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We love supporting our neighbours in the area, and so we’re bringing you another great Local Eats Guide from Classic!  Take the stress out of Thanksgiving by Ordering a Dessert from these nearby Bakeries and Dessert Shops.  We recommend calling ahead to make sure they’ll have everything you need on Turkey Day. more Great Local Bakeries for Thanksgiving Desserts O  Brothers Bakery at 2820 Belvidere Road in Waukegan Tina’s Italian Bake Shop 5101 Washington Street in Gurnee Tony’s Bakery at 1117 Washington Street in Waukegan Tute’s Bakery & Taqueria at 623 W Greenwood Avenue in Waukegan The Authentic Cheese Bread Co at 3900 Washington Street in Gurnee Panaderia y Pasteleria Arizmendi at 808 W Glen Flora Avenue in Waukegan Gurnee Donuts 4949 Grand Avenue #9 in Gurnee Santa Anita Bakery at 701 Yeoman Street in Waukegan Rubi’s Bakery at 1703 Washington Street in Waukegan Illusion Bakery at 2110 Grand Avenue in Waukegan Nothing Bundt Cakes in Gurnee, Vernon Hills, Deerfield, Kenosha WI Lakebilly Pies in Lake County IL Elsie Mae’s Canning and Pies at 3203 52nd Street in Kenosha WI Oliver’s Bakery at 3526 Roosevelt Road in Kenosha WI Paielli’s Bakery at 6020 39th Avenue in Kenosha WI Sweet Something’s Pastries at 2542 18th Street in Kenosha WI Hoosier Mama Pie Company in Chicago Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits in Chicago First Slice Pie Cafe in Chicago Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain Main Street Bakery at 328 Main Street Bakery in Racine WI O&H Danish Bakery at 4917 Douglas Avenue in Racine WI Racine Danish Kringles at 2529 Golf Avenue in Racine WI Easy Pie Recipes To Try Easy All-Butter Flaky Pie Crust Pillsbury’s Perfect Apple Pie Country Apple Galette Nora Cooks Easy Vegan Pumpkin Pie Easy Pecan Pie Apple Pumpkin Galette Once you’ve secured the goods, you’ll need something to carry it in safely.  Why not try one of our recommended pie carriers to fit just about every budget! Great Gadgets for Carrying Pies on the Go The Sweet Creations Pie Carrier is just $12.99 and is a great choice for taking your Thanksgiving pies on the road! The LocknLock Pie Carrier with Handle is a fantastic option under $30 available from QVC. The Single Pie Basket is handcrafted and would make a great transport for your pie as well as a hostess/host gift for the holidays!  Gift the pie from your heart, and the carrier for just under $70. The Snap & Lock Pie Carrier is a fantastic budget friendly pie carrier that fits a variety of sizes of pie dish from 6” 8” or 9” and is priced under $200 Maybe you’re the family baker and you’ll be bringing multiple desserts for the whole crew!  You’ll definitely want this Pie Saver Carrier kit with room for 4 pies in disposable pie tins. It’s a pricier option on our list but worth the funds for convenience of all-in-one multiple pie transport.

The Holidays are fast approaching, but in addition to the usual shopping chaos, the pandemic has added an extra level of frenzy due to supply chain issues.  Never fear, because Classic is here!  We’ve got an excellent set of options for digital gifts that will be sure to please every automotive enthusiast. Check it out on our digital gift guide! more You won’t have to worry about shipments arriving on time or finding the write box or bag to wrap it in.  That’s right, we’ve got great digital options for the gift giving season that you can send straight to their devices or right to their email inbox. Get those motors running, and head on on the highway with some of these great audiobooks: Car Crazy: The Battle for Supremacy between Ford and Olds and the Dawn of the Automobile Age by G. Wayne Miller The Machine That Changed the World by James P Womack, Daniel T. Jones, and Daniel Roos A Brief History of Motion: From the Wheel, to the Car, to What Comes Next Car Talk: 25 Years of Lousy Car Advice by Tom Magliozzi and Ray Magliozzi Car Fever: The Car Bore’s Essential Companion by James May The Patron Saint of Used Cars and Second Chances Driving Like Crazy by PJ O’Rourke Check out these great digital subscription options for Magazines and more: Motor Trend Magazine Digital Subscription Autocar Magazine Digital Subscription Retromotive Magazine Digital Subscription Car and Driver Digital Subscription Give the Gift of an Experience: Gift your gearhead an opportunity to drive a Supercar with Xtreme Xperience.  With opportunities in the Northeast, as well as all across the US, there’s lots of options to choose from no matter where your gift recipient lives. Going on a trip in 2022? Why not add a Supercar Drive to the trip with a gift voucher at your vacation destination as an added surprise with one of their other locations. Got a racing fan in your midst?  Check out the NASCAR Racing Experience and choose from ridealong options or timed driving from 5 minutes to 48 minutes!  It includes one-on-one lessons and the full NASCAR pit experience.  Makes a fantastic gift for gearheads! Give the gift of autocross and exotic car racing experiences to the weekend racers and rally fans in your life!  MetLife Stadium is hosting several Exotic Racing experiences Autocross events, so why not sponsor a family member’s attendance as a race participant or book a private event? Check it out here!

After more than a year of “WFH Life” and limited travel, many folks are finding themselves on the road more frequently as commutes to the office, holiday visits with family and friends, and even personal vacation travel resumes. more So we thought we’d gather a list of great items to remind you to breathe, relax, and destress while you’re on the road!  Improve your mood and reduce your chances of road rage with some of these uplifting gadgets. Snag One Of These Today: The Sharper Image Car Cushion with Massage and Heat for $59.99 will ease your transition back to the office by reducing stress with a relaxing, calming massage on your commute. The Youloveit Full Body Massager has 8 modes and 3 levels of intensity with vibration, heat, and kneading to reduce muscle aches and pains, and give you a little relaxation on route. And it won’t break the bank at an affordable price of just $46.99 at Walmart. If you prefer to keep it low-tech, this wooden bead massager will do the trick by keeping you cool and providing a low-key massage for under $25. Many of us spend anywhere from 8 to 12 hours in a desk chair in front of a computer, and let’s face it: that can make a long commute of sitting in the car rather excruciating.  Why not snag one of these Pressure Relief Car Seat Cushions to make yourself more comfortable?  It’s got an ergonomic design to help you distribute weight more evenly while sitting. It can easily fit over your current car seat and reduce driver fatigue for under $100! Looking for a similar ergonomic seat cushion for a lower price?  Walmart has a great option by Auto Drive for under $30 that would work well.  The Auto Drive Cushion has a universal fit to adapt for most cars and drivers. The CYLEN Memory Foam Bamboo Charcoal Infused Seat Cushion utilizes state of the art memory foam for maximum comfort, and natural bamboo charcoal to help absorb odors and smells in your car.  This is a great option as well for those with leather/vinyl seats instead of fabric, as the cushion will keep your seat cool and increase air flow. Find it on Amazon in black or blue options for under $30. AutoZone boasts a great lumbar support cushion at a budget friendly price point of just $16.99. The ProElite Concave Lumbar Cushion provides great lower lumbar support to relieve pressure when commuting home after a long day at the office. The Prime Stash is offering an orthopedic Memory Foam Headrest and Lumbar cushion set for $60-$80 and it comes in a variety of colour options to suit your aesthetics. The Sharper Image Cooling Gel Cushion Grip Steering wheel cover will make long drives more comfortable with microfiber leather and cool grip gel pads.  Affordably priced for just about any budget at around $20 and it has a universal fit that works with most vehicles.

Whether you watch a news broadcast on TV, stream a podcast, listen to the radio, or scroll social media, chances are you’ve learned about climate change, environmental crises, and global efforts in reducing energy consumption and increasing recycling.  Today we’re celebrating America Recycles Day by highlighting some of the impressive efforts in the automotive industry to recycle and reuse metal and other materials in efforts to be more eco-conscious! more Did you know that 80% of your car can be recycled? That’s right!  Over 25 million tons of materials are reclaimed from old and discarded vehicles, and they’re one of the most widely recycled items of consumer refuse around the world!  Automotive recycling industry in the United States provides jobs to over 100,000 people, and nearly $25 billion in revenue.  And the North American (US/CA) auto recycling saves 85 million oil barrels each year, and enough reclaimed steel to create 13 million new cars! Automotive manufacturers do their best to reduce waste wherever possible.  Everything from steel and aluminum to car batteries (a whopping 98% are recycled) windshield glass, carpets,rubber hoses, and even seat belts can be repurposed or recycled!  Even tires can be recycled and repurposed into new goods such as rubber for shoes and sandals, filler for playground surfaces, etc.   Experts anticipate that scrap metal recycling will total upwards of $60 billion by the end of 2021, with about 60% of scrap metals being recycled from the automotive industry over the next 10 years. At Classic’s Dealerships, we’re proud to boast some wonderful “Green Options” when it comes to vehicle choice and styling, as both Toyota and Kia have been working diligently to improve their carbon footprint, increase the use of recycled materials, and other environmentally friendly measures, and we’re proud to be a part of it all: Recycled bio plastics are used in seat cushions and interiors of the Toyota Prius, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix, and the Toyota Rav4. Toyota has eliminated use of over 12 tons of PVC materials in its assembly plants. Since 2010, Toyota has recovered and repurposed upwards of 140,000 hybrid batteries. Toyota also has a long-term recycling program and environmentally conscious vision in place. Since January 2015, 85% of every Toyota/Lexus vehicle must be reused or recycled, and it is expected that 95% of it will be recovered and reprocessed. Toyota created a program to recycle plastic bumper covers and convert them into plastic pellets to be sold and processed into other auto parts. The Kia Soul EV’s uses over 50lbs of bio-plastics per vehicle, which are fabricated from cellulose and sugarcane, in 10 different pieces of its interior from door panels to seats to carpets. Kia has adopted a climate friendly pledge including ECO-Friendly Car Lifecycle Management which you can learn more about here. Kia is also working with SK Innovation to create eco-friendly recollection of metals l ike lithium from used EV Batteries. Kia’s aim is to reduce waste and water consumption, and increase recycling efforts with an end goal of zero landfill contributions and zero waste incineration. Kia is expanding its range of “Battery Electric Vehicles” (BEVs) and increasing the total travel mi/km range per charge, and a fast 20 minute high-speed charge time.

With the blustery winds of late Autumn ushering in a cold front, we thought it might be nice to give you something to look forward to this Winter!  We’re sharing a great list of can’t miss scenic destinations to visit in the Late Autumn and the Winter.  Pile on into your new car from Classic and bust through your cold-weather cabin fever! Our list is chock full of memorable sites to visit and beautiful scenery.  So let’s hit the road and liven up those winter blues, because this is most certainly drive-over country! Cool Places to Visit in Wisconsin & Illinois As Weather Gets Colder Twelfth Night Holiday Tree Bonfire; Pleasant Prairie WI 20 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships This historic village tradition takes place every January at Park Drive in Pleasant Prairie.  The upcoming year’s event will be on January 6th 2022 at 6PM.  Everyone in the village takes down their trees and participates in a community tree burning.  There will be hot chocolate and holiday caroling!  Just a short drive away with some beautiful scenic lakeside views in the evening. Wilmot Mountain; Kenosha, WI 30 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships Grab a season pass now to ensure an exciting time all winter long!  Beautiful mountain views, wintersports, snowshoeing, skiing, and special events galore at the Wilmot Mountain resort.  Great for weekend getaways or day trips!  It’s got gorgeous views and scenery so you’ll want to bring a camera for sure. Winterfest; Lake Geneva WI 45 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships Lake Geneva is gorgeous any time of year, but Winter is especially beautiful.  Stop by on December 4th and attend the 46th Annual Electric Christmas Parade. Or plan a winter getaway for the family to Winterfest 2022 in February; would be a great holiday gift alternative!  Winterfest is home to the only US National Snow Sculpting Championship and it’s chock full of talented artists who sculpt the ice and snow in magnificent forms.  And there’s lots of fun to be had on the beach such as bonfires, s’mores roasting, and hot cocoa!  You might even want to try a hovercraft ride if you’re feeling brave. Ice Skating at Edgewater Skating Rink; Madison WI 128 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships Located on Lake Mendota, this beautiful skating rink has lakeside views and the twinkling skyline of Wisconsin’s State Capitol.  The rink hosts special events and themed skate nights throughout the season.   Enjoy family skating events and take plenty of memorable photos.  A trip here would be a  great option for a holiday gift excursion instead of going with Big Box Retail gift items. Snowtubing at Cascade Mountain; Portage WI 153 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships There’s nothing more fun than sliding down a pile of snow at warp speed, laughing all the way down as you relive childhood bliss!  Gather your friends and family and enjoy a fun filled afternoon of snowtubing and other winter sports at Cascade Mountain. Enjoy the gorgeous mountain scenery along the way! Garden of Lights; Green Bay WI 172 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships Just because the leaves have fallen and the temps are dropping doesn’t mean you can’t still have a blast at the Botanical Gardens!  More than 300,000 twinkling lights compose the exquisite displays of nature-inspired light and sculpture at the Garden of Lights experience.  Enjoy a walking tour or a Horse-Drawn Wagon experience.  A perfect gift for the whole family if you’re going the “giving an experience” route over toys or goodies. Winterfest Sled Dog Race; Merrill WI 255 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships With over 100 sled dog teams competing in past races, this is a great event for all ages to attend.  The race awards prizes for the Top 6 competitors.  You’ll find lots of other family friendly activities all weekend long, and even try your hand at some of the kid-friendly mini races!  Events will be announced by the Merrill Chamber of Commerce as it gets closer to January/February. Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad; Trego WI 377 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships This scenic 15-mile stretch of track runs along the Namekagon River and boasts some truly stunning views.  Book the bed-and-breakfast ride or a dinner excursion for a truly unique and unforgettable experience.  Fun for all ages and great for groups!  Would make a lovely family or friends trip for the holidays, or even a romantic date-night experience. The Ice Caves; Apostle Island National Lakeshore 420 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships These stunning ice caves are located in the Meyers Beach area of the Lakeshore region.  The Ice Caves are only open during certain times of the year, and access to the area may be closed in cases of inclement weather.  But as soon as Lake Superior’s surface has adequately frozen for safe travel, you’ll be able to explore the ice caves in person!  Behold the magnificent icicles and crystalline surfaces of the lake and sandstone cliffsides.  It’s a round trip distance of 3 to 6 miles depending how far you choose to walk on the trail.  Great for busting winter boredom and cabin fever! White Pines Ranch; Oregon IL 126 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships The Ranch is a beautiful 200 acre swathe of land with wooded areas, a sandstone canyon, horse trails and pastures, and places to hike.  Bring the kids and enjoy a day of horseback riding, visit with the local animals, and just take in the breathtaking views.  Enjoy the peace and quiet solitude of the area when snow blankets the pastures and creates a magical winterscape!  You can even enjoy workshops such as wilderness survival, enjoy some cross-country skiing, have a blast sledding, or kick back and relax with some crafting.  There’s lots to do at any age!  Book a stay and enjoy a late autumn, early winter getaway as an early holiday gift for the whole family. Depot Pond; Batavia IL 70 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships If you’re visiting in Autumn you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverwalk which connects Depot Pond and Fox River.  It’s got some truly beautiful views of the riverside and shorelines. A classic spot for ice skating and winter activities as soon as the ice measures 8” thick or more!  It has even inspired several painters and artists to capture the whimsical winter wonderland and wide-eyed joy of children learning how to skate.  Pending on weather and seasonal closures, you might even want to visit the Batavia Historical Society’s Depot Museum nearby. Starved Rock State Park; Oglesby, IL 123 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships This state part is beautiful all year round, but visiting during the autumnal Golden Hour or in the early weeks of winter with fresh snowfall are a real treat!  Whether you’re hiking or perhaps birding in search of a Bald Eagle and the migratory birds or just taking your camera for a spin in hopes of catching a whitetail deer mid-leap, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do here.  The region includes the St Louis Canyon, French Canyon, and Wildlife Canyon and their beautiful waterfalls.  Enjoy views of the Illinois River as well as Starved Rock Dam as you explore these sandstone glacial canyons.  A wonderful place to visit during each season to observe the change in the landscape and scenery. Do you have a favourite place you like to visit in the area? We’re always interested in hearing from our readers about new places to visit in Wisconsin and Illinois.  Let us know your picks and we may just feature your suggestion in a future post!

It’s National Metal Day, and we’re highlighting the use of metal and fabrication in the automotive industry on today’s blog.  Check out some of these fun facts to learn more about how metals are used in vehicle manufacturing, and how the industry has changed and evolved over the years. more Did You Know: Facts About Metal and Manufacturing There were over 8 million vehicles manufactured in the US in 2020, and over 77 million total manufactured worldwide. In 1942, US manufacturing of automobiles came to a screeching halt so that metals and other materials could be diverted to military purposes and war efforts. On January 1st 1942, the US halted all sales and delivery of cars via the government’s Office of Production Management. All production stopped in February 1942 through October 1945. There were 520,000 vehicles available for the duration of the war and rationed for use by “essential drivers.” The automotive industry diverted its manufacturing and metal materials to create tanks, trucks, jeeps, airplanes, steel helmets, ammunition, bombs, and other goods for military use to aid war efforts. Commonly Used Metals in the Automotive industry include: Aluminum Iron Magnesium Steel Titanium Copper Lead Metals such as Nickel, Aluminum, and Iron are expected to increase over 10x the current usage between 2019 and 2030. Metals like Lithium and Graphite are expected to increase in demand since they are used to make electric car batteries. Use of metals such as Nickel, Aluminum, and Iron are expected to increase over 10x the current usage between 2019 and 2030. The average passenger vehicle is 65% steel and iron, with 25% of the steel being made from recycled/reclaimed metal. Advanced High Strength Steel accounts for about 60% of the average vehicle. Aluminum is the second most used metal in the automotive industry, and the fastest growing market for metal.  In 1975, around 80-84 pounds of aluminum were used to make a vehicle, but that figure rose to over 460 pounds in 2020, with a projection of over 550 pounds being used by 2028! Hybrid and Electric Vehicles are expected to account for an increase in use of lightweight metals and materials to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Automotive recycling accounts for 14 million tons of recycled steel, or the equivalent of more than 13 million cars. The market for automotive metals is projected to grow to $226 Billion by end of 2026.

Classic Cares about our customers, and we’re here to help!  We’ve asked our body shop technicians to share some valuable advice and information on what to do if you’re involved in a collision.  We hope that this will help our customers feel safer and more confident in the event of an auto accident.  And remember, we’re always just a phone call away and here to help!  Check out our handy tips, and feel free to print it out and keep it in with your car’s paperwork in case of emergency. more What to if you’re involved in a collision: If you are involved in a collision, stop your car at or near the collision scene. If you can, move your car off the road so you do not block traffic. Protect yourself and others from oncoming traffic. Failure to stop at the scene of a collision in which you are involved can result in your arrest warrant. You could be convicted of hit and run. Exchange information with other drivers involved in the accident as soon as possible. Get information:  names, telephone number, drivers license and insurance information. from the other driver(s) involved in the collision. If you hit an unattended vehicle, you must make a reasonable effort to find the owner of the vehicle or property damaged in the collision. If you cannot locate anyone, leave a note with your name and contact information that can be found easily at the scene of the collision. You must also report the collision to the police. If you are at fault: Call your insurance company and start the claims process. They will walk you through every step. They should have a 1-800 # on the back of your insurance card or on their web site so you can start your claim no matter the time of day ( 24R) line. If you are not at fault: You will still need to inform your insurance company that someone else hit you as a precaution. However, you will also need to call the at fault party's insurance company and start a claim with them, and y ou will need their policy # (This is known as being the claimant.) Note: Make sure to get a claim number and have the name of your insurance number handy! Some insurance companies will write their own estimate, some will ask you to send photos in to them or use an app. If you are unsure how to use the app or send the proper photos in Contact the shop of your choosing and ask for help. ( I'd love to help) From there you can then decide on a repair facility. Note: You have the right to choose your own body shop. The insurance company probably will recommend a shop, but it is YOUR decision.  It is illegal for an insurance company to force, require or pressure you into using a particular shop. Call the shop of your choice, schedule a time and date to have the repairs estimated. Make sure to provide a claim number and insurance company. Our shop will get the estimate done, and will begin repairs upon approval from the insurance company. You don’t have to worry at all, our shop will order parts if needed and schedule anything else needed for repairs. Any questions, call Classic body shop! Classic Body Shop Kia

Since today is National “Go To a Museum Day” we thought we’d help you get into the holiday spirit while also getting in touch with your creativity! The holidays are fast approaching, and this gift giving season might present some new challenges with supply and demand.  And then of course there’s our mountains of “pandemic purchases” to keep us all entertained indoors…. So why not forgo the material items this holiday and opt for the experience of a lifetime!  Or perhaps skip the online shopping at Big Box Retailers this year and consider shopping small instead! Why not purchase a beautiful gift of framed artwork or a painting class or perhaps a day trip out with family to a local museum or gallery instead?  Museum or theatre memberships can also make a great family gift while also helping support our local arts scene.  Plus, it’s a great way to do a little family bonding and get out of the house so you all can enjoy a change of scenery and exercise your minds! Hop into your new car from Classic and let’s hit the road! So what are you waiting for? Grab a paintbrush and let’s paint the town silver and gold with friends new and old, and check out our picks for great art, fun day trips, and creative classes to give to your loved ones!  Take a look at some of the great experiences and artistic shopping options we’ve got for you on today’s blog. When you shop small, your dollars have a direct impact on the community and your neighbourhood.  Consider purchasing gifts directly from these artists and local galleries, and bringing joy to the holidays in more than one way! Local Art Galleries and Art Shops: Illinois Dandelion Gallery & Studio in Waukegan, IL Visual Arts Center in Powell Park in Waukegan, IL Valhalla Art Loft in Waukegan, IL Artpie Studio/Gallery/Art School in Waukegan, IL One Crown Studios & Art Gallery in Waukegan, IL Kapheim Studio by Artist Thom Kapheim in Waukegan, IL Lloyd Shin Gallery in Gurnee, IL Curtis Frame Back Alley Gallery in Libertyville, IL Renditions Art Studio in Waukegan, IL MasterWorks Art Gallery & Studio in Vernon Hills, IL Aaron Galleries in Glenview, IL Sip Dip’n Dab in Waukegan, IL Periwinkle Art Studio in Waukegan, IL Ceramics For You Studio in Gurnee, IL Bottle & Bottega Highland Park Rivellino School of Art in Long Grove, IL Board & Brush Creative Studio in Liberyville, IL The Studio Art School in McHenry, IL Local Art Galleries and Shops: Wisconsin Re:Vision Gallery & Artist Studios in Kenosha, WI Lemon Street Gallery in Kenosha, WI Countryside Wildlife Art Gallery in Kenosha, WI Left of the Lake Gallery in Kenosha, WI DeBerge’s Framing & Gallery in Kenosha, WI Kenosha Art Association Pollard Gallery & Gifts in Kenosha, WI Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie, WI Alpaca Art in Kenosha,  WI Picasso Vino in Racine, WI Young Rembrandts in Kenosha & Racine, WI Gifting a Museum Admission Membership or even just a day trip pass can be an unforgettable experience!  Explore history, learn more about arts and culture, and inspire your family and friends to be more creative with unique museums to visit. More Great Museums for Art and History Buffs to Explore Near Classic’s Car Dealerships and Beyond: Kenosha Public Museum in Kenosha Civil War Museum in Kenosha Dinosaur Discovery Museum Kenosha History Center Southport Light Station Museum Kenosha Streetcar Society Waukegan History Museum Ray Bradbury Experience Museum Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County Field Museum of Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago Chicago History Museum Skokie Heritage Museum Museum of Art in Chicago Robbins Illinois History Museum Chicago Children’s Museum American Writers Museum Art Institute of Chicago Museum Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary ARt WNDR Museum of Chicago 6th Dimension Space + Gallery in Chicago Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn Newberry Library Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mt Vernon NIU Art Museum in Dekalb Great Automotive Museums to Visit in Illinois: Volo Auto Museum Pontiac Oakland Auto Museum Klairmont Kollections Museum Wheels O’ Time Museum Rockford Auto Museum Franklin County 1910’s Garage Museum Historic Auto Attractions Museum

We’re excited for all of the upcoming festivities during the holidays, and look forward to spending time with family and friends doing lots of fun things in the holiday spirit!  Here are some great ideas for ways to reconnect with family and friends and find some unique gifts.  We encourage our customers to shop small and support local artists, artisans, and small businesses this year.  Let’s spread some holiday cheer and the giving spirit, right here in our own backyard. Check out these great markets, events, and activities in Southeast Wisconsin, Lake County, and the Greater Chicago Area! Your November and December Local Community Calendar On Tuesday November 9th, November 16th, and November 23rd from 10AM to 10:30AM, come over to the Kenosha Uptown Neighbourhood Library in Kenosha and enjoy a family story time for all children ages 2 and up.  Enjoy stories, singing songs, and lots of fun activities! Wednesday November 10th from 6:30PM to 8:30PM come out to Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie, WI and paint yourself a beautiful monogrammed piece of artwork for a holiday centerpiece! STarts at $38 per guest, supplies all included. On November 12th and 13th, get ready to rock your heart out at the Nightmare in November metalfest concert in Kenosha. Order your tickets here. Running from November 12th through January 2nd 2022, the Lightscape exhibit is a beautiful holiday lights spectacular at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL. Order your tickets and get more info right here! On November 13th, shop small and shop local at the Holiday Handmade Market at the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumberg from 10AM to 3PM. It’s a great way to support the community and find the most unique and beautiful gifts for loved ones! On November 13th, grab a ticket to the Lunar Tide Music and Arts Festival in Waukegan.  Event Runs from 7PM on Saturday through November 14th at 3AM. On Saturday November 13th from 3PM to 5PM, enjoy an afternoon of pumpkins and flowers in a painting class at Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie! $38 per person with supplies included. On Friday November 19th starting at 8PM, enjoy an evening of wonderful music with Phil Vassar’s Piano Bar Tour!  An intimate showcase of this singer-songwriter’s best work with limited seating. Check for Tickets here. Open Nightly starting on November 20th and running through January 2nd 2022, the Willow Hill’s Winter Magic Drive-Thru Christmas Lights Experience is great fun for the whole family! Check this link for ticket timeslots and a calendar of availability. From November 20th through November 21st enjoy an evening of fine holiday shopping with local artisans and craftsmen at the Island Lake Holiday Art and Craft Faire. Forget about the stress of shipping holiday gifts and check out these local exhibitors and artists isntead! Admission is $1 and includes food booths and artist shopping stands. On Saturday November 20th at 2PM and a second performance at 6PM, head over to Genesee Theatre to enjoy a bit of holiday tidings with “A Charlie Brown Christmas” play!  It’s fun for the whole family; check availability of tickets here. Saturday November 20th from 11AM to 1PM bring your family and friends to paint a beautiful autumnal turkey for just $25 per person at a Pinot’s Palette painting class in Pleasant Prairie! On Saturday November 20th from 11AM to 12PM at the Civil War Museum in Kenosha, come and visit The Young History Heroes Storytime session for ages 4 through 8. A new hero will be highlighted every month!  “How Kate Warne Saved President Lincoln” will be the topic of 11/20’s session.  The following storytime will be December 18th! Enjoy the celebrations of “Long Grove Vintage Holidays” from 11:30AM through 6PM in Long Grove downtown! This free event first runs on November 20th and runs again every weekend from 11/21, 11/27, 11/28, 12/4, 12/5, 12/11, 12/12,12/18, and 12/19.  Enjoy caroling and vintage carriage rides for the whole family.  Event is free but registration is required On Sunday November 21st from 10AM to 3PM, The Vault Banquet Hall and The Pine Blossom have partnered up to host the Winter Wonderland in Kenosha! Come and visit for a little early holiday fun, and kids can even meet Santa from 12PM to 3PM. On Friday, November 26th from 4PM to 5PM, head over to the Kenosha Public Museum and enjoy the annual “Lightin’ Up” celebration and Christmas tree lighting ceremony downtown!  It’s a free holiday program for all to enjoy. On Friday November 26th, skip the shopping madness and opt into a quiet afternoon of fun with friends and family by painting a snowy moon and stars landscape.  Or paint a festive Christmas Tree rustic truck painting from 6:30PM to 8:30PM Just $38 per guest at Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie. On Saturday November 27th from 4PM through midnight, come kick off the Holidays with the Holiday in the Park & Parade event in Glenview! Fun for all ages starting at Glenview road and going through town. On Wednesday December 1st, paint this cheeky little gnome from 6:30 to 8:30PM and gift it to someone special for the holidays! Painting supplies and a lesson are just $38 at Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie. On Saturday December 4th, paint a family heirloom winter painting of “The Perfect Tree” at Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie for just $38 per person with supplies all included! On December 4th, come listen to an evening of music by Yheti and Toadface at the Lakehurst Events Center in Waukegan. More event information here! On Saturday December 11th starting at 7PM, head on over to the Genesee Theatre for a wonderful festive evening as they host The Chris Isaak Holiday Tour!  Event and ticket availability may be limited, check here! Are you hosting a local event or market?  Got plans to take your family to a fun holiday event nearby? We’d love to hear from you! Tell us in a comment all about how you plan to spend your holiday season together.

You can’t go wrong with those crispy chips, melty cheese, spicy salsas, and whatever your heart desires as a topping be it meat or veggies. Nachos are the ultimate in comfort food feasting!  Today we’re celebrating National Nachos Day with a great list of restaurants who have creative and delicious nachos as well as more traditional nacho fare! more We really enjoy creating these local food and travel guides for our patrons and visitors.  And we’d love to hear from you! Let us know your best picks for local eateries in any cuisine you enjoy, and your suggestion might just end up on a future blog post! Check out our picks for best local nachos: El Famous Burrito in Waukegan Big Ed’s Barbecue in Waukegan CYOC in Waukegan Anastasia’s Restaurant & Pub in Waukegan Green Town TAvern in Waukegan Dockside Dogs in Waukegan Isla Del Mar in Waukegan La Michoacana Premium in Waukegan Jesters in Waukegan El Rey del Pollo Asado in Waukegan Chuck Wagon in Waukegan Avocado Express in Waukegan Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant in Waukegan Big Norm’s in Waukegan Catrachos Restaurant in Waukegan Golosinas El Encanto in Gurnee Timothy O’Toole’s Pub Gurnee Tacos El Durango MExican Grill BBQ’d Productions in Gurnee Taqueria Toluca in Waukegan Zocalo Mexican Bar and Grill Austin’s Saloon and Eatery La Fogata Mexican Grill Los Compadres Mexican REstaurant in Kenosha El Sarape Mexican Restaurant in Kenosha Iguana Wana Mexican Grill and Tequila Bar in Kenosha Waterfront Warehouse in Kenosha Le Fe Cafe in Kenosha Tacos El Norte in Kenosha If you love nachos as much as we do, we think you’ll love these fun car accessories: Nacho Average Friend Car Air Freshener, Available from FriskyBusinessGifts on Etsy Nacho themed Seat Covers for the Car, fits most models, Via LoveMineGifts.com Nacho Business Car Mats, via Zazzle Nacho Business Bumper Sticker from Etsy Seller SketchAndStick If You Don’t Like Tacos then I’m NACHO Type Sticker via Etsy Seller LunaLemonsDesign

COOL Ministries has been working passionately since its humble beginnings in 1982, and has grown over the years into a fully-fledged non-profit social services organization.  COOL Pantry provides a comprehensive selection of ingredients for three square meals a day, including specialized options catering to diabetes, food allergies, as well as diverse selections in ethnic cuisine.  In addition, COOL offers safe housing options and assistance, counseling, life skills training, and other assistive programming, in order to help both veterans and families transition from homelessness to sustainable housing and stability. Image from Cool Ministries Website If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please click here to find out more information about the COOL Food Pantry or click here to access the COOL housing application. If you’d like to get involved with COOL ministries as a volunteer, click here to see what services are currently needed! If you’re interested in supporting COOL ministries with a financial contribution, you’ll find all of that information right here. Want to join hands together with our Classic dealerships and COOL Ministries Food Pantry?  Check out our partnership food drive information below: Driven by (Care) Fill our Sorento and fulfill a big need at the Cool Ministries Food Pantry (graphic – food in back of sorento with hatch open but not completely full of food) Right here in Waukegan, people are going hungry. Every day. This Thanksgiving, join us in being thankful for what we have by helping those who have less.  For every three items you donate, you can choose from these thank-you gifts: Kia shirt 6 free car washes $25 off your next service * Free oil change $500 off the purchase or lease of a new or certified pre-owned Kia WHAT COOL MINISTRIES FOOD PANTRY NEEDS Cash donations to buy 2000 turkeys Packaged stuffing Boxed mashed potatoes Green Beans Cans of mushroom soup Desserts (shelf stable) Juice (bottles) Dinner Rolls *excluding oil changes

We’re really excited that the holidays are just around the corner, but we also know the hustle and bustle of the season can feel a little overwhelming.  We’re here to help alleviate a little bit of the pressure, though, with some tips, tricks and gadgets to make it all easier when prepping big family meals! more Today we’re sharing some of our favourite mealtime ideas for Thanksgiving and Harvest dinners.  And of course, after working so hard on your main dishes, sides, and desserts, it’ll be time to take them on the road to your family and friends!  That’s why we’re also including our picks for great carrying items and to-go containers for traveling with food.  After all, we can’t forget grandma’s apple pie -- it’s a Classic! Learn about the Native American traditional meals in Harvest and Autumn season, as well as a brief History of Thanksgiving foods: Native American and Indigenous Meal Ingredients. Add more Native American ingredients to your menu this year with this list from Forbes: Native American Thanksgiving Recipes and Food Timing Tips and Tricks and Full Easy Menu Lists Road trips and travel during the holiday season can be plenty to contend with on their own, but if you’re hosting the gatherings or family shindigs you’ve got your own timelines to contend with.  Alleviate the pressure of “doing it all” with our roundup of helpful tricks to getting it all done on time.  That’s right, we’re helping you find a way to get that meal on the table as soon as your famished family arrives.  Tempt your travelers with piping hot appetizers, fresh hors d'oeuvres, and a perfectly cooked meal right on schedule.  And if you’re taking a dish on the road to mealtime, these tips might still be of good use to get it all done so you can get out the door! Four Tips for Holiday Meal Timing Meal Planning and Timing During the Holidays A pre-planned holiday meal with timing and list! When to Cook and Prep Every Dish: A Thanksgiving Timeline The Easy Thanksgiving Menu Easy Thanksgiving/Christmas Dinner Menu from RecipeTinEats Fast, Easy, and Delicious Holiday Meal Recipes Here’s some of our favourite online recipes you can print-and-go or queue up on your tablets for fast reference. 10 Minute Thanksgiving Appetizers and Snacks 10 Minute appetizer Spread for All Occasions 10 Recipes for 3-ingredient Appetizers 33 Last Minute Thanksgiving Appetizers 3-Ingredient Thanksgiving Stuffing 1 Hour Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Sides Thanksgiving Salad Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe All in One Thanksgiving Casserole 5-Ingredient Sweet Potato Cassero le 60 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Recipes 27 3-Ingredient Appetizers, Sides, and Desserts for Thanksgiving 100 Thanksgiving Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes Or Less Soul Food Thanksgiving Recipes 8 Must-Make Soul Food Thanksgiving Items Sean Sherman’s 10 Essential Native American Recipes Native American Chefs’ Recommended Fall Recipes Kid Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes Great Food Storage for the Holiday Traveller We know how hard you’ve worked on these holiday dishes, and we want them to arrive safe and sound at your get togethers!  That’s why we’ve selected some great items to keep your food safe while traveling in the car. From pie keepers to storage crates and more, we’ve got it all: The Sweet Creations Pie Traveler, $10-$15 The OXO Glass Pie Plate with Lid, $13-$15 Insulated Round Thermal Casserole Carrier, $15 The Cam Go Box via Walmart, $45 Instacrate with No Lid, $15 The Collapsible Rolling Crate, $30 Non-Slip Car Trunk Mats, $15 The Cater Gator Multi-Tray Insulated Food Storage, $250 ArcticZone Food Thermal Carrier, $30 Insulated Food Delivery Bag 23”x13”x15” size, $21