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We’re leaning into that summer vacation mode with another installment of must-see road trip destinations!  Today on the blog we’re sharing some incredible roadways that are a vacation in and of themselves.  You’ll find old growth forests, sweeping mountainside views, gorgeous fields of wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and more.  Whether you’re looking to take a scenic drive with peaceful overlooks, or you’re looking to experience new adventures along the way, we know you’ll find what you’re looking for with these great spots.  So check it out! Hop in your new car from Classic and let's hit the road to memorable vacations! more Going-To-The-Sun-Road in Montana, The Rocky Mountains A 50-mile scenic drive connecting the west and east ends of the park, it also crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass.  Located inside Glacier National Park, you’ll experience the heart of this region with its rainbow rock formations, crystal clear lakes and streams, colorful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife.  You’ll need to secure an Entry Pass and Vehicle Reservation to complete this trip unless you’ve booked a guided tour option.  Spring and Summer are peak visiting hours with quieter drives in Fall and Winter.  Along the way you’ll spot some hiking areas, most notably the Hidden Lake Overlook, Upper McDonald Creek, and The Highline.   Trail of the Cedars takes you on a trek along a boardwalk that weaves through lush green ferns, moss-covered trees, and a western red cedar forest.  Wild Goose Island Overlook is a picture perfect, must-see view of St. Mary Lake with a charming tiny island at its center, amidst a backdrop of alpine forest and mountains.  Whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and designated horseback riding paths are also available throughout the national park for those seeking a little more adrenaline than a car ride. Utah’s Mighty-5 National Parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands Experience the most iconic canyonlands in the US and view astonishing geological formations and red rock landscapes.  This trip will take you through 5 of Utah’s best parklands where you’ll get to explore incredible hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.  Explore the ancient water-carved rock formations and view otherworldly red rock landscapes of state parks as you make your way to each national park.  You’ll experience national monuments, charming small towns, alpine forests and desert plains and valleys, sweeping vistas, and limitless blue skies.  Along the way you’ll find numerous stopping points for scenic overlooks, hiking trails, campgrounds, horseback riding, kayaking and rafting, backcountry camping, canyoneering opportunities, and so much more.  We can guarantee this will be a trip for the memory books, so investing in a good camera will be a worthwhile investment to your travel budget. US Route 93 Road Trip (Cross-Country US), Mexico, and Canada This border-to-border road trip is the ultimate cross-country adventure!  You’ll need to make sure your passports are up to date for this one, as border crossing into Mexico and Canada are part of the journey.  Your trip will take you into Jasper National Park, Banff National Park, and Kootenay National Park in Canada; Glacier National Park, the National Bison Range and Flathead Indian Reservation, and Bitterroot Valley/Mountains in Montaha; Salmon National Forest, Challis National Forest, and Sawtooth National Forest as well as Craters of the Moon National Park in Idaho; Humboldt National Forest, the Ruby Mountain Range, Great Basin National Park, Cathedral Gorge State Park, Desert National Wildlife Refuge, Las Vegas, and the Hoover Dam in Nevada; Grand Canyon National Park, Prescott National Forest, Gila River Indian Reservation Coronado National Forest, Tumacori National Historic Park in Arizona, and then onwards to Mexico.  This is going to be a road trip to remember and you’ll want at least 10 days or more to fully experience everything there is to see! Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park in Blue Ridge Mountains This 100+ mile drive is the most leisurely drive on our list, with a 35MPH speed limit in most places due to abundant wildlife, and the main artery road through this national park. You’ll find helpful mile marker posts along the drive that can help you find overlooks, points of interest, and campgrounds.  As you drive you’ll be treated to some of the most spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and forests within the national park.  Begin your journey at Front Royal in the northern end of the park and make your way through to the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway for an additional scenic drive!  Along the way, you’ll find short hiking paths and trails, scenic overlooks perfect for photo ops especially at sunset, horseback riding options, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and access to the Appalachian Trail. The Overseas Highway from Mainland Florida/Key West Florida This stunning 113-mile highway consists of 42 bridges spanning across the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico, connecting Florida Keys to Key West via Route 1. It is considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the whole US. This beautiful bridge crosses sparkling aqua hued waters, offering spectacular views of the islands and waterscape. There are several stops available along the way such as John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Long Key State Park, Seven Mile Bridge, and then some. For families, locals recommend stopping at the Florida Keys Aquarium, or paying a visit to the charming Turtle Hospital in Marathon. Cascade Loop in Washington State Whether you opt for a clockwise or counterclockwise route, there’s no denying that traversing 440-miles through some of the Evergreen state’s most majestic forests and mountains is a real memorable experience. From the Seattle city skyline and salty sea air of Puget Sound to the grand scale of Stevens Pass Greenway and the stunning views of the North Cascades, there’s so many different regions to explore. Whidbey Island  is located north of Seattle in the Puget Sound, and offers beautiful beaches, rolling hills, and farmlands. Leavenworth offers a Bavarian-themed little enclave with charming shops and restaurants.  Skagit Valley is known for its magnificent spring time flower fields. The route is jampacked with numerous hiking trails, scenic overlooks, rivers and lakes for kayaking and paddleboarding, horseback riding trails, and more.  We recommend taking your time with a minimum of a 5 day journey, but 7-10 would be ideal!

Today on the blog, we’re celebrating the last few weeks of Spring, and gearing up for the start of Summer! You’ll find competitive fishing, DIY date nights, festivals and carnivals, live music and concerts, outdoor adventures and much more.  We can’t wait to get out on the town and enjoy some quality time with our friends and family in that warm, sweet air.  So check out our latest edition of the Classic Community Calendar and say hello to Summer! more On Wednesday, June 4th at Winthrop Harbor’s 5th Street Pond, come on down for the 4th Annual Fishing Derby starting at 6PM, perfect for kids aged 5-17. No equipment needed. Learn the first steps towards cultivating your own culinary garden in beautiful clay pots. T he Chicago Botanic Garden is hosting a “Grow Your Garnish” workshop starting from 6-8PM in Glencoe. Bring your best lawn chair and picnic blanket to enjoy Live Music in the Parks in Lake Villa at The Lehmann Mansion on June 5th from 7PM to 8:30PM. The Romney Brown Candle Company is hosting Candles and Cannolis DIY event night in Grayslake at the shop from 6PM to 8PM on June 6th. The Summer Wine Walk is coming to Downtown Antioch on Saturday June 7th for $45 per person from 12PM to 4PM. (21+ event only) The 34th Annual Fishing Derby in Waukegan hosted by Waukegan Parks Distric t is taking place on Saturday June 7th from 8AM to 10PM at Bevier Park. Downtown Highwood is hosting the Highwood Kick off to summer Carnival for 3 days in June, from June 6th, 7th, and 8th in Highwood. The 3rd Annual Bully Bingo is coming to Half Day Brewing in Lincolnshire on Sunday June 8th from 12PM on, featuring adoptable dogs, raffles, and pizza! The 5th Annual Grayslake Pride Parade is happening in Historic Downtown Grayslake on Sunday June 8th from 12PM to 1PM with a family-friendly festive parade starting at Hawley Street.  Enjoy live music from a local DJ and check out the parade floats. It’s Taylor Swift Theme Night in Highland Park at Jens Jensen Park on Thursday June 12th from 4:30 to 8:30PM with a live DJ and Taylor Swift impersonator, Shake It Off!  Dress as your favorite Era for a family-friendly night out. The Grayslake Beer Fest is Back this year on Saturday June 14th from 1PM to 5PM in Grayslake. Lake County Libation Trail partners such as 9th Hour Brewing Co, Buffalo Creek Brewing Co, Tighthead Brewing Co and more will be present! Zion’s Nostalgia Days are headed to the City of Zion on Friday June 13th and Saturday June 14th from 8AM to 6PM. Come enjoy a day featuring the county’s longest running and largest car, truck, and motorcycle show!  There will be an antique and custom car show and cruise, kids and family activities, a live DJ, radio stations, vendors, and much more! Round Lake Beach Cultural Center is hosting the Fifth Annual PrideFest Event with food trucks, drag shows, vendors, live music and more from 12PM to 10PM in Round Lake. Hawthorn Pride is coming to Vernon Hills on June 21st from 2PM to 5PM. Celebrate the Pride Event and Market with free admission and open to the public of all ages. You’ll get to shop LGBTQIA+ and Ally Vendors, delicious food truck treats, live music and DJ, and fabulous drag performances.  In case of inclement weather, visit the Hawthorn Mall for the Pride Event indoors. Taste of Highland Park is coming back on Friday June 20th and Saturday June 21st from 5PM to 10PM at Port Clinton Square, the area’s premiere dining and music festival event!  You don’t want to miss this – last year the event saw 7,500+ attendees and 14 local Highland Park eateries participated  as well as hosting live performances from local DJs and performers. Head over to the Heller Nature Center with your kiddos aged 5+ to hatch a dragon egg! Participants will get to hatch their egg, name their dragon, and bring them along on a nature themed adventure outdoors; hatching on June 22nd in Highland Park. Wauconda Fest’s “Rock with the Best” Four Day festival with live entertainment, food, beer and food trucks, games and rides, and much more is coming to Cook Park from June 26th through June 29th.

You may know Door County as the premiere leaf-peeping destination in Wisconsin, but did you know it’s prime real estate for the perfect summer vacation getaway?  Today, we’re sharing our favorite places to go and things to do in the Door County region of Wisconsin. Our neighbors up north offer so much fun, excitement and entertainment just a short drive away, even if you’re just seeking a weekend getaway to Door County!  There are more than 50 public beaches, plenty of gorgeous historic lighthouses, lots of art galleries and shopping, charming wineries, state parks and hiking trails, and then some.  We guarantee you’ll have an amazing summer vacation experience in Door County, Wisconsin!  Let’s check out all there is to offer, starting with the perfect places to enjoy a beach day. more While we can’t cover all 50 beaches in the county, we’ve narrowed it down to some of our top favorites to get you started.  First up is Sister Bay Beach in Sister Bay, the largest beach and beachfront park in the whole county; with 1,900 linear feet of continuous waterfront, and 600 feet of sandy beaches, this is the spot to be for classic summer fun.  Here you may enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, tanning on the shore, as well as picnicking and barbecuing. Next up is Nicolet Bay Beach in Fish Creek; this beach is located within the boundaries of Peninsula State Park and offers 944 feet of sandy shorelines.  This beach offers a snack bar, camp store, bicycle and boat rentals, a playground, paddleboard rentals, sand volleyball courts, and picnic facilities, making it a perfect place for families to spend a few days! Ephraim Beach in Ephraim offers 175 feet of sandy shoreline, with a much quieter and peaceful vibe; this is the place to be if you’re looking for that “private island” experience without the hefty price tag.  The beach is also just a short drive or bike ride away from the quaint downtown area of Ephraim, home to some of the most delicious eateries! Ridges Beach in Baileys Harbor is located within Ridges County Park, and is a top destination for families in the area.  There are plenty of sand bars and more shallow waters, perfect for kiddos to learn the ropes of swimming and get comfortable in the water.  A little further out from teh shoreline and sandbars, you’ll find a perfect lakeside retreat to enjoy plenty of watersports such as kiteboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.  There’s plenty of parking, convenient picnicking areas, and restrooms on site. Whitefish Dunes Beach in Sturgeon Bay is a mile-long sandy beach along the shores of Lake Michigan, and is located within Whitefish Dunes State Park.  The picturesque shoreline is bordered by every-changing sand dunes, and they’re just perfect for a beach day trek.  The beach also offers a boardwalk, nature center, fishing pier, playground, volleyball courts, and picnic areas, making it one-stop-shopping for summer vacation excitement!  Plus, there is an ADA Accessible beach access point, as well as offering dog-friendly beach facilities in a designated pet-friendly area. Explore the area with a unique perspective of the Peninsula and islands with Door County Kayak Tours.  Enjoy an afternoon of paddle boarding, parasailing, kayaking, or jetskiing for some extra excitement on the waves.  Rent a boat and go tubing or waterskiing off of Washington Island or Rock Island. Get the family together and put on your best hiking shoes and go on a geocaching treasure hunt.  Take a tour on the Washington Island Ferry Line from Ellison Bay.  Book a private campsite and sleep under the stars for some extra fresh air and nature in one of the state parks or local campgrounds.  Or create unforgettable memories with a once-in-a-lifetime Shipwreck Diving Tour, and take a scuba or snorkeling excursion of the more than 275 shipwrecks hidden in local waters. Looking to stretch your legs after getting a little waterlogged at the beach? Head to dry land and check out these amazing hiking spots!  Horseshoe Island can be reached by kayaks or boats from the Nicolet Bay Beach, offering a “two-for-one” outdoor experience. The 1 mile trail is set two miles in from the mainland and encircles the entire 38 acre island. Whitefish Dunes State Park has nearly 15 miles of hiking trails to enjoy including: 1.5 miles of sandy beach shoreline; the second longest trail, the Black Trail loop through the hardwood forest; Brachiopod Trail which offers a fun fact-filled trail through multiple environments; Green Trail which treads along a lowland area of the forest and along the dune; Red Trail which brings visitors past “Old Baldy”, the park’s tallest dune at 93 feet above lake level; the Yellow Trail which is the area’s longest trail that leads through a red pine plantation and back through the dunes. Peninsula Park has 20 miles of trails to enjoy which offer various views of the park’s terrain, environments, and wildlife. The park also offers the opinion for an outdoor track wheelchair on certain days depending on availability, which you can do through the Friends of Peninsula Website.  Eagle Trail is a local favorite, and one of the more challenging options, but it’s worth it for the 2 mile trek along the water and over stunning rocks and past the caves to a scenic overlook.  Nicolet Bay Trail is a good moderate choice for intermediate skilled hikers and a wonderful choice for nature enthusiasts and birders. Ahnapee State Trail is 48 miles long and offers an 8-10 foot wide hard-pack gravel surfaces perfect for biking, hiking, trail running, and even horseback riding. This scenic trail spans from Sturgeon Bay to the Door/Kewaunee County lines, and features forest landscapes and gorgeous views of the water. And we’d be remiss if we didn’t direct you to checking out the 11 incredible historic lighthouses of Door County! These lighthouse locations make the perfect photo op for your summer vacation snaps, as well as giving you a chance to learn more about the local history and architecture of maritime structures. Sherwood Point Lighthouse is only open to the public in the second weekend of June, as the rest of the year it is an active rental for members of the US Military.  Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal North Pierhead Light is located at a fully operational US Coast Guard Station, and visitors can explore the lower-level walkway. Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Light is accessed in the same area, and the grounds are open to the public during Lighthouse Walk weekend, the 2nd weekend in June.  Old Baileys Harbor Lighthouse is known for its unique bird-cage lantern room, and is now privately owned.  Baileys Harbor Range Lights grounds are open to the public, but the structures are closed.  Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is located in Peninsula Park.  Cana Island Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in all of Door County. It’s now operated as a museum by the Door County Maritime Museum and Lighthouse Preservation Society.  Chambers Island Lighthouse is accessible only by boat, and located on Chambers Island.  Pilot Island Lighthouse is only visible by water as its owned and operated by the Coast Guard.  Plum Island Lighthouse can be seen from the Washington Island Ferry.  Pottawatomie Lighthouse is located in Rock Island State Park, and is the first established lighthouse in Door County. It’ll be open daily during the summer season. Door County is also  known for its incredible galleries and local boutique shops with unique and artisan goods and fine gifts!  Explore the local towns in between beach days, and you’ll find a rich culture of fine arts, creativity, and unmatched potential for unique souvenir gifts!  You’ll have even the chance to get up close and personal with local artists in their studios, learn more about the creative process, and support local farms and businesses all at the same time.  Edgewood Orchard Galleries offers a gallery experience with shoppable items, as well as boasting a spectacular sculpture garden.  Popelka Trenchard Glass offers bespoke glass artworks, and often has demonstrations of the artist at work.  Off the Wheel Pottery offesr multiple local artists’ work on display.  Lily Bay Pottery is a beautiful gallery of custom pottery nestled on the impeccably kept grounds maintained by a Master Gardener.  There are truly just too many to list in one blog post, so you’ll just have to go see and explore for yourselves!

Next on our amazing list of perfect summer vacation road trip destinations in the midwest is New Buffalo!  Just a little over an hour outside of Chicago, this is the perfect weekend getaway for some fun in the sun. With sixteen miles of continuous shoreline, one-of-a-kind shopping and boutiques, artisanal eateries and cafes, waterfront boutique hotels, and the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, there’s no shortage of entertainment and fun.  This town nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan offers unmatched views of the lake, magnificent natural beauty with diverse landscapes, and a litany of outdoor summer fun including boating, hiking, swimming, fishing, and numerous watersports.  So what are you waiting for? Hop in your new car from Classic of Waukegan and let’s hit the road! more Whether you’re looking for novice walking trails, intermediate to expert hiking, or trails for cycling and running, you’ll find it here in New  Buffalo with nearly dozens of trails to choose from.  The Backroads Bikeway Trails offer 20 self-guided tours on paved roadways with lengths ranging from 5 miles to 60 miles, depending on your experience; hop on a tour with the Three Oaks Spokes Bicycle Club or Apple Cider Century Bicycle Tours. The Chikaming Township Park and Preserve offers an astounding assortment of environments from wetlands to woodlands to prairies to riverlands across its 263 acres and a 5-acre lake to boot!  You’ll find it the perfect place to get in touch with nature, do some wildlife spotting, plant and flower photography, hiking and biking, birdwatching, and even fishing.  It’s a wonderful destination for families to explore together and get away from the screens for a while. Galien River County Park takes visitors through one of the most lush of the Great Lakes Marshes, a space that thousands of native plants and animals call home.  The region has a wide array of wildlife including nesting and migratory birds, frogs, reptiles, fish, and other animals.  This 86-acre preserve has a beautiful elevated boardwalk allowing you to walk above the water, cutting directly through the marsh for an up-close view of the habitat and its residents.  The park also has a 60-foot observation tower to enjoy panoramic views from above for a new perspective.  All trails but the “ridge trail” are ADA-accessible for those with disabilities and mobility aids, too.  Trails here are great for beginners and those looking for low-key hikes. The Robinson Woods Preserve is 80 acres of former agricultural lands, once used as orchard and row crops, which have now been overtaken by native plants and more than 100 years of tree and forest growth.  The preserve offers four different forest type regions to explore: a floodplain forest, southern hardwood swamp, mesic southern forest, and dry-mesic southern forest.  When coupled with neighbouring Flynn Woods Preserve, the two protected forests total 115 acres of protected natural area. Warren Dunes State Park offers a mix of natural forestlands, shoreline, and sand dunes for an unforgettable experience.  Enjoy 3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline with 6 miles of hiking trails.  The park’s rugged dune formation rises to 260 feet above the lake for stunning views, and offers the unique opportunity to go hang-gliding (permits required)!  Head into the park and enjoy a mix of pristine beaches and undeveloped shoreline, richly forested dunes, large open dunes, and interdunal wetlands, making it a prime spot for migratory birds and strong biodiversity in wildlife.  The park also offers two campgrounds and a youth group camp ground. New Buffalo’s City Beach offers 800 feet of sandy beaches and City Boat Launch Harbor for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating.  Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day from Thursday through Sunday 10AM to 7PM.  The Beach has an 18 acre recreation area, boardwalk nature trail through the dune lines, a full service snack bar, playgrounds and benches, and access for fishing at the Galien River Nature Preserve.  Enjoy a wide array of activities from swimming to paddleboarding to surfing to tanning on the sandy shores! Not interested in a BYO boat option? Not to worry!  The area has plenty of chartered options as well as rental opportunities for a day out on the waters of Lake Michigan.  Companies such as Captain John’s Boat Tours, Salmon Hunter Charters, New Buffalo Sailing Excursions, and the Oselka Marina Boat Rentals will have you covered for fishing and sailing activities.  You can also rent wave runners, kayaks, and paddleboards at Oselka Marina, Uncle Jib’s and Third Coast Paddling. Family-friendly activities aside from the beach include golfing, horseback riding, clay shooting, yoga, and more.  Explore the local farmers markets in the spring and summer seasons to shop for locally grown produce, locally made food, artisanal wares, and handmade gifts.  Explore the local historic sites and museums such as The Region of Three Oaks Museum, Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve, and New Buffalo Railroad Museum.

Our Gearhead Guru Guide series is designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to care for your vehicle inside and out.  We want to make regular maintenance and basic troubleshooting as easy as possible by sharing our wealth of knowledge!  From washing and detailing your car, to organizing your garage, to preparing your vehicle for the ultimate road trip, we’ll be covering a little bit of everything. Today’s topic is focused on your vehicle’s HVAC system, and  how to diagnose and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.   Even with regular maintenance, your vehicle’s AC is bound to break down or need repairs.  Especially when the weather warms up and it’s used more frequently. more Let’s take a look at some of the basics of how the AC system works, and key terms you need to know! A/C compressor An engine-driven pump in the air conditioning system that increases the pressure of the refrigerant. A/C drain hose A hose used to drain condensation from the air conditioner evaporator. Air conditioner refrigerant The liquid used in air conditioning systems, which has the property of boiling at ambient air temperatures. Air conditioning The cooling and dehumidification of a vehicle's cabin air. Air conditioning filter A device that removes contaminants from external air entering the ventilation system. Air filter A device that filters incoming air fed to the engine. Climate control The computer-controlled regulation of heating and air conditioning systems to accommodate a user-specified temperature setting. HVAC Heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Radiator core & AC condenser The part of a vehicle's radiator and air conditioning systems made up of small-diameter tubes with a series of thin, heat-conducting fins in between. Rear HVAC The climate-control system used to regulate heating and air conditioning for the area of a vehicle behind the front row seating. Your vehicle’s climate control system is a complex combination of components that include the compressor, condenser, receiver/dryer or an accumulator, a thermal expansion valve or orifice tube, and an evaporator. The compressor helps pressurize refrigerant to cool the air, and can sense the temperatures both inside and outside the vehicle, moves air to the condenser, etc.  The condenser helps reduce the temperature and the pressure of any hot gasses emitted from the refrigeration system, and moves cold liquid refrigerant to your receiver/dryer or the accumulator. If you notice that the air coming out of your car’s vents is not as crisp and fresh as it usually is, there may be trouble brewing.  The most common parts to need service are the compressor and the condenser, followed by electrical shorts and broken fans. Additionally, low refrigerant (can be caused by leaks), a worn or broken v-belt or serpentine belt (helps the compressor function), or a malfunctioning compressor switch can sometimes also be at fault. Let’s learn more about how to gain a better understanding of what’s happening to diagnose the issue before you bring it in to your trusted technician. First, we’ll do a quick visual once over.  Then turn your car on, put the temperature dial to the coldest setting on a high fan. Observe if the system is producing any air, how cold it is, if there are any odors.  Listen closely to assess if there is reasonable air flow and no mechanical or other abnormal noises are present.  When you bring the vehicle into the service center, this will help your mechanic or technician troubleshoot further.  Let’s take a look at some of the other clues that can point you in the right direction for a diagnosis. If the air comes out of the vents cool but not quite cold enough… this may indicate you need a recharge of your AC refrigerant.  If your technician checks the refrigerant and it’s at an adequate level ,it may be a sign that you have a blocked or failed condenser unit; the condenser may have a blockage or be damaged, reducing or stopping its ability to convert the refrigerant from gas to liquid, leading to inadequate temperatures.  It may also be a result of a failed clutch switch, rendering the air compressor inoperable, and preventing it from condensing liquid refrigerant into gas. If the vents are producing tepid air and it isn’t cold at all… This is a sign that you may have a refrigerant leak in your system. A leak can happen at any time, and is most often caused by a puncture hole or broken hose, a malfunctioning compressor or condenser, or even the evaporator.  You’ll need to take the vehicle to your trusted service technician; they’ll perform a special test utilizing a black light to look for the location of the refrigerant leak. Once they find the location of the leak, they’ll recharge the refrigerant and it should blow cold air again. If your AC smells stale and mildewy…. You’ll need to replace your air filter. As you drive, the air filter collects dirt, dust, water, and other pollutants and particulate matter. After some time, this can lead to build up and produce a stale odor. You can generally remedy this by replacing the air filter! If that doesn’t alleviate the problem, you can ask about antibacterial cleaning treatments. You should be checking and cleaning your air filter out at least every 3 to 6 months, with a replacement every 10-12 months. If there is no air coming out of the vents at all… it’s time to take the vehicle into a trusted service technician. In general, no air flow from the AC can point to a much larger problem such as a blown fuse or bad relay, blocked air intake (either at the exterior windshield vents or in the recirculation process), damaged belts or detached belts, broken or blocked hoses preventing airflow from the vents, damage to the blower motor or blower resistor. If you’d like to try troubleshooting at home, you can replace the fuses or the relay yourself with a little elbow grease.  However, if the problem persists your mechanic will administer a test to the other components and replace them as needed. If your AC system makes a terrible noise when you turn it on… indicates a larger component in the system has started to malfunction or debris is blocking the airflow.. The system should be virtually silent with very little sound minus the flow of air from the vents.  If you hear anything like rattling, banging, squealing, or other unusual noises , book a service appointment ASAP and avoid using the AC until you do.  Your mechanic will perform a very thorough inspection to determine exactly which components are failing, blocked, or damaged and replace them.

If you’re looking for gorgeous sand beaches without international travel or the high-traffic of Florida’s shores, then the Gulf Coast of Alabama is the perfect place for your next summer road trip.  From wildlife nature retreats to coastal shoreline to historic sites, this has the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and tourism to make a top tier vacation spot! more Can’t Miss Destinations: Nature Conservation, Wildlife Spotting, Historic Tourism and More! Take the ferry out to Dauphin Island to visit several local tourism spots. Fort Morgan is a national historic landmark from the Civil War and both World Wars. You and your family will be fascinated on the thorough guided tours highlighting the fort’s historical importance, historic artifacts on display, gorgeous architectural details, and the detailed accounts of soldier’s lives.  While you’re there, there’s a fantastic spot for fishing along Bon Secour Bay for fish such as speckled trout, redfish, and blue crab. You can also do some birding at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge while you’re there, as the area is also home to endangered species and plentiful migratory birds, as well as a protected habitat for local wildlife. Just a short drive away is the Alabama Aquarium, formerly known as the Estuarium, which highlights the four beautiful habitats of coastal Alabama – Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands, and Northern Gulf of Mexico; check out the exhibits, feeding time demonstrations, or book an excursion for an all-ages, hands-on experience about aquatic life on the gulf!  Then you can swing on over to Fort Gaines, Mobile Bay Battlefield, Fort Pickens, Fort Barrancas, and Historic Blakeley State Park and check out even more historic buildings. Just a short drive away is Gulf State Park and Gulf State Park Pier. Visitors can grab a fishing pass to fish off the 1,500+foot pier, or sightseeing pass to enjoy 3 miles of sandy beaches, 28 miles of hiking and biking trails, geocaching, paddling, boating, parasailing, kayaking, and so much more! Lake Shelby is a beautiful 600-acre freshwater lake located inside the park, perfect for kayaking, canoeing, paddling, and fishing.  The Gulf State Park’s Nature Center is an impressive conservation museum of live plants and animals native to the gulf coast. Visitors can enjoy weekly guided nature walks, beach walks, and pier walks at the center, and learn more about the Gulf Coast wildlife.  The facility also has numerous animal ambassadors including owls, turtles, snakes, gators, and many more. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is open daily and offers hands-on experiences like the Sloth Adventure, Lemur Adventure, Sulcata Tortoise feedings, Giraffe feedings, South American Adventure, and Madagascar Adventure.  There’s also a Zip Line, Carousel, Safari Cars, and a Kiddie Train!  The Zoo also offers a wide array of special events such as Summer zoo Camp, meet and greets, and rotating exhibits. Make Memories with Unforgettable, Unique Experiences only on Alabama’s Gulf Coast! Want to experience the Gulf in a whole new way? flyBama helicopter tours and Skydive the Gulf both offer unique perspectives from a birds-eye view of the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! And we can’t forget recommending you stop at the vintage Gulf Bowl Bowling Alley & Captain’s Choice Seafood Restaurant – a retro bowling alley with an arcade, sports bar, and grill in one! Alabama’s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway makes a great mini-road trip within your road trip.  This 130 miles long roadway travels along the Gulf of Mexico and between two counties, Mobile and Baldwin, and takes you along beautiful beaches, charming downtowns, nature reserves, and some of the best seafood eateries you’ve ever enjoyed. The Hot Shop and Clay Studios at Coastal Arts Center offer demonstrations and hands-on workshops and classes to throw clay on a pottery wheel, learn to blow glass, and make your own sculpted works of art.  Need a little inspiration, why not peruse the fine arts gallery of Gulf Coast artists or check out the Coastal Arts Center’s Annual Festival of Art! FlightWorks Alabama is an innovative aerospace museum and education center with 15,000 square feet and more than 40 exhibits! The museum is only open Tuesday through Fridays, so plan accordingly so you don’t miss out on this unique opportunity.  The Airbus Foundation Discovery Space aims to teach the past, present and future of aviation, and visitors can experience the Cockpit Simulator Challenge, Drone Fly Zone, Flight Control Basics, the Aerodynamics Arcade, FlightPath Career Center, and then some. Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit is a free museum featuring a humongous remote-controlled model railroad, real historic train cars you can ride through Foley Heritage Park, and other interactive hands-on exhibits for the whole family!  The exhibit has different hours than the museum itself – Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10AM to 2PM, and train rides are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday in the Summer and Saturdays the rest of the year. Oak Hollow Farm in Fairhope is a family owned and operated working farm, and site of a historic farm from the 1800s that once grew cotton, sugar cane, potatoes, corn and livestock on over 300 acres.  Book a tour of the grounds, try your hand a little Skeet Shooting, attend a special seasonal event, attend a silent auction, or just spend the week resting and relaxing on the farm grounds. The Wharf at Orange Beach is an exciting, bustling waterfront area offering one-of-a-kind entertainment, plentiful shopping, amusement rides, and an amphitheater with live entertainment.  We bet you’ll love the SPECTRA Laser Light Experience or the Wharf Express Train experience!  If that’s not exciting enough, you may want to check out Arena the Next Level Arcade or Outer Limits VR. The Eastern Shore Art Center has a stunning array of fine art exhibits across its 5 galleries as well as 4 art studios offering year round classes, workshops, and lectures, a creative gift shop, annual outdoor art show, and an autumnal Plein Air painting event. As you can see, there’s no shortage of fun and excitement on the gulf shores of Alabama!

We’re continuing our series of road trip destination inspiration with a trip to California and one of this country’s finest National Parks!  This time, we’re headed to Joshua Tree National Park for unparalleled adventure, stunning sights, and magical memory making!  Featuring 2 completely distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, stargazing, rock climbing, 4x4 drives, nature photography, wildlife viewing, and more, Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating place. Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast, looking to check off your bucket list of National Parks, or seeking to learn more about our country’s history, you’ll find it here and then some! more The park’s busiest season is October through May, with peak activity from March through mid-April, although the weather can be a little unpredictable.  Weather conditions can include extreme heat, heavy rains, flash flooding, high winds, hail and more, so be sure you’re prepared for the weather by checking reports before you head out to explore!  Also, be alert for rattlesnakes who love the spring weather as much as we do, and love to explore the trails. You’ll find 9 fantastic campgrounds in the park, perfect for reconnecting with nature and observing the stars.  Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, and Ryan campgrounds can all be reserved in advance, saving you the hassle and stress of “First come, first serve” rush of other campsites. The park is also an International Dark Sky Park certified by the International Dark-Sky Association, and offers visitors an outstanding experience to admire the Milky Way, glimmering stars, passing meteors, glowing planets, and other heavenly bodies.  Make sure you have a red-light flashlight or lamp with you, for optimal viewing. There are more than 300 miles of incredible trails in this national park, many of them wheelchair accessible and even year round access.  Opt for a horseback ride tour or bike ride through the trails, or head out on foot for a memorable hike.  Only the paved “Oasis of Mara Trail” is pet-friendly, but the rest of the many trails in the park are no pets allowed, so be mindful of this if traveling with furry friends in tow.  There are numerous short nature hikes in the park, with highlights including (but certainly not limited to) Arch Rock, Cap Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Hidden Valley, and Ryan Ranch.  Although summer time can be very rough, experienced hikers who take proper precautions will enjoy the moderately rated hikes such as Lost Horse Mine, Mastodon Park, and Split Rock Loop.  If you’re looking for a big challenge, you’ll certainly find a list of strenuous and challenging hikes, but it’s ill-advised to attempt them in the extreme summer heat – visitors who disregard warning have experienced significant injury requiring rescue, and those who are less fortunate have even perished in the extreme conditions; adhere to posted warnings carefully! If you’ve grown tired of indoor climbing gyms and are looking to level up, there are 8,000 established routes and 2,000 bouldering problems.  You will be able to book a local climbing guide to take you through the park, but make sure to choose one certified through PCGI and AMGA or similar for safety reasons.  Remember, the park does prefer you to adopt the “Leave No Trace” ideology, so tread cautiously and try not to disturb local wildlife and plants, as well as doing your best not to leave climbing equipment behind. Looking to take your new SUV from Classic for an extra spin?  Off-road equipped vehicles with 4x5 are permitted to let loose on the backcountry dirt roads!  These roads are also perfect for mountain biking, but ATVs/UTVS and dirt bikes are prohibited.  Good news: Fido can accompany you on the backcountry roads, but must remain on leash and may go no more than 100 feet beyond the roads.  Make sure you download offline use maps and carry printed paper maps with you as well, along with packing adequate supplies and a satellite phone for emergencies; planning ahead and being prepared is your best option as rescue may take awhile in case of any emergencies. This park is a nature photographer’s dream!  The flora in this national park is abundant, featuring 54 rare plant species, 2 of which are federally listed!  The Spring season brings with it some of the most brilliant displays of wildflowers in lush color palettes.  March through May is the prime season for Desert Dandelion, Desert Globemallow, Brittlebush, Indian Paintbrush, and Pincushions.  April through June you’ll find desert Mariposa, Blackbush, Beavertail Cactus, and Desert Fiddleneck.  Traveling during the cooler autumn months? You’ll still have a chance to spot some special desert blooms like goldenbush and desert willow if the conditions are just right!  As for wildlife, you’ll have the opportunity to catch migratory birds such as Nashville Warblers, Wilson’s Warbler’s, yellow warblers, and many more.  Year round you’ll find cactus wren, greater roadrunner,prairie falcon, Gambel’s quail and others.

Today we’re sharing some great recipes and tips for campsite cooking on your next road trip, with a special twist – all vegetarian and vegan meals on today’s menu!  With the price of groceries and meat rising consistently in the last few months, traveling with less meat and more veggies and grains can save you quite a bit of cash (which you can spend on excursions and entertainment instead!) more Additional benefits of traveling with more vegetarian meals means less stress about refrigeration, and a lighter load with less ice since veggies keep much longer than meat when stored properly and can be left out in the air longer, and are less likely to attract bears.  Plus, veggie meals are a great option for a lighter, less heavy meal if you’re going to spend the day hiking and running around.  Not to mention it’s a chance to get creative around the campfire and add some new flavor combos instead of the ol’ tradition of hot dogs and hamburgers on the open flame. If you’re looking for fast, easy, and delicious campfire meals with a plant based recipe, we’ve got plenty of options for you today!  So let’s check out these creative cooking plans for vegetarian campsite meals. Easy to Cook Vegetarian Meals for Off-Grid and Campsite Cooking These easy to make meatless meals are so delectable we bet you won’t even miss the meat! Plus, many of them utilize canned goods and other pantry staples for easy to assemble meals without the need for refrigeration!  You just can’t beat that when it comes to convenience. 12 Vegetarian Campfire Meals Banana Bread Pancakes Easy Campfire Nachos Vegan Overnight Oats Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers Camping Food Veggie Burgers 5 Can Chili with some Skillet Cornbread Grilled Halloumi Breakfast Sandwiches Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers Spicy Red Lentil Breakfast Burrito Bowls Fiery Campfire Veggies Vegan Chicken Salad Chickpea  Breakfast Hash with Seasonal Summer Veggies Protein Packed Vegetarian Hiking Snacks Red Curry Ramen Noodle Bowls Of course all that off-grid cooking is going to require some creative kitchen tools, but never fear, Classic is here! We’ve got a great list of camping cookware kits and sets to make life easy, and at a variety of sizes and price points for your convenience. The Odoland 15 piece Camping Cookware Mess Kit is lightweight, has non-stick metal, and includes everything you need to cook for one or two people. You’ll have flatware, two pots, a fry pan, stainless steel cups, cleaning cloths, and a carrying bag to stow it all. Plus, it’s under $50 here on amazon which is a great budget-friendly deal! First up is the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist II Camping Cook Site kit for $80-$90 available on Amazon. You’ll get a cookset for two with folding sporks/foons, a bowl/mug combo. As an added bonus, everything stacks together with plenty of room to store your stove/fuel as well as easy-to-stow travel bag included. The Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set features 21 pieces of cookware including a cutting board, pot and fry pan, spatulas, serving ware, flatware, bowls, a trivet, and is made of stainless steel for durability.

Isle Royale is nestled in the crystal waters of Lake Superior, and the park is open to visitors in Mid-May through September. Dotted with historic sites, wound with ribbons of hiking trails and scenic overlook routes, home to several historic shipwrecks and sunken ships, and pristine wilderness where majestic moose and wild wolves still roam free, this is a must-see park located in Keweenaw County, Michigan. more One of the qualities that makes it so incredibly special is that it’s also considered a “US Biosphere Reserve”, meaning that it functions effectively as a living laboratory and research ecosystem. The aim of sites like Isle Royale National Park is to preserve and encourage biodiversity, protect and promote healthy ecosystems, continue the dialogue about sustainable agriculture and research as well as economic development, to create shared experiences between visitors and researchers, and foster a stronger relationship between humans and nature. With over 165 miles of scenic hiking trails, 36 different campgrounds, and numerous opportunities for adventure, too.  You’ll want to plan at least a four day stay so you can take in as much of this beautiful preserved land as possible.  Transportation options are limited to ferries, personal private boats, and seaplanes; select from the Ranger III, Queen IV, Sea Hunter III, Voyageur II ferries depending on your departure and arrival locations.  Group camping is available with permits and advanced reservations, making it a great best friends getaway, family reunion spot, or even a coworkers’ bonding trip. You can enjoy exploring the historic lighthouses or any of the 10 shipwrecks, or if you prefer a more traditional activity you may enjoy boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.  Thanks to the immense amount of options for hiking trails, you’ll have plenty to choose from for a trek along what will feel like your own private island, sometimes not noticing another human for quite some time. Houghton Houghton is the Isle’s mainland headquarters, along the Portage Canal.  The visitor center is the home port for the Ranger III ferry, as well as being the location for visitors to obtain their boating permit before heading out to the island.  You can visit the park store as well as request a special 25-minute park orientation video to start your visit, or sign up for the park’s Junior Ranger Program! The nearby Lookout Louise Trail is situated over Duncan Bay, in between Isle Royale and Thunder Bay, Ontario, and provides a spectacular view of the park. Hikers beware that it is a mostly uphill mile-long trail, but on a clear day you’ll be rewarded with views of Pie Island, the Sibley Peninsula, and Edward Island! Rock Harbor Region Rock Harbor is located on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park and can be researched by the Ranger III, Isle Royale Queen IV, Voyageur II, seaplane services, or by private boat/seaplane.  Once you reach this area of the island, you’ll be immersed in the peaceful boreal forests filled with spruce and fir trees. It’s a wonderful place for some Front-country hiking as well as paddling, fishing, and enjoying guided tours.  Key things to enjoy here are Scoville Point, Suzy’s Cave, the Pete Edisen Fishery, Suzy’s Cave. The Edisen Fishery is a historic campsite and fishing spot at the south end of Rock Harbor, named for the last fisherman that manned the area, Pete Edisen. Suzy’s Cave is on the eastern end of the park, just a short hike away from the Rock Harbor area. There’s a very impressive inland sea-arch formed by thousands of years of waves moving through the area. Stoll Memorial Trail to Scoville Point is a reasonable trail for beginners that offers gorgeous views of Lake Superior and a fully immersive experience of the beautiful wilderness of the park. Mount Franklin Scenic Overlook and Greenstone Ridge Trail The Greenstone Ridge Trailspans between Windigo Harbor on the western end to Rock HArbor on the eastern end.  The trail spans over 40 miles if you include all spur trails, and is best suited to intermediate backpackers traveling over the course of several days (5-8 day recommended)  The overlook is 1,080 feet high, and provides visitors with impressive views of Lake Superior and Canada as well as the northern side of the island.  Visitors recommend this as either a one-day hike or an overnight trip, depending on your skill level.  As you hike to the area, you’ll cross through marshes, swamps, forested areas, and enjoy mountainscape overlooks. Windigo Region This Front-Country wilderness offers scenic views, hiking trails, and can be reached by ferry, seaplane, or private boat.  Windigo is located on the southwestern end of the park, and is a great opportunity to enjoy hiking, paddle boarding or kayaking or canoeing, attend special ranger programming, and more. Hike to the Minong Ridge Overlook to experience Isle Royale’s West End, panoramics of Lake Superior, and the Canadian Shoreline Grace Creek Overlook affords visitors a beautiful view of Grace Creek, Grace Harbor, and Lake Superior as well. Lighthouses There are four historic lighthouses on the island. The oldest of which is Rock Harbor Light, a sentry for decades along the Rock Harbor Channel; though it is no longer actively illuminated it is the most viewed and visited lighthouse. Passage Island Lighthouse is on the northeast side of the park, actively guiding ships traffic through the Isle Royale’s main island and Passage Island; though it was once manned by attendants, it’s been converted to an automated, flashing white light. The Rock of Ages Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse of Isle Royale, and is built on a 50’x200’ rocky outcrop in the water.  Isle Royale Lighthouse is set on the edge of Menagerie Island on the south shore at the entryway to Siskiwit Bay, and is reachable only by private boat’ this lighthouse sends a beacon out up to 10-miles! Shipwrecks There were 10 major shipwrecks along the coasts of Isle Royale and listed on the National Register. The SS Algoma, a passenger steamer in the 1880s, broke in half and parts of the stern remain. The SS America was a package freighter from 1898-1928; you can still see the midship and stern, including the engine room, galley, and some passenger cabins. The SS Henry Chisholm  was a bulk freighter from the late-1880s through the late 1890s; the steam engine is the most prominent feature of the shipwreck site. SS Chester A Congdon was a freighter from 1907-1918, and its wreckage includes a pilot house, the bow on the south side, and an intact stern on the north side. The SS George M Cox was a passenger steamer for nearly 20 years in the early 1900s; the wreckage is scattered along the site and you’ll find steel plating as well as exposed machinery. The SS Cumberland was a passenger steamer in the 1870s whose wreckage features the wooden hull, side-wheel, and boiler. The SS Emperor was a bulk freighter for nearly 40 years, and its wreckage is mostly intact with the bow area showing the most damage. The SS Glenlyon was a bulk freighter from the early 1890s through 1924, and its wreckage is scattered throughout the reef. The SS Kamloops was a package freighter for a mere 3 years before it wrecked, and it’s located at extreme depths so most of it is intact and undisturbed. The SS Monarch was a package freighter from 1890 through 1906, and large sections of wooden wreckage are scattered at the bottom.

Today is National Odometer Day, and we are here to help you keep your car running those miles as long as possible, from the first miles off the lot to the years of road trips ahead of you. Learn all about the different maintenance and service check-ups you should be performing to ensure your vehicle remains in mint condition!  Let’s take a look at what the odometer is, how it measures your mileage, and what you can expect from your vehicle as the miles roll forward. more What is an Odometer? How does it measure mileage? Odometers generally count wheel rotations, and use a formula calculating the number of rotations multiplied by the tire’s circumference.  The formula by which odometer readings are calculated for a motor vehicle: (Actual Distance Traveled) = (Final Odometer Reading - Initial Odometer Reading) multiplied by (actual tire diameter) divided by (Standard tire diameter). As a result of many shifting variables and modified possibilities, odometer readings can be off by several percent.  This is part of the reason why it’s very important to maintain your tire treads, as underinflated or very worn tires can affect an odometer’s mileage tracking process. Likewise, if your vehicle is equipped with after-market and non-standard tires or wheels, the odometer reading may not be as accurate Mileage Based Repairs, Tune-Ups and Maintenance We’ve covered a lot of helpful service pointers and maintenance tips over the last few years with our blogs, but today we’re going to give you a thorough overview of mileage markers so you can plan ahead.  Routine Maintenance checks are generally done at a “30-60-90” mileage marker, meaning every thirty thousand miles or so you should schedule a tune-up and maintenance appointment with your trusted mechanic or service provider.  This ensures that your vehicle will run properly, and avoids costly repairs as some parts may wear out earlier than anticipated depending on your driving style/habits. A great way to stay prepared so you never miss a service call is to have a running savings account for vehicle repairs and maintenance bills.  To do that, most vehicles have an estimated calculator online for cost of operations and average maintenance, so you can best budget your finances to avoid costly repairs as often as you can. Let’s take a look at what mileage markers you can expect to schedule an appointment: Every 3,000-6,000 miles you should receive an oil change. (Check your vehicle’s manufacturer guide for specific mileage requirements and type of oil - synthetic or regular. Older models may need closer to the 3k mark) If you’re purchasing or leasing a brand new vehicle, you’ll generally want to schedule a maintenance appointment at the 10,000 mile mark.  This initial service will often include tire rotation, air filter, oil change and parts. Older non-electronic ignition systems vehicles should be serviced either 10,000-12,000 miles or annually (whichever comes first!) and those with newer fuel injection systems and electronic ignitions can go 25,000+ between major tune-ups; check with your trusted mechanic or service department for guidelines, and consult your vehicle manufacturer handbook. At 10,000 miles you should have your tires rotated and vehicle aligned. At 30,000 miles you should have a full tune-up service including coolant, power steering, hoses and belts checked/replaced, and an engine checkup. At 50,000 miles you may need to service the following: Shocks and struts (suspension system), replace brake pads, new fuel filter, exhaust system inspection, automatic transmission tune-up and service. 50,000-70,000 miles you’ll need to inspect all of the belts, valves, and hoses, and you’ll want to install new tires if you haven’t already. (Always replace your tires at least 2 at a time) Around 60,000-70,000 miles you’ll need to have your fuel pump and water pump examined for cracks, wear, and tear and especially so if you notice any buzzing noises or your vehicle seems to stall frequently. Car Batteries last roughly about 80,000 miles, so if you notice you need to frequently jump your car, there’s a lot of erosion or leaking fluids, then you’ll want to have that swapped out ASAP before your car breaks down. Your spark plugs should be replaced between 80,000-100,000 miles. 90,000 miles is time to have another full tune-up and once over of your vehicle At 100,000 miles, you’ll need to have a bumper-to-bumper inspection of your vehicle including engine, transmission, water pump, timing belt, etc. You’ll need to switch to high-mileage coolants and spark plugs, too. At 125,000 miles, the O2 sensors will need to be replaced, the AC/Heating will need service, and you’ll need to replace: coolant, fuel filter, brake fluid, shocks and struts, and get an alignment. For high mileage vehicles 180,000-250,000 miles, you’ll want to check the axles, drive shafts, airflow sensor, belts and timing chain, power steering, chassis, fuel injectors, etc. It will need a thorough inspection from bumper to bumper and may require more frequent service maintenance for a smooth ride.

We’ve been covering lots of travel guide inspiration for you this year already, but we’ve not gone over how to prep for a road trip! Here’s some helpful tips and tricks for prepping your vehicle for road trip season. From service and maintenance points to efficiently packing the essentials, you’ll find lots of great advice.  So, let’s get your new car from Classic ready for your next adventure on today’s edition of Gearhead Guru Guide! more How to Prep Your Car for a Road Trip Always check the health and charge of the car battery. Make sure that you have given your vehicle battery a once over.Your local service center can run a few tests to ensure it is properly conditioned, especially if it’s older than 2 years. To inspect the battery yourself,  you’ll want to make sure the connectors are showing no signs of corrosion and the connection is tight. Clean any corrosion from the contacts or cables, or bring it to your service center and they’ll get you sorted.  This is also a great time to check your portable battery charger and jumper cables are in working order as well. Have the brakes inspected. Before any long trip you should also inspect the brakes and have them serviced.  If you’ve noticed any squealing or squeaking or whistling sounds coming from your vehicle’s brakes, it may be a sign that parts are wearing down, and you’ll want them fixed before you head off on the road. If your brake pedal feels spongy or soft when depressed, it may indicate low brake fluid.  If you’re noticing longer stopping times, you may need new brake pads.  This is imperative no matter how long or short of a drive you’re making, as one failure to stop can derail all of your vacation plans for the foreseeable future! Check and top off all fluid levels and change filters. Be sure to check all of the vital fluids in your vehicle including the engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, engine coolant, and wiper fluids.  It’s recommended to do an oil change before a long drive, especially if it’ll be a cross-country or long haul trip.  Your owners manual will help you determine what oil type is best for your vehicle, as well as considering factors such as age and mileage of vehicle.  Remember to clean or swap your air filters, too. Test all lights and signals and change bulbs as needed. Change any faulty or dead bulbs, and consider opting for LED equivalents to traditional lightbulbs.  Bring your vehicle into a service center if you have any wiring issues to have that fixed before traveling. Applying a headlight casing cleaner if your lights look foggy or dull is another great idea, for maximum visibility. Plus, you don’t want to receive any unnecessary traffic tickets for dysfunctional turn signals or brake lights.  Check the interior lights and replace any blinking or nonworking lights Change your wiper blades. On average you should be replacing your wipers every 6 to 12 months, but it would at least be a good idea to replace them before your trip if you haven’t done so in a while.  Select wipers that have an aid of hydrophobic coating to aid even clearer visibility during rain and misty weather.  Factors such as higher quality branded wipers and weather conditions in your area may increase the longevity of the wiper blades, but you should always double check!  Consider adding a hydrophobic coating such as Rain-X or similar.  Have any “stars” or chips on your windshield filled or windshield replaced before any long term driving as this can cause larger cracks, splits, or even a shattered windshield. Check your insurance, license, and registration. Make sure all your paperwork is in order.  Ensure that you’ve renewed your license, printed or received your newest up to date insurance cards, and have renewed your vehicle registration and all read with the correct current address and information. Make sure any important paperwork is stowed safely in your glovebox or center console.  We also recommend checking if your insurance provider has a phone or tablet app available as those can come in handy in a pinch! Stock your emergency roadside kit. We’ve already covered car emergency kits and roadside assistance in previous blogs, but here’s a short refresher of our recommended necessities. At bare minimum, you should always have the following in your car when traveling long distances: a solar or hand-cranked flashlight; jumper cables; portable battery packs; hand sanitizer and flushable wipes; a tire patch kit and portable air compressor; paper copies of maps for each of your destination regions; flares or LED warning lights; bottled water and shelf stable snacks (protein bars and granola bars are a great option);emergency contact numbers written on a piece of paper in your glovebox or wallet or stowed in your emergency kit; a basic first aid kit. Travel with charging options. Grabbing a few extra USB cables or wireless chargers is a great idea.  Make sure you have portable batteries and their recharging cables.  Additional wall connector bricks are another key option. Keep one in your glovebox with a charge cable, and one in your backpack or purse or other luggage.  We recommend a portable smartphone mount for hands-free navigation. Take advantage of fueling stations along your route whenever possible. Ensuring that you’re traveling with no less than ½ a tank of gas at all times can give you a very good buffer for emergencies and unexpected delays. When traveling on highways and byways and especially in unfamiliar areas, it’s always best to top off your tank when you have the opportunity. Avoid off-brand “no name” gas stations when possible, and opt for major brand names instead, to ensure you’re putting high-quality fuel in your vehicle to prevent future damage.  Before you head off on the road, make sure to map out your fueling stops along the way for maximum efficiency!  Same for electric vehicle charging stations. Remember to pack your medications and OTC pain relief and emergency medications. When traveling, remember to keep your vital medications and inhalers on your person. Make sure your travel companions know where to find them and how to access an emergency list of medications if needed.  If you use an Epi Pen, bring that with you and ensure everyone knows how to use it in case.  Marking any items with “RX Inside” in case of emergency can be helpful. Travel with the necessities. You’ll never go wrong with packing a few extra rolls of toilet paper along with wet wipes. A portable toothbrush and toothpaste and some anti-nausea medication can relieve motion sickness.  Along with a cooler filled with fresh water and snacks will save you time and money from making pit stops.  If you’re traveling with pets, we recommend quick-dry towels, a spare leash and collar, portable collapsible pet bowls, a portable litter box (if applicable) and some spare snacks.

What started out as a 175 acre private park at its inception by industrialist Frederick Williem Mathiessen, property for this state park now covers nearly 2000 sprawling acres!  Just a few short miles from the larger but busier Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen is a perfect alternative for a quieter, less crowded adventure day out.  While there’s no nature center, museum, or campsites, it’s perfect for daily excursions with beautiful rock gorges and sweeping canyons, and trails that cut through forests and along lakes and creeks.  We recommend spending at least 2 days in the area to check out both the Upper Dells and Lower Dells/Vermillion River regions. more There are 5 miles total of hiking trails, and all are very clearly marked and fairly well surfaced, making them pretty accessible to most abilities and ages.  The park also has 9 miles of multi-use trails for mountain biking and equestrian use.  Note that some trails are not going to be stroller or wheelchair accessible due to rocky or challenging terrain, so check ahead of time if you will be utilizing either of those.  The upper area and bluff tops are perfect for beginners and those looking for less strenuous hiking. The interior areas will be more difficult to traverse, especially during spring and summer. While it might be tempting to go “off the beaten track” we really don’t recommend it for safety sake – you’re very likely to encounter dangerous cliff edges and steep canyons, so follow all posted signs and warnings.  Pets are welcomed but must be on a leash at all times, and you must clean up after them.  You must be off the trails and out of the park area before dark; no overnight camping is allowed. There are several picnic and play areas for families to enjoy a lovely day out in the fresh air.  Picnic area shelters are located near each of the park entrances, making it easy to pack a lunch and a cooler for a nice afternoon meal.  For those with younger kids in tow, the French Outpost Fort makes a great stop as well as letting them shake out their excess energy on the playground area. Mattheissen offers plenty of other fun activities besides picnicking and hiking!  Hunting and fishing are allowed with proper state licensing and following seasonal regulations and limits.  A field archery range is available with targets for sport shooting as well.  Hobbyists will also enjoy the radio-controlled model airplane field, and visitors can enjoy watching these mini aircrafts flying about as well.  Canoeing and kayaking are also available at Mattheissen Lake on the north side of the park, but it’s a BYO canoe/kayak policy with no rentals on site. Make sure to pack your good camera, as there’s many opportunities to take stunning wildlife and landscape photos!  Since this area has much lower foot traffic than its sister park, Starved Rock, you’ll have a chance to get plenty of natural imagery without people.  Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal wildflowers including Blue Phlox, Wild Geraniums, Bloodroot, Wild Hydrangea, Jack-In-the-Pulpit, Virginia Bluebells, and more.  There are numerous species of fungi as well such as the Coral-Pink Merulius, Cedar-apple Rust, Chicken of the Woods, Orange Mycena, Turkey Tail, and Dog’s Nose Fungus, among others. The Upper Dell area of the park is home to Cascade Falls, a 15 foot waterfall reachable at the end of a half-mile in-and-out easy to moderate hike.  Lake Falls is around the 20 foot to 30 foot range, and can be accessed by a 1.5 mile in-and-out round trip hike of easy to moderate ability. Giant’s Bathtub Falls is also with visiting, and while it’s not the tallest or largest in the park, it’s really worth the visit for its beauty; accessible by a 1.2 mile round trip hike of easy to moderate ability.