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Since its introduction three years prior, the Kia Telluride has been one of the most in-demand and award-winning 3 row 8 passenger SUV’s in the US.  In fact, 75% of its buyers are new to the Kia line of vehicles, and Telluride owners have been some of the most brand-loyal consumers of any midsize SUV on the market!  It’s flexibility, reliability, and feature packed options make it a must-have for families, and a top pick for those who love adventuring off-road beyond the limits of regular highways and byways.  And the 2023 Kia Telluride has even more fantastic features and amenities for the discerning customer.  We just know you're going to love it! more Updates to the exterior aesthetics include revised vertical LED headlamps and foglamps, updated bumpers and grille, revised taillamps, new wheel designs for each trim, three new colors: Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, Jungle Wood Green, and revised lower door trim/side sills.  The interior has an upscale finish including three spacious rows of seating to accommodate up to eight passengers, new interior color options, a redesigned steering wheel and dashboard with revised trim panels and HVAC ventilation, and a dual set of beautiful seamless, curved 12.3 inch display screens with available gauge cluster and navigation options. The Telluride’s new technology, such as the 12.3 inch navigation screens and the optional full display mirror with HomeLink functionality and available smart power liftgate with “auto close” functionality make driving more accessible than ever before.  Thanks to the convenient Kia Connect system, Telluride owners can use compatible iphones, apple watches, and samsung galaxy smart phones as a virtual key to lock, unlock, and even drive the vehicle!  You can also share your digital key with friends or family on select devices; no more missing car keys here!  It also has an in-car wi-fi hotspot allowing you to connect up to 5 wireless devices to a 4G LTE internet hotspot.  Specialized Smart Speaker integration allows you to sync your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant smart speakers and devices to remotely operate some functionality such as remote start options! For the audiophiles in our midst, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of optimum music listening from the available 10-speaker HArman/Kardon audio system with AM/FM/SiriusXM capabilities. It also connects to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and has bluetooth wireless connectivity options.  Keep your eyes on the road and off of the gauges and the backseat with technology such as Head-Up Display, Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, and Rear Occupant Alert.  Kia aims to keep you and your loved ones secure and comfortable while on the road so you can reach your destination safely! But that’s not all! The Telluride is receiving two upgraded trim packages for 2023: The X-Line and X-Pro  These include more rugged aesthetics and plenty of capabilities to improve off road excursions and wilderness exploration. The X-Line package includes bridge-type roof rails, body-color door handles, exclusive 20 inch wheels, x-line badging and embossing on front seat upper backrests, and exclusive color packages.  It has higher ground clearance by 10mm, a tow mode for optimized trailer performance, and an upgrade traction control system.  The X-Pro option includes exclusively designed 18-inch black wheels with 18-inch all-terrain tires, x-pro badging and embossing on front seat upper backrest, 110-volt inverter outlet in the cargo area, and an increased towing capacity limit from 5,000 pounds to 5,500 pounds! And of course, the Telluride is equipped with all of the safety features you have come to expect standard from Kia including: Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA) High Bean Assist (HBA) Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) Smart Cruise Control with sTop & Go Driver Attention Warning (DAW) Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear and Blind Spot View Monitor (available) And much, much more! Stop by our dealership and speak to one of our reliable, trusted sales associates to learn more and spec one out for yourself!  We’ll have you driving off the lot in the Telluride of your dreams in no time at all. HIghlights: Kia’s Flagship SUV Introduces New X-Line and X-Pro Models for Adventures in the Wild New X-Line and X-Pro models bring added ruggedness and capability More towing capacity with Tow Mode, higher ground clearance, Continental All-Terrain Tires, Raised Roof Rails, and Downhill Brake Control 1 Design enhancements further elevate its distinctly upscale and commanding presence with new front and rear fascias, lighting and wheels Refreshed interior receives redesigned and more technologically advanced dash and center console with newly available dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens including standard navigation Upgraded convenience technology includes newly standard WiFi Hotspot and optional digital key supporting compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, and Samsung Galaxy smartphones Larger multi-color head-up display Class-leading interior roominess 3 Numerous standard advanced collision avoidance and safety assist features 4 including available Highway Drive Assist 2 with Semi-Autonomous Hands-On Capability and Auto Lane Change technology Assembled at Kia’s award-winning Georgia manufacturing facility alongside K5, Sportage, and Sorento

Since today is Easter Sunday, we thought it would be super fun to highlight some of the easter eggs that are hidden in some of our favourite cars!  These fun little treats are a manufacturer and engineer’s way of paying homage to the automotive enthusiasts, and even give a nod to older models of years past.  Take a short walk out to your driveway and check the details on your new car from Classic Auto Group, or feel free to “hippity-hop” over to our dealerships this week if you’d like to see them in person! more The 2022 Toyota Tundra has several easter eggs hidden in its design.  The first is on the driver’s side as you open the hood, where you’ll find the state of texas stamped into the plastic near the grille, meant to represent the fact that it’s built in Texas.  On the passenger side, you’ll find the shape of MIchigan stamped into the black plastic to represent that the new Tundra was researched and developed in Ann Arbor!  The 2022 Tundra windshield also has morse code hidden in all of its trucks regardless of what trim package you choose.  The secret message: BADASSTRUCKS.  Tundra 4x4 models also feature hidden holographic stickers on both sides of the truck bed to signify the’re off-road ready; shine a flashlight on them at just the right angle and you’ll spot shimmering trucks driving up and down the numbers! Toyota Prius owners who bought a model 2016 or newer can find a hidden feature by using the key fob.  Press and hold the unlock button and all of your windows will unroll at once, perfect for letting out the heat during summer months.  Ready to park the car in a shady spot?  No worries, just push and hold the lock button on your key fob and they’ll all roll right back up again! The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross has 24 hidden Toyota Logos emblazoned in discreet spots around the vehicle besides the usual spots.  You can find one etched into the window between the C-Pillar and the hatch, one at the base of the windshield, one inside the front grill on the lower left side, one hidden inside the plastic trim on the passenger side-view mirror, and lots more.  See how many you can find on your own. Some models of the Kia Soul have a hidden compartment in the trunk section.  To see if your car has it, take a peek at the trunk to see if there’s a handle; lift that handle and you'll find a convenient organizer with enough room to store roadside assistance items such as tools, blankets, towing cable, flashlight, charge cables, and more! The 202 Kia Soul has a Sound Mood Lighting System that emits soft glow from the center door panels, and a 3D pattern on the upper door panels. It will synchronize the lighting to the beat of the music, and the lights can be customized to any color of the rainbow. Some models of the Kia Telluride have an option for ambient lighting!  Place your car in park, and tap the “vehicle settings” on the infotainment screen.  From there, you’ll be able to select the Ambient Light menu and adjust the lighting color and the brightness.  It’s a fun little hidden feature to impress your friends or add a little mood lighting to your next drive-in movie. The Hyundai Veloster has a little easter egg game built into the infotainment system.  The car’s Blue Max Game tracks driving habits and rewards the driver with bonus points for being eco-friendly and fuel efficient!  You can’t really do anything with the points, but it’s a fun little reminder to improve driving habits and fuel consumption. The Hyundai Genesis has a hidden light under the side mirror that illuminates and projects the logo on the pavement. The Hyundai Sonata added some built-in relaxation into their infotainment system with a series of ambient noises.  Just select the “Sounds of Nature” option!

Record Store Day was started in 2007 by a group of indie record store owners and employees to help celebrate the magic and nostalgia of vinyl, and share the love of vinyl collecting culture with others.  There are over 1400 independent independently owned stores.  Each year, artists all over the world come together and create special collections, limited editions, and rereleases specifically for Record Store Day! It’s a great way to be introduced to new musical styles as well as supporting local indie artists and independent small businesses.  Each year a celebrity Record Store Day Ambassador is also chosen, and for 2022 that person is none other than the reining pop queen herself: Taylor Swift. more Check out these awesome local record shops you can patronize all year round: Play by Play Record Shop in Waukegan Reef Records in Antioch Reef Records in Lakemoor Vinyl Frontier Records in McHenry Scratched Vinyl in Barrington Blue Myrtle Records in Gurnee Offbeat Music Store in Lake Zurich Siren Records McHenry in McHenry Hip Cat Records & Music Videos in Wilmette Algonquin Records in Des Plaines Record Wonderland in Roselle MetalEdge Records and Tapes in Chicago Vintage Vinyl in Evanston Squeezebox Books & Music Inc in Evanston Rediscover Records in Elgin Cheap Kiss Records in Villa Park Tone Deaf Records in Chicago The Old School Records in Forest Park Blue Village Vinyl in Westmont Kiss the Sky in Batavia Rattleback Records in Chicago Mile Long Records in Wheaton Rolling Stones in Norridge Val’s Halla Records in Oak Park Reckless Records in Chicago Interstellar Space Records in Chicago Electric Jungle in Chicago Hyde Park Records in Chicago Shuga Records in Chicago Green Tangerine Records in DeKalb Bob’s Blues & Jazz Mart Record Breakers in Chicago Black Circle Records in Lake Geneva WI Did you know there are also numerous benefits to listening to music: Music can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety by elevating mood and reducing cortisol from stress. It can increase focus and improve your memory. It improves your performance in running and exercise. What are some ways that music helps you in your daily life? Check out these portable record players that connect to your favourite bluetooth device.  It’s perfect for taking with you on the road for campouts, beach days, and vacations: Victrola Vintage 3 Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player with Buit-In Speakers Crosley UO Exclusive Cream Rose Gold Voyager Bluetooth Record Player Turntable Record Player Portable with Built-in Speakers Belt-Driven Vintage Portable Turntable with Bluetooth Wireless R609

While we all certainly love all things automotive, our staff have each got lots of other hobbies and pastimes, one of which includes gardening!  And we thought it only fitting that we celebrate National Gardening Day by highlighting local greenhouses and garden centers, and some tips on how to start your own mini garden at home. more Here are some of the amazing benefits to gardening, aside from the positive environmental impact: A boost of Vitamin D from being outdoors in the sunshine! You can boost your mood with just 30 minutes of gardening thanks to its ability to lower the stress hormone cortisol. It’s fantastic physical exercise and aerobic activity to help you raise your heart rate and break a sweat. It can improve your mental health by boosting confidence, increasing a feeling of happiness and satisfaction, and a dose of healthy self-esteem from a successful venture. It’s a bonding experience with your friends, family, and community If you’ve not got the room for a container garden or your homeowner association/landlord doesn’t allow it, you can join a community garden!  The incorporation of community gardens, flower beds, container gardens, and even small orchards can reduce urban poverty, increase environmental management efforts, and promote an inclusive space for all to enjoy. Community Gardens in the Area: Madeleine Fuqua Garden in Waukegan GreenTown Waukegan Mundelein Community Garden in Mundelein Century Park North Garden in Vernon Hills Grayslake Community Garden in Grayslake Plymouth Farms Community Garden in Vernon Hills Century Park Boat Dock Garden in Vernon Hills Check out our picks for local area garden centers, urban agriculture facilities with resources and classes, and even a Living Farm you can visit!  Then pack up your new Classic Auto Group home with some trunk storage supplies, and get started on your own container garden and urban agriculture project. Garden Centers in the Area: Gurnee Garden Center in Gurnee Mary’s Greenhouse in Gurnee Larsen Florists and Greenhouses in Waukegan Plant House in Waukegan Lurvey Landscape Supply in Park Cit y Country Gardens Garden Center in Lake Villa Pasquesi Home & Gardens in Lake Bluff Country Bumpkin Garden Center in Mundelein Roses & Roses & Roses in Wadsworth Windy City Garden Center in Evanston Reds Garden Center & Fireplace Logs in Northbrook Rolling Hills Nursery in Lincolnshire J&E Nursery in Libertyville Perricone Garden Center & Nursery How To Start Your Own Container Garden A set of large plastic planters, large utility buckets, small containers on wheels, something that is at least 4-6 inches in depth or deeper A large bucket of compost An XL bag of garden soil formulated for containers or raised beds Seeds of your choice or juvenile plants Watering Can with Long Spout Small gardening tools: hand trowel, claw rake, gardening shears, twine, floral tape Wooden stakes, tomato cages, moss sticks You can purchase containers such as Grow Bags, Self Watering Planter Boxes, Indoor Hydroponic Garden Tower, Modular Metal Containers.  If the area you’re planting in does not receive a lot of light, seek out plants which require low-light or partial shade to maximize growth and crop yield. Tomatoes, Peppers, Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, and Herbs all do wonderfully well in containers and pots. Great Books on Container Gardening and Urban Agriculture Your Farm in the City by Lisa Taylor The Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Homesteadin g by Lisa Lombardo The Backyard Homestead in Carleen Madigan The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible by Edward C. Smith Grow Your Own Food Anywhere by Rita Butler Field Guide to Urban Gardening by Kevin Espiritu Grow Bag Gardening by Kevin Espiritu The Gardener’s Logbook by Peter Pauper Press

We love a good road trip car game that gets your ol’ noodle going!  So for today, National Scrabble Day, we’re sharing picks for fantastic car friendly word games for everyone to enjoy. From classic spoken word games using the alphabet to mobile and travel friendly versions of your favourite board games.  The best part about playing these games together is that they are silly, goofy, creative, and competitive and each one builds on each other to improve vocabulary and critical thinking skills.  Who says learning can’t be fun?! more Free Word Games to Play With the Whole Family Think Fast (No Purchases Required!) One person begins by suggesting a category theme (ex: Food, Animal, Places. etc) and a second player will have until the count of 10 to say (or shout) the name of an item that corresponds with that theme.  If the second player cannot think of something to name in the time it takes for a 10 count, they lose their turn and it passes to the next one.  If they come up with a word, it’s their turn next to pick a category and count for the next player.  For an added challenge you can use the rule of starting with alphabetical order “The Category is Flower, and you must use the letter A!” “Aster!” “The next category is Food and you must use the letter B!” “Blueberry” and so on until someone gives up, or you reach the end of the alphabet! The Alphabet Game (No Purchases Required!) Starting with the letter ‘A’, one passenger takes turns calling out a word that starts with that letter, and the next player’s turn responds with a word beginning with ‘B’ and so on and so forth until you get to the letter ‘Z’.  If you’d like an extra challenge, subsequent rounds can have a theme such as “plants” or “animals” or “foods” to correspond with each letter. Same Letter (No Purchases Required!) Begin with a category, just as you would with “Think Fast,” except this does not involve a count timer.  One category chooses a word that matches that category, and the following player must follow-up on that theme using the last letter of that word as the first letter of their next guess.  For example: “The Category is Birds!” “Seagull” “Lark” “Kestrel” “Lovebird” “Duck” “Kingfisher!” “Robin!” and so on until the group gives up and someone is stumped. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (No Purchases Required!) Another great game that can be played with all car passengers and requires quick thinking, sharp memory, and alphabetical challenges A through Z.  The starting player will use the letter A, and will say the phrase “I’m going on a bear hunt, and I am bringing   The second passenger will follow by repeating the first item, and adding a second with the subsequent letter (in this case, ‘B’): I’m going on a bear hunt and I am bringing an avocado and a blueberry!  The third player will repeat those and add the next letter, and so on and so forth until you reach a point where someone cannot remember anymore, or you reach the end of the alphabet!  It’s great to play with small kids as well as adults. Great RoadWorthy Games to Pack for the Car, The Beach, or Picnic Fun We’ve got some great suggestions for travel friendly versions of classic board games.  From pocket-sized options to digitized versions to magnetic or tile-lock versions, you’ll find something to fit every need and age group of traveler.  Perfect for playing at a rest stop lunch break, while camping, or even while driving in the car to your destination. Scrabble: Road Trip Series Scrabble to Go (APP) Tile Lock Scrabble Travel Edition Word Master (APP) Words with Friends (APP) Scrabble Slam Hasbro Boggle to Go Boggle Travel Edition Scroll-O-Matic Banana-Grams Duel Fournier’s Magnetic Hangman Bananagrams: The On-the-Go Edition Melissa & Doug Flip-To-Win Hangman What’s My Word (Travel Edition) Hot Tips for Scrabble Points Using Automotive Themed Words Engine, 7pts Carburetor, 14pts Serpentine, 12pts Gasoline, 9pts Brakes, 12pts Transmission, 14pts Tires, 5pts Windshield, 18pts Antifreeze, 22pts Pedal, 8pts Gears, 6pts Bumper, 12pts Warranty, 14pts Insurance, 11pts Mechanic, 17pts Lease, 5pts Motor, 7pts Hoses, 8pts

Today is National Grilled Cheese Day, and we’re sharing our picks for road trip worthy restaurants for the best grilled cheese across our illustrious state and the cheese capital of the US, Wisconsin!  You can also check out our list of Grilled Cheese fun facts and see how these top sandwiches stack up to their potential. more Fun Facts About the Grilled Cheese The Grilled Cheese began as an open faced snack of melted cheese on one singular piece of bread during the WWII era; the classic toast-cheese-toast configuration appeared in the 1960s and is what we know and love today as the “grilled cheese!” One of the most expensive grilled cheese sandwiches ever sold belonged to Diana Duyser.  She claimed her grilled cheese sandwich was brandished with the toasted image of the Virgin Mary; it sold for $28,000 on Ebay in 1994! The highest priced actually edible grilled cheese sandwich is priced at $214 from the Serendipity 3 restaurant in New York City.  It features rare cheese, white truffle butter, Dom Perignon champagne, and edible gold flakes. Wow! Top Notch Grilled Cheese Sandwich Establishments in Illinois and Wisconsin: Chicago Grilled Cheese & Mac Factory in Chicago IL Edzo’s Burger Shop in Evanston IL McAlister’s Deli in Springfield Gayle V’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese in Chicago IL The Fieldhouse Bar & Grill in Peoria IL Jerry’s Sandwiches in Chicago IL Cheesie’s Pub & Grub Lakeview in Chicago IL Everdine’s Grilled Cheese Co in Naperville IL Wyler Road in Chicago IL Mak’s House La Grange in La Grange IL Honest Abe’s Tap & Grill in Morris IL Little Goat Diner in Chicago IL BIG & little’s Restaurant in Chicago IL The Fat Shallot Lincoln Park in Chicago IL Same Day Cafe in Chicago IL Fort Jesse Cafe in Normal IL CYOC Create Your Own Cheesecake and Cheesesteak in Waukegan IL Green Town Tavern in Waukegan IL Glen Flora Tap & Grill in Waukegan IL Leno’s Sandwich Shop in Waukegan IL Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Waukegan IL Papa Marcos Restaurant in Waukegan IL Brat Stop in Kenosha WI Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha WI Spanky's Bar and Grill in Kenosha WI Franks Diner in Kenosha WI House of Gerhard in Kenosha WI The Coffee Pot in Kenosha WI Waterfront Warehouse in Kenosha WI Pepi’s Pub and Grill in Racine WI Tino’s Carry Out in Racine WI The Dish Restaurant in Racine WI

Kia’s first dedicated EV signals the beginning of the brand’s transformative ‘Plan S’ electrification strategy! “Kia is undergoing a pivotal shift to electrification and the all-new EV6 is the first major step in that direction, underpinned by the company’s advanced E-GMP platform,” said Steve Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “Partnering with Electrify America will enable our customers to enjoy a superior charging experience coupled with the outstanding all-electric range of the EV6.” more It’s finally here: The All-Electric EV6 Crossover from Kia, the 2022 European Car of the Year, and 2022 Red Dot Design Award winner! We’re very excited to unveil some of the spectacular features and amenities found in the new Kia EV6 vehicle. This ground-breaking new crossover is the first Kia model based on the company’s innovative Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), and paves the way for six new all-electric models to be released by 2026.  The EV6 has a state-of-the-art 77.4 kWh high-density lithium-ion battery which affords it an EPA-rated 310 mile driving range!  Ultra-fast DC Charging capability via the 800V multi-charging architecture system allows you to receive up to 217 miles of driving range in under 20 minutes with a 350kW charger. And this glorious EV really packs some power: 0-60mph acceleration in a mere 4.6 seconds – that means it’s faster than a Porsche Cayenne Coupe! Starting at just $40,900 MSRP, you’re getting state-of-the-art features, environmentally conscious all-electric technology, sleek and sporty styling inside and out, and unparalleled reliability and top-tier performance.  Not to mention up to 1,000 kWh of complimentary charging from Kia America and Electrify America’s new partnership! Kia aims to round out its mission to electrify its European line by 2035, followed soon after by other key market lineups by 2040, so why not  race forward and always one step ahead of the curve?  Drive into the future in your very own award-winning EV6 from Kia! Learn More about complimentary charging from Kia America and Electrify America: Kia America and Electrify America have joined forces to provide Kia EV6 buyers with 1,000 kilowatt-hours of complimentary charging at any of Electrify America’s nationwide charging stations.  What does that mean for you?  You’ll get anywhere from 3,000-4,000 miles of all-electric driving range on the house, depending on your model and driving habits.  Electrify America has one of the largest charging networks in the country, with a capacity for up to 350kW of high-speed charging (depending on make/model of vehicle.)  To receive your EV6 charging credits you’ll enroll in Kia Connect, and then login through the owner portal or via the Kia Access App to receive a special enrollment code.  That code can be used via the Electrify America mobile app all across the company’s charging network!  The 1,000 kWh of complimentary charging is available for up to 3 years from your purchase date. Check it out and see for yourself why the Kia EV6 is rising in rank to the top of its class in electric vehicles. Stop by our dealership to learn more about the EV6 and our current special promotional offers, and a trusted associate will help you through the process. Features and Specs of the All New EV6 from Kia: New Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) underpins all-new model in RWD or Dual-Motor e-AWD State-of-the-art 77.4kWh high-density lithium-ion battery allows up to an EPA-rated 310-mile1 range for road trips and excursions; a 339-mile range was achieved in independent testing2 World’s first 800V multi-charging architecture enables ultra-fast DC charging capability from 10-80 percent charge (up to 217 miles range) in under 18 minutes3 114.2-inch wheelbase equivalent to the Telluride SUV 102 cu.-ft. of passenger room; flat floor design yields 24.4 cu.-ft. of cargo room behind second row and 50.2 cu.-ft. of space with the second-row seats folded down Outstanding performance achieving zero to 60 in 4.6 seconds4 Innovative Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function turns EV6 into a mobile power source for computers, camping, tailgating, and back-up power at home 21 standard active Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)5 with semi-autonomous driver capabilities including Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) Augmented Reality6 (AR) Head-Up Display (HUD) system projects three-dimensional images on windshield

Kia America Hosts North America Debut of All-New 2023 Niro at New York International Auto Show IRVINE, Calif., April 5, 2022 - Kia America returns to the New York International Auto Show next week with the North American debut of the all-new 2023 Niro. As a key component to Plan S, the brand’s ambitious electrification and sustainability initiative, the Niro arrives sporting many of the design cues first seen on the Habaniro concept, including the unique and aerodynamic panel along the C-pillar. Other hints at Niro’s concept-car origins may be found in the dramatically designed LED headlights and high-mounted taillights. Inside is a cabin briming with technology, driver assist features and generous cargo capacity. Debuting in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric EV variants, the Niro will roll across the Kia display stand Wednesday, April 13, at 10:10 AM Eastern time and will be streamed live across Kia America’s social channels and may also be viewed at Kia.com. About 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 nearly 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. Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer Information 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.

Festival Season is finally here!  From food trucks to mobile brew-pubs to art fairs and more, there’s a lot of fun to be had this spring!  We’re excited to share this lineup of awesome events in our great state of Illinois over the next two months. more There’s so much to see and do, we recommend planning ahead and making a weekend out of it with your friends and family.  Or perhaps you’d like to snag a ticket and secur planse a fun-filled week for Spring Break and Memorial Day Weekend? No matter what your plans are, there’s lots of excitement in store!  Check it out and feel free to suggest a festival to us in a comment on our social media. Excellent Events in April Across Illinois and Wisconsin From April 8th through April 10th, t he 2022 Spring Festival: An Arts and Crafts Affair rolls into town at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park! On April 9th, The Chicago Beer Fest returns with an afternoon of awesome food, craft brews, and a whole lot of fun! On April 9th, The Finders Spring Market Decatur is filled with a wide array of vintage items, boutique clothes, custom furnishings, handmade artisanal crafts, and more!  There’s also food, drink, live music, and lots of giveaways. On April 9th you can head over to the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion because the Vedic Cultural Society is hosting the Holi: The Festival of Colours in Naperville. On April 9th, grab your best pals and a designated driver and head on over to http://tinleychamber.org/brew-and-vine/ You can sample craft beers, wines, food, and fantastic local vendors with live entertainment. On April 9th, the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club is hosting the Riverbend Earth Day Festival in Alton! On April 16th in Lake Geneva, plan a lovely weekend with your date, your significant other, or even a friends weekend at the Lake Geneva Festival of Wine in Wisconsin. On April 23rd, head on down to Freeport for the second annual Downtown Freeport Pretzel Fest! There will be a BBQ competition, top tier food and drink, and entertainment.  It’s an up and coming new local tradition, so don’t miss it! On April 23rd, dessert aficionados will rejoin in the return of Chicago Donut Fest: A River North Donut Tasting in Chicago at Moe’s Cantina River North. On April 23rd, the 6th Annual Oak Street Art Fair returns to Murphysboro with an incredible variety of arts, crafts, and artisan works by local artists and the arts collective. On April 30th, you’ll have a chance to sample more than 100 types of craft beer and craft cider when the Craft Brews at Lincoln Zoo in Chicago for the 7th year. On April 30th, Long Grove’s Craft Beer Festival transforms the historic downtown into a lively beer garden in the suburbs of Long Grove!  Sample local and craft brews and listen to some live music and entertainment all afternoon. On April 30th, the exciting Dairy State Cheese and Beer Festival returns to Kenosha, Wisconsin with artisanal foods, local beverages, vendors, entertainment, and so much more. On April 30th and May 1st you can sample a large selection of wine, brandy, whisky, and spirits along with other treats at the Spring Festival at Vahling Vineyards in Stewardson. Even more exciting events and festivals coming up in May: 5/1 Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Sycamore 5/1 German American Central Society Maifest in Peoria 5/1 Maestown Springfest/Fruehlingsfest in Maeystown 5/1 Lilac Time Art and Craft fair in Lombard 5/5-5/8 The Milwaukee Maifest at Estabrook Beer Garden in Milwaukee 5/6 Bolingbrook Food Truck Rally in Bolingbrook 5/6 Aurora Food Truck Festival in Aurora 5/6-5/7 Lake Zurich’s Craft Beer Festival in Lake Zurich 5/7 American Farm Heritage Museum  Spring Fling Festival at Greenville 5/7 Naperville food truck festival in Naperville 5/7 Locust Street historic fair in Centralia 5/13-5/15 Art on the Square in Belleville 5/14 Springfield Area Highland Games and celtic festival in Chatham 5/14 Ballpark brew fest in Schaumburg 5/14 Chicago Wine Fest: Spring Edition in Chicago 5/20-5/22 Mayfest in Chicago 5/21 Canni Fest in Milwaukee 5/21-5/22 Family Kite Festival in Milwaukee 5/21 Mulholland music fest in Nauvoo 5/21 Blooming fest in West Chicago 5/21 Starved Rock Country Brew Fest in Ottawa 5/21-5/22 Northbrook Art in the Park at Northbrook 5/28 Fruling Fest in Milwaukee 5/21-5/22 Arts at the Lake in Lake Zurich 5/25-5/29 Washington Good Neighbour days festival in Washington 5/28-5/29 The Prairie Arts Festival in Schaumburg 5/28-5/29 Mackinaw Valley Winery Music Wine and Craft Beer Festival in Mackinaw

Just a few hours north of our Classic Auto Group dealerships in Waukegan is the great city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee is the most populous city in Wisconsin, and one of the 25 largest cities in the entire United States.  Incorporated in 1846, this city has also historically been a very bustling and vital international seaport for North America.  The worst of Milwaukee winter is over, with January being its coldest month, and the weather is warming up for plenty of outdoor activities and sunshine!  Thanks to Lake Michigan’s “lake effect” weather, summers are a little cooler here with July reaching an all-time high of 75-80 max.  It’s the perfect city to explore for walking tours and sightseeing trips. more Awesome Walking Tours of Milwaukee: Untapped Tours Milwaukee City Tours offers small group sightseeing tours of the city from local guides who really know all there is to see, do and love about Milwaukee!  The tours are a combination of driving in a mini-coach bus with stop-offs for walking tours to see history sites, architecture, food, and brews and cocktails. Historic Milwaukee Store & Tours starts at a local historic Milwaukee gift store, where you can choose from guided architectural tours or historic walking tours of the city.  Local docents will take you sightseeing, and you can feel good knowing that your dollars have gone to supporting this nonprofit historic tourist organization! City Guided Tours MKE Milwaukee take you for an interactive tour around The MKE with a combination of history, food, and brewery tours.  Who doesn’t love a little snack and a beverage with their history lesson?  Exactly! Gothic Milwaukee Haunted Tours of Milwaukee explores a darker, spookier side of the city like you’ve never seen before.  With options for private and group tours, this is a truly unique experience led by a costumed tour guide leading you through the shadowy past and dark secrets of Milwaukee’s past. You may even see some spirits or and spooky sightings. Milwaukee Food Tours are perfect for the adventurous foodies in our midst!  You’ll get to sample all sorts of local cuisines and culinary delights such as breweries, taquerias, regional pizzas, desserts, fine spirits, and so much more.  Make sure you come with an empty belly and excited tastebuds, because it’s a delectable experience. Milwaukee Ghosts Tours and Investigations leans into the local legend and folklore of the region,and is the original Ghost Tour of the area!  You’ll learn about the arts districts dark and menacing history once known as “The Bloody Third” and so much more American Family Field Walking Tours in Milwaukee are perfect for those who are big fans of America’s Pastime: baseball!  You can take a tour of the Milwaukee Brewers home field from Monday through Saturday, and get an inside look at this iconic sports destination.  Take a self guided tour at your own pace, or book a group tour. Other great destinations to explore and walk around the city include: Immortal Milwaukee History Tours, Milwaukee Seven-Seat Bike Tours, Milwaukee Pedal Tavern, Historic Miller Caves Tour, North Point Lighthouse in Milwaukee, Tour the Historic Pabst Brewery.  And you’ll definitely want to make sure you explore all there is to offer at the annual Summerfest Milwaukee event! In addition to these fun walking tours, you’ll definitely want to explore some of the city’s most interesting museums, arts venues, and science centers: The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum The Charles Allis Art Museum The James Lovell Museum of Science, Economics, and Technology The Milwaukee Art Museum The Milwaukee County Zoo The Milwaukee Public Museum The Mitchell Park Conservatory The Schlitz Audubon Center The Villa Terrace Decorative Art Museum The William F. Eisner Museum of Advertising & Design The Milwaukee Repertory Theater The Pabst Theater The Milwaukee Ballet The Milwaukee Theatre The Florentine Opera Company Once you’ve spent the day exploring all the city has to offer, we know you’re going to be absolutely famished.  We’ve made a list of top notch restaurants and bars to grab an incredible bite to eat to refuel before your next endeavor. Sanford at 1547 N. Jackson Street Birch at 459 E Pleasant Street Swingin’ Door Exchange at 219 E Michigan Street Zarletti at 741 N Milwaukee Street Calderone Club of Downtown Milwaukee at 842 N Old World 3rd Street Morel at 430 S 2nd Street Rodizio Grill Milwaukee Brazilian Steakhouse Restaurant at 777 N Water Street The Capital Grille at 310 W Wisconsin Avenue Harbor House at 550 N Harbor Drive in Pier Wisconsin Third Coast Provisions at 724 N Milwaukee Street Carnevor at 718 N Milwaukee Street Stella Van Buren at 550 N Van Buren Street in the Westin Milwaukee Ardent at 1751 N Farwell Avenue Blue’s Egg at 317 N 76th Street in Jennings Village Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro at 3133 E Newberry Boulevard in Lake Park Story Hill BKC at 5100 W Bluemound Road The Diplomat at 815 E Brady Street The Original at 2498 N Bartlett Avenue Mason Street Grill at 425 E Mason Street at the Pfister Hotel Momo Mee Asian Cuisine at 110 E Greenfield Avenue Maxie’s at 6732 W Fairview Avenue

In the age of smartphones, infotainment systems, and GPS navigation, it’s easy to fall into the habit of fully relying on technology to get us where we’re going.  But what happens when you take the road less traveled?  How do you navigate when your vehicle’s GPS lags behind due to poor reception, or your smartphone doesn’t get service while you’re roadtripping?  You’ll want to make sure you can navigate an offline roadmap just as easily as a paper map or almanac. more That’s why we’re celebrating “Read a Road Map Day” with these helpful tips and tricks and a what’s-what of map iconography so you can be safe no matter where you’re going.  In addition, learning how to read a map is a great asset to anyone who loves to go off-roading, camping, hiking, and more! How to Read a Map Drive confidently no matter what service you have or where the road takes you thanks to our handy dandy “How to Read a Map” guide! Color: Cartographers will color code a map based on its many different purposes.  Check the legend on your road map or atlas to figure out where you’re driving through, which roads are major highways, county roads, residential streets, etc.  It will also help you understand the terrain, environment, and proximity to water or coastal regions.  It can also be used to determine elevation, or even state and county lines or town and city districts. Contour Lines: If your map includes topography, you’ll see different lines that indicate elevation such as mountains, hills, valleys, etc.  There will be solid, dotted, straight, and wavy lines.  This can also help you determine which vehicle to take on your road trip depending what type of terrain you’re driving on. Compass Rose: A compass rose is a symbol used to display the orientation of “cardinal directions” (north, south, east, west)  This helps navigators discern which direction is the Earth’s magnetic north when using a physical compass. Every paper map includes a compass rose to illustrate true North at the top of the map.  You can use a compass to help you get a better sense of where you are. Map Index: Maps often include an alphabetical list of locations in an index.  City maps will include street names or major landmarks of the region.  County maps will include major highways and major cities and towns.  A State map will have significant cities and towns.  Oftentimes these are coded with letter-number combos which match a point on the map. Map Legend: All maps contain a legend or a key which explains what each symbol represents and what every line, mark, or colour means.  This will help you decode the difference between major interstate highways and smaller back roads.  It may also help identify hills and mountains or bodies of water. Orientation: Make sure you have your map so that the compass rose shows “N” at the top of your page, this will help you align your current position on the map and navigate which direction you need to travel on the next leg of your route. Scale Ruler: When plotting a course using a paper road map, you’ll need to use the map’s integrated “scale”: a line marked in inches which represent distances.  Use that scale line to determine the “miles by inches” between your destinations to get a scale of the distance.  For example, 1 inch of distance on the map may equal 10 miles of actual distance driving.  Grab a ruler and measure the distance between your road trip points and multiply.  Without knowing the scale of your map, you may miscalculate distance between destinations or time it takes to travel to and from. Topography/Terrain symbols: Some maps include lines, shading, and color to explain the terrain around you.  Using a topographic map means you’ll be able to identify mountains, hills and valleys, desert versus field, etc.  Many maps include basic topographical elements to explain basic geographic features of the region. Essential Road Maps to Keep On Hand National Geographic’s Map of the United States Great Lakes Region National Geographic Road Atlas 2022: Adventure Addition Illinois Atlas and Gazetteer Rand McNally Easy to Fold Illinois State Map Rand McNally Easy to Fold Wisconsin State Map Rand McNally Folded Map to Central United States Moon USA State by State: The Best things to do in every state for your travel bucket list Helpful Car Gadgets to Navigate a Map Compass, Surface Mount Dial When you’re not able to rely on your smartphone or infotainment system to help you navigate, having a car compass can be an invaluable tool!  You can check it to be sure you’re heading in the right direction without having to spread out a map all over the dash or struggle to find bars of service.  Some of them also included longitude and latitude to help you pinpoint your location.  They can also be used in boats, motorcycles, ATVs, and while camping! GARMIN eTrex Handheld GPS Navigator This device has 8GB of space to store maps offline and a micro SD card slot.  It conveniently uses 2AA Batteries for 25 hours of GPS mode usage, making it easy to replace and recharge as needed.  When your regular GPS doesn’t work, the 2inch display will help you navigate beyond your smartphone’s capabilities for offline use.

Our Classic Auto Group Decoder is back in business with another installment of our Automotive Terminology lessons.  We’re here to decode and demystify the jargon, vocabulary, and terms so you can feel confident when going in for service appointments or shopping for a new ride.  Today we’re covering the vital appliance you can’t live without for the summer months: The Air Conditioner. more The air conditioning system works by changing refrigerant fluid from liquid state to gaseous state, and this allows it to remove heat and humidity from your car during warmer weather and return cool, dry air to keep you comfortable as you drive.  Your car’s air conditioner system can function to cool and heat your vehicle all year round. Using your AC Compressor while also running the heat can help dehumidify the air inside your vehicle, and thus clearing up window condensation and reducing fogged windshields and windows.  As an added bonus, running the AC system for 10-15 minutes per week in cooler months can help keep fluids circulating in the system and keep it from off-season wear. Your air conditioner should be serviced a minimum of once or twice per year.  If you notice that your system is not functioning properly, you can call our trusted service center to schedule a maintenance appointment. There are a few things that may be happening with your AC system to make it malfunction: Electrical issues such as blown fuses, pressure switches, temperature switches, or defective blower fans may be the culprit. Your cabin’s air filter may be clogged, which leads to poor air quality and cooling output. Leaves and debris may be blocking the system and vents; check under the hood and clear out any muck you find and it should improve airflow. If it doesn’t, your mechanic may check the AC Evaporator. The AC Condenser may need replacement or cleaning of paper, dust, leaves, or debris clogging the fan and causing an overheat. Low refrigerant levels or corroded and worn parts may have damaged the AC Compressor and it may require a service technician to replace it. The experienced car enthusiast may wish to try troubleshooting their AC issues on their own at home before calling a service technician, but please note that not all parts are user serviceable.  If you’re skilled enough to do the basics, we remind you that you will want to wear proper safety equipment such as goggles or safety glasses, and thick gloves in case of contact with refrigerant so you do not get burns or frostbite from contact.  If you're not confident enough to do the maintenance, we’ve got plenty of professional mechanics standing by to help! Important AC Related Terms to Know: Air conditioner refrigerant The liquid used in air conditioning systems, which has the property of boiling at ambient air temperatures. Air conditioning The cooling and dehumidification of a vehicles cabin air. Air conditioning filter A device that removes contaminants from external air entering the ventilation system. Air filter A device that filters incoming air fed to the engine. Air filter restriction indicator A device that identifies an impedance to the air filter system. Air filtration The removal of solid particulates (such as dust, pollen, mold and bacteria) from a vehicles cabin air by a filter placed in the ventilation system.