Pocket sized travel chargers and fast-charge cables will be your best friend on your trip into the wilderness. Shoot in horizontal orientation. Hold your phone between both hands, with your elbows near to your body for stability. Aim to shoot your vista points at sunrise or just before sunset. The “Golden Hour” provides the best light in the autumn, and creates truly spectacular imagery. Softer, waning light is better than the harsh direct light of midday. Use the “grid” feature to compose your image, and avoid using digital zoom. To avoid a pixelated picture, resist that digital zoom option on your phone. Move closer to your subject, or utilize the grid to frame the scene within squares to crop the image using a photo app like Snapseed after the fact instead. Now that you’re ready to go, let’s plan our leaf-peeping trail crawl! Wisconsin’s State Wide Fall Foliage Report Kenosha County peak leaf season is the 2nd week in October Racine Wisconsin area’s peak leaf season is 2nd week of October Pleasant Prairie area’s peak leaf season is 3rd week of October Lake Geneva peak leaf season is 3rd week of October Here are some great places to view fall foliage in the Kenosha, Racine, and Pleasant Prairie vicinities: Bristol Woods County Park Fox River Water Trail Brighton Dale Park Petrifying Springs Park Old Settler’s Park Pritchard Park Island Park Carre-Hogle Park Maple Grove Park Quarry Lake Park Gordon Tabor Woods River Bend Nature Center Ponderosa Pit Trail System Northern Trailhead for Donald Hackbarth Trail Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area Kenosha Sand Dunes Spring Bluff Forest Preserve Three of the Top Must See Destinations for Fall Foliage in Wisconsin Holy Hil; Hubertus, WI Located at 1525 Carmel Road in Hubertus, WI 53033 The church, shrine and grounds are open daily from 5AM through 5PM Over half-a-million visitors make the trek to come visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary at Holy Hill every year!  Although many visitors come to the site for prayer and meditation, it’s absolutely worth the visit for the breathtaking views of fall foliage and hilltop sunset views.  In addition, the gorgeous Romanesque architecture of the church is a truly spectacular site against the rich sunset hued treetops.  It’s truly a sight to behold. The Scenic Tower is open Sundays from 1:45PM to 4:30PM, and Monday-Saturday from 9AM to 4:30PM; please note that it is not possible to remain socially distanced in the tower due to space constraints, and it is advised you mask up and use caution and enter at your own risk. Lake Geneva between Milwaukee and Chicago Located at 201 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, WI 43147 Enjoy the spectacular fall foliage along the lakeside with a visit to Lake Geneva.  Stay at the Abbey Resort and you can snag a truly special view of the fall colours from the water on the Fall Colours Cruise.  Perhaps you’re looking for an up-close-and-personal view of the foliage, in which case the Lake Geneva Zipline Adventures will be right up your alley.  If you’re more interested in hiking or biking you can try any of the areas trails such as the Lake Geneva Shore Path, Big Foot Beach State Park, Bromley Woods, or the Four Seasons Nature Preserve. Seven Bridges Trail, Grant Park in South Milwaukee Located at S Lake Drive & Park Avenue in South Milwaukee, WI 53172 Grant Park, established in 1911, is one of the area’s oldest parks.  Seven Bridges Trail is a heavily wooded area that’s just perfect for all you “Autumn leaf peepers!”  In addition you’ll find plenty of local fall flora and foliage, including wildflowers and ferns.  The 2-mile trail features multiple scenic walkways and bridges along a series of ravines along the shores of Lake Michigan.  The forest has a truly enchanting appearance, and you’ll definitely find yourself lost in meditative repose amidst the glorious fall foliage hues. Fall Foliage in Chicago Area Get a little taste of the great outdoors in and around the bustling metropolis of Chicago!  That’s right, you can find some of the most iconic autumn views in and around the busy cityscape.  We’re highly recommending three in particular but we’ve also got a shortlist of additional sites to check out if you’re feeling adventurous. View the Illinois full fall foliage report here. Four of the Top Must See Places for Fall Foliage Chicago Chicago Botanic Garden Located at 1000 Lake-Cook Road in Glencoe, IL 60022 Walk the path between the Botanic Gardens’s visitor Center and Conservation Science Center and you’ll find a spectacular array of Japanese Maples, Sumac Trees, Fruit-bearing shrubbery, and ample selection of perennial flora.  The 285 acre grounds are free admission to roam, making it a great place to bring your family and friends for a group outing. Morton Arboretum Located at 4100 IL-53 on Lisle, IL 60532 Established in 1922 by Joy Morton of Morton Salt on just 175 acres, the property has expanded to 1,700 acres of woodland area with wetlands, botanical gardens, and outdoor activities for families.  In addition to hiking and outdoor fun, you can elect to sign up for workshops or visit the Museum with an expansive Library on site!  Admission ranges from Free for members to $8-14 per individual by age.  Interested in the arts? Explore some of the sculptures and art on the grounds, too!  There’s something for everyone to enjoy this Autumn! Graceland Cemetery Located at 4001 N. Clark Street in Chicago, IL 60613 What could be better for Halloween and October than a fall foliage tour in a graveyard?  The Graceland Cemetery is home to numerous local celebrities and notable citizens of Chicago area.  You can sign up for a group tour of the grounds via the Chicago Architecture Center, or opt instead for a self-guided tour of the statues and exquisite mausoleums. Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory Located at 300 N. Central Park Avenue in Chicago, IL 60624 One of the biggest facilities for botanical conservation and studies in the US, this indoor conservatory showcases exquisite botanical gardens and rare specimens up close and personal.  Step inside the tropical rainforest greenhouses, or explore the 10+ acres of outdoor gardens and recreational areas.  Tickets are currently available as timed-entry for COVID restrictions, but admission is free or a suggested donation.  Explore the gardens all day long or sign up for a special event, educational program, or urban agriculture workshop.  It’s a magical way to experience fall colours and autumnal activities! More Great Fall Foliage Destinations Just a Short Drive Away Humboldt Drive in Humboldt Park; Chicago, IL Winnemac Park; Chicago IL Schiller Woods along Des Plaines Trail; Chicago, IL Grandview Drive; Peoria Heights, IL Illinois River Road, National Scenic Byway; Peoria, IL Midway Plaisance between Jackson Park and Washington Park; Chicago, IL Prairie Sky Orchard; Union, IL Stade’s Farm and Market; McHenry, IL Got a favourite place for leaf peeping that we’ve left off the list? Let us know in the comments below, and your picks might just end up in a future post.