Blog

It’s time for another Classic service reminder post! Today, we’re sharing our picks for essential service and maintenance tasks you should be checking on your vehicle in October.  It’s crucial that you think ahead of the incoming colder weather by preparing with regular service appointments. We offer service appointments with Service Specials every month! So be sure to check that out when you’re done with today’s post, and schedule your service appointment ASAP.  Prevent costly repairs down the line by keeping up with regular maintenance. Let’s get started on vital automotive service checkpoints to maintain in October for Fall Car Care Month! more Top off your fluids and flush any lines as needed. Make sure you’re checking your oil and antifreeze/coolant levels regularly.  Bring your vehicle to your favorite local mechanic to ensure that your coolant mixture is appropriate for the seasonal temperature change, and that your oil has been topped off or replaced.  Don’t forget to add winter-friendly windshield wiper fluids, too!  You don’t want that freezing up when you have to clear off mud, sludge, icy slush or road salt off your windshield. Check your tires and inflate them to proper pressure. Keep in mind that with every 10º change in weather, your tire pressure will change. Ensure that you’re regularly checking your tire pressure and keeping them inflated to maintain proper stopping distances in inclement weather. Likewise, be sure to check your tire treads and make sure they have adequate tread depth. Look for any signs of wear and tear on your tires, and have anything removed and patched, or the tires replaced if you notice any damage.  Consider making the switch to all-season or winter tires if you’re still driving on summer ones!  It’s recommended as well to have a wheel alignment and tire rotation to ensure even wear and tear and proper steering control. Have your battery tested for durability. The change in temperature each season can put some extra wear and tear on your battery. It may not be at full capacity, as car batteries can lose up to 60% of their strength in freezing temperatures. Your local experienced mechanic will be able to assist you with testing the battery and finding you the right replacement if needed.  Avoid short trips during the winter, as they do not give your battery adequate time to fully charge, leaving it weaker.  Investing your funds into the best battery you can afford is a great choice to improve and maintain your vehicle performance. Test the heater and defroster. Although we’ve all been experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures this autumn, the time for overnight frosts is fast approaching. There’s nothing worse than getting ready in the morning to go to work and find your windshield covered in a layer of ice!  A properly working defroster and heating system can save you lots of time, not to mention keeping you warm and comfortable on your commute of course. Remember to also change your interior and exterior air filters to improve airflow and circulation and reduce foggy windows and smelly outflow of air/heat. Update your emergency car kit for winter. Since the weather is a little unpredictable, it’s better to be safe than sorry and prep your winter car care kit earlier than not.  Ensure that your vehicle is equipped with a can of de-icer or similar product, a good quality ice scraper and snow brush, thick blankets, an extra set of warm dry clothing, a spare jacket and gloves and hat, some shelf stable snacks, a bag of kitty litter and pet-safe salt for traction in ice and slippery conditions, some cardboard or tire grips to help with traction in a pinch, and a portable snow shovel. And always remember to fill your gas tank with at least ¼ to ½ a tank at all times! Bring your vehicle in for a general tune-up and check-up before the cold. Since this is not a fully exhaustive list of maintenance tasks, you should always bring your vehicle in for a tune-up and service check at least once per season. Your mechanic can give it a thorough look over and point out any vital repairs.  They’ll check the brakes, steering, alignment, fluids, electrical, etc and let you know the hierarchy of importance on repairs or replacements.

You’ve probably seen plenty of Alaskan tourist brochures advertising a sea of colorful spring wildflowers, seasonal winter glacier tours, and plenty of summer camping and hiking, but there’s nothing quite like Alaska in Autumn.  As Autumnal enthusiasts, we are very excited that the season starts as early as August, meaning we can extend our cross-country leaf-peeping quest for an extra few weeks! Though the season is very brief here, it is one of the most remarkable destinations for fall-loving tourists.  You’ll get to witness the seasonal foliage change with unmatched fiery hues against the mountains as they get their first snow of the year.  It’s also a great time to catch some of the first seasonal sightings of the Northern Lights, and last sightings of migrating Humpback whales.   Of course, in true Alaskan fashion, there’s simply no end to the beauty and adventure that awaits you on your journey no matter the season.  So, let’s take a look at some of the places you should add to your Alaskan Autumnal Road Trip Itinerary! more Trees, shrubs, and plants you’ll find on your Alaskan Foliage Tour include: Of course, in true Alaskan fashion, there’s simply no end to the beauty and adventure that awaits you on your journey: Quaking Aspen, White Birch, Black Cottonwood, Red Alder, Sitka Alder, Deer Cabbage, Mountain Avens, Tufted bulrush, Ligonberry, Lapland Cornel, Small Cranberry, Willow, Squashberry, Kenai Birch, and more. Destinations You Can’t Miss on Your Alaskan Fall Foliage Tour (In alphabetical order!) Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, but it’s also got a plethora of hiking trails.  Nearly 300 miles of trails make their way in and out of Chugach State Park on the outskirts of the city. In Mid to Late September, this area is positively bursting with rich golden and chartreuse shades of foliage.  Fellow travelers recommend your Anchorage travel itinerary should include the Glen Alps Trailhead taking you to Cook Inlet, the Powerline Pass Trail, Flattop Trail, and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.  Once you’ve had your fill of the natural wonders, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the city limits, too. Denali National Park has already made it onto our road trip travel blogs this year, but it’s always worth mentioning again!  In mid-August through early September, this park reaches its peak autumnal magnificence.  The higher mountainous elevations will see the most vibrant color first, while the tundra landscapes below begin to glow in stunning scarlet, ochre, and vermillion hues.  Fellow travelers to the area recommend taking a bus tour through the park so you won’t miss a thing; these tours run through mid-September. Fairbanks begins displaying stunning golden foliage in mid to late August with full peak by early September.  And while many people want to visit in Summer for the outdoorsy fun, and Winter for the peak Northern Lights, this in-between season is actually one of the most unexpectedly interesting times to visit!  The weather in this area is perfect to take advantage of summer season activities like hiking, boating, fishing, and catch an early glimpse of the Northern Lights and aurora simultaneously.  You can enjoy the local hot springs as the temperatures start to drop for a cozy early autumn treat, as well as catch the local Fall Migration of thousands of Sandhill Cranes making their way South for the colder months.  White Mountains National Recreation Area and Chena River State Recreation Area are perfect for autumnal jaunts in the Fairbanks region. Girdwood is a mountain town just a little ways out from Anchorage. While you’re here, you’ll want to book a ride up the Alyeska Aerial Tram that takes you upwards of 2,000 feet in elevation up Mt. Alyeska, rewarding you with an awe-inspiring overview of the whole valley’s fall scenery. Portage Valley offers some hiking trails suitable for the novice to intermediate enthusiast, or you can opt for a one-hour boat tour which brings you out to the face of the Portage Glacier for an unforgettable experience. Drive the Glenn Highway for a grand sightseeing tour of some of Alaska’s most beautiful fall scenery in early to mid-September.  Make sure you stop off at Mantanuska Glacier which offers magnificent views of autumnal colors with seasonal grasses, wildflowers, and trees all shedding their emerald greens in trade for sunset worthy hues.  We can’t think of anything more beautiful than those rolling hills of butter yellow foliage against a backdrop of crisp blue and lavender toned snowcapped mountain peaks. Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-see stop on your autumnal Alaska road trip. This park offers turquoise waters complemented by the stunning butterscotch yellow foliage and lichen green tree tops. In the background, you’ll see slate-blue mountain peaks rising above the treetops!  This area offers several tours for hiking, driving and even boating.  Take a day cruise through the park itself or head into Resurrection Bay, and you might even catch some humpback whales enjoying their last swim in the region before migration down south for the winter months.

We’re not trying to rush through Autumn by any means, but now is definitely the time to book your holiday festivities and getaways. Thinking ahead for those holiday celebrations can save you a lot of stress, and secure your spot before they book up fully. On today’s blog, we’re fast forwarding a bit to winter holiday getaways that you can book today. We’ve got three spectacular family-friendly destinations serving up that home-away-from-home experience for the holidays.  From brunches with the big-man himself to seasonal crafting classes to special brunch reservations, you’ll find that early holiday planning will be in your favor!  Once you’ve got those bookings made, you can get right back to those spooky costume parties and planning your Thanksgiving menus. more So, what are you waiting for? Hop in your new car from Classic in Waukegan and let’s hit those snowy roads to winter holiday fun! (In two months, that is!) Santa Claus, Indiana is fondly known as “America’s Christmas Hometown”, and with good reason!  This charming small town offers both Indiana and the US’s first themed attraction, Santa’s Candy Castle, opened in 1935.  In 1936, Santa Claus Town expanded with the addition of Santa’s Workshop and the Toy Village! Starting Thanksgiving weekend, things begin to jingle and twinkle with pure holiday magic: Santa Claus Land of Lights at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph is a local festive favorite; the Live Reindeer make an appearance at Santa’s Toys; the Santa Claus Arts & Crafts Show offers holiday gift shopping and artisan made goods; Santa storytime  at Santa Claus Museum and village; Christmas in Dale’s Light Show is open, enjoy Candlelight evenings on the Farm, Christmas Dinners and Breakfasts with Santa; the annual Santa Claus Christmas parade, and a whole lot more! Santa’s Candy Castle is open for visits and offers a whimsical blend of historic old-world charm with modern-day fun and games.  Enjoy a selection of vintage, old-fashioned candy, 35 different flavors of hot cocoa, frozen hot chocolates, and more.  Santa’s Toys offers a selection of nearly 3,000 different toys and games for all ages.  Evergreen Boutique and Christmas Shop offers an assortment of gorgeous clothing, accessories, and jewelry, plus one-of-a-kind holiday items and home decor such as candles, ornaments, tree trimmings, and more.  Several local hotels and motels in the area continue the holiday and Santa Claus theme with cozy winter accommodations, too. Frankenmuth, Michigan is better known as “Little Bavaria”, really leans into the magical holiday spirit full force in its mere 2 square miles. From mid-November, Main Street explodes with festive joy as more than 150 decorated, sparkling lit trees line the street. You’ll find Christmas and holiday decorations in each storefront, colorful light displays of seasonal cheer and famous characters, and more. And it’s all culminating at the center of town in a 40-foot Christmas tree featuring 23,000 synchronized lights for a 7-minute long light-and-music show for the holidays. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland spreads across 5 acres of different Christmas tree trims, gift options, ornaments, and more; while you’re there, be sure to check out the Silent Night Memorial Chapel, a recreation of the chapel in Obendorf, Austria, where the song “Silent Night” was first performed.  Be sure to check out Christmas Lane in the evening when you’re done shopping for a brightly lit and festively decorated road that bursts into Christmas joy when the sun goes down. Grandpa Tiny’s Farm is a historic working farm located just across the street from Bronners.  Each year in December, the farm puts on weekend Christmas experiences including 2 special guest reindeer visitors!  The Frankenmuth Ice Rink also returns annually to Zehnder Park in the center of town and is open all week long to the public.  Be sure to check out the full Christmas itinerary on the town’s local seasonal calendar! Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin is a rockin’ good time during the holiday season.  This cozy town features storybook level charm with twinkling lights, wholesome decorations, and plenty of holiday spirit.  Enjoy the Old World Christmas Market which is open daily from 10AM to 5PM starting December 5th through the 14th, now in its 26th year, featuring artisanal goods and handmade gifts.  Book a special holiday brunch with real live reindeers, a breakfast with St Nick Himself, or a Christmas Day Brunch for an extra special family memory.  The Hard Left Lounge will be hosting special holiday spirits and libations starting in November, creating a warm and friendly holiday atmosphere and cozy retreat from holiday hecticness.  The Pankratz Arts Exchange hosts their annual winter show at The Theater at the Shore Club featuring classic holiday favorites and cheer.  Nearly a dozen local shops are also offering extended retail hours and hosting their 14th Annual Holiday Open House on December 6th from 12PM-4PM. For families, you won’t want to miss festive events like “America’s Christmas Tree Lighting” on December 4th, Cookie Decorating and Ornament/Stocking Decorating for Kids on December 6th and 13th, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides on December 6th, 13th, and 24th, and more! For adults, don’t miss Ole Smoky Christmas Cocktail Class on December 4th,  the Sip and Spruce event on December 5th, Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktails on December 12th, and more.

Today is National Motorcycle Day!  It’s prime season in both Summer and Autumn to take a nice joyride to view the scenery, and that goes for both motorcyclists and cars alike.  Although we consider ourselves to be more automobile aficionados, we truly do respect our fellow road warriors just the same.  Today, we’re sharing our picks for best road trip worthy museums celebrating the history and achievements of Motorcyclists!  Slogans like “Look Twice, Save a Life” can remind us just how important it is to remain focused on the road, so we’re also sharing several safety tips to help motorists keep our two-wheeled peers safe on the road. more Give the motorcyclist space and share the road. Be on the lookout for cyclists who may momentarily share the lane or dip between cars during heavy traffic. If you notice this, make sure you slow down, and allow the motorcyclists plenty of room to maneuver past you. Always use your turn signals. Turn your signals on as early as you can when passing and turning near a motorcyclist.  Look for their turn signals as well, but give them plenty of time to complete a turn or pass into the lane/between cars safely.  If they’ve been riding with a turn signal for a while, make sure you give them more distance to allow them space to turn adequately and safely.  Remember to look in all directions multiple times before making turns, but especially when making left turns into oncoming traffic to avoid t-boning a cyclist! Allow increased stopping distance between your vehicle and the motorcycle. Ensure  that you keep a very large following distance, giving both you and the cyclist enough time to react and make decisions with enough safety.  Motorcycles have a different stopping distance time in dry weather versus inclement weather.  Give motorcycles even more distance when conditions are wet, rainy, and icy, as inclement weather heavily impacts the riders ability to see clearly. It’s also important not to tailgate them, especially in stop-and-go traffic situations, as rear-ending a cyclist can be fatal! There are no external frames or side airbags and things, they’ll have direct impact and may be thrown from the bike! Use extra caution when driving at night.  Avoid using your high-beams when motorcycles are present to ensure they have adequate visibility and aren’t blinded by excess light. Avoid passing at night when they’re present to reduce risk of accidentally merging into the cyclist or pushing them into an unsafe corridor. Check your blind spots and always look twice. The smaller stature of a motorcycle as compared to modern day cars and SUVs means that they’re more likely to be missed in blind spots.  It can also mean it is harder to judge by distance and speed of oncoming motorcyclists.  Make good use of any lane-departure warnings and visual assistance per your vehicle’s camera system for potential hazards when changing lanes. However, don’t fully rely on the technology to do your job for you – always give the environment a second and third glance when passing into a new lane or driving at higher speeds if you notice motorcycles have been present! Be mindful of roadway hazards and windy conditions. Hazards like debris from trucks or wind-strewn trash may be easy for you to dodge, but be careful about passing quickly if motorcycles are present. Amazing Motorcycle museums you simply must visit on your next road trip: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, OH Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds, AL Bill’s Old Bike Barn in Bloomsburg, PA Haas Moto Museum in Farmers Branch, TX Kansas Motorcycle Museum in Marquette, KS Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, TN Motorcyclepedia Museum in Newburg NY New England Motorcycle Museum in Vernon, CT Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum in Colorado Springs, CO Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum in Warwick, OK Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum in Solvang, CA Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame in Sturgis, SD Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum in Maggie Valley, NC World of Motorcycles Museum in Winamac, IN

There’s nothing better than crunching into a freshly picked crisp, juicy apple right from the farm!  And it’s even better if you’ve spent the day celebrating all things fall with your family. Each of the farms highlighted on today’s list brings a unique Fall Festival or Autumnal Celebration to enjoy with your loved ones, as well as unique treats such as heirloom apples, signature cider donuts, and more.  You’ll find the perfect fall destination that’s absolutely worth taking a road trip in your new car from Classic in Waukegan.  We know you’re going to have a blast picking fresh apples, the perfect pumpkin, and sampling those homemade baked goods. Of course, if you also saw it fit to bring your friendly neighborhood car dealer a few cider donuts to share, we surely wouldn’t complain!  So, hop in your car and let’s hit the dusty farm road for some classic family-friendly fall festivities on today’s blog. more Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove is a great family-friendly destination for fall fun. There are more than 30 different activities to enjoy on the farm year round, but autumn activities are where it’s at.  This fall you can enjoy the World’s Largest and Most Intricate Corn Maze featuring 28 acres of live corn and 9-10 miles of walking, the Pumpkin Patch and Sunflower Field, community campfires, and more.  Pumpkins are available to pick your own, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors!  This year’s corn maze theme is Back to 1985 and celebrates the iconic Back to the Future franchise! Goebbert’s Farm in South Barrington is hosting its annual Fall Festival now through October 31st.  Highlights of this year’s festival include the Pumpkin Eating Dinosaur, Cornstalk Maze, a Haunted House, Charlotte’s Web play area, the Corn Box playground, and even Pig Racing!  The Harvest Market is also open daily, and will have a selection of pumpkins, fall decor, fresh veggies, and baked goods to enjoy!  We highly recommend checking out the apple cider donuts, they’re to die for. Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago is hosting their annual Fall Festival from now through October 30th.  Families can enjoy pumpkin picking, classic hayrides, fall themed food, games and amusements, and much more. Plus, as a spooky Halloween celebration, there are two Terror-iffic attractions to choose from: Wicked Hallows Hayride, bringing you through cursed forests and farm, and the Haunted Barn: Curse of the Scarecrow scare challenge and haunt!  You’ll need tickets in advance for those and they’re filling up quickly, so don’t miss out! Kuipers Farm in Maple Park offers three different fall themed events: the Sunflower Festival, Pumpkin FunFarm and U-Pic Apple Orchard.  The Pumpkin FunFarm offers numerous games, attractions, and photo opportunities for families to have some good ol’ fashioned fun on the farm.  Enjoy a pumpkin themed obstacle course, games and live music, pig racing, pumpkin picking, and more!  Pick your own apples in the orchard and select from a variety of in-season apples to snack on and take home for pies and autumnal baking. All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock has been named one of the top orchards in McHenry County by USA Today and local groups!  This year’s family fall fun includes multi-pack passes and ticket packages allowing you to take advantage of all the fun the farm has to offer!  Enjoy 30+ attractions, apple picking, barnyard visits and hayrides, obstacle courses and games, a corn maze, ropes course, and so much more!  Plus, there’s the delectable seasonal snacks including hand-dipped caramel apples, kettle corn, cider, and more. Stade’s Farm in McHenry offers a wide selection of seasonal U-Pick options which currently includes apples, raspberries, tomatoes, peppers, green beans, and more.  The Farmtractions Theme Park and Fall Festival is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.  Enjoy the Express Train, Apple Cannon, Farmtraction park and more during their special event.  The “Shades of Autumn” festival is a family-friendly event celebrating the magic of the season. Apple Holler in Sturtevant, Wisconsin offers a Family Fun Park each year from May through November!  Enjoy a plethora of special seasonal activities and games, as well as agricultural education through play.  This autumn you can enjoy their Apple Picking Festival featuring tractor rides, corn mazes, fall themed games, Straw Mountain the Corn Palace Corn Box, and much more.  There are also several fun photo-ops this year including Giant Butterfly Wings, the Red Truck Photo Op, and the Rockinghorse Corral.  The Red Barn Restaurant offers first-come, first-served seating with a seasonal menu; this month, the farm is featuring its Apple Season Menu, with applewood smoked meats, apple glazed seasoning, apple butter dips, and more. Apple Barn Orchard and Winery in Elkhorn is in prime Apple Picking season!  There are more than 4,000 apple trees in this orchard with 12 different varieties!  The bakery and country store on site make fresh baked pies and cider donuts as well as fruit wines made on premise.  The orchard’s social media will always keep you updated on what’s currently available for picking, and they’ve just announced that pumpkins are finally ready. The orchard and winery grounds offer multiple events throughout each season such as the Corks and Colors event, Food Truck weekends, Fall Bucket List Weekends, and more – each featuring local food, special beverages, live music and entertainment, and more. Eplegaarden in Fitchburg, Wisconsin offers more than 100 acres of fall family fun.  You can enjoy their pick-your-own fall wildflower fields, apple picking, pumpkin picking, and more.  There’s a charming kids’ play area, a down home country farm store offering seasonal favorites, seasonal hayrides, and more. One of the most unique qualities about this farm is that they offer Heirloom and Antique Apples, varieties of apples that are historically favored for special practices like cider making, pipes, and more; these unique apples don’t always have a high-yield year, so they may be in limited supply, but it’s certainly worth the visit to try and catch these unique flavor varieties. Don’t see your favorite farm on the list? Let us know in the comments section what your family’s favorite farm is in Illinois and Wisconsin, and we may just feature it in a future update!

Maybe we’re a little bit biased because we live here, but we really think that Autumn in the Midwest is better than anywhere else in the country.  From the wide variety of harvest festivals and Oktoberfest events, unique farms and orchards, and absolutely unmatched scenic drives and foliage views, there’s just something special you can’t find anywhere else.  The views here are breathtaking!  So, on today’s blog, we’re bringing you four of the best places to visit for leaf-peeping season in your own backyard. more Northwest Illinois Loop in Illinois is a four hour loop drive winding through several stunning state parks.  You’ll start your journey in Galena and make your way through Mississippi Palisades Park, White Pines Forest, Lowden State Park, and Lake Le-Aqua-Na.  In Mississippi Palisades State Park you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous foliage views overlooking the bluffs of the Mississippi; the foliage here is usually peak by Mid-October.  White Pines Forest State Park usually hits peak in mid to late October, sometimes extending into early November if the weather is just right.  Lowden State Park is known for its picturesque walking trails through the autumnal foliage, which generally peaks in the 2nd and 3rd week of October.  Lake Le-Aqua-Na Recreation Area offers stunning reflective views of the changing foliage, especially the hickory, maple, and oak in the region which line the lake bluffs; color here peaks in the 3rd and 4th week of October. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway is an impressive 200+ mile loop taking you on a gorgeous autumnal tour of the state with waterfront views, forest bluffs, and of course plenty of foliage.  Recommended destinations on the route include Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, Peoria Heights and a little side trip for the views on Grand View Drive, Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, (both of the aforementioned we’ve covered in previous blogs!), Shore Acres Park, and both Allen Park as well as Washington Square Park in Ottawa. Door County Circle Tour in Wisconsin takes you from North to South to enjoy the full splendor of autumn in Door County.  The Door Peninsula includes 19 different communities, several smaller villages and towns, as well as a few islands, each of which can be reached through the Door County Coastal Byway System.  Recommended towns to include are Fish Creek, Ephraim, Baileys Harbor, Ellison Bay.  Peak foliage in Door county ranges from Mid-September to Mid-October, making it great for repeat trips to try every autumnal activity the area has to offer! Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive in Wisconsin is a 115-mile trek that brings you through 6 different counties in the state. You’ll start at Elkhart Lake in the North and end near Whitewater Lake in the South.  This is the drive for nature lovers as it takes you directly through the massive Kettle Moraine State Forest, offering immersive and impressive autumnal foliage experience.  We highly recommend stopping by Spruce Lake Bog Natural State Area, Crooked Lake Wetlands State Natural Area, Kewaskum Maple-Oak Woods State Natural Area, Eagle Oak Opening State Natural Area, Ottawa Lake Fen State Natural Area.

Now that October is fully underway, we’re celebrating with lots of leaf-peeping tours!  Of course, we’ve brought you plenty of travel destinations in the Midwest highlighting our best autumnal foliage, but who doesn’t love a grand adventure?  So throw on your best boots, cozy fall sweaters, and grab those cameras, because we’re hitting the road to explore four of the best regions in the US to do some serious fall foliage appreciation! more Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway in Georgia In Mid-to-late October, the fall foliage will begin to show its full splendor in Northern Georgia, and will peak all the way until Mid-November if weather permits.  This route will bring you unparalleled views of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, and offers plentiful hiking trails offering gorgeous vistas and numerous waterfalls.  The highlight of the trip, however, will be the  highest point of elevation in the state, Brasstown Bald, rising 4,784 feet above sea level. From this view point you’ll be afforded 360º views of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.  The stunning visitor’s center also features an 8,000 square foot museum with interactive exhibits highlighting cultural and natural history. The byway makes its way through three counties, with several charming towns of note along the way: Helen, Hiawassee, and Blairsville. Helen is a must-visit town, known for its autumnal foliage views, Bavarian inspired food and shops, and of course its magnificent Oktoberfest. Finger Lakes Region, New York Fall in the Finger Lakes will offer warm, sunny days and crisp, cool nights with numerous farmers markets, outdoor activities, and of course – plentiful wine tastings!  While you’re here, you must enjoy the leaf-peeper’s haven that is the 1,000 mile Finger Lakes Trail. This trail winds through lush forests with vivid foliage in hues that look worthy of a postcard!   It’s a prime place for paddling, canoeing, and kayaking, too, as you make your way past lush valleys and hills exploding with fiery autumnal color. Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t strongly suggest hopping on a winery tour to enjoy some crisp regional wines and seasonal specialties, and stunning views of the lakeshores.  If you’re interested in the classic New York State apple, you’re in luck, too, as there are several orchards and vineyards offering apple picking and bountiful fresh fruit treats! Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire You’ll want to hit this landmark highway earlier in the season, so planning ahead for next year is best.  Fall foliage views and leaf-peeping excursions begin here by the middle of September, and peak by mid-October. The towns of Conway and Lincoln offer numerous artisanal businesses and top-tier local dining!  You’ll want to schedule a stop off to trek through the Flume Gorge and Franconia Notch State Park, as well as a brave journey along the Mt Washington Auto Road. In addition to driving down “the Kanc” each of those destinations will bring you unfettered bliss by way of classic New England foliage that would make a Hallmark Movie set jealous. Not interested in driving it yourself so you don’t miss the views? No problem! Book a Scenic Byway Fall Foliage Tour service and get a personal guided tour of the best views in the area. Beartooth Highway, Montana/Wyoming This incredible mountain roadway leads into Yellowstone’s northeast entrance and climbs nearly 11,000 feet!  Peak autumnal views here are late September to Mid-October, well, if the surprise snowfall doesn’t rush the timeline that is.  The area is known for its early snowfall season, generally between October 10th to the 15th which brings about the seasonal road closure.  If you’re heading over in the late season, you’ll want to check the park’s closure alerts. This stunning drive offers spectacular views of the mountains, valleys, wildlife, and wildflowers in addition to the colorful foliage. Something special of note along your route is that for the first time in 80 years, you’ll notice the buttery yellow, golden hues of the baby aspen trees that are seeing return growth!  And keep your eyes peeled for some grey wolf sightings which were reintroduced to the park and are responsible for keeping the elk population at reasonable numbers and contributing to the restoration of aspens.

Thank you one and all for coming out to this weekend's Cars & Coffee Event! We had a fantastic turnout for this month's event, and quite the impressive array of vehicles to peruse. Having an opportunity for the community to come out and connect with one another through our love of cars brings us great joy!Your energy and support has been so enthusiastic. It's been very exciting to watch this event grow and evolve with all of you, and we can't wait for the next one! Thank you again for joining us for this fun outing. Check out these pics that our staff snapped at the event, and feel free to reach out and send us some of your own, too. We'd love to see them! And of course, let us know your favorite in the comments! more

Set to retire at the conclusion of the 2025 model year, over 1.5 million Kia Souls have been sold in the U.S. since 2009 The Kia Soul’s ongoing popularity and influence on pop culture was fueled by some of the most memorable and effective automotive advertising in the history of the automotive industry From a humble beginning as a boxy concept vehicle in Kia’s U.S. design studio and continuing through 16 years of passion, the fun and funky Kia Soul urban runabout has always stood out from the crowd. As what most consider the first production vehicle in Kia’s design-led and historic transformation, the Soul has attracted new customers to the brand by projecting the kind of individuality and optimism that appeals to both the young and the young-at-heart. And with Kia’s overall U.S. sales nearly tripling during the Soul’s lifetime, its impact simply cannot be overstated. more “The Soul was one of the cornerstones in Kia gaining a foothold in the United States and this one-of-a-kind vehicle – and the marketing supporting it – helped Kia move to where it resides today,” said Eric Watson, Vice President, Sales, Kia America. “Kia is steadily progressing towards its third consecutive annual sales record and all-time high market share, and that is possible thanks to the early success carved out by the Soul. We are proud of the legacy Soul will leave behind as it exits our lineup, but equally excited for the future of Kia’s expansive and award-winning utility vehicle lineup.” “BOAR WITH A BACKPACK” In the mid-2000s, Kia set out to design a global car that stood out from the status quo of compact hatchbacks. SUVs were continuing their climb towards market dominance at the time, and so it was decided that this new vehicle would combine the nimble efficiency of a small car with the versatility and proportions of an SUV. While watching a nature documentary on the life of wild boars, the team at Kia Design Center America was inspired by the idea of a “boar wearing a backpack” given this animal’s strength and attitude relative to its size and translated that idea into a mechanical form. All too often, during the transition from concept to production, a vehicle loses some of its celebrated spirit and edge. Not so for the Soul, as the 2006 production model was incredibly true to the original concept. MUSIC-LOVING HAM-STARS Introduced with the tagline “A New Way to Roll,” the highly customizable Soul offered an audio system that featured in-speaker lighting to help illuminate the beat. As an automaker looking to make a mark by launching a clearly different type of compact vehicle, Kia needed a marketing campaign that made a similar and strong impact. Enter a cast of hamsters with ears for hip music and paws on the pulse of pop culture. Tapping into the power of music, dance, and positivity, the “Ham-stars” cruised to playlists ranging from Black Sheep’s classic hip-hop track "The Choice Is Yours," LMFAO's smash hit "Party Rock Anthem,” to Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades.” The hamsters quickly became advertising legends, with the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame naming them the first-ever "Rookie of the Year.” INSPIRING NEW IDEAS Kia took the wraps off a number of Soul-based concept vehicles through the years including the 2009 Soul’ster, an unexpected pickup/utility variant of the Soul. Another standout concept was the 2012 Track’ster with its turbocharged 250-horsepower engine, two-doors, and AWD system that took the idea of “hot hatch” to another level. The Track’ster featured a number of design cues that would make their way into the second-generation Soul in 2014. Track gave way to trail at the Chicago Auto Show in 2015, with the debut of the Trail’ster concept. A more rugged interpretation of the Soul, it featured an e-AWD system to put ample power to all four wheels. Thanks to the Soul’s overall popularity, customer demand for new variations continued to grow so a more potent powertrain debuted in the Soul Turbo in 2017. While all-wheel drive would not be offered in the Soul, demand for an all-wheel-drive Kia subcompact SUV led to the development of the Kia Seltos. More than just AWD, the Seltos is an evolution of the Kia CUV that offers more cargo room behind the rear seats and increased ground clearance than the Soul. The Seltos also offers a spirited turbocharged engine and helpful Kia ADAS features. Throughout its life, the Soul was often at the core of Kia’s many memorable SEMA Show displays, with customized creations ranging from a mobile DJ booth and rolling music memorabilia museum to an all-electric reimagining of a classic ice cream truck. AN INCREDIBLE SUCCESS STORY In 2018, Kia announced that more than one million Souls had been purchased by passionate owners ahead of the introduction of the third-and-final generation, which debuted in 2019 as a 2020 model. This gen-3 Soul was more refined than ever yet clearly also embraced the fun and funky spirit that made this machine such a sales success throughout the years. In fact, while the Soul was often marketed towards younger buyers, it also attracted an older demographic that Kia quickly realized were often people of the same spirit…just separated by age. A CHAPTER CLOSES The Soul is expected to end production in October, and with just a few thousand units remaining at dealers around the US. These are the last examples of Kia’s spirited runabout with a big personality, everyday functionality and efficiency. Awards and Accolades: 2009 “Best Bet” Distinction by The Car Book 2009 Ward’s AutoWorld “Interior of the Year” list — “Grooviest Interior” 2009 Kelley Blue Book “Coolest New Cars Under $18,000” 2009 Kelley Blue Book “Top 10 Back-to-School Cars” 2009 Red Dot Design Award (Product Design) 2010 Cars.com “Best Hatchback of 2010” 2010 TIME “Most Exciting Cars of 2010” 2010 Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Award 2010 IIHS Top Safety Pick 2011 Effie Awards — Gold Effie (North America) for Soul hamster campaign (“This or That”) 2011 Nielsen Automotive Advertising Awards — Automotive Ad of the Year (Hamsters) 2012 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study — Highest Ranked in Segment 2012 Kelley Blue Book — “Top 10 Back-to-School Cars” (No. 1) 2012 Kelley Blue Book — “Top 10 Tailgating Cars” 2013 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study — Segment leader (repeat) 2013 Kelley Blue Book — “10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000” 2014 WardsAuto “10 Best Interiors” 2014 Red Dot Design Award (Product Design) 2014 iF Product Design Award 2014 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) — Bronze (Transportation) 2014 Clio Awards — Silver (Music: Partnerships/Collaborations) “Totally Transformed” 2015 Red Dot Design Award — Soul EV 2015 GOOD DESIGN Award — Soul EV 2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (with specific headlights & optional front crash prevention) 2017 U.S. News & World Report — “Best Cars for the Money” (Compact Car) 2017 Parents Magazine & Edmunds — Best Family Cars (“Best Budget Vehicle”) 2018 (2019 MY) Consumer Guide Automotive — Best Buy 2019 Kelley Blue Book — 5-Year Cost to Own Award (Compact Car) 2019 Kelley Blue Book — “10 Coolest New Cars Under $20,000” (No. 1) 2019 Kelley Blue Book — “10 Best Back-to-School Cars” 2020 World Car Awards — World Urban Car (Soul EV) 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick (with specific headlights/optioned AEB) 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick (with options) 2023 Kelley Blue Book — Best Cars for College Students (New Cars Under $25,000)

We’re so excited that it’s finally Halloween Season! On today’s blog, we’re bringing you some picks for the best haunted houses and Halloween attractions around the state. From homemade haunts to professional grade yard installations to terrifying top tier haunted houses, you’ll find a whole jampacked month of frighteningly fun times. more Some items of note: If you’re looking to attend some festivities in costume, you’ll want to check each venue’s guidelines – some haunts do not allow guests in costume for safety reasons, others do not allow masks or props.  While we’ve done our best to try and filter family-friendly and adult oriented scares, and many haunts on the list are considered accessible, you’ll also want to double check content warnings and accessibility needs for each member of your party.  Most attractions recommend ticketing in advance to avoid sell-outs or long lines.  If attending homemade haunts in residential areas, remember to be mindful of parking restrictions and lookout for pedestrians while driving! Catastrophe on Corona in Waukegan is a homemade haunt yard display which will be running October 25th through the 31st and November 1st; admission is free 64th Street Carnevil in Chicago will be open on October 10th, 11th, 17th, and 18th; admission is free. A Haunting on Ivanhoe in Wauconda is a drive through Halloween display open from October 1st through November 2nd. A Haunting on Lowden in Glen Ellyn is a residential haunted home display available through October. Alien Invasion at Q Manor in Bloomingdale will be open from October 6th through the 31st and admission is free. Arboretum Cemetery in Homer Glen is a residential haunted home display that’s free to view, and is open from October 5th through the 31st and November 1st. Fear of the Dark in Schaumburg is a homemade haunt built by a props fabricator that runs through October, each year there is a new theme. Basement of the Dead Aurora is a top-rated professional haunted house with a full cast of scarers. The property features two different haunted features on the same property: Basement of the Dead and Shattered 3D. While the venue does not bar children, it is recommended 13 and up, there are no children’s prices, and parents are not permitted to carry any child through the attraction for safety reasons. Costumes are discouraged and NO PETS are allowed. Tickets are available online. Clinton’s Terror on Washington Street Haunted House in Clinton offers a more adult oriented haunted house option as well as a slightly more palatable “Friendly Ghost Tour”, but festivities are not recommended for children under the age of 10.  There is also an escape room option for an additional fee where groups of up to 6 people can attempt to solve the puzzle in 15 minutes for an extra challenge. The haunts will be open Fridays and Saturdays in October starting at 7PM. Tickets are available online. Disturbia Haunted House in Downers Grove is another professional haunt with a full cast of scarers with state–of-the-art special effects and set designs.While the venue does not bar children, it is recommended 13 and up, there are no children’s prices, and parents are not permitted to carry any child through the attraction for safety reasons. Costumes are discouraged and NO PETS are allowed. Tickets are available online. Downs Haunted House in Downs offers two different versions of their halloween attraction: the traditional scary haunted version with lights out and a cast of scarers, and a one-day post-Halloween Unhaunted version where the lights are on and scarers hand out candy in each room to participants with a special Ice Princess guest (flashlights are also available in case smaller guests are still nervous to walk through the lit attraction). There are also outdoor activities for the unhaunted option with crafts, hot cocoa, cookies, and games. Tickets are available online. Hayride of Horror and Curse of the Bayou in Lockport is open every Friday and Saturday in October and the Last two Sundays in October from 6PM to 9PM.  Tickets are available online only and include admission to both attractions. The Hayride of Horror brings you through Dellwood Park, while movies play on a 20 foot outdoor screen with a bonfire after.  The Bayou walking attraction is not recommended for young children; terrain is uneven, there will be tight spaces/corners, fog and smoke, and strobe lights as well. Massacre Haunted House in Montgomery will be open on select nights through November 1st.  Rated as one of the top scariest haunted houses in the state, this 35,000 square foot venue offers 3 different attractions and 40 different rooms: The Massacre Haunted House, Freak Show 3D, and The Underground. While children are not barred from attendance, it is recommended that older teens and adults are the target audience; some subjects and themes may be too frightening or mature. Babies and children may not be carried through the attraction for safety reasons, and children do not have special pricing. Necrosis Haunted House in Rantoul was named in the top ten haunted houses by HauntedIllinois.com for 4 years running and is now in its 7th year of operations.  The attraction will be running on October 3rd, 4th, 12th, 19th, 26th from 7:30-9:30PM; OCtober 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 31st from 7:30-11:30PM, and a special minimal lighting, mostly darkness special event on November 1st from 7:30PM to 11:30PM with a glowstick included in admission. This is by no means an exhaustive list of Halloween haunts around the state, but some of our picks for great local and drive-worthy options.  If you’ve got an option we’ve left off our list? Let us know in the comments on any of our social media channels. We’d love to hear from you!

October is a month like no other. There’s just something magical about when those leaves start to change, the air begins to take on a crisp chill, and that golden hour sunshine begins to glimmer.  It just makes you want to get out there and pick some apples and pumpkins and bake a pie or two…or twenty, who’s counting?  There’s just something about fall that makes us feel at home! more It’s fitting that we’re associating the fall with a feeling of home, since farmers right here in Illinois grow more pumpkins than anywhere else in the world!  So much so, in fact, that Morton, Illinois is considered the Pumpkin Capital of the World – 85% of the global supply of canned pumpkin is processed there thanks to Libby's production plant!  Illinois makes up to 90-95% of the pumpkin crop that’s used for processing. Apples run in close second to pumpkins as one of the state’s specialty crops.  Fun fact: the GoldRush Apple which is revered for its perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor and unmatched crisp bite was cultivated right here in partnership with University of Illinois, Rutgers University, and Purdue University.  Apples are a distinct part of our agricultural heritage here, especially thanks to farmers and preservationists like Al Westerman, who has amassed an heirloom orchard with more than 120 types of apples! Today on the blog, we’re sharing our picks for some of the top places you can visit with your friends and family to do a little apple picking and pumpkin picking this season: All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock Anderson Farm Orchard in Zion Apple Holler in Sturtevant WI Bengston’s Farm in Homer Glen Brightonwoods Orchard in Burlington WI Didier Farms in Lincolnshire Edwards Apple Orchard in Poplar Grove Goebbert’s Farm in South Barrington Harvest Time Orchards in Twin Lakes WI Heinz Orchard in Libertyville Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm in Kenosha WI Kroll’s Harvest Farm in Waukegan Opa’s Orchard in Mundelein Prairie Sky Orchard in Union Royal Oak Farm Orchard in Harvard Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago Stade’s Farm & Market in McHenry Sugar Grove Pumpkin Farm in Sugar Grove Swan’s Pumpkin Farm in Franksville WI Tobie Family Farm in Grayslake Did you know there are also several pumpkin and apple festivals happening across the state as well? Check them out below: The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival (October 3rd - 5th) The Lincoln Square Apple Fest in Chicago (October 4th and 5th) The Cider and Ale Festival at the Morton Arboretum (October 4th) The St. Anne Pumpkin Festival October 3rd and 4th Jersey County Apple Festival (October 4th) Pumpkinpalooza (October 4th) Glass Pumpkin Patch at Morton Arboretum (October 10th - 12th) Sycamore Pumpkin Festival (October 22nd - 26th) Happy Times Pumpkin Festival at Didier Farms in Lincolnshire (Now - October 26th) Does your family have a favorite apple orchard or pumpkin picking patch in Illinois or Wisconsin? Let us know in the comments and we may feature your suggestion in a future post!

October is the perfect time to head out for a day in the city with your family and friends. All month long during October, there are numerous events to celebrate Autumn and Halloween in Chicago!  From games and rides, pumpkin picking and jack-o-lantern carving and costume contests, and even nature strolls and haunted walking tours, we’re sure you’ll have a blast!  Check out our picks for amazing things to do in Chicago this October on today’s blog. more Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is Chicago’s largest fall pumpkin patch featuring larger than life outdoor displays and over-the-top festive fun! This immersive exhibit engages visitors with all their senses.  Enjoy carnival games, axe throwing, a giant corn maze, seasonal food and drink, photo ops, and more during the day.  At night, the venue is transformed into an adult-oriented Halloween haunt; enjoy “BOO-zy” cocktails, food and drink under the lights, and a veritable all out fall festival party atmosphere.  With two acres of fun, you’ll find something for everyone!  Purchase tickets in advance so you don’t miss out.  The event runs now through November 2nd; you must be 21+ to drink, 18+ to do axe throwing, but all ages are welcomed to the event as a whole. Night of 1000 Jack O‘Lanterns at the Chicago Botanic Garden features an abundance of artist-carved pumpkins featuring Chicago Sports Teams, PLant inspired monsters, famous vampires, pets in costumes, and more.  It features 75 giant pumpkins weighing in at more than 150lbs each!  Plus, watch artists carve pumpkins live, enjoy costumed character walkarounds, and spooky fun frights around every corner.   This family-friendly event is only here for a limited time: October 8th through the 12th, 15th through the 19th, 22nd through the 26th, each from 6:30PM to 10:30PM. Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest is in operation through October 26th and is free admission for all ages. This event features family-friendly fall celebrations with pumpkin picking, s’mores roasting over the fire, games and rides, and entertainment.  Each weekend there will be new and exciting things to explore. And feel free to stroll the seasonally decorated gardens and free musical entertainment while you’re there!  Attractions in the zoo are ticketed entry. The Feminist Bird Club Chicago Fall Bird Walk is hosting a free walk with Kelly Ballantyne at LaBagh Woods on October 4th starting at 9AM. This accessible and inclusive nature walk will detail the patterns of fall migration for birds, and help you learn about native species as well. Families are welcome, and children need not RSVP.  Register in advance and request a pair of binoculars on loan if you’ve not already got a pair. Chicago Botanic Garden Bird Walk Fall Migration events will take place on October 4th and 18th from 8AM to 9:30AM. On the first bird walk, visitors can expect to see warblers, vireos, and flycatchers; on the second walk, it may be more common to spot ducks, sparrows, and hawks. The event costs $24-$30 per person, and pre registration is required. Femmes and Thems Bike Chicago will be hosting an 8-mile bike ride on October 5th culminating with a dance performance by Comedy Dance Chicago. The group is meeting at 1PM at the Welles PArk Gazebo and pedaling 10-12mph pace/  All wheels are encouraged from e-bikes to scooters to cargo bikes. Children and pets are welcome passengers!  The event is free, register in advance. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind, limited time only engagement by native Chicagoan Tim Ramirez this month at Wild Mile. With his Hydrosonic Light Show, the artist creates visuals in real time utilizing overhead and slive projects, liquids, handmade creations, and other experimental forms of visual media.  This 2-hour performance experience is free and is soundracked to a unique playlist of music. Performances of the Hydrosonic Light Show will be from 8:30PM to 10:30PM on October 7th and 14th. The Morton Arboretum is hosting the 15th annual Glass Pumpkin Patch, in which thousands of one-of-a-kind glass pumpkins will be on display. Each work is handcrafted by glass artists who will display their works on the West Lawn next to the Visitor Center. The Glass Pumpkin Patch will be on view from October 10th through the 12th, and admission is included with a GA ticket to the arboretum. On October 18th from 10AM to 1PM at Steelworkers Park, join in the festivities for South Chicago Dia de Los Muertos Workshops and Ofrenda Walk. Explore cultural and spiritual connection through art making workshops.  The event includes free workshops during the community climb at Steelworker Park Climbing Wall, and a lecture on the meaning and significance of Ofrendas. We always love a good walking tour, but bonus points for the spooky atmosphere and ghost hunting that comes with October! The “Shadows on the Street: Haunted Tours of HIstoric Prairie Avenue” is a walking tour after dark starting at the Glessner House.  Learn about the mysterious deaths and unexplained sightings on the grounds, and other haunting bits of Chicago history!  Cost is $16-$20 per person, registration is required. Shadows on the Street Tours take place on October 25th from 6:30-9:30PM.