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Winter is officially here!  It’s time to celebrate the Winter Solstice and appreciate the changing of seasons. While we’ve got plenty of fun ideas to embrace the winter weather and chilly temperatures in our vacation and road trip guides, we thought we’d shake things up a bit and add some more ways to celebrate the season.  Today’s blog is all about exploring our connection to the great outdoors, as well as finding new ways to connect with our family and friends.  Here are some warm, comforting ideas to try over the holiday break with your favorite people, or even to work on as a community project with the kids in your area.  Plus, there’s some great last minute gift giving ideas (especially for the outdoorsy nature lovers on your list) with no shipping delays to worry about! more Let’s explore some fun and seasonal Yuletide traditions. Celebrate the Changing light and seasons - Take some time to measure the light in the day by recording sunrise and sunset with your family.  Mark the times on the calendar and create a little festive graph to measure the change from Winter to lengthening Spring days.  Celebrate the shortened winter days and feast by candlelight as a family!  As you light the candles on the dinner table, set some positive intentions and well wishes for the upcoming year to bring some more “light” into the dark, dreary winter days. Sip some Yuletide “wassail” cocktails - Wassail is a festive warm drink with mulled spices consisting of: 2qts apple cider, 1.5 cups of orange juice, ¾ cup pineapple juice, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.  Another seasonal variation includes tossing in some cranberries while you’re mulling and simmering the spices and juice mix.  Adults may also add a splash of Rum or Whisky for a festive holiday punch cocktail idea. Burn a Yule Log in the Fireplace or a Fire Pit - Historically, Nordic tradition was to burn a whole tree across 12 days leading up to Christmas.  Since that’s not exactly sanctioned by apartment management or condo associations (and definitely not feasible for modern hearths) the Yule Log is a popular alternative. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and Max also have several fun “Fireplace for the Home” options that are smoke-free. If you’re using an outdoor firepit, try some color changing fire pit powder for a magical memory. Create a Solstice Pomander - You’ll need some toothpicks, very firm oranges, and a bottle or two of whole cloves for this seasonal craft. They look lovely hung inside, or make a beautiful outdoor decoration for your front yard’s trees or bushes.  Using your toothpicks, poke holes into your orange in a line around the middle, or get fancy and create a little pattern. Push the skinny side of the cloves into the orange into your pre-poked holes.  To hang them, poke a piece of long stiff wire through the orange, and create a little tear drop shape at the bottom for stability and one at the top for hanging.  You can wrap the wire with ribbon and a little dot of glue to hold it, or hang them by a ribbon from the loop.  As the orange dries, it will create a delicious smell in your home! Exchange nature and outdoorsy related gifts instead of store bought ones - Give your friends and family handmade gifts using natural and found components such as dried flowers, polished stones, twig ornaments, etc.  Give out coupons for a family adventure road trip to a national park or a “campout” certificate for a warm-weather vacation gift! Or perhaps some “Go for a Hike” coupons to redeem for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, or winter weather family hikes.  Whatever you choose, the focus will be on enjoying the Great Outdoors together for some bonding time with loved ones. Put a Spin on the Traditional Dried Fruit Garlands - TikTok is all the rage over this spin on dried fruit garland like this fantastic woodland inspired mushroom decoration! Try adding your personal spin by adding ribbon or string through the mushroom cap and hanging from faux pine garland, or turning them into individual ornaments. Just make sure you follow directions for curing and dehydrating fruit in the oven, and remember to keep them dry to prevent mold and deterioration for use next year. Decorate a Wreath Together - Snag a plain pine wreath from a local tree farm or stand.  Get some glue or some twine or festive colored yarn and attach some dried orange slices, pine cones, holly leaves, and ivy to them. You can also add some small salt-dough ornaments by tying them with ribbons.  Place it on your front door, or use it as a table centerpiece for your holiday dinners.  It also makes a great seasonal decor item for your office door! Create Nature Themed Ornaments - This year, we’ve made a commitment to gifting and decorating withs.  Gather pet food cans, tuna cans, and/or mason jar lids, and turn them into ornaments. Decorate the background with some cut and collaged seasonal patterned paper into the back of the tins and lids. When that’s dry, glue in some moss, sticks, leaves, and other natural items on the bottom, along with little wild animal figurines. To hang them, simply use hot glue to attach festive seasonal cut ribbon on the back in a loop shape. Craft some Salt-Dough Keepsakes - We love making memories together as a family, and that includes creating seasonal Salt Dough ornaments for the tree!  Whether you’re using a gluten-free salt dough recipe or the traditional kind of salt dough, it’s a cozy weekend at home.  You can even involve your favorite family pets to create a gift that will last a lifetime of memories! Upcycle those holiday present shipping Boxes into DIY Ornaments and Garland - Finding ways to “go green” is very important to all of us here at Classic. And we love any chance we get to recycle, reuse, and transform discarded items into something new!  For this project, we’re utilizing our recycling pile to do some DIY artwork. Use cookie cutters to trace and cut out shapes of houses, and paint them with acrylic paint pens in white, red, and green to look like icing! Punch some holes in the top for hanging, and create your own ornaments or string them together for a garland!  You can even turn them into your very own Gingerbread House village,

We love a good Summer vacation road trip, jam packed with opportunities to get in touch with nature and appreciate the great outdoors. There’s nothing quite like swimming, hiking, fishing, and boating with our friends and family. Until the winter hits and it becomes prime time season for snowy weather adventures, and we get to experience the thrill of jetting downhill on our skis and hitting the fresh powder on our snowboards! Today, we’re going to share our picks for great winter weather getaways for skiing and snowboarding in nearby Michigan!  While there are more than 40 different ski areas in the Great Lakes region of the state, we’re going to highlight our favorites to get you started.  Planning a winter break vacation with your family and friends is a great way to beat the winter blues, too.  Plus, gifting an experience and memory-making vacation is a wonderful alternative to traditional holiday gift giving. more As always, feel free to leave us your recommendations for your top ski and snowboard destinations in Michigan and beyond!  Let us know what adventures you’re giving your loved ones this year for the holidays!  They just might make it into a future update. Mt. Holiday in Traverse City This is a non-profit run recreational ski area with 14 trails and 12 runs to explore!  It’s open December through very early March, conditions permitting, with peak average snowfall times in January.  Beginners will be able to learn the ropes at their Ski and Board School, featuring 90 minute lessons and a lift ticket for the day!  Group lessons are available by age groups.  Perfect for families, visitors aged 0-4 years and over 70 years will ski free, and there are options for Family Season Pass packages. Equipment rentals are available for those who travel light or are just getting started.  If you prefer something a little less intense, snow-tubing is available as well!  There isn’t any lodging on site, but nearby lodging accommodations recommended by the Mt. Holiday crews include the Timber Ridge RV and Recreation Resort, Hotel Frankfort, The Old Mission Inn, Hampton Inn Traverse City, Blossom Hotel & Suites, and more. Challenge Mountain in Boyne City This fantastic location has one of the first independent adaptive skiing programs in northern Michigan, allowing folks with disabilities to enjoy year round recreational opportunities!  Programming for events and lessons focuses on building community, strengthening personal confidence, and helping people realize their value on a personal level.  Winter programming here includes Sit-Skiing, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Cross Country Skiing, and Downhill skiing.  Limited options are available for equipment rentals, but feel free to inquire about availability!  Adaptive ski-lessons can be scheduled for individuals, groups, and families on a private basis as well as group offerings available.  If you’re looking for inclusive vacation options, this is the perfect destination!  Lodging options nearby include Boyne Mountain Resort, Water Street Inn, and Courtyard by Marriott Petoskey. Alpine Valley Ski Area in White Lake Township While private and semi-private lessons are available for newcomers to winter sports as well as kid/teen group classes, this is the destination of choice for intermediate, advanced, and competitive skiers and boarders.  Join one of the seasonal leagues and enjoy the exhilarating competition of head-to-head races for adults, teens, and kids alike.  This season's offerings have expanded to include the new SBX racing, an adults-only league for like-minded competitive adults.  Choose from  the 6 week Tuesday night series or the new SBX series on wednesdays for 4 weeks.  Kids and Teens will enjoy Boardercross course races, Pinnacle Alpine Racing Club, Ascent Junior Racing, and high School racing options.  For those who prefer to go it alone without the stress of competitive sports, explore one of the three different terrain options on site: The Rope Park – a high speed tow rope course; The Big Park – set up for big air jumps and higher speed rail tricks and train for competitions; The Snowcross Track – great for training on different terrains to build endurance or take your skills to new heights.  There are several Hampton Inn/Suites lodging options nearby less than a 15 mile drive as well as The Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston. Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort in Clarkston Enthusiasts will go wild for the 17 different ski runs and 3 snowboard terrain parks on the grounds of Pine Knob!  Novices and intermediate athletes can test their chops on a variety of slopes, or opt for group or private lessons to hone their skills further at the Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard School.  Night Skiing hours are available until 10PM Monday through Saturday, and until 9PM on Sundays so you can make the most of your visit, or hit the slopes any time after your work day.  Keep an eye on their ongoing events calendar, and you can sign up for special workshops and clinics to level up your ride experience.  Local Lodging recommendations include the Millpond Inn Bed and Breakfast, The Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston, and the Comfort Inn & Suites. Mt. Brighton Ski Area in Brighton The downhill slopes at this ski resort might be man made, but who says curated hills can’t be exhilarating?  With 25 different trails spread across 130 acres of terrain, there’s no shortage of excitement and fun here.  Families have been flocking to this Michigan resort since the 1960s, and it’s easy to see why!  Options include Sunset and Nighttime skiing (separate tickets required) as part of the “Dew After Dark” series in conjunction with partner sponsor Mtn Dew soft drinks.  Group lessons and private class options for skiing and boarding are also available for all skill levels and ages, including multi-week lesson packages or Holiday Ski and Snowboard Camp programs.  Got a need for speed? No problem! The resort offers multiple competitive programs including XLR8 Alpine Race Training and Adult Racing Leagues.  Plus, there are many choice selections in lodging options nearby for you to cash in those mileage and hotel travel points you earned this past year! Looking for even more snowsports fun in Michigan? Check out these other great resorts and recreation areas in the state, too: Swiss Valley Ski Area in Jones Mount Holly in Holly Cannonsburg Ski Area in Belmont Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl in Grand Haven Bittersweet Ski Area in Ostego Timber Ridge Ski Area in Gobles

We’re gearing up for holiday break and winter vacations with a fun vacation planning blog!  Hop in your new car from Classic and let’s hit the road to fun in the sun and snow as we travel across Wisconsin at these amazing resorts and ski-slopes.  Plus, if you’re looking for a great “gift of experience” instead of something bought in a store, this is a great source of inspiration for last minute gift ideas with lasting memories!  Gift your loved ones a “vacation coupon” to one of these amazing winter sports and snow filled destinations. more Let’s check out Alpine Valley Resort in Elkhorn. This year-round resort offers 365 days of fun, but you’ll find peak excitement in winter weather months!  Located just 2 hours from Chicago, this incredible family friendly resort is located in Southeastern Wisconsin.  The best time to visit is December through February for peak winter sports action, but the ski slopes are open from November through March, weather permitting..  There are 21 runs in total, snowmaking capabilities, and beginner to advanced options.  If you’re new to skiing and snowboarding, you can take advantage of their copious amounts of lessons including children’s lessons, build-your-own private lesson bundles, adult group lessons, and Ski School.  Lodging options are plentiful with over 100 rooms to choose from, but please be aware that certain time periods have a 2 night stay minimum.  Warm up after some fun in the snow with the indoor heated pool and hot tub. Next up is Cascade Mountain in Portage. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance for this family friendly skiing and snowboarding destination, because it is hot hot hot when it comes to winter travel.  With 48 different trails to choose from, folks of all ages and experiences levels will find something new to try!  There’s even snow-tubing for those who prefer something with plenty of excitement but a little less daring.  The area has a wonderful natural snowfall accumulation, but also has state of the art snowmaking capabilities for a perfect ride all season long.  There’s instructions and lessons on site for all experience levels, whether you’re a first-timer or you’re looking for a little more of a competitive edge with some racing and intense sport action.  Lodging options are just a short drive away and include Cedar Lodge and Settlement, Natura Treescape Resort, Atlantis Family Waterpark Resort, and Great Wolf Lodge. We can’t forget the family favorite Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva! In December, the resort leans full force into the holiday spirit!  The 12 days of Christmas event includes outdoor holiday lights and a drive-through light show, along with breakfast with Santa, and trolley tours!  There are 20 different runs on the mountain, along with fun options such as cross country skiing, sledding, snow shoeing, and ice skating.  You can book a room at the Grand Geneva and Timber Ridge Lodge, and dine at the finest restaurants such as Leinenkugel’s Mountain Top Lodge.  Plus, the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down! Enjoy an amazing session of Night Skiing for a special experience.  Lessons are offered on your winter sport of choice, for all ages and skill levels.  The resort also offers memorable weekly experiences and special events throughout the season. One of the oldest resorts in the Midwest with oodles of winter fun is Little Switzerland in Slinger. Skiing and Snowboard enthusiasts will love this classic destination with 18 different trails, the longest run of which is 1800ft!  No equipment? No problem! Book a package and opt for equipment rentals, perfect for kids who want to test the waters and take a few lessons.  They offer an expansive selection of lessons for beginners, so it's perfect for families.  Plus, with state of the art snowmaking, they’ve got plenty of challenging runs to keep intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders too.  Need a place to stay? They’ve got  you covered with these wonderful properties owned and operated by the folks at Little Switzerland; you can stay at The Apres House or The Founders’ House.  Other hotels nearby include the Washington House Inn, Cobblestone Hotel and Suites Hartford, Hampton Inn & Suites West Bend, and more. Looking for even more fun this winter? Check out these other amazing ski slopes and resorts this winter: Christmas Mountain Village in Wisconsin Dells, WI Nordic Mountain in Wild Rose, WI Tyrol Basin in Mount Horeb, WI Wilmot Mountain in Wilmot, WI Whitecap Mountains in Upson, WI Granite Peak in Wausau, WI Devils Head in Merrimac, WI

We are so excited to announce that the all-new 2024 Kia EV9 three-row EV SUV and the 2024 Telluride SUV have both been named to Car and DRiver’s 2024 10 Best Trucks and SUVs list! For the 5th consecutive year, the Telluride has earned this esteemed honor while also paving the way for the EV9 to win its first award (in its first year of sales no less!)  Both vehicles are highly regarded and sought after by drivers thanks to their stunning engineering and tech features, durability and dependability, and outstanding safety features. more “We have harmoniously integrated the Telluride’s proven formula into the EV9’s innovative all-electric architecture, positioning it as a captivating EV option that’s poised to mirror the Telluride’s legacy of success” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “This is a momentous achievement and a testament to the extraordinary skill of our engineering, design, and product development teams.” Much like the Telluride, the all-new 2024 EV9 continues to wow drivers around the globe.  The EV9 delivers the most highly sophisticated and in-demand features all wrapped up with a nice neat bow into one powerhouse EV SUV package!  With its eye-catching exterior design, luxuriously rich interior appointments, leading vehicle dynamics, and DC fast charging capabilities, it delivers world-class performance, comfort, and dependability.  It comes available in four trim levels: Light, Wind, Land, and the sporty GT-Line, as well as two battery size options and rear-wheel drive or dual-motor AWD configurations.  It’s also rated at an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 304 miles on the Light Long Range RWD. Assembly of the EV9 is scheduled to move to the state-of-the-art Kia facility in West Point, Georgia in 2024. “Kia did an excellent job designing the cabin for the EV9’s role as a family bus with lots of room and—in plusher trim levels—plentiful equipment,” said Car and Driver European Editor Mike Duff. “The EV9 GT-Line is also ridiculously fast for what it is, dispatching the 60-mph benchmark in just 4.5 seconds, 2.2 seconds ahead of the 291-hp Telluride.” Car and Driver’s 10Best list represents a comprehensive look at the best vehicles on sale since it allows previous winners to compete to defend their spot. To be eligible, vehicles must be on sale in the month of January 2024 and have a starting price (including any federal tax and destination charges) under $110,000. Car and Driver editors drove more than 80 new cars, trucks, and SUVs over the course of two weeks before assigning each vehicle a score of zero to 100. Votes were then tallied and averaged to arrive at the 10Best of 2024.

Well, we don’t know about you, but one of our favourite things to enjoy when there’s even a little nip in the air is indulging in a cup of luscious hot chocolate!  There’s just something about this rich and velvety hot drink that warms a person straight to the soul.  Whether you make yours with steamed milk or boiled water or a few shots of espresso, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this sweet wintry drink.  Today we've got recipes for our fave hot chocolate mixes, plus we've got some great on-the-go mugs to enjoy it while you hit the road for the holidays! more We’re sharing our picks for best travel mugs for gifts this holiday season!  They’re perfect for white elephant gifts, commuting coworkers, and family members on the go. The YETI Rambler is a fantastic option that comes in multiple colors, including special seasonal limited edition options! Available here on Amazon for $35. We love this luxury option from Zojirushi with a vacuum insulated design, It comes in more than 15 colors, so there’s an option for everyone on your list. Available here on amazon. You can’t go wrong with a Stanley!  This viral travel mug and tumbler is a hit with adults and kids alike, and for good reason: it’s durable, portable, and fashionable. This one comes in 17 different colorways, too! Available on Amazon here. Available in 7 stylish colors, this Kinto Day Off travel tumbler has a very modern, stylish design and a convenient carry handle on top! Perfect for hot or cold drinks, and comes in 7 color options. Available on Amazon. Fans of a wide mouth travel mug will love the heat-lock technology and sleek modern design aesthetic of the Fellow 16oz Carter Wide Travel Mug.  It’s got a locking lid and spill proof seasl!  Available in multiple colors and made of stainless steel. Get it on Amazon here. Best Recipes for Hot Chocolate: Adult Hot Chocolate from Spruce Eats Homemade Hot Chocolate from Celebrating Sweets Homemade White Hot Chocolate from Celebrating Sweets Mexican Hot Chocolate from Bon Appetit TikTok Hot Chocolate Bombs Xocolatl (Traditional Aztec Chocolate Drink) Authentic Mayan Hot Chocolate Mayan Chili Cocoa Elixir Vegan Mayan Drinking Chocolate Easy Hot Cocoa for Kids

Today is National App Day!  We’re sharing our picks for the best apps to add to your smartphone and infotainment systems to make your commute and road trip a breeze.  From WiFi spots to Road Trip Itineraries to Meal Planning and more, we’ve got you covered with convenience every mile of the way.  And feel free to recommend your own favorite apps in the comments on our social accounts! more Roadtrippers App We love this app!  You can plug in your departure and arrival locations, and plot out a fantastic map of stops along the way. Create your own itinerary, or download one of the pre-planned trips or community created add-ons.  You can even use the maps if you go offline, making it super convenient for remote areas. Roadside America App If you’re into ridiculous roadside attractions, you’ll go bananas for this one!  If visiting the world’s biggest ball of yarn or bizarre roadside dinosaur parks are your brand of fun, you’ll find no shortage of it with this app.  Look up the areas you’re passing through and find the weirdest and wildest kitschy and campy stops along your route, or even in your own backyard! WiFi Map App This helpful app helps you locate free WiFi Hotspots in the US and worldwide, and gives you pertinent public login information as needed.  You’ll be able to find a connection no matter where you’re going, which is convenient for those who work on the go! Flush Toilet Finder App The convenience is right there in the name: find a toilet wherever you drive.  Is there anything worse than being stuck in the middle of nowhere with no rest stop in sight? We think not. That’s why we love that this app gives you the ability to find bathrooms anywhere, and even add your own to the map and help others. Waze This community-based app gives you live GPS navigation with traffic and safety updates. Join as a community member and you can add your own blips to the map for road closures, traffic slowdowns, road obstructions, and more. GasBuddy App If you’re looking to save a few pennies in fuel so you can get your little “morning coffee” to go, this is the app for you!  GasBuddy has saved its users more than $3billion in fuel costs, which is nothing to scoff at with rising prices.  Download the app and find the best prices for fuel near you, wherever you are driving.  Plus, gather some rewards as you use the app to unloc special deals! HipCamp App This app is perfect for the offroad adventurer!  This app works with landowners to provide you with overnight camping stays on private land.   You can find tent friendly campsites for backpacking trips, glamping for those who prefer a little more luxury, and even RV parks.  Perfect for car campers and #VanLife folks! USA Rest Stops App Whether you’re looking for the nearest state welcome center, a rest area, or service plaza for fueling and bathroom breaks, they’ve got it!  No matter which Interstate, US highway, or state highway you’re traveling, it’ll be mapped out here for your convenience.  It’s a must-have especially when traveling as a family with kids. HappyCow If you or someone in your travel party has dietary restrictions, this is a very useful mobile app and site!  Find the best nearby restaurants featuring Vegan and Vegetarian diets in your area.  You can even check out grocery stores, farm stands, and food trucks nearby, along with options for gluten free menu items in most places.

The holidays are a very busy time of year, and the days can fly by in the blink of an eye! If you’ve been consumed with holiday parties, get togethers, family reunions, and seasonal events and forgotten to do some holiday shopping? We’re here to help alleviate the stress. We’ve found great last minute digital gifts for the car aficionados on your list that are sure to bring plenty of merriment and cheer. Don’t fret over holiday shipping guidelines, we’ve found some great electronic delivery alternatives! Check out our picks for stocking stuffers, virtual gift giving, and instant purchase on today’s blog.  From how-to guides and reference books to tales of travel and road trip adventures, there’s something to satisfy every giftee! more How Cars Work Everyone from budding mechanics to seasoned gearheads will appreciate this in-depth, illustrated guide to vital car parts!  Whether your favorite family mechanic keeps it on hand as a desk reference, or they share it with their kids or grandkids to pass on the knowledge, it makes a great giftable book.  Digital format means no clunky manuals or shelf space wasted, and car lovers can keep it in their pocket for reference and knowledge on the go. Snag it for kindle here. Everyone’s Guide to  Buying a Used Car and Car Maintenance This ebook makes a fantastic virtual stocking stuffer, and it’s the perfect gift for anyone on your list!  Learn the ins and outs of shopping for and buying a used car from seasoned pro Scotty Kilmer (Check him out on YouTube!) Covering everything from test drives to bartering to basic maintenance, this is an indispensable guide that will be treasured for years to come. Auto Repair and Maintenance: Easy Lessons for Maintaining Your Car So It Lasts Longer Making sure that our customers can enjoy their new favorite car from Classic for decades to come is one of our passions.  We like to make sure that our customers are armed with the knowledge to maintain their family cars and daily drivers in tip-top shape.  That’s why we recommend this handy ebook guide that covers just about everything.  You’ll learn enough to navigate basic maintenance on your own, and be able to follow along and navigate convos with your trusted mechanic on larger service issues.  You’ll be able to troubleshoot basic issues, and diagnose common problems before they turn into larger more costly ones.  And of course, it’ll always be available at your fingertips with a simple swipe of your ereader app! Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide Specifically tailored to women and femme drivers, this guide will help you navigate a male-dominated industry.  From advice on how to get respectful and honest service at the mechanic, DIY service tips and tricks, roadside emergency advice, and more, this is an indispensable book for the women in your gift giving circle. Buy a copy here. The Science of Cars The Science of Cars is perfect for the automotive enthusiast who loves to learn.  They’ll be lost in the pages for hours while reading about the science, mechanics, and engineering behind some of the world’s fastest cars! Buy it here. Autonimousity Technology is advancing every single day.  Cars have more automatic features, more guided safety options for autonomous driving.  And eventually, they’ll be entirely driverless.  That is the goal of the industry at least for some engineers! Buy this in depth ebook right here. Tales of a Road Warrior This non-fiction book is a collection of true short stories from someone who has logged millions of travel miles over several decades. It makes a great gift for the globetrotter or traveler in your life. And it might even serve as a little road-trip planning inspo for their 2024 itineraries! The Budda and the Bee: Biking Through America’s Forgotten Roadways on an Accidental Journey of Discovery History and travel lovers will appreciate this candid true recounting of Cory Mortenson’s journey across the US from Minnesota to California.  Learn about America's roadways, national parks and history, and gain one man’s insights into the self discovery journey he experienced along the way.  We think your gift recipient will be inspired to try a new adventure this year after reading this one. Memory Road Trip: A Retrospective Travel Journal This unique memoir and travel journal is deeply personal and eye opening.  Readers will relate to the author-protagonist as she navigates coming-of-age trials and tribulations, and connects with history, explores the land, and finds her sense of place and belonging.  Personal anecdotes intermingle with an intense appreciation for nature, art, architecture, history, and personal connection.

Today is National Brownie Day!  Perhaps you’re not a fan of the holiday cookie platter, and instead rather indulge in these delectable, fudgey, ooey-gooey confections.  We’re right there with ya. We’ve also got some tips for baking things juuuuust right, from ooey-gooey center squares or to the crisp and chewy edges. There’s no denying brownies are a timeless treat no matter how you slice it! more Here’s some tips from the folks here at Classic to perfect your holiday baking, and bring your brownies to the next level!  From add-ins to mix-ins and ratios, you’ll find some great hints: For a seasonal surprise, try adding some crushed peppermint candies or mini marshmallows to the batter. Craving a peppermint mocha latte? Take your favorite brownie recipe up a notch by adding a teaspoon or two of instant espresso granules and a little bit of peppermint extract to the batter. Top with a little dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of cocoa powder just before serving. For gooey, soft brownies you should look for a recipe with a higher concentration sugar, butter, and eggs.  You can also try folding in some mini semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips into the batter for little pockets of melty flavor. For cakier style brownies, you’ll want to use a higher ratio of cocoa powder and flour than the rest of the ingredients (butter, sugar, egg) If you’re mixing your batter and the ingredients start to separate due to the melted butter and oil, you can add a little bit of milk into the mix to help it all meld together Your choice of brand in cocoa and melting chocolate does matter; you need to select higher quality ingredients for each to produce that prime fudgy texture and richer flavor.  Cut any bitterness of dark chocolate or higher cacao percentages by adding a little pinch of sea salt. Avoid dry, flaky brownies by pulling your pan out a little bit early while they appear “underdone” and softer in the center as they will set while cooling in the tin Whether you’re looking to flex your baking muscles or keep it simple and classic, we’ve got a brownie recipe to fit your needs: Crinkle topped brownie bites in a muffin tin Some sweet and nutty British Brownies Ooey-gooey Salted Caramel center brownies Quick and easy One-bowl brownies Spice up Friday Pizza night with a Brownie Dessert Pizza The very first “Palmer House Brownie” recipe with apricot glaze Super chocolatey Black Bean brownies 5-ingredient Flourless Chocolate brownies Chocolate chickpea brownies are a fun alternative to traditional brownies Race to the top of the favorite bakers list with these  fabulous Racecar Brownies! Perfectly fudgy frosted brownies Delectable crackly topped gooey chocolate brownies Don’t let friends with allergies go hungry, try some gluten free, dairy free cocoa brownies Accommodate dietary needs with these Paleo and Keto friendly super fudge brownies Spectacular 4-ingredient breakfast brownies (Yes, you heard right!) Nanny’s Fudge Brownie Bundt Cake A batch of brownie batter waffles And who could hate these delectable, decadent Deep Dish chocolate brownies If you’re looking for some fun suggestions on how to create some festive brownie treats for your friendly neighbnourhood mechanic or car dealership (nudge nudge) here’s some of great kitchen tools to do just that!  Plus, we’ve also got some great gadgets for baking top-tier traditional brownies: Car Cake Tin for baking Car Cupcake liners Lightning McQueen Wafflemaker Wilton Spatula with Car design NASCAR Baking Race Car driving All Edges brownie pan Car themed Nordicware Bundt Baking Tin Fondant rubber racecar tire mold Brooklyn Brownie Baking Tray Charming Baking Molds with Car Shapes! These amazon silicone car molds for baking would be perfect for XL brownies and fudge cake recipes. Yum! This great two pack of mini silicone chocolate car molds for cake, jello, candy and more!  Would also be a great way to make brownie bites or chocolate minis for cake decorating. For a little variety in your baking, try these clever little truck and car themed bakeware trays!  And buy an extra set for multipurpose use for crafting in addition to the ones used for baking.

Winter is upon us!  This holiday season, give yourself the gift of security and safety with regular vehicle maintenance appointments. Today’s blog is all about winter weather service tips to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape and make sure you can commute to and from holiday gatherings safely. more Need assistance with your service and maintenance? Make a call to our experienced service technicians and inquire about a winter car care appointment! It's important to bring your car in periodically for regular oil changes and fluid top-offs, and you may also request that our expert mechanics inspect your vehicle for the following: Battery - In cold weather and decreasing temperatures, it requires more energy to start your car.  This puts an increased stress on your car’s battery.  Have a trusted mechanic test your battery for quality and longevity, and if it’s in need of replacement don’t delay in doing so.  Ensure that the connections are cleared of any build-up and residue as well so that it makes proper contact.  It’s advisable to replace your car battery a minimum of every 3 years to ensure optimal performance; please note that other factors including climate, driving style and habits, and duration of driving patterns may require you to change the battery sooner. Heating System - If you’ve not done so already, have your AC/heating system serviced and refreshed before the cold weather fully sets in.  It’s important to maintain properly working ventilation systems and heating for safe winter driving.  Ensure that your defrosters and vents are in working order so you can clear inclement weather off your windows, mirrors, and windshields while driving!  Proper visibility is essential. Brakes - Stopping short in wet, icy, slippery conditions can mean the difference between life and death or catastrophic damage to your vehicle and others.  Have a trusted technician inspect your brakes, rotors, and wheels for damage such as rust, salt buildup, or regular wear and tear.  Have any damaged or worn items replaced ASAP to ensure you can stop safely on a dime if necessary! Tire Quality and Tread Depth - In tandem with properly working brakes, regular tire maintenance is imperative. Your tire pressure can drop significantly with every 10 degree change in temperatures, so it’s important to keep an eye on this regularly.  This coupled with proper winter or all-season tires can increase your safety when stopping short or hitting a patch of road with wintry conditions. Be sure that you have adequate tread depth, no signs of extreme wear, and have properly inflated your tires to pressure.   Make sure you also have your tires rotated regularly to ensure even wear. Road Emergency Kit - Make sure you have a winter emergency kit stocked up and ready to go. In a bin, box, or duffel bag we recommend keeping the following on hand in your trunk or backseat: thermal blankets and fleece blankets, a clean set of warm clothes, extra winter hats & gloves, kitty litter and/or small container of rock salt, a small portable or foldable snow shovel, flares, hand-crank LED flashlight or LED lantern, hand warmer packets, jumper cables, a fully stocked first aid kit, an ice scraper and snow brush, and a tow rope. These can all help you should your vehicle become stuck in any ice or encounter any other inclement weather related accident. We also recommend making sure you have a fully charged portable battery to jumpstart your vehicle and charge your mobile devices on hand at all times.

There’s no place like home for the holidays, unless of course you’re booking a hotel and enjoying a fabulous weekend getaway to relax and recharge! Today’s blog is all about amazing winter season friendly destinations for a weekend trip or short break from the rat race of life. Hop in your new car from Classic, and hit the road in style as you embark on your quest for a little “me-time” or family togetherness. more Great Wolf Lodge is an amazing year round destination for families, but from November 24th through January 8th you can enjoy a very special winter wonderland treat! Special events during the Snowland season include a Frosty Fest Family Dance Party, special winter holiday yoga sessions, seasonal arts and crafts, and holiday games such as Trivia Night, Bingo, bean bag toss, and more.  There’s even a scavenger hunt to bring a little extra holiday cheer to your stay with special clues around the lodge.  And on select dates, you can even meet the big man himself: Santa Claus.  And of course, year round water park fun. Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center is always a favorite for nature lovers year round, but during December there are some wonderful holiday themed events.  Adults and children alike will enjoy the crisp fresh air while taking a guided hike, offered on Saturdays and Sundays.  There’s a special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Buffet.  Historic Trolley Tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays for a few hours each day.  You can also snag a special holiday trolley tour of the gorgeous lights displays from December 10th through the 14th and again on December 17th through the 21st!  Plus, there's breakfast with Santa, special Eagle Watch weekends.  Not to mention there's plenty of fine dining, live entertainment, and lots of local area destinations to explore. Farmer’s Guest House in Galena will feel like your home away from home this winter.  Cozy on up with a homemade breakfast fresh from their scratch kitchen (specialty diets accommodated with advance notice) and have a fresh hot cup of coffee to start the day.  Then enjoy some leisure time with a board game or a puzzle in the common area before you head out for some local shopping. You can also make it a weekend in and get snuggled up with a “Dinner Date Night Package” with your special someone!  In December, Galena has a lot to see and do such as the Mistletoe Stroll Holiday House Tour, Night of the Luminaria and Living Windows, and the Generals Christmas Ball event!  January and February are just as delightful with a Bonfire on the Bluff and the Winter Carnival Weekend events.  It’s a very personal, down to earth stay and perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. Grand Geneva Resort and Spa are already in the Christmas Spirit with more than 2 million Christmas lights in their indoor and outdoor displays, including a “12 Days of Christmas” drive through holiday lights show!  The resort hosts a 6 week long seasonal extravaganza including Breakfast and Brunch with Santa, holiday trolley tours, igloo dining at the Embers Terrace, a special Christmas Eve Brunch, a magical Gingerbread House Walk, and so very much more!    You can even opt in for a fully decorated Christmas Tree with special ornaments and ribbon topper, and a keepsake decoration for you to take home.  This is the place to go if you love Christmastime! Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark is a one-stop destination for  family fun all year round!  The waterpark offers 50,000 square feet of fun with a 35-foot slide, 500 feet of lazy river rafting fun, and a gorgeous 300 foot heated indoor pool!  There’s an arcade, character meet and greets, and even mini-bowling!  If that’s still not enough to keep your family busy, you can go off the property and explore all of the wonderful things Lake Geneva has to offer!  Sundays in December you can opt in for a Breakfast with Santa to make the holidays a little more merry, or visit Santa on vacation in his waterpark cabana on December 22nd and 23rd before he heads back to his workshop for the big day! Other great lodging options and getaway destinations include: Villa Olivia in Bartlett Alpine Valley Resort in Elkhorn Chestnut Mountain Resort Bittersweet Ski Resort in Ostego Michigan Crowne Plaza Hotel in Madison WI

The temperatures are dropping at that blustery winter weather is almost upon us. We’re preparing for the annual lake effect snowstorms with some new gear for our cars.  Today’s blog is all about special tools and tech that will keep you safe this winter, no matter what the weather.  You’ll drive confidently knowing you’re protected with the best safety features in your new car from Classic, as well as your new accessories such as snow socks for your tires, top tier ice scrapers, emergency snow shovels, and more.  Plus, these make great gift ideas for the hard-to-please mechanic or car enthusiast on your gift list. You can never go wrong with a practical present. more These snow socks are a great alternative to snow chains for additional traction.  Their easy portability makes them a great item to keep on hand for ice storms and winter weather emergencies.  They’re tough, reusable, and washable, and install in under 5 minutes! Find the right size for your tires from small to XXL, perfect for everything from cars to vans to light trucks. Priced under $100 on Amazon here. Keeping a small portable snow shovel in your car can be a lifesaver during winter months.  Scoop your car out of the parking lot at work, or remove snow and ice from around your tires to provide traction, or even shovel your way from the driveway to your front door with ease.  No mater what your needs, this budget friendly option is a great choice! Just $29.97 at the time of publishing this blog. Save time and energy and reduce your frustrating with this snow and ice scraper removal tool. Thanks to it’s portable, rechargeable battery, you can remove winter mess in no time flat. This electronic ice scraper is great for deicing and defrosting, too!  It’s a great budget friendly gift for commuters, coming in at under $35 on Amazon. Custom fit your car with one of these fantastic Automotive Windshield Snow Covers and make snow removal a breeze!  Keeps your glass free and clear of frost, ice, sleet, and snow.  And since it’s priced under $25, it makes a great stocking stuffer. Forget about finding a place to store multiple snow and ice removal tools. This extendable scraper with multiip[le attachments and pivoting head is a great choice!  You’ll be able to reach the top of your car and across the windshield with ease. Budget friendly at under $15 If you catch yourself stranded in the snow and in need of a tow, it’s important to makes sure you can keep warm until help arrives.  This portable electric blanket with 12V plug and USB attachment converter is perfect for both new and used vehicles.  It’ll keep you nice and cozy while you wait for the tow truck or roadside assistance, and fits modern and older outlets. Another great financially friendly option priced under $35! This 6 pack of LED Road Flare emergency lights is an indispensable piece for your winter emergency kit.  It has 9 different flash modes, and you can outfit each disc with your own rechargeable batteries to make them more cost efficient. They’re a very practical gift for anyone on your list, and priced under $50 for an affordable option.

Looking for something fun, festive, and cozy to do this month in the Lake County area? We’ve got you covered with our latest Classic Community Calendar of events.  From winter outdoor fun to holiday shopping to seasonal concerts and more, we’re bringing you some of the best and brightest activities for holiday cheer. Check ‘em out on today’s blog. And, as always, feel free to let us know your favorite local events this month in the comments on our social media! This afternoon at the Jack Benny Plaza in downtown Waukegan, come on out and support the GO WAUKEGAN Winter Wonder Walk with the community! more Today at Highland Park in Highwood from 5:30 to 11PM come out for a festive “Elf Invasion Pub Crawl” for adults, a special event with local seasonal food and drinks.  Come dressed in your elf finery and enjoy the silly seasonal cheer! Free for all to enjoy, with some admission fees priced per activity, or special food and beverage deals. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the whole holiday season, the Haines House Museum is hosting a very special Victorian Christmas Event at the Museum from 12PM to 3PM! Sign up today for the Kiwanis Santa Run for the kids event in Crystal Lake!  The Run takes place on December 4th. The annual Kids Only Holiday shop is back again at the Gorton Center in Lake Forest on Wednesday, December 6th starting at 2:30.  Your kids can explore local vendors and artisans and find kid-friendly priced items to gift to their family and friends. Everything for sale will be priced $10 or less including taxes.  Sensory friendly hours available starting at 2:30! Plus, there’s a team of pro gift wrappers available to help with that too. Learn more here. You won’t want to miss the special December 6th Hops and Holiday Wreaths event at Roaring Table Brewing Company!  Enjoy some delicious hops beverages and make your own top notch fresh evergreen holiday wreath. Bring your friends and family out for a fun afternoon at Buffalo Creek Brewing on December 7th  and December 14th for the Gingerbread House Competition events! On Friday December 8th from 3PM to 7PM, register in advance to enjoy the Holiday Part Dance for Individuals with Disabilities at Zion Park District’s Shiloh Center. (Event may be waitlisted!) Enjoy a festive seasonal Sip and Paint event with some hot chocolate and holiday themed painting at the Belvidere Recreation Center on Friday December 8th from 6PM to 7:30PM. Registration in advance recommended. The holidays can be rough on parents with all the hustle and bustle, gift shopping and wrapping, hosting and holiday travel… so why not take a night off and relax. The Parents Night Out event at Butler Lake Park in Libertyville will do the trick!  Head on over from 5Pm to 8PM for a night on the town and festive fun. Make your own holiday ornaments together with your friends and family at Reclaimed Artisans with a special instructional workshop by Tanya Designs on December 9th! On December 9th at the Orlin D. Trapp Auditorium, dress in your holiday finest and come on out for a magical musical evening with a classic seasonal Sing-Along event beginning at 7PM. Looking for a fun, child appropriate night out? The Kids Night In Holiday Scavenger Hunt hosted by the Lindenhurst Park District is right up your alley!  From 5:30PM to 8:30PM, kids aged 5 through 12 will enjoy a fun afternoon of seasonal activities for their age group. Make sure to sign up in advance. On Friday, December 15th, the Bowen Park Theatre is bringing you a traditional holiday favorite about believing in your dreams and sharing the reason for the season: love, family, and togetherness!  The Jack Benny Center for the Arts and Bowen Park Theatre present Miracle on 34th Street starting at 7PM with additional showings available.  Book now! Bring your competitive holiday spirit with the Gingerbread house Building Competition and Family Social at the Adaptive Recreation Center on December 16th from 2PM to 3PM! On December 19th at the Belvidere Recreation Center, enjoy some holiday baking fun with the Youth Cookie Club’s special Holiday Cookies workshop event from 6PM to 7:15PM. On December 20th, the Egg Harbor Cafe is hosting the big man himself for a magical holiday Breakfast with Santa event from 9AM to 12PM in Libertyville! A special cooking class called “I can Bake: Holiday Baking” workshop is being held on December 21st at the Adaptive Recreation Center! And of course, you’ll want to pencil in your first act of bravery for the year when on January 1st 2024 starting at 10AM, the community gathers for the Waukegan Municipa l Beach’s 25th Annual Polar Bear Plunge event!