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If you’re looking for a unique opportunity to make some memories and give the gift of the lifetime, we’ve got just the thing for you.  Today on the blog, we’re taking a trip to Michigan for one of the coolest, quite literally, festivals around!  Michigan Ice Fest rolls into town from February 11th through the 15th in 2026 in Munising.  This unique festival combines creativity, activity, and adventure for a truly unforgettable experience!  Taking advantage of the incredible views along the ice at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this family-friendly event is the opportunity of a lifetime.  From classes to presentations to social events and more, you’ll find so many interesting things to enjoy as the festival celebrates its 35th year of fun! more Book your lodgings ASAP, as local area hotels, B&Bs, and rentals will fill up quickly for this popular event.  Local spots like Pictured Rocks Inn & Suites, North Star Hotel, Roam Inn, Pictured Rocks Bed & Breakfast, etc are great places to start looking for bookings. The focus of ice festival are the exciting climbing classes and clinics.  Whether you’re a beginner or well-versed in the art of ice-climbing and ice related sports, you’ll find something worth your while!  The festival only books the best of the best of the climbing industry to educate and hone your skills.  Two local area climbs will be hustling and bustling: The Dreyer Hose and the Amphitheater, both off of Sand Point Road, but that's not all there is to do! There are numerous tracks to choose from based on your skill level and adventure seeking: The Ice Climbing Track is perfect for the novice or those looking to brush up on their skills; The Adventure Track is more backcountry style along the frozen waters of Lake Superior; the Mountaineering Track is for seasoned Midwest climbers to test and hone their skills; the Photography Track is for photographers with a grand sense of adventure who’ll do anything to capture the shot; the Youth Track is perfect to help build confidence and focus in younger enthusiasts; the Women’s Track is an all female only track led by women instructors; the Diversity Track is specifically curated to host and highlight climbers of color; the Skills Track is for brushing up on your skills and developing your perfect technique for utmost safety.  There will also be numerous Guided Climbing Opportunities from local Michigan Ice Fest Guides. This year’s festival also sees the introduction of several new activities and clinics. First, the Alpine Climbing Skills Clinic is designed to help attendees break into the Mountaineering class; learn how to climb steeper inclines, prepare for more challenging routes, and evaluate different types of alpine anchors.  The V-Thread Clinic is designed to help participants hone their skills in creating secure V-Threads in ice, and each participant will be gifted a Petzl Multihook tool as part of their experience.  The Wilderness First Aid Certification Course is geared towards climbers who enjoy lengthier outings of the full or half day variety, and aimed at folks who will also be traveling with reliable phone coverage for emergencies.  The UPCC Board Anchor Class will focus on setting up top rope anchors for ice climbing and the physics required to be successful and stable. Numerous lectures and Q&A sessions will also be taking place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  Learn more about current issues and topics in the sport of ice climbing and mountaineering, learn tricks and tips for a successful climb from the pros, get to know different gear and their purpose, and even a little about the history of ice climbing itself.  Come on down and enjoy a hot cup of coffee and get your jumpstart to the day before your next climb! Special Dawn and Late Night events will be available for the early risers and late sleepers.  Night Climbing is a unique experience piloted by the light of the moon and your headlamp. Night Photography also presents a new opportunity to learn your skills of long exposure and low-light nature photography.  The Dawn Patrol Clinic is a 3-to-4 hour climb before the break of day done by headlamp so you can watch the sunrise. And of course, we can’t forget about all the fun social events!  There will be gear demonstrations from professional attire and gear companies, RAB speed dating events, raffles for exclusive gear freebies and goodies, dance events with live music, book release parties, beer tastings, and much more.  You’ll also have the opportunity to meet famous climbers and mountaineers in person, and have the chance to attend a meet-and-greet or book signing from some of the industry greats! Looking forward to even more winter adventure fun in the area? We’ve got a few more suggestions for planning a memorable winter road trip holiday gift! The Winter Games in Marquette will be celebrating its 6th year highlighting the adventure and excitement of Great Lakes Sports!  Events will include sports like Snow Volleyball, Sled Hockey, Snowshoeing, Rifle and Shooting sports, Curling, Figure Skating, Judo, Luge, Bowling, Archery and more.  Events will kick off in Marquette and Grand Rapids in Early February. The Negaunee Heikki Lunta Festival offers live music and entertainment, local eateries and pubs hosting seasonal and events specials, alcohol tastings and local vendors, family-friendly activities and live music, a sledding party, and plenty of twinkling holiday lights displays! Several Dog Races are also taking place: The UP200, a 12-dog mid-distance race over 228 miles from February 12th through the 16th; The Midnight Run with 8-dog races and 82 miles of terrain; and the Jack Pine 30, a 6-dog race covering 26 miles of ground.

In the spirit of the season of giving, and the fact that it’s National Philanthropy Day, we’re going to take a moment to share some great ways you can give back right in your own backyard. You don’t have to sign up for huge events, participate in large fundraiser shindigs, or even head overseas to make a difference. By electing to get directly involved in regional and neighborhood programs, your philanthropic efforts have a direct, real world impact on your local community!  Even just one small donation or a few hours of your time volunteering can make a significant impact on someone who really needs it the most.  And of course, kindness begets kindness– when folks receive generosity and empathy, they are inclined to pay it forward. With just a few simple gestures of good will, we can work together to create a sustained, supported network of friends and neighbors who know they can depend on each other when they need it most. While the most obvious and upfront version of philanthropy is financial support and monetary donations, there are so many other great ways to help. more Here at Classic, we have done quite a bit of local philanthropy in various ways. We truly believe that in order to be a part of a community, you have to get out there and get to know everyone, and what they need!  We want to live and work in a community that’s vibing and thriving for years to come, and we hope you’ll join us in the efforts.  Some of the ways we’ve supported our neighbors include collecting donations for Toys for Tots, trunk or treat family events, run fundraisers for local causes, donated to local youth sports orgs, organized food drives, hosted free holiday meals and barbecue events for veterans, and many more. Those are just a few of the ways we can show our thanks and support for our friends and neighbors who have supported us over the years, too. More Great Ways to Give Back Right Here at Home Sponsor a family for the holidays and connect with someone local. The local soup kitchens and domestic shelters will be busy this holiday season, keeping people safe and warm. Consider reaching out to ask about programs for sponsoring a family this year.  This may include helping with expenses for a holiday meal, purchasing holiday gifts for children, financial contributions towards housing security, and more.  Likewise, many local religions organizations will host giving circles where families can post their needs to local bulletin boards and you can pull a tag, purchase the item, and return it unwrapped with the gift-request tag on it to the church or temple location for distribution.  Of course, you can also take a more literal approach and lean towards inviting your neighbors or a local friend who won’t be traveling home during the holidays to join you, instead! Build an empathetic community by sharing a moment with a “stranger” through a little dose of kindness. This can look like helping someone load groceries into their car, paying for someone’s meal behind you at the drive through, paying in advance for the coffee of the person in line after you, leave an extra large tip at the next restaurant or bar you visit, call the local utility company or medical facility and pay off someone’s bill at random. Make a monetary donation to a local food bank or host a food drive in your neighborhood. Encourage your friends, neighbors and loved ones to donate non-perishables to your efforts or add to your donation bin. Remember to include shelf-stable specialty goods like allergen friendly ingredients, gluten free food, and even seasonings!  Organize a drop spot at your business or your school or office, and then bring the collective donations to a larger facility. You can also host your own pick-up event for those who need it, or leave a shelf outside your business for those who require it to take what they need. Create a Little Free Pantry for your home or local park. Stock the free pantry with shelf stable goods, toiletries, hygiene products, and refill it often.  This small act of community giving provides easy access to healthy foods and necessities without having to fill out lengthy applications for funding, stand in long lines, or other prohibitive measures.  It can also be helpful to stock these pantries with pet-friendly items, too. Volunteer your time and energy at local spaces. Donating your time  within your local community soup kitchen and/or shelter can do a world of good. Volunteer your cooking prowess at your local soup kitchen to help shop, prepare, organize, and serve meals to those who need it most.  Call your local senior center or nursing home and ask if they need volunteer visitors for game nights, bingo events, musical performances, etc.  Lend your skills on contracting, carpentry or woodworking skills to building community housing for nonprofit housing organizations. Hand out winter-weather survival packages with necessities and personal care items in your local city or town. Create bags with shelf-stable allergen-friendly foods, personal items and toiletries, etc.  and hand them around to folks who need it. Likewise, you can drop them off at the local domestic shelter or homeless shelter or you can give them out to people in need as you meet them.  During cold weather months, give out hats, mittens, scarves, thermal underwear, and thick socks to the packages. Consider also adding gift cards to local food stores or ride share services to help the folks sustain their safety and access resources. Join a local creator, musician, or other group’s Patreon subscribers. Enrolling as part of someone’s Patreon account can provide lasting and ongoing support for independent creators and artists. By becoming a patron of this person, you are allowing them to continue to support their creative endeavors, lifelong project goals, special releases, limited runs of artwork or music, and more. It allows the person a guaranteed source of income to pursue their business goals and dreams. Some tiers may offer gifts or rewards, but you can also back the projects at a no-reward level or amount of your choosing above their ascribed tiers. It’s a great way to support local artists and ensure a thriving community of vibrant creative people and beautify the areas! These local organizations in and around the Lake County area could use your support this holiday season and beyond! Consider making a donation or setting up recurring increments year round to help support these important community groups.  Even just a few dollars can make a big difference!  Don’t have the means to financially support? Reach out and ask about volunteering your time or services to the orgs in whatever way works for you. 🤝  African American Museum in Waukegan 🤝  COOL Ministries in Waukegan 🤝  Keeping Families Covered in Waukegan 🤝  YWCA Metropolitan Chicago in Waukegan 🤝  Greentown Grows Inc in Waukegan 🤝  UMMA-Urban Muslim Minority Alliance in Waukegan 🤝  Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan 🤝  Heart of the City in Waukegan 🤝  Plant Based Nutrition Movement in Waukegan 🤝  Habitat for Humanity in Waukegan 🤝  Our Shining Stars Foundation in Gurnee 🤝  Blue Crescent Outreach Foundation in Gurnee 🤝  Veterans Assistance Commission in Gurnee 🤝  Mano a Mano Family Resource Center in Round Lake Park 🤝  LAMBS Farm in Libertyville 🤝  CYN Counseling Center in Grayslake 🤝  Cornerstone Educational Foundation in Long Grove 🤝  Haven Youth and Family Services in Lake Bluff This list is by no means exhaustive, and we encourage you to continue to get curious about non-profits in the area and find even more to support! What are some things that you and your family do to give back to your communities and help fight hunger and homelessness, and provide stability to those in need?  Feel free to contribute to the conversation by pitching in your own community-centric, neighborly suggestions in the comments on our social media.

We’re back with another holiday gift guide! The holidays are here! If you’re wondering what to get the car enthusiast on your list this year, let us help guide you through.  We’ve got some great budget friendly options for gifting or stocking stuffers that are sure to please any gearhead. You’ll find everything from tech to gadgets to decor, and we’ve made sure to include options at multiple price points to help fit most budgets.  Got a suggestion we’ve left off this list this round? Let us know in the comments! more The Garmin Dash Cam 57 is a pocket-sized camera that’s big on security and reliability. This compact size holds up to 1440p HD video with a wide field of view, live view, parking guard, and more. It’s a great value and durability for the price!  Available on Amazon at the time of publication for $210. T he Battery Tender 800-Amp, 12-Volt Portable battery jump starter with digital display is a top notch emergency supply for the road warrior!  Available at Lowes for $150 at time of publication. The Chemical Guys 16 piece Arsenal Builder Car Wash Kit is perfect for the car lover who has everything and anything. It’s useful, practical, and efficient and will keep their ride squeaky clean.  Available on Amazon on sale for $145 at the time of publication. The Pro-Lift C-2036D Grey 36” Creeper Seat is a great option for the home mechanic. It’s convenient, portable, comfortable, and reliable.  Available on Amazon at the time of publication for $62. This portable battery booster is a convenient, pocket sized portable jump start kit. It’s an indispensable part of any driver’s emergency car kit. Having this quick jumpstart tool can remove the headaches and hassles of a secondary vehicle to get you back on the road.  Not only can they recharge your vehicle battery, but they can also charge and power your mobile devices or tools as well, making them great for travel and commuting! Options like the NOCO Genius1 clock in at just $30-$40, too! This ratcheting Screwdriver by the Megapro Store on Amazon offers a 13-in-1 Multi-Bit Screwdriver for taking on heavy jobs in a conveniently small, portable package.  Available on Amazon at the time of publication for $40 on sale.  Makes a great stocking stuffer. Got a heavy-commuter friend or a road trip enthusiast on your list? You can’t go wrong with the VanMass 2025 Military Grade Car Phone Holder with a stronger suction cup and clip holder.  It’s durable, reliable, and convenient and fits most vehicles and most modern phones from Android or iPhone.  Available on Amazon on sale at the time of publication for $26. You can never go wrong with some stocking stuffers and white elephant gifts featuring car safety gear!  Being equipped for any emergency situation can give you and your loved ones peace of mind. The Resqme Keychain car escape tool is a pocket sized glass-breaking, seatbelt cutting tool that can help you escape from the vehicle in case of emergency. As an added bonus, it comes in fun colors like red, blue, green and orange so you can choose the best option for your gift recipient. The Magnetic Pickup Tool with Flashlight from Dr. Liliang Store on Amazon is a great pocket-sized gift for the person who has everything.  With three LED bulbs and a flexible gooseneck, the home mechanic will be delighted to be able to illuminate the smallest, most cramped of spaces.  With an extendable 22” reach and long lasting batteries, it’ll be a go to for sure! The Cobra Smart Dash Cam with Full HD 1080p resolution is jam packed full of safety and security features such a built-in wifi & GPS, live police alerts, safety and incident reports, and an integrated proprietary app to identify threats, incidents, speed, and more. Coming in at under $150, it’s a real steal! Available here on Amazon with included 8GB SD card memory.

If you’re shopping on a budget this year, or simply being more intentional about how you spend your holiday funds, we’ve got just the blog for you! Instead of giving your money to a corporation and purchasing “things” to fill up cabinets and closets, consider giving your pals and family an experience this year.  From wine and brew tasting experiences to pizza and culinary tours to crafting and hands-on art classes and even an exhilarating experience like racing or flying, you’ll find something fun for everyone!  Best of all, these are local area businesses and organizations offering special packages and opportunities, so your dollars are having direct real-world impact in our local economy.  What’s not to love about this perfect combo of community and memory making! more First up on our list is Extreme Flight Simulations, located in Gurnee. You’ll get to have the virtual experience of being an official pilot, and rack up the frequent flyer miles in the airplane simulator!  Participants can take off, coast, land, and soar without ever needing an official pilot’s license.  It’s a one-of-a-kind memorable gift experience! Enjoy a night out on the town at one of the local Lake County performing arts centers and concert venues.  From comedians to musical artists to live bands and more, there are lots of large and small venues to choose from. We recommend: Genessee Theater right here in Waukegan Citadel Theater in Lake Forest Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest Improv Playhouse in Libertyville James Lumber Center in Grayslake Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire PM&L Theater in Antioch Ravnia Festival in Highland Park family, winter holidays and celebration concept - happy mother, father and little daughter with takeaway drinks at christmas market on town hall square in tallinn, estonia Continuing our exploration of the arts we’re also including some live pottery classes, paint and sips, crafting courses and more, offered at these fine local studios and art workshops: Dandelion Gallery & Studio in Waukegan Perkowitz Art Studio in Grayslake Ceramics for You in Gurnee Rae’s Atelier de Vie in Libertyville Creative Romance Date Night Art Class in Chicago via Class Pop Pottery for Date Night in Chicago Lake View East via Class Pop Discover Artistic Spinning Paint Classes in Chicago via Class Pop Board & Brush Creative Studio in Libertyville The Art Room in Mundelein The Art Center Highland Park Adler Arts Center in Libertyville Schedule a friend-date with your besties and check out the Lake County Libation Trail or any of the local breweries!  Get a taste of the local wineries, breweries and distilleries in the area and try out handcrafted specialty cocktails, vodka, whisky, gin and other special craft brews. ZumBier in Waukegan Prairie Krafts Brewing Company in Buffalo Grove 28 Mile Vodka and Distillery in Highwood North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich Seven Daughters Wines in Lake Bluff Terlato Family Vineyards in Lake Bluff Lake Bluff Brewing Company in Lake Bluff Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein Half Day Brewing Company in Lincolnshire Lynfred Winery in Wheeling Glunz Family Winery and Cellars in Grayslake Ravinia Brewing Company in Ravinia Bring out the competitive spirit or a collaborative one by working together to solve the puzzle at a local escape room! From themed rooms to themed buildings, private sessions or group excursions with strangers, you can’t go wrong with a high-energy, highly entertaining escape experience. Edge of Escape Rooms and Axe Throwing in Zion Troubled Puzzles Escapes in Grayslake 60 to Escape at Gurnees Mills in Gurnee Game Theory Escapes in Crystal Lake Twisted Limits Escape Room in McHenry Racetime Sim Racing and VR Escape Rooms in Volo Break bread with friends and cheers to the new year together at a local cooking class. Give the gift of cooking lessons, a foodie tour, a culinary experience, or even consider ordering some premade baked goods and desserts as a present.  Here are some great options: The Joyful Gourmet in Libertyville Cook, Cork, & Fork in Palatine Taste Buds Kitchen in Bannockburn Chicago Culinary Kitchen in Palatine Yaya’s Sweet Treats in Kenosha The Chopping Block in Ravenswood Chicago Pizza Tours Bikes, Bites and Brews: Chicago’s Signature Dishes River North Food Walking Tour (Chicago) Let us know your favorite places to bring your family and friends for a day out or a night on the town!  They may make a future blog update for another local gift guide.

The 91st Annual Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago is just around the corner, and we’re here to help you find the best ways to view the parade up close and personal. Today we’re covering some details on this year’s performances, when to arrive for both VIP and free access, and how to secure the best spots for viewing. more This year’s live broadcast will be co-hosted by iHeartRadio Rock 95.5’s Maria Palmer and Maris!  This year’s special guests include 2025 Miss Illinois, Nitsaniyah Fitch, Miss Illinois’ Teen Lillie Brown, and Rick Aspen along with Santa himself.  The procession will be making its way North up state street from Ida B. Well Drive to Randolph Street from 8AM through 11AM (CT). Featured performances and special ensemble entertainment this year include live performances by ArtEast Studio, Ballet Folklorico Sones MExicanos, Black Ensemble Theaters’ Holiday Extravaganza, Chicago Huaxin Group, Chicago Korean Dance Company, Dong Fang Chinese Performing Arts Association, and many, many more.  Marching bands from around the country and around the globe including Back of the Yards College Preparatory, Lake Zurich High SChool, Oak Grove High School, Urban Renewal Marching Band and more will be participating in special rhythmic and color guard performances.  The parade will also feature numerous festive floats from local organizations and cultural groups and specialty performance units and equestrian units will make appearances. This year, the parade will be aired live on Pluto TV, Paramount’s free streaming service, for families who wish to spectate from home this holiday. VIP tickets are available for a close-up look at the fun for just $80 per person. Each individual VIP Sponsorship allows entry to the VIP area. VIPs will have private portable restrooms and general admission bleacher seats for maximum comfort;  VIP opens at 7AM, and it’s recommended to arrive no later than 7:30!  There will be food and drinks for purchase; outside food and beverage is prohibited. Kids 2 and under are allowed as a lap-child with each parent admission. Otherwise, the parade is free to attend, but it should be noted that it may not be the most accessible for disabled attendees due to high crowds, lots of walking and standing for three hours or more  in order to view.  People begin lining the streets starting around 6AM, and many bring folding chairs and blankets to keep warm (it’s not called the Windy City for nothing, after all!)  Dress in layers, wearing plenty of warm winter weather attire,and consider wearing lip balm and moisturizer to prevent your face and lips from becoming chapped in the cold!  Expect long lines for exiting at 11AM, and plan your afternoon accordingly. Public transit and local area hotels/restaurants will be very busy! Veteran parade viewers recommend sending out a few adult representatives from your group to go on up ahead and save space so younger family members can take a little extra time to walk and meet them.  After the parade, you can stop over to the annual Christkindl Holiday Market to do a little holiday shopping and extend your festive excitement! Looking for a direct live stream of the Chicago parade to watch at home from your laptop or tablet? You can check out the Official Live Stream of the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade on PlutoTV app and on-demand streaming services!

The holiday season is finally here! A time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying all that Lake County Illinois has to offer. Here at Classic in Waukegan, we love to get together with our friends and family, and enjoy all the community events happening in November.  It’s a great time of year to give the gift of a little quality time with your favorite people, and maybe even try a little something new. In the spirit of the holidays and our love for community support, we also encourage you to shop local during this holiday season!  Now more than ever, it’s important to put our dollars directly back into our local economies and help fellow friends and neighbors have a happy holiday season.   There are lots of wonderful main street stores to shop in your neighborhood, as well as plentiful holiday markets offering handmade and artisanal goods. So without further ado, here’s the local community calendar of events and things to do in Lake County for November/December. more The Volo Museum will be offering free admission for Veterans on Veterans Day, November 11th.  Platinum passes will be available in person for all active and inactive military (with valid ID). It’s Trivia Tuesday on November 11th and 18th at 6:30PM at the Beer Bazaar in Grayslake!  It’s free to win and prizes will be handed out for first place. Those who play 6 rounds will get 10% off their draft pours during trivia night. Highland Park will be hosting a special Veterans Day Observance at 11AM at The Moraine with a live performance by the Highland Park High School Brass Quintet with guest singers. Enjoy a Free Tasting event at the Beer Bazaar from the local Driftless Glen Distillery on Friday November 14th from 3:30-5:30PM. Pick up a bottle for holiday gift giving! It’s Holiday Ladies Night at Reclaimed Artisans Inc in Libertyville on Friday November 14th from 5PM to 8:30PM. The Miracle on South Division Street will be running from November 14th through December 14th at the Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest. Small Business Saturday is in full swing at Hawthorn in Vernon Hills celebrating local small businesses and local entrepreneurs and kickstarting the holiday festivities on November 15th and 22nd Santa arrives at the Deer Park Town Center with quite the warm welcome on Saturday November 15th complete with festive fireworks and a tree lighting. Families can enjoy the Glow Zone as well as photographs and meet and greets with Santa himself. Artwauk in Waukegan is back downtown and at the Belvidere Mall featuring art exhibits, live music and performances, and special vendors. Come on out and support the arts and grab a delicious meal. Long Grove is kicking off the holidays with “Vintage Holidays” on Friday November 21st at 5PM, and at 7:30PM you can join the fun for the annual tree and bridge lighting!  Merchants will be open late for local holiday shopping. Wicked: For Good Movie Release Day Party will be happening at Hawthorn in Vernon Hills starting at 12PM Noon!  Come dressed in your Wicked themed costumes or pink and green clothing to celebrate! Pet Photos with Santa will be available at Gurnee Mills on Sunday November 23rd from 7:30PM to 8:30PM. Reserve your spot online now! Enjoy a free Thanksgiving Dinner at Lakefront Park in Fox Lake from 5PM to 7PM and meet your community members while enjoying a nice warm meal for the holidays. The Turkey Trots are back for the season on Thursday, November 27th: Village of Wauconda; Downtown Highland Park North Shore Turkey Trot; 31st Annual Jon Callaghan Turkey Trot in Gurnee; Long Grove Turkey Trot in Historic Long Grove; Small Business Saturday rolls into town on November 29th on Mainstreet in Libertyville from 10AM to 10PM. It’s a Holiday Market and Entertainment Weekend at Gurnee Mills from November 28th and 29th from 6AM to 9PM on Friday and 10AM to 8PM on Saturday. Enjoy a Christmas Parade and local Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Antioch on November 28th from 6:30PM. The Libertyville Tree Lighting and Downtown Holiday Walk will be taking place from 6:30PM to 8PM at Cook Park and downtown. Shop local on Black Friday November 28th in front of Lucky Stop Round Lake from 12PM to 4PM for a special Black Friday Market: Vintage and Makers Market event. The Chain o Lakes Chambers Mistletoe and Martinis Festive Christmas Market Event will take place from 12PM to 5PM on Friday November 28th at Countryside Banquets in Lakemoor. Enjoy the Festival of Lights and Holiday Market in Grayslake at Historic Downtown Grayslake from 2Pm to 6PM. The Chris Kringle Market is coming to the Volo Museum from 1PM to 6Pm on Saturday November 29th with over 30 vendors and a station for kids arts and crafts. The Go Waukegan Winter Hot Chocolate Walk is coming to the Jack Benny Center in Downtown Waukegan on November 29th. The Festival of Arts and Crafts provides another fine opportunity to shop local from November 28th, 29th, and 30th at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Events Center. Miracle on Main Street brings the community together in Downtown Lake Zurich at Rotary Park on December 6th. Mundelein is hosting their holiday tree lighting Ceremony on December 6th. Enjoy Breakfast with the Grinch with BBQD Productions at Third Lake BBQ on December 7th.

No matter what you celebrate, it’s always good fun and cheer to share gift exchanges with your friends, family, and loved ones, and of course, there’s the annual company party with coworkers.  If you’re looking for a little guidance to get the perfect gift this holiday season, we’ve got you covered with some great gifts for car enthusiasts and serious gearheads. If you’re looking for something for your fellow gearheads or to gift to your car enthusiast family member, these items will be a surefire hit!  We’ve scouted out some different price point options for each item, too, so we can help you find something to suit every holiday gifting budget.  We’ve organized them from most affordable to most expensive to make shopping a real breeze! more The APPS2Car Universal Car Cup Phone Holder has two options– the regular version and wireless charging option.  Holds 4”-7” smartphones for optimal viewing and no-shake design adds stability and convenience. Easily mounts into the cupholder with the touch of a single button, and fits up to a Pixel8 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max with ease. At the time of publication, it’s available on Amazon for $25 or $37 respectively. We really love the Govee system of RGBIC lighting, and we thought it would be fantastic to include the Govee Car Lights Smart RGBIC Interior Car Lights on our gift guide this year.  This kit comes with 72 LED lights controlled by your phone app and 12V charger.  Looks great under the seats and front dashboards.  Great for the car show and racing enthusiast on your gifting list! At the time of publishing this blog, the lights were available on Amazon for $37. The Carhartt Universal Nylon Duck Seat Back Organizer comes in 3 different colors and is 100% convenient for that giftee who is always on the road.  It features tension mount cords and adjustable buckles and hooks for easy installation.  The rugged and durable fabric stands up to even the toughest of messes and is easy to wash. Perfect for parents who are on the go during the week, but maybe love a little offroading on the weekend. The MOLLE straps will keep your gear safe and secure and hold everything from water bottles to tools to phones and more. At the time of publication of this blog, this item was available for $50 on sale at Amazon. The Thrive Car Emergency Roadside Car Kit is the gift for anyone who is on the go. From heavy commuters to students who travel home for the holidays to the avid road tripper, this is a must-have safety kit.  The bag is durable 600D nylon canvas, to stand the test of time and any conditions, and features a versatile selection of tools for just about every vehicle emergency.  You’ll find basic repair tools, a reflective vest, gloves, basic first aid supplies, an ice scraper, a tire pressure gauge, flashlight, and more – 104 pieces in total. At the time of writing this, the kit was available on Amazon for $50. T he K600 4K Dash Cam with front and rear cameras and a large screen with 2160P quality and Night Vision and wide angle camera mode. Offers built-in 5G wifi with app access. Available on sale at Amazon at the time of publication for $70. The Atlas of Car Design: World’s Most Iconic Cars has been hailed as a definitive volume on automotive design.  Featuring more than 650 of the world’s most talked about models of vehicle from more than 30 countries and 190 manufacturers, this book is chock full of gorgeous vehicles that any gearhead would love (or love to hate!)  Makes a great coffee table book.  This is great for the car enthusiast who has everything and is hard to shop for. At the time of publishing this blog, the book is on sale for $107 on Amazon The Black+Decker HHVI325JR33 Cordless Dustbuster is the perfect gift for the neat freak on your list. Easily portable and lightweight, this rechargeable cordless vacuum makes clean-up and tidying a breeze. If you’ve got a friend or family member who is constantly obsessed with the cleanliness of their car, they’ll really appreciate this one. At the time of writing this, the item is available for $112 on Amazon. Everyone loves the convenience of the Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC325 Jump Starter. Rated for 8-liter gas and 6-liter diesel engines, this heavy-duty battery is capable of fast recharging of everything from cars to RVs to Trucks and more.  Whether the battery is totally dead to 0.0 volts or just weak charge, the heavy-duty full-size clamps will easily attach to the contacts and restart your vehicle.  These stow easily in a backpack, messenger bag, or even your vehicle’s trunk for convenience and safety. Perfect for the road tripper in your midst. At the time of publication, these were available on Amazon for $180.

We’re closing out our Halloween Celebrations with an homage to some of the most haunted road trip destinations in the US!  Our list includes places you can tour and even stay overnight, if you dare!  Extend your Halloween season beyond October and book a ghost hunting package, take a self-guided tour, and more at any of these spine-tingling locations!  Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s make like Scooby Doo and the Mystery Machine Crew – hop in your new car from Classic and let’s hit the road to thrills and chills! more Biltmore in North Carolina is a sprawling, majestic estate in Asheville built by the prominent Vanderbilt family in the 1800s, completed in 1895.  With an overwhelming 250 rooms in total, its quite easy to see how spirits can get lost here for all of eternity!  The most famous ghost sighting from visitors is the notorious woman in pink, seen whisking away down the corridors and flitting through the halls, or if you’re lucky she may be spotted sitting in one of the rooms; it’s rumored she may even be the ghost of George Vanderbilt’s mistress.  Other sightings include a charming young boy playing in and around the gardens, spectral beings moving up and down the stairs, noticing strange aromas in the halls, walking through cold spots, and the sound of disembodied footsteps echoing when no one is around you. LaLaurie Mansion in Louisiana is haunted by the ghosts of American history and decades of cruelty and violence towards the slaves who were captured here, leaving it teeming with ghostly figures, tormented souls, and aggressive apparitions.  Locals claim the historic mansion is cursed, having been home to the intimidating and unflinchingly violent Madame Delphine LaLaurie.  There are significant reports of moans and wails coming from the room where LaLaurie imprisoned her slaves. Visitors report hearing echoes of footsteps down empty hallways, guides and visitors being physically tapped, poked, and grabbed by unseen spirits, lamp lights flickering on and off, and decades of other paranormal activities.  Even passersby report an overwhelming feeling of negative energy and extreme sadness and pain when standing or walking too close to the building. Winchester Mystery House in California is perhaps the most famous entry on our list, with dozens of ghosts and supernatural occurrences being reported over the years, and rumored to have been built by Sarah Pardee Winchester at the behest of the spirits from beyond! One of the most prevalent spirits spotted by tourists is the “wheelbarrow ghost” who carts a wheelbarrow of coal around the basement and Clyde, the spectral figure of a former worker in the home.The list of sightings is numerous, with strange disappearing shadows in the windows and mirrors, flickering lights, strange footsteps, unnerving sounds, phantom cooking smells, etc, all of which are unusual for a house that no one has lived in since the 90s. The Stanley Hotel in Colorado is affectionately known by paranormal enthusiasts as “The Disneyworld of Ghosts”, with sightings and reports too numerous to count.  If you’re a fan of “The Shining”, you’ll be delighted to know that author Stephen King once stayed at this hotel with his wife, and the nightmares which plagued him during the day were the inspiration for the story!  Everyone from staff to ghost hunters to visitors staying the night have all reported a variety of sightings including disembodied laughter, flickering lights, items moving on their own accord, shadowy figures lurking, doors opening and closing on their own, and more.  In particular, it’s said that the fourth floor is the most haunted, but you’ll certainly find no shortage of spirits here on any floor. Lizzie Borden House in Massachusetts is the former home of Lizzie Borden and her family, all involved in the infamous 1892 unsolved murder of Lizzie’s father and stepmother and sensational trial. It’s rife with paranormal activity, and has now become one of the most popular haunted houses and spooky Bed and Breakfasts in all of America!  You can book a tour of the 6 bedroom home, or opt for an overnight stay in one of the rooms, including the notorious “murder room” if you dare. As an added bonus, you can book a special ghost hunting experience and search for spectral inhabitants with your friends! It’s been reported to be one of the creepiest places visitors have ever come across, much less stayed the night in!  Rumors of sightings include the ghost of the Bordens, disembodied and strange eerie laughter echoing throughout the halls, spectral children skipping from room to room, and then some… Other Notorious haunts you may want to look into: Hill House in Texas Sallie House in Kansas Franklin CAstle in Ohio Hotel Chelsea in New York CAptain Tony’s Saloon in Florida El Campo Santo Cemetery in California The Omni Parker House in Massachusetts

With the global debut of the upcoming all-new 2027 Kia Telluride only weeks away, Kia America today is revealing more of the brand’s flagship SUV. Cleverly disguised in a unique full-body wrap, the custom pre-production model is seen being put through a grueling off-road trek, illustrating the SUV’s capabilities while coyly hiding its production sheet metal, which will be unveiled November 20 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new images and video of the camouflage Telluride follow the dramatic studio-based teaser images that were released October 22. more KIA AMERICA REVEALS CUSTOM 2027 CAMOUFLAGE TELLURIDE “Designing a wrap for Telluride is far different than designing the vehicle beneath the vinyl,” said Tom Kearns, Vice President and Senior Chief Designer, KDCA. “We looked at the many different patterns used by carmakers to obscure the shape of vehicles in development and decided to approach the project from a different angle. We determined that hiding the all-new Telluride in plain sight could be done in a way that is both eye-catching and thought-provoking.” Leaning into the hundreds of sketches that precluded the final form, the wrap’s design uses intersecting outlines of the vehicle from different angles to obscure the profile, curves and angles beneath it. Close inspection reveals the many approaches the team examined before finally landing on what will be shown (uncamouflaged) at the Los Angeles Auto show in November. “This wrap also ties the beginning and end of the design process together, which is Opposites United in itself,” Kearns continued. The Opposites United design philosophy takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity and was introduced by Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design, Kia Corporation in 2021. At the center of the design philosophy is a visual identity evoking positive forces and natural energy, with contrasting combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes. ‘Opposites United’ is based on five key design principles: ‘Bold for Nature’, ‘Joy for Reason’, ‘Power to Progress’, ‘Technology for Life’, and ‘Tension for Serenity’. “Stylistically, inspiration for the wrap was derived from Keith Haring and Mr. Doodle (Sam Cox). Both artists create complex patterns expressed via simple lines,” said Kearns. “We worked on reducing the Telluride’s design sketches to simple lines, overlapping sketches and silhouettes to create what ultimately became the defining motif for the wrap.” KIA AMERICA REVEALS CUSTOM 2027 CAMOUFLAGE TELLURIDE Aside from the lines, color also played an important role in the camouflage design. “We tried many color combinations and gradations before landing on what you see today,” said Kearns. “Ultimately, warm-to-cool color shifts starting with orange at the front and ending with purple at the rear.” Orange worked well with the amber DRLs up front and its opposing color – purple – was used to contrast at the rear. Subtle map coordinates along the lower edges of the front doors are an Easter egg. 37.9375 ° N, 107.8123° W place the camouflage Telluride in the SUV’s namesake Colorado town. The high-action video, shot on location in the rugged Alabama Hills in the high desert of central California, presented a stunning backdrop for the boldly wrapped 2027 Kia Telluride. With the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada looming in the distance, the Alabama Hills are a formation of rounded rocks and eroded hills shaped by geologic uplifting that took place 100 million years ago. “Pictures of camouflaged development vehicles are commonplace, especially for automotive enthusiasts. And they typically depict the vehicle parked or driving on the highway,” said Russell Wager, Vice President, Marketing, Kia America. “But we wanted to do something special with this pre-production Telluride. Placing it in an environment that really pushed the boundaries gave us the opportunity to show just how capable the all-new Telluride is.” The camouflage Telluride was put through its paces in the action-packed video montage tackling formidable obstacles as it journeys down the road less traveled. Steep inclines, sandy washes, water crossings, and rocky outcroppings present an extreme overlanding adventure highlighting Telluride’s off-road capabilities.

Looking for something fun to do in Southern Wisconsin near Kenosha and Northern Illinois around the Lake County area for Halloween weekend? We’ve got you covered! Today’s blog is dedicated to fun activities all weekend long for family and friends to enjoy the season’s best holiday.  From public trick or treat events to haunted trivia to spooky movie nights and haunted houses, there’s plenty to do no matter what level of fright you’re seeking.  So grab your BOO and head out on the town for a spooky fun time.  Let’s check out Classic’s Local Community Halloween Calendar together! more TUESDAY: On October 28th at Station 51 Truck Company Bar and Grill, enjoy Trick or Trivia, a family friendly halloween night out and start of a new local tradition! October 28th at Patty Turner Center, the Deerfield Park District will be hosting a Puzzling for Prizes Halloween event from 6PM to 8:30PM for visitors 21+. Admission tickets required. Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos Trivia Night is happening at Beer Bazaar starting at 6:30PM to 8:30PM in Grayslake on Tuesday, October 28th. WEDNESDAY: On October 29th with registration from 6:45PM to 7PM at Meadowview Park in Grayslake, come on out for a Skeleton Egg Hunt for a short stint of family-friendly fun!  Candy-filled eggs will be hidden throughout the park with participants searching by flashlight (BYO flashlight!) THURSDAY: It’s NO ACTOR NIGHT at Realm of Terror Haunted House in Round Lake Beach on Thursday night.  Get the full haunted house experience without the added layer of terror from interactive actor staff.  Enjoy a low pressure but still thrilling new way to explore the sights and sounds of Halloween with less anxiety.  Plus, it’s also movie night at Realm of Terror!  Meet the cast and crew of Haunt Season: The Movie and preview the new movie now streaming on Amazon Prime. Trunk or Treat Night of Highland Park is happening at Hidden Creek Aqua Park from 3:30PM to 5PM for some scare-free fun for kids aged 2 and up. This free event invites local community groups and costumed residents and guests to come on out and celebrate a less-spooky Trick or Treat event! The annual Boo Bash at Gurnee Mills is happening from 5PM to 7PM in the South Macy’s Wing Dining Pavilion. Come on out in your best costumes and grab some sweet treats, check out the spooky selfie station, listen to some live music and DJ, and other spooky seasonal fun! Legacy Dinner Theater in Wisconsin Dells is hosting it’s last two days of Monster Mash Spooktacular Dinner Theater event performances on Thursday October 30th and Friday, October 31st. FRIDAY: Day of the Dead Celebration in Round Lake Beach will be hosted at the Cultural Civic Center of Round Lake Beach Starting at 6PM. The Puerto Rican Society of Waukegan will be hosting a Trunk or Treat event starting at 6PM til 9PM on Sheridan Road on Halloween Night, October 31st. On October 31st, Halloween Night, enjoy a Deerfield Townwide Trick or Treat from 3:30PM to 7PM. The Trail of Treats and Festival at Shihloh Park in Zion will take place from 4PM to 6PM  with a drive through trunk or treat event with participants encouraged to dress up in costumes. Families can drive through the lot to grab candy and stop at multiple trick-or-treat stations hosted by local businesses and the parks district. On October 31st, Halloween Night, Village of Fox Lake has designated townwide Trick or Treat Hours from 4PM to 7PM. The City of Kenosha will be hosting a townwide Trick or Treat on October 31st from 4-7PM. Genoa City will be hosting Halloween townwide Trick or Treating from 4PM to 7PM on October 31st, Halloween. The City of Highland Park will be hosting townwide trick or treat hours from 3:30PM to 7PM on October 31st. Grayslake Trick or Treat Townwide hours will happen from 4Pm to 7Pm on October 31st. The Mainstreet of Libertyville’s Town Trick or Treat event will take place on Friday October 31st from 11AM to 2PM in each of the stores downtown.  Participating stores have an orange pumpkin in the windows! Hawthorn in Vernon Hills is hosting Trick or Treating from 11AM to 1PM on Friday, October 31st. Buffalo Creek Brewing is hosting “Another Glorious Evening” Halloween Party from 7PM to 10PM in Long Grove Enjoy the last weekend of Haunts at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds “Terror at the Fair” event on October 31st, November 1st, and November 2nd. Tickets are $25-$50 per person depending on your options (GenAd, Fast Pass, Instant Terror).

To celebrate Halloween, we’re dedicating today’s blog to some of the (supposedly) most haunted sites in Illinois and Wisconsin!  If you’re looking to level up your spooky season entertainment beyond the haunted houses filled with professional actors, some of these real life locations might just do the trick.  Check ‘em out…if you dare! Note: Please, if you’re itching to visit any of these locations yourself, be mindful of local posted signage for your safety and legal purposes! Do not trespass onto private property or desecrate any of the historic sites. Obey any closed off areas, caution tape, or signs listing environmental risks.   Some sites may be closed to the public. Enter at your own risk and ghost hunt responsibly. more Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery in Midlothian, Illinois 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.  Spooky sightings here include a phantom car, floating orbs, mysterious lights, a farmer with his horse, and even a white cloaked spirit with an infant! Bartonville Insane Asylum in Illinois. Formerly in operation as a mental hospital as the Peoria State Hospital from 1902 through 1973, this location later closed due to lack of government funding, overcrowding issues, and overuse of psychotropic medications on patients. Patients with no legally recorded families or remaining living relatives were buried on site, leading to the need for 4 different cemeteries where 4,100 patients were interred. Paranormal investigators and visitors have reported ghostly apparitions and strange shadows flitting about the corridors, while others have noted sobs and whispers from patient rooms. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, Illinois 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. Graceland Cemetery in Chicago,  Illinois 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 hear cries 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! Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur, Illinois It’s 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! McPike Mansion of Alton in Illinois, sometimes referred to as Mount Lookout, is a historic and haunted property on the former 15-acre estate of Henry Guest McPike. In 1994, the home was purchased at auction by Sharyn and George Luedke, with plans to restore the mansion to its former glory!  Sharyn herself has reported ghostly sightings of servants and residents or guests of the mansion while removing items from the home, making repairs, and restoring the house.  She and George have also caught a whiff of lilac perfume wafting through the hallways of the third floor. Peoria State Hospital Museum and Cemetery in Peoria, Illinois This large campus originally 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 a strange sudden taste of blood in their mouths or the aroma of pine scent once used in cough syrups for ill patients. Investigators and ghost hunters have noticed the apparitions 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, Illinois 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. Brumder Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Book a spooky stay at this mysterious B&B and let us know what you think. In the past, former guests have reported a sleep plagued by the most disturbing nightmares, sighting apparitions floating down hallways and in and out of walls, 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. Fork in the Road Mukwonago, Wisconsin 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. High Cliff State Park in Sherwood, Wisconsin 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. Kemper Hall in Kenosha, Wisconsin This former boarding school for young women is now a recreation center, but is also 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 at the hands of several students! Legend says they cornered her and shoved her down a stairway where she met her untimely end .  Some visitors have also reported apparitions of nuns peeking out of the windows. Karsten Hotel in Kewaunee, Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin This 75 acre park is on the former site of the Maribel Caves Hotel aka Cherner Hotel, which sadly burnt down to the ground with many guests still in their lodgings.  In its prime, the hotel 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.  None of the paranormal sightings have been confirmed by park personnel, but visitors have reported eerie feelings and unusual ghostly figures. Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee Wisconsin This historic Milwaukee landmark has housed some of the most famous and notable baseball and basketball players over the years, many of whom have corroborated the stories of paranormal activities. And it’s also considered one of the most haunted places in the whole state! Visiting players have reported objects being moved or dropped, strange shadowy apparitions, electrical anomalies, and noises with unknown origin.  It has been reported that the older wings of the hotel are more haunted, along with the 19th floor of the tower addition and the grand ballroom area.

Today we’re headed to Salem on our next road trip guide!  You may know Salem, Massachusetts thanks to its appearances in movies like Hocus Pocus and The Crucible, but it was also once a great port hub for travel and trade in the Colonia era of New England’s history.  The city is always bustling with visitors thanks to its unique ties to the infamous Salem Witch Trials, but there’s so much more to see and do!   The town welcomes more than 1 million visitors for the season, and hosts a slew of parades, parties, vendor events, craft shows, special events and performances, and a costume-friendly atmosphere. If you do choose to visit during Halloween season, be sure to check out the Salem Haunted Happenings calendar online. more From historic house tours to fine dining to unique shopping and boutiques, you simply must add this town to your road trip bucket list.  While it’s most popular during Autumn thanks to its ingrained Halloween vibes, it welcomes visitors all year round and is actually much nicer to visit in the “off-season” if you don’t want to deal with lines and crowds.  But seeing as it’s officially Halloween month, we thought we’d share some of our favorite spooky destinations and historic sites, in case you’d like to make a weekend getaway at the last minute. Must-See Attractions and Activities to Enjoy in Salem Massachusetts All Year Long The Witch House is the only remaining structure with direct ties to the historic 1692 Witch Trials. It’s the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, and offers visitors the chance to view life in the 17th century first hand.  It’s a short stop on your tour through town, as you can see most of the artifacts and creepy rooms in about 30 minutes.  There are numerous physical artifacts and antiques on display, and lots of plaques and educational materials to explain the significance.  Only 10 people are allowed in at a time, making it a very calm and relaxing experience. Peabody Essex Museum is a cultural history and art museum combining the Essex Institute and the East Indian Marine Society.  In particular, the facility has a world-class Asian Art Collection, one of the most well-renowned in the world, in fact.  With more than 1 million pieces and 22 historic buildings to explore, this is a must-see during your visit. Other collections include 3,600+ pieces of African Art, a large collection of American Art including 1,000+ portraits, over 6.000 Chinese Artworks, a collection of historic fashion and textiles, more than 5,000 objects in their Indian Art Collection, 18,000+ Japanese artworks and collectibles, 1,800+ pieces of Korean Art, 20,000 pieces of Native American art and sculptures, and a large selection of Maritime Artworks!  The museum’s Photography Collection originated in 1840 and is the largest single collection by number of objects, with more than 850,000 images!  And of course, you have to stop by the Phillips Library, with an expansive collection of rare books and manuscripts. Ropes Mansion is lovingly referred to by movie fans as “Allison’s House” in Hocus Pocus!  This 18th century mansion is a historic home with a sprawling, expertly curated garden out back.  The grounds are just begging for a peaceful stroll admiring the flowers, butterflies, and the charming songbirds. It’s also a great place to snag some photo ops when you’re done with the self guided tour both inside and out. House of the Seven Gables offers tours of this historic 1668 colonial mansion, made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851novel by the same name. Built and owned by merchant and ship-owner John Turner, it was later sold to Captain Samuel Ingersoll, who left it to his daughter Susanna, cousin of Hawthorne's!  Later, in the early 1900s, the home was purchased with the intention of becoming both a museum and non-profit Settlement House to assist immigrant families in Salem. Salem Willows Park is a charming little ocean front park offering food, games, family-friendly attractions, and delicious food!  A stop here makes a wonderful break from all the historic tours for the younger tourists. Salem Maritime National Historic Park preserves and interprets more than 600 years of New England maritime history, featuring 12 historic structures, a replica tall-ship, and 9 acres of park lands with trails, gardens, and more to explore. The Satanic Temple is the official religious headquarters of the church, and opened its doors in 2016 in a former Victorian funeral home. The site includes the Salem Art Gallery, featuring a Fine Art Room, Library, Milton Hall Exhibition Space, and other unique artifacts and artworks. It is open to the public most days, but please be mindful as it is a functioning house of worship and should be respected the same as any church grounds. Salem Witch Museum allows visitors to enjoy an immersive look into the historic Salem Witch Trials of the 1690s, told through dramatic interpretation through stage sets, life-sized figures, stage lighting, actors, and narration. Take a full tour around the city. A jaunt down Essex Street will bring you past numerous historic homes, small museums, galleries, and a plethora of boutique shops to spend hours perusing and shopping. A stroll down Derby Street or Chestnut Street will bring you around the neighbourhoods viewing historic buildings and homes with classic New England Charm. Embark on a guided tour of the city at night with the Specters and Apparitions Ghost Hunting Tour.  Head on over to the harbor as well for some unique history and local tours including the Haunted Happenings Harbor Cruise, Lighthouse and Foliage Cruise, and the Eerie Stories on Salem Sound Tour. Oak + Moss is a brick and mortar store offering modern, chic and botanical inspired furniture and kitchenwares, gorgeous custom planters and plant pots, a curated selection of giftable bath and body products, handmade and eco-friendly candles, and a large variety of houseplants both potted and air-plant variety. Wicked Good Books and Silly Bunny Toys is a woman and neurodivergent owned indie bookstore and shop duo that has become a notable, growing presence in the community since 2014. Now in a larger, more expanded space, the shop offers a number of special events, author meet and greets, book signings, and a literary festival. The store’s owner and employees are very involved in the community, as well as focusing on support of indie authors, publishers, and makers to provide a curated collection of unique gifts and wares. HausWitch is a modern metaphysical shop offering vintage and second hand furnishings, handmade artisanal goods by local artists, and unique collectibles by indie makers.  If you’re looking to curate your home with whimsical and eclectic artwork and crafts, this is the place to go! Blackcraft Clothing is a combination retailer of unique goods with gothic and Halloween themes. Enjoy clothing and accessories tailored for adults, children, and even pets! The atmosphere is to die for, especially thanks to the delicious Blackcraft Coffee shop counter, offering handcrafted drinks and one-of-a-kind treats.  Grab your drink and shop around the store while you sip. VampFangs shop offers unique vampire themed gifts, vampire lifestyle accessories, special FX makeup including custom-fit vampire fangs, and so much more. Plus, it’s located right across the street from the Bewitched Statue!