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Today we are continuing our Black History Month Celebrations by shining the spotlight on some notable names in the racing industry!  From pioneers and trailblazers to household names, these folks have paved the way for inclusion and diversity in professional racing, and inspired new generations to find a love of motorsports and follow in their footsteps! more Wendell Scott Wendell Scott first found his love for cars by working alongside his father as an auto mechanic.  Upon returning home from serving in WWII, he opened his own mechanic shop.  At the time the NASCAR circuit was still segregated, Scott raced in the Dixie Circuit in the meanwhile; after some convincing, he managed to secure a NASCAR steward’s approval for a license, and he became the first African American NASCAR licensee.  Scott went on to win the Jacksonville 200, and became the first African American driver to win a Nascar race!  He went on to compete in 495 Grand National races, and was inducted to the NASCAR Hall of fame in 2015 in honour of his groundbreaking accomplishments. He was the first and only Black Driver to win (what is now called) The Spring Cup Series. Cheryl Linn Glass Cheryl Linn Glass was the first ever African American woman professional race-car driver in the US!  At the young age of 9, she fell in love with racing quarter-midget cars, and later  became a professional driver at age 18, and continued her storied career through 1991.  Glass was not only a great race driver, but she was also an entrepreneur.  She had a career off the track in designing clothing, modeling, charity work, and educational outreach. Hayden Swank Hayden fell in love with racing at the age of 7, racing quarter midget cars first and later racking up more than 20 wins in the professional race circuit.  Hayden is not only a professional competitor on the track with his eyes on the prize for a spot in NASCAR’s Cup Series, but he’s also enrolled as a student at the University of Georgia.  He’s managed to balance his racing career, sponsorships, and a double-major in advertising and marketing.  He hopes to become the second Black full-time driver in the NASCAR Circuit. Bubba Wallace William Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr is the first full-time competitor of color in the NASCAR Cup Series, inspiring new generations of racing fans to follow in his footsteps. Bubb, like he did following Wendell Scott.  Wallace is a professional stock car driver who made his Cup Series Debut in 2017.  He is the first full-time racer of color in the NASCAR Cup Series since the early 1970s.  In 2021, he became the second Black Driver to win the NASCAR Cup Series at Talladega Superspeedway. Tia Norfleet Shauntia Latrice “Tia” Norfleet is the daughter of NASCAR driver Bobby Norfleet, and she decided to follow his path at age 14, competing in the drag-race and short track circuits. She was the first and only African American Woman driver to hold a NASCAR license, as well as the first Black Woman to be licensed by the Automobile Racing Club of America.  She made her professional racing debut in August of 2012 at the Motor Mile Speedway in Virginia. She and her father started initiatives to share their love of motorsports with children of all ethnicities and backgrounds, but especially underserved communities.  Tia also started the “Driven to Read” literacy program! Stars of the Pit Crew In 2004, NASCAR started the NASCAR Diversity Pit Crew Internship Program, to provide additional opportunities to explore careers on the esteemed Pit Crew teams. Some of the stars and notable names in NASCAR’s Pit Crew roster include Brehanna Daniels, Raynard Revels II, Dion “Rocko” Williams, Phil Horton, Earnest Holden, and Lamar Neal. Check out this incredible video from I AM ATHLETE on YouTube and learn what it’s like to work in the Pit Crew, and what it takes to make it as a pro:

It’s World Radio Day! Today, we’re going to highlight some great picks for aftermarket upgrades to your car’s stereo/radio and infotainment system.  Perhaps you were being budget conscious when you purchased your new car, or maybe you're looking for an updated system for your pre-owned or older model car.  Here’s some great pointers for selecting a radio and stereo system that are right for you and your car. more Sound Quality For those of us who spend a lot of time on the road, music and podcasts can really keep us focused as well as entertained on long drives.  Upgrading your car’s speakers from factory ones can really boost your listening experience.  If your vehicle doesn’t already have a subwoofer, you can add one now for richer, fuller sound.  The choice of radio head unit does have an impact on sound quality and output, so make sure to do your research on which models will have the style of sound you prefer.  You can also use the equalizer settings to further fine tune the sound for your tastes.  Look for options that offer a wide array of customizable settings and multi-channel amplifiers to create fuller sound. Functionality Consider how you’ll be connecting your devices to your car’s infotainment/audio system.  You will want to select an option that fits your streaming/listening style. Current features include: direct streaming of Pandora or Spotify, native SiriusXM radio options, digital playback via thumb drive/USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, or physical Aux connection.  If you’re still using physical media such as CDs, you will need to make sure the Head Unit can support this as they do not often come standard in vehicles anymore. Make/Model of Vehicle Before making a purchase, you’ll want to check that the system will fit in your vehicle.  There may be additional installation kits, adapters, or other accessories required to fit the make/model of your car.  Additionally, some systems may need to be professionally installed if you’re looking to add a screen or other accessories. Features and Controls You’ll want to make a list of must-have features, and negotiable ones. Some systems can be controlled by Bluetooth, some by voice commands, and others by touch screen or buttons and dials.  Some receivers have built-in features such as GPS Navigation, HD Radio Tuners, etc. Additionally, some may offer customizable lighting configurations for ambient and mood lighting, or cycling through colors to add some fun to your listening experience. Style Today, a car’s interior is as much a reflection of your personality as its exterior!  You can select a head unit, stereo, and system from aftermarket brands that match your aesthetic and interests. From classic reproductions and retro styled units to modern, sleek appearances to custom colors and lighting, there’s so many options to choose from! Installation Some systems may be able to be swapped out by the average automotive aficionado, but others may require more in-depth customization and need a professional installer.  Make sure you shop around and do some research on installation options and procedures so your Radio and speaker system is properly installed to prevent damage to your vehicle Price Points and Brands There is a wide array of options for every budget and price point, so once you’ve decided on finances you can narrow down your search for brand names.  Common brands include Alpine, Pioneer, Clarion, Kenwood, RetroSound, JVC, and Sony just to name a few. Here are some helpful videos from YouTubers which can help familiarize you with brand names, price points, and other factors:

It’s National Inventor Day!  And since of course it’s also Black History Month, we thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to highlight and celebrate the incredible Black Inventors of the automotive industry!  Here are some fun facts about the technology and vehicles we use everyday that you may not have known! more Did you know that Charles Richard Patterson aka CR Patterson owned and operated the first African American founded car company? That’s right!  Born into slavery, he eventually made his way to Ohio and trained as a blacksmith.  Later, he partnered with JP Lowe and created a carriage building business, and in the 1900s he became sole proprietor of CR Patterson and Sons, manufacturing 28 different models, including the Patterson-Greenfield Automobile. Did you know that the traffic light was invented by Garrett Augustus Morgan?  After noticing that manually operated traffic lights were inefficient and prone to human error, he decided to take matters into his own hands.  After noticing the abrupt change from STOP to GO was causing an issue, he decided to add a warning light between the two signals to allow drivers time to slow up.  We know this as the yellow “slow down” signal on modern day traffic lights! He patented a T-shaped metal pole with 3 light settings, and sold the rights to GE for $40,000. Richard B Spikes was responsible for inventing not one but two wonderful features of vehicles we use every day!  First, he created the directional signal on vehicles while working for Pierce Arrow in 1913.  Later, in 1932, he patented an updated gear shift transmission, on which today’s automatic transmissions are modeled, and he received an unprecedented $100,000 for the invention! Learn even more from this wonderful video:

2023 Kia Carnival Named Best Family Car of 2023 IRVINE, CA, Feb. 7, 2022 – The 2023 Kia Niro HEV was named Cars.com’s Best Car of 2023, beating four other vehicles for the top spot. The 2023 Kia Carnival was named Best Family Car of 2023. The 2023 Sorento was nominated for Best SUV of 2023, which is the outlet’s newest award category. more “We are proud to receive Cars.com’s Best Car of 2023 award for the Niro HEV, one of three electrified powertrains offered in the Niro product lineup,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “The 2023 Niro is a manifestation of Kia’s commitment to designing award-winning vehicles for today’s needs and for future mobility.” Cars.com’s automotive experts chose the Best Car of 2023 winner based on three variables: quality, innovation, and value. The awards program includes six different categories: Best Car, Best SUV, Best Pickup Truck, Best Family Car, Best Luxury Car and Best Electric Vehicle. “The 2023 Niro HEV rises to the top of our rankings because of its affordability, fuel economy, functional Aero Blade, and stand-out styling inside and out,” said Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Jenni Newman. “Available in three powertrains, the Niro is offered as an EV, plug-in hybrid or hybrid, which is our favorite. Its EPA-estimated 53 mpg combined left our editors impressed. The five-seat compact hatchback sports an SUV-like profile. The dynamic dashboard design, padded surfaces and satin-finish accents give the Niro a classy ambiance, and the interior features innovative materials. For shoppers that want a little customization without the cost, the ‘Aero Blade’ accent panels are available in different colors. The 2023 Niro’s innovation proves affordable alternative-fuel vehicles can come with style.” Kia America – about us Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.* For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert. * The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. Press Release Information Accuracy DisclaimerInformation posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information. 2023 Kia Carnival Named Best Family Car of 2023 IRVINE, CA, Feb. 7, 2022 – The 2023 Kia Niro HEV was named Cars.com’s Best Car of 2023, beating four other vehicles for the top spot. The 2023 Kia Carnival was named Best Family Car of 2023. The 2023 Sorento was nominated for Best SUV of 2023, which is the outlet’s newest award category. “We are proud to receive Cars.com’s Best Car of 2023 award for the Niro HEV, one of three electrified powertrains offered in the Niro product lineup,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “The 2023 Niro is a manifestation of Kia’s commitment to designing award-winning vehicles for today’s needs and for future mobility.” Cars.com’s automotive experts chose the Best Car of 2023 winner based on three variables: quality, innovation, and value. The awards program includes six different categories: Best Car, Best SUV, Best Pickup Truck, Best Family Car, Best Luxury Car and Best Electric Vehicle. “The 2023 Niro HEV rises to the top of our rankings because of its affordability, fuel economy, functional Aero Blade, and stand-out styling inside and out,” said Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Jenni Newman. “Available in three powertrains, the Niro is offered as an EV, plug-in hybrid or hybrid, which is our favorite. Its EPA-estimated 53 mpg combined left our editors impressed. The five-seat compact hatchback sports an SUV-like profile. The dynamic dashboard design, padded surfaces and satin-finish accents give the Niro a classy ambiance, and the interior features innovative materials. For shoppers that want a little customization without the cost, the ‘Aero Blade’ accent panels are available in different colors. The 2023 Niro’s innovation proves affordable alternative-fuel vehicles can come with style.” Kia America Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.* For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert. * The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer Information posted in press releases was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.

Today is National Pizza Day! There’s nothing like staying in for the night with a good movie, and getting a saucy, melty-cheesy delicious pizza delivered to your door. And make sure you thank your delivery person a little extra today, for carrying your beloved dinner from the restaurant to your front door safely in their car, because it takes a precise driver to get your pizza there in one piece without all the cheese and sauce sloshed to one side! more Impress your friends at pizza night while you chow down on these fun facts about Chicago Deep Dish Pizza between bites. The word Pizza comes from the italian “Pinsere” which means to pound or stamp, which is fitting since you roll our pound out the pizza dough flat! Pizza originated in the 16th Century in Naples Pizza was so popular, in fact, that Queen Maria Carolina d’Asburgo Lorena, wife of King Ferdinando IV, had a pizza oven installed in their summer residence. The Deep Dish Pizza we know and love today was created in 1943, when pals Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo crafted the first Italian-American version of pizza at their restaurant, Pizzeria Uno in Chicago. The average adult in the US will eat about 6,000 slices of pizza in their lifetime. Americans eat about 350 slices of pizza per second The United States eats more than three billion pizzas annually, with an average of 8 million pizzas being ordered every day. Looking for top rated official Chicago Deep Dish pies? These establishments are famed for their renditions of the deep dish, but we think you should try them all for yourself to see who rates as the best of the best!  It would make a delicious road trip with your friends, too. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria in Chicago Pequod’s Pizza Gino’s East in Chicago Pizzeria Ora Chicago George’s Deep Dish My Pi Pizza in Chicago Nancy’s Pizza in Chicago Bartoli’s Pizza in Chicago Pizzeria Uno in Chicago Bacino’s of Lincoln Park in Chicago Need more road-trip stop offs? Check out these suggestions below: Check out this review of some delicious Lou Malnati pizzas by Timmy’s Takeout on YouTube: If you’re looking for a DIY Deep Dish Pizza tour, you can follow along with Luis Gusto as he explores some of the best pizzas the city has to offer: Wondering how different styles of pizza stack up against each other?  The gang at TRUFF Kitchen went on a Pizza Crawl throughout Chicago to find the best of the best.  Check it out here: ​​

Last year was a wonderful year for Kia at the Chicago Auto Show!  And since this year’s event is nearly here, we thought we’d share a little recap of some of the fun and interesting things that Kia shared with attendees.  Check it out on today’s blog, and come on out to the 2023 Chicago Auto Show to see what’s new in store for you and Kia. more The Kia EV6 made a huge splash with visitors!  It’s the first of its kind in Kia’s new line of electric vehicles, with an impressive acceleration rate of 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid was a hit with the press and visitors alike.  Its all-electric range is between 32 to 34 miles and it has a 6-speed automatic transmission and a turbocharged engine. Here’s what we anticipate seeing from Kia this year at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show: The Kia Seltos has been updated to include acoustic glass, a feature which will help reduce road noise and result in a quieter cabin. The Kia EV6 is getting an update with the Kia EV6 576-hp GT high-performance model, which can accelerate 0-60 in only 3.2 seconds.  It will be offered in 3 new GT trim options as well. The Kia Stinger has added two special editions to the 2023 model offerings: The Apex and The Grand Tourer.  These special editions have a new, unique wheel, new exterior trims, and interior finish of simulated carbon fiber.  It also offers two engine options: A turbocharged 2 liter, 4 cylinder, and a 3.3 liter twin-turbocharged V6. The impressive Kia Niro is receiving an all-new refresh for 2023!  The exterior and interior have been updated, and both a plug-in hybrid and electric option have been added to the lineup. The Kia Soul has been redesigned for 2023 to include a new grille, new bumper, new wheel designs, and redesigned headlights. The Kia Sportage has an all new design for 2023, featuring refreshed interior and exterior, a more powerful inline-4 engine, dual curved 12.3 touchscreen infotainment  system, and its first ever hybrid model. The Kia Telluride also received a style refresh for 2023, and features dual 12.3-inch screen infotainment system and gauge cluster, new front bumper, new grille, and redesigned headlights.

Fast-growing Kia posts sixth consecutive monthly record Sales increased 22.3-percent over the same period last year Four Kia SUVs and utility vehicles reached best-ever January totals more IRVINE, Calif., February 1, 2023 – Following the best retail sales in company history last year, Kia America began 2023 with a record-setting January performance of 51,983 units, up 22.3-percent year-over-year. January marked Kia’s sixth consecutive monthly sales record with four of Kia’s SUV and utility nameplates – Niro, Sportage, Telluride and Carnival – as well as the Forte compact sedan posting best-ever January totals. Sales of Kia’s electrified models increased 128-percent over the same period last year. “On the heels of our best-ever annual retail sales performance, Kia accelerated into the New Year with our sixth consecutive month of record-breaking sales thanks to the popularity of our capable SUVs and electrified models,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “It’s poised to be another exciting year for the Kia brand with increased Telluride production, the new 2024 Seltos arriving soon and full production of the Sportage, EV6 and Niro.” In addition to sales, January saw several significant industry awards bestowed on various models within Kia’s world-class line-up, including: The 2023 Kia EV6 was named North American Utility Vehicle of the Year™ by the North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) jury. This is the second occasion in four years that the NACTOY jury has named a Kia vehicle as its top choice in the category (Telluride, 2020), and the first win for a Kia electric vehicle The Car Connection, a subsidiary of Internet Brands Automotive, designated two Kia vehicles within their Best Car To Buy 2023 awards. The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid SUV was named Best Economy Car To Buy 2023 and the 2023 Kia Telluride was named Best Family Car To Buy 2023 The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid SUV was recognized as the 2023 Edmunds Top Rated SUV, recognizing the first-ever Sportage Hybrid in its first year of production Three Kia models took top honors in the annual 2023 Best Cars for the Money awards from U.S. News & World Report, including the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid (Best Hybrid SUV for the Money), 2023 Kia K5 (Best Midsize Car for the Money), and 2023 Kia Rio (Best Subcompact Car for the Money) MONTH OF JANUARY YEAR-TO-DATE Model 2023 2022 2023 2022 EV6 1,110 N/A 1,110 N/A Rio 2,184 1,633 2,184 1,633 Forte 8,190 5,748 8,190 5,748 K5 3,368 5,794 3,368 5,794 Stinger 466 991 466 991 Soul 4,844 3,890 4,844 3,890 Niro 3,713 2,254 3,713 2,254 Seltos 3,994 2,191 3,994 2,191 Sportage 8,602 5,993 8,602 5,993 Sorento 6,268 6,145 6,268 6,145 Telluride 7,582 6,790 7,582 6,790 Carnival 1,662 1,059 1,662 1,059 Total 51,983 42,488 51,983 42,488 Kia America – about us Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert. * The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. # # # Expected in dealerships in the first half of 2023.Press Release Information Accuracy DisclaimerInformation posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.

Hey Young Drivers at Warren Township & Waukegan High Schools and families everywhere!  Classic Kia wants to remind you that snow covered tail lights & headlights create a dangerous winter driving hazard.  If it snows, make sure to clear your taillights of snow! #MovementThatInspiresdw Check Out Today's Post for More Helpful Hints and Tips! more Here’s some helpful winter tips to help out younger drivers in the snow, ice, and other inclement weather from your friends here at Classic Auto Group If at all possible, stay home and avoid driving in inclement weather such as snow, sleet, ice or similar.  If it’s unavoidable and you must travel, do not drive distracted! That means keeping your eyes on the road, no texting, no phone calls, and keep music quiet so you can focus solely on the road ahead and getting to your destination safely. Practice driving in inclement weather in an empty lot with a more experienced driver.  Let them guide you around the snowy or messy parking lot and give you pointers on how to handle bad weather situations. It can help you feel more confident on the road in a real-world situation to practice at slower speeds under supervision of a seasoned driver. Remember to check your tire air pressure regularly.  Cold weather causes the PSI to drop, and excessive heat can cause the tire pressure to increase.  For every 10 degrees drop in temperature, you should make sure to double check your PSI as you may need to inflate them more regularly in chilly weather. Leave extra distance between you and other vehicles on the road. Inclement weather means decreased stopping distance time and decreased visibility.  Giving drivers around you a little extra room means less chance of an accident and better safety! If you start to drift on ice or skid out, steer into the skid in the direction your back wheels are moving to avoid fishtailing.  For example if the back of the car starts to slide to the left, steer to the left and it will help realign the vehicle and avoid spinning. If you’re driving in messy weather, do not accelerate to try and avoid any incoming accidents or situations.  Accelerating will increase your risk by reducing your ability to stop quickly. It’s better to drive slowly, cautiously, and maintain your cool.  Two or more fast moving objects colliding, or a fast moving vehicle hitting an inanimate object are going to cause even more injury or worse. Remain calm, keep your vehicle slow and steady. Always make sure your phone and wireless devices are fully charged before you head out into bad weather driving, and be sure to have your emergency kit restocked with warm, dry clothing, towels, blankets, and other supplies in case you end up stranded. Consider a membership to roadside assistance in case you are involved in an accident, break down, or are unable to get your car out of ice or snow. Roadside assistance can dispatch trained professionals to assist you with a tow or to pull you out of snow and ice quickly, efficiently, and safely.

It’s Black History Month all month long in February, and we wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the wonderful things going on nearby in celebration and commemoration. Today’s blog is highlighting some of the fantastic activities, exhibits, and live events in the Greater Chicago Area for Black History Month. more Now through February 26th in Goodman’s Albert Theatre, come see the original play written by Lydia R. Diamond and directed by Ron OJ Parson called “Toni Stone.” This play honors the true story of the first woman to play professional baseball, and how as a Black woman she smashed racism and sexism and historic records. The Waukegan Public Library is celebrating Black History Month all February long with virtual storytimes on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and they have a wonderful suggested reading list to continue the celebration at home! The College of Lake County is hosting a month long Black History Month Celebration with events such as art exhibits, lectures, film screenings, and so much more! The Haines House in Waukegan is hosting the “African American Past Pop-Up Exhibit” from now through February 28th with free admission. All year long, the Black Ensemble Theater is hosting a wonderfully diverse calendar of programming in live music, theatre, and family programming. Chicago Black Restaurant week is running from February 12th through the 26th, and you can come out and support Black Owned Businesses! On February 15th, head over to the Belvidere Recreation Center in Waukegan to enjoy a wonderful evening of creativity at the Black History Month Banner Craft event! The DuSable History Museum is hosting an ongoing Virtual Reality Exhibit called “The March”, commemorating the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. The American Writers Museum has both a virtual and in-person component to their “Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice” exhibit, examining racial justice and the work of Black American writers from Civil War era through the Civil Rights Movement. The Museum of Science + Industry in Chicago is running the “Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition now through April 23rd, highlighting paintings, drawings, fine art, ceramics, mixed media work, photography and more from African American artists from age 14 through 17 along with adults! The South Side Jazz Coalition presents “A Jazzy Celebration of Black History Month” with the SSJC All Stars on Tuesday February 14th at the Compassion Baptist Church in Chicago. Chicago’s Navy Pier is hosting the Black Makers Market every Saturday and Sunday all month long in February to celebrate Black artists and makers from in and around Chicago. Come and shop local artisan goods and hand crafted art and other fun goodies from 12PM to 6PM each weekend. The Harold Washington Cultural Center is hosting “Feeling Good: A M.A.D.D. Rhythms Tribute to Nina Simone” on February 26th at 4PM. The Wakanda Music Festival and Electro Afro Stage are hosting Afrofuturism Stage: Chicago on February 26th through 2AM on February 27th.

What’s happening, Waukegan?  We’ve got the scoop!  Today, we’re sharing our latest and greatest community calendar, jampacked full of fun activities to do with your families!  Got an event you think our readers will enjoy? Let us know in the comments! more Now through February 28th at the Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire, stop by the library at any time to visit The Tiny Art Show and check out the gorgeous pocket sized miniature art pieces! Tuesday, February 7th at 10AM at the Heller Nature Center in Highland Park, head over to walk the trails and build a Gruffalo to keep your mouse trail guide safe!  Admission is low cost and all ages are welcomed! Thursday, February 9th at the Lake Forest Library, bring your little ones aged 3 to 6 for a Drop-In Musical storytime event. Kids will have a chance to sing, dance, move, and play along with listening to a themed story reading. On Saturday, February 11th in Great Lakes, head over to the National Museum of the American Sailor for a special afternoon of history with Theodore Roosevelt himself! On Saturday, February 11th starting at 6PM, bring a pal or a date and enjoy the Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Vernon Hills! On February 11th, Saturday from 3PM to 4PM at the Gorton Center in Lake Forest, come wearing your finest fashion and sip some tea with your best gal for a Mother Daughter Valentine Tea event! Saturday, February 11th i s Bowling Day in the USA at Bertrand’s Lanes in Waukegan from 12PM to 4PM and it’s a perfect day out with the family! You’ll enjoy an hour of bowling for all players under 15 with shoe rentals included.  Family members who join in on the fun receive 50% off for an hour each as well.  There will also be other exciting games, activities, and other fun stuff! Sunday, February 12th from 1PM to 2:30PM at 240 Commerce Drive in Grayslake is Family Nerf Tag! Wear some comfy clothing and bring your friends and family for a fun day out, all equipment provided. On February 22nd at the Vernon Area Public Library, Kids in Kindergarten through 2nd grade can come out to enjoy an afternoon of fun and play at the Lego Robotics workshop from 4:30 to 5:30. On February 24th, get to know your fellow professionals and have some professional coaching to grow your business! The Fourth Friday Networking with a Twist Event takes place from 1:30 to 2:45PM at the Residence Inn by Marriott On Monday February 27th from 10AM to 10:30, come on down to the Highland Park Library for a read along story time with singing, playing, and socializing for preschoolers aged 3 to 5 and one caregiver..

Today we’re back with another travel blog, sharing some great places to get away from it all this winter.  Here are four great places to explore just a short drive away, along with some suggestions for excursions and plenty of family friendly fun! more Mt. Morris, Illinois Check out from the rush of modern society, and get back to basics with a cozy stay at the White Pines Lodge. These gorgeous, rustic log cabins may date back to the Depression Era, but they’re filled to the brim with modern amenities and cozy fireplaces.  Cuddle up with a good book, cozy blanket and a hot beverage, and just nestle in for a few hours.  When you find yourself experiencing a bit of cabin fever, you can step into the great outdoors for some snowshoeing or cross-country skiing!  And of course, there’s always a show or performance happening at the White Pines Dinner Theatre for a memorable, romantic evening.  Want to explore the local area? Why not enjoy the retro fun of the Rink at Pine Creek  or bowling at the 12-lane New Town & Country Lanes facility or the Funway indoor-outdoor family center! There’s also plenty of cozy eateries downtown serving up lots of comfort food and family favorites. Oregon, Illinois Winter is the perfect time to head out to Oregon and explore family friendly fun at White Pines Ranch! The ranch is open to guests year round, but Winter is a very special season to visit.  With 200 acres of wooded areas, pastures, and riding tales, it’s like something out of a Hallmark special during the winter season.  Enjoy a snowy romp through the trails on horseback, plenty of downhill sledding, wilderness survival classes, winter hikes, and so much more!  When things get a little too chilly, you’ll be able to head inside for bingo, country line-dancing, wintry crafting sessions, sing-a-longs, and much more.  There’s also plenty of coffee and hot chocolate all day near the roaring fire.  Your family won’t soon forget this wonderful place! Bloomington, Indiana This beautiful college town is hip, happening, hustling, and bustling even in colder months.  You can tour the grounds of the Indiana University, stopping to take some scenic photos of the historic buildings, walking across campus, and even catch a sports game if you’re into that sort of thing.  The downtown area is picturesque and full of wonderful little local shops and quaint little stores, and plenty of eateries to choose from.  If you’re outdoorsy you may wish to bike or walk the “B-Line Trail” or enjoy as scenic visit to check out the frozen surface of Lake Monroe or appreciate the flora and fauna of Griffy Lake Nature PReserve.  For those with kids there’s the charming WonderLab Museum, Eskenazi Museum, The Frank Southern Ice Arena, LaserLite Tag, and the Urban Air Adventure Park. Indianapolis, Indiana Winter in Indianapolis is full of surprises!  If you’re looking for something truly spectacular and memorable, we recommend checking out Veal’s Ice Tree. This yearly tradition has been hosted by the Veal Family since 1961, when Mabel and Vierl Veal came up with the idea to create an ice sculpture that evolved over the entire winter season. So long as the weather provides freezing or below-freezing temperatures, the Veal family and friends carry on this tradition, creating a man-made ice sculpture of truly spectacular proportions. The sculpture is truly one-of-a-kind and ever changing throughout the winter season, and full of gorgeous colors and hues!  You may also enjoy a memorable trip over to W olf Park, a 70-acre habitat for wolves, foxes, bison and other wildlife, located just outside of West Lafayette. If you're looking for indoor fun, we recommend perusing the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, the Eiteljorg Museum, The Children's Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, or the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum!

Get your hearts revving, your blood pumping, and feet racing on over to the Chicago Auto Show!  On  February 12th 2023, we are pleased to announce the Toyota sponsored Miles Per Hour Run! Participants will complete loop courses throughout the halls of The Chicago Auto Show and McCormick Place!  This one hour indoor race event is a full-throttle start to the opening weekend festivities with up to 700 runners competing to finish the indoor 2.4 Mile Loop.  It’s an exhilarating winter season running experience like no other! more Runners will cover as much distance as they can within 60 minutes over a course which includes zig-zags, straightaways,and an incline over the indoor bridge on Lake Shore Drive.  This race is like no other, as participants will have a one-of-a-kind and invigorating experience as the track weaves in and out of the automotive displays on the showroom floor, and then making their way to the Grand Concourse Bridge for panoramic views of the Chicago Skyline and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. This race is inclusive and accessible, with the official finish line being as far as each participant can travel at their own pace within the 60 minutes, encouraging personal challenges and goal setting through timing mats along the course to record your results and maximum Miles Per Hour.  The race will have mile markers posted at each mile, aid stations with water and Gatorade Endurance, and results posted live at a kiosk on-site and online on the official website.  Participants will receive a race entry, ticket to the Chicago Auto Show with Early Access on Race Day, a participant t-shirt, finisher medal, free digital photo downloads, discounted ticket access for family/friends, a goodie bag, and gear check! After the race, participants will meet up at the South Hall’s Toyota Display for a special ceremony.  Awards will be presented and recognized to the top three overall participants in Mens, Womens, and Non-Binary as well as recognition awards provided to the top 3 in the following age categories: 14 and under, 15 through 19, 20-204, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44. 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-85, and 85 & over.  There will also be numerous photo ops and refreshments available. Thank you to the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) for organizing this incredible event for the third year in a row after its inception in 2020.  Each year the race draws hundreds of participants and we get to see so many wonderful new faces!  We can’t wait to experience all the excitement of this year’s race and see who sets a new record. Come join us for the adrenaline rush and thrill ride, and stay to enjoy the incredible Chicago Auto Show 2023 after! CARA is a non-profit organization that provides accessible opportunities for all runners to train, race, learn, socialize, and volunteer opportunities.  It’s the nation’s third-largest running club with nearly 10,000 members!