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We’re back with another fantastic and fun summer vacation guide for Midwest families!  Today on the blog, we’re sharing our picks for great things to explore and experience in the Wisconsin Dells.  The Dells is a one of a kind destination and known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World” – there are more than 20 indoor and outdoor water parks!  But that’s not all the area has to offer, it’s also rife with historical sites and cultural museums, beautiful natural landscapes and trails overlooking the Wisconsin River, great shopping and unique boutiques, flexible accommodations from campsites to full vacation resorts, and so much more.  There’s a reason it’s been hailed as one of the top destinations for year-round vacationing in the Midwest!  So, what are you waiting for? Hop in your new car from Classic of Waukegan, and let’s hit the road to fun! more Wildly Fun Waterparks to Beat the Heat in the Dells Each of these unique waterparks offers a wide variety of activities from water slides to wave pools to lazy rivers and more.  You’ll find plenty of aquatic activities for kids and the kid-at-heart, making it a perfect getaway for families, friends, and even couples. Kalahari Resort Waterpark is Wisconsin’s largest indoor water park and the nation’s only indoor Super Loop slides among other fun activities and special events or shows!  The facilities are open year round and offer lodging at the main hotel cabins and cottages, and condos for flexibility in accommodation.  This is a great destination for families, especially those with younger children. Land of Natura is a water park and theme park combo featuring 150 acres of fun, and the first of its kind in the Dells. Featuring Lake Wisconsin Dells, the largest man-made naturally filtered lake in the world, you can snorkel, swim, or sun yourself on the shores.  Waterworld is America’s largest inflatable waterpark located right on the lake. Plus,there are hiking and biking trails, a Treetop Walkway, and plenty of other fun attractions. Mt Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort is home to America’s Tallest Waterslide!  You’ll find a 9’ Wave Pool, outdoor kiddy play area, America’s first rotating water slide, and award winning rollercoasters.  There’s an arcade and game room, mini golf, indoor and outdoor attractions, lots of dining and shopping, a coffee shop, ice cream shop, and more!  Choose from hotel or cabin lodgings or opt for an outdoor tent campsite. Other waterpark attractions include: Atlantis Family Waterpark Hotel, Chula Vista Resort Indoor & Outdoor Waterparks, Great Wolf Lodge, Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Polynesian Water Park Resort, Wild Waterdome Water Park, Wild West Water Park, Lost World Water Park, Cubby’s Cove Water Park, and more. Historic Sites and Museums in the Dells You’ll find numerous landmarks and astonishing historical homes and buildings in The Dells.  From architectural wonders to unique museums and natural sites, there’s so much to learn about Wisconsin and American history. The Henry Hamilton Bennet Studio and History Center features a collection of artifacts, documents, and personal effects from HH Bennett, local pioneer and businessman and photographer.  He documented the role of the Wisconsin River in creating the local landscape and environment through photography and documentation. The Bavarian Village looks like it’s popped straight out of a European Fairy Tale!  With colorful homes, charming candy shops, delicious cafes and eateries, and boutique shopping, you can easily spend the day here!  Every half hour at the clock tower, the Pied Piper of Hamlin appears to woo the townsfolk and beguile new visitors. Dels Country Historical Society is located inside Bowman Park at the Bowman House.  You’ll have the opportunity to take a private tour and learn more about local historic figures such as General Joseph Bailey, HH Bennett, local Native American cultural history, and more.  Grab some literature and maps when you’re done with the tour of this historic home, and learn even more about the region. Escape to Nature in The Dells The Wisconsin Dells offers a number of natural areas and protected state parks!  The Dells are a valley along the Wisconsin River and it’s known for its stunning Cambrian Sandstone formations and canyons. Devils Lake State Park is a local favorite, featuring a large lake and swimming beach, challenging hiking options with superb scenic overlooks, and one of the most popular parks in the whole state of Wisconsin. Rocky Arbor State Park features a beautiful forested one-mile hike passing some of the sandstone dells, and offers a quieter, more secluded nature experience than Devils Lake State Park. Mirror Lake State Park is known for calm, serene waters surrounded by beautiful forests and sandstone cliffs, perfect for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and hiking. Bring your dog along with you on the Upper and Lower Boat Tours and Lost Canyon Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours (*dogs may not bark at the horses!), or you can rent your own boat for a day on the lake. Newport Beach offers a free public beach with swimming and kids playground equipment, as well as a kayak and tube launch. Bigfoot Zipline Tours offers 2.5 hour tours with 7 different ziplines taking you on a scenic treetop view of the Dells; Bigfoot Ropes Course offers similar experiences without the adrenaline spike of ziplining through the air. Get Up Close and Personal With Wildlife in The Dells If birdwatching and nature spotting aren’t enough to satisfy the animal lover in your midst, we’ve got you covered. These wonderful attractions offer a chance to meet numerous wildlife and protected species as well as farm animals!  Perfect for curious kids, too. Timbavati Wildlife Park features more than 400 animals and 75 species of creatures.  Opt for a VIP tour or animal encounter and go behind the scenes for feeding time and learn more in depth about the residents. Or you can opt fro the Fort Dells Engine Number Nine train and take a ride throughout the safari exhibits. Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue and Educational Center features more than a dozen Tigers, Lions, and other large cats.  Opt for a daytime tour and explore the animals in their habitats or you can book a once-in-a-lifetime experience for an overnight stay and watch them hunt and prowl. Wisconsin Deer Park has been an iconic destination in the Dells for more than 50 years!  This timeless attraction lets you interact, play with, and feed more than 100 deer and other wildlife on its sprawling 40 acres property.

If you’re looking for a vacation getaway without the long travel time or a plane ticket, look no further than Cincinnati, Ohio!  In less than 6 hours, you and your family can be off to a new city to explore, learn, and make some memories. Cincinnati is perfect for a long-weekend getaway, and we’re here to get you started with some must-see attractions. more Cincinnati boasts an incredible arts and creative scene with numerous museums, galleries, and artist collectives, and a whopping 8 different venues to enjoy music and theatre.  The up-and-coming culinary scene is a vibrant blend of traditional cultural foods and innovative modern fusion, along with local favorites like the traditional Cincinnati-style chili!  Each neighborhood in the city has curated its own roster of stellar eateries, bars, bakeries, and cafes along with craft breweries and distilleries. So, as you can see, it’s certainly a great one-stop destination for everyone in your travel party! The incredible Findlay Marke t is Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market! We love the opportunity to shop and support local, and this is certainly the place to visit with many of the participating businesses being a multi-generational establishment. With a seasonal farmers market, dozens of vendors offering plants and flowers, pet goods, produce, meat, cheese and dairy, baked goods and artisan desserts, takeout options and restaurants, it’s a shopping and culinary adventure for everyone to enjoy. Cincinnati Art Museum has an outstanding collection of permanent pieces with more than 73,000 works of art and numerous rotating exhibits each year. The museum’s focus covers 6,000 years of creativity and art across the ages. Current visiting exhibits include “Farm to Table: Food and Identity in the Age of Impressionism”, “Tintoretto’s Genesis” and  “Cycle Thru! The Art of the Bike”.  The museum has also formed the Art Bridges Cohort Program, wherein it loans and rotates artworks with a group of 5 other museum collections, creating programming and exhibits that house works from all 6 facilities. Krohn Conservatory is located in Eden Park, and is host to multiple floral shows every year, including the Gothica Botanica Butterfly show!  The Conservatory showcases more than 3,500 plant species from around the world including rare and exotic specimens.  Plan to spend at least 2 hours here exploring the different environments including desert plants, tropical plants, curated rare orchids, carnivorous plants, exotic fruit trees, and so much more. The American Sign Museum celebrates more than a century of unique American signage in its nearly 20,000 square feet of museum space. From antique electric signs to hand-painted and gold-leafed neons, and modern signage with plastic and LEDs.  There is also a permanent collection of more than 1,000 sign-related books and research material in the Sign Museum Library (by appointment only, and is free with admission!) Loveland Castle Museum is also known as Chateau Laroche, located on the banks of the Little Miami River in Loveland Ohio near Cincinnati. This unique home was designed by medieval enthusiast Harry D Andrews in the late 1920s, and features an interior packed with interesting collectibles and aesthetics.  The extensive sword craft and weapons exhibits are a great look back into the Middle Ages, and you’ll find plenty of coordinating medieval architecture to go along with it. It’s a truly memorable experience. The Lucky Cat Museum (or Mewseum) is a quirky, unique attraction available by appointment only, but it’s worth a visit as we are sure you’ll never see anything like it!  The Ohio Lucky Cat Museum is a unique collection of decorative feline figurines known as the Maneki-neko, a luck symbol in Japanese culture.  This little roadside museum has collected just about every iteration of this feline icon! Amongst the collectibles you’ll find plushies and toys, bespoke artist sculptures, and more – all in all there are more than 2,000 Lucky Cats on display to peruse! The Contemporary Arts Center has been a part of the community for more than 75 years!  The center has free daily admission, and is chock full of modern and contemporary artworks of all kinds. Current experiences and exhibitions include “Jayson Musson: His History of Art”; “Untitled” (L.A) by Felix Gonzalez-Torres; Kahlil Robert Irving: Ground Water from screen Falls Street; live performances and special event festivals; and numerous tours both guided, group, and audio/video options. The Mushroom House is a strange feat of architectural creativity, located in the Hyde Park Neighborhood, and designed by architectural professor Terry Brown.  The home was transformed in the early 90s through early 00s to transform his typical suburban home into something truly unique.  Using carefully crafted and amended shingles, Brown created the look of a mushroom or fungi with decorative bulbous roofing and a glass-walled sunroom.  While Brown passed away in 2008, the home has been maintained as a local architectural oddity and staple landmark. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park is located in nearby Hamilton, Ohio, and covers 470 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds highlighting 70 different outdoor sculptures!  This non-profit park is not only an outdoor art gallery experience, but also includes a “Pioneer House” from the 1820s, the “Ancient Sculpture Museum”, an antiques collection, and a contemporary art gallery for rotating exhibitions.  It’s a great place to bring the whole family! Other places of interest include: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal Newport Aquarium Smale Riverfront Park Taft Museum of Art Cincinnati Music Hall Cincinnati Fire Museum National Underground Railroad Museum 21C Museum Hotel Behringer-Crawford Museum Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum John A Roebling Bridge Smale Riverfront Park

Shark Week is not just an annual experience, it’s a lifestyle.  If exploring the open ocean in person doesn't seem quite your style, you may wish to adventure more safely to these local aquariums!   Today on the blog, we’re sharing our picks for the best aquariums to check out this summer with your families, especially if you love sharks! more Here at Classic Auto Group, we're thrilled to not only be doing our part to move towards sustainability and protect these creatures, but we're honored to sell vehicles from brand manufacturers that have committed to the same! Thanks to combined conservation efforts of zoologists and marine biologists, green initiatives of major automotive manufacturers to reduce carbon footprint, plastic recycling and garbage reclamation efforts worldwide in our oceans, and intensive breeding and research programs at global aquariums, these majestic sea dwelling predators will continue to thrive for decades to come! Here are some wonderful facilities that are worth visiting this summer with your family and friends: The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is home to more than 20 sharks in its 400,000 gallon habitat! You'll find Blacktip Reef Sharks, Sandbar Sharks, Japanese and Spotted Wobbegongs, Zebra Sharks, Bamboo Sharks, Bonnethead Sharks, Horn Sharks, Dogfish, Leopard Sharks, and Swell Sharks! The field scientists of Shedd Aquarium are working tirelessly on conservation efforts, and currently conducting research in the Caribbean to learn about how to best safeguard these majestic ocean predators. Permanent exhibits include a 90,000 gallon Caribbean Reef aquarium display; the Amazon Rising display featuring wildlife from the rainforest and river, the underground Wild Reef wing featuring the largest public display of live corals in the Midwest; the Abbott Oceanarium featuring Pacific Northwest aquatics, an indoor rainforest, and coastal display as well as penguins;  Waters of the World featuring 7 different habitats from around the globe! There’s also a 4D movie, live demonstrations and shows, and a play zone for younger visitors. The aquarium also offers weekly and seasonal special events, so you should check their upcoming calendar to see what’s in store.  If you’ve got curious travelers in tow, then the numerous Animal Encounters options will appeal such as the Penguin Encounter, Shark Feeding Tour, and the unique guided “Must See Tour”. Seven Seas at the Brookfield Zoo in Riverside has a wonderful aquarium feature with gorgeous bottlenose dolphins as their star attraction. It's also been home to two types the Horn Shark and the Leopard Shark, and has played home to a rotating cast of characters from the deep blue sea over the years! Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky has created an immersive experience for visitors walking through 85-feet of seamless tunnels winding through the shark exhibit!  You’ll get an up-close look at sharks, sting rays, and special schooling fish in this 385,000 gallon aquarium exhibit.  The Shark Tank Overlook and Shark Bridge offer a birds-eye view of the Surrounded by Sharks Exhibit; you’ll walk over the world’s first suspended rope bridge just inches above these majestic ocean creatures.  You’ll also have the opportunity to take a top-side viewing experience of one of the largest open-air viewing tanks in the US!  This aquarium is considered the Shark Capital of the Midwest, and visitors can observe rare Shark Rays, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Japanese Bull HEad Sharks, Port Jackson Sharks, and more. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque, IA is a pinnacle research center and museum associated with the Smithsonian Institution that helps connect visitors with the importance of the Mississippi River. Their “Rivers to the Sea 2.0” exhibit explains how major waterways across the US contribute to larger environmental and biological effects. You'll learn about aquatic environments and the different species that live in each, and even get to learn about how Great White Sharks breed. The facilities offer outreach programs to the Midwest including a mobile shark touch tank, and the Conservation Lab provides virtual and physical labs to connect folks with research and exhibits. Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee offers a wonderful dual-ticket option combining your aquarium visit with an enhanced IMAX movie viewing.  The museum is very excited to announce they’ve recently started the new “Deeper Dives” in-depth tour experience, allowing small groups of visitors to choose between two different options for a behind the scenes look at the magic that it takes to run the aquarium; select the 90 minute Guided  Tour of the Ocean Journey and River Journey buildings and meet an animal ambassador; or select the Feeding Frenzy and follow an Aquarium Educator and Aquarist around the Secret Reef exhibit for feeding time, and during your 30 minutes you’ll get to experience rays, sea turtles, reef fish, and of course sharks!  Exhibits on site include the River Journey featuring global river aquatics and reptiles, the Ocean Journey featuring penguins, a shark reef, tropical cove area, and a butterfly garden, as well as an invertebrate species display and island life display. The aquarium also offers the TNACI which helps conduct scientific research and conservation efforts to regional ecosystems and educates the public on the importance of conservation actions.

We’ve shared lots of coastal, beach, and lake getaways as well as plenty of tourist towns and cities, but today we’re taking things back to basics and sharing some of our favorite campgrounds. Each of the campgrounds on this list has something truly unique and memorable to offer visitors. From lakeside lighthouses to breezy grasslands to desert canyons, we’ve got something for everyone’s flavor of outdoor adventure.  If you’ve not gone camping yet, what are you waiting for? You’ll have the opportunity to get away from the rat race of your 9 to 5 and overscheduled kids activities, as well as an excuse to not answer your phone or emails for a few days.  What could be better than that? Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature, yourself, and your community be it friends or family.  Outdoor activities like camping are a great way to reduce stress, improve physical fitness, rejuvenate your mental health, boost your confidence, and help you sleep better. Whether you choose to rough it with backpack camping or perhaps a more traditional route like a tent, or “glamping” in organized campers and RVs, there’s options for all of those flavors on today’s blog.  So, what are you waiting for? Hop in your new car from Classic Kia of Waukegan, and let’s hit the road to camping bliss. more Lost Lake Campground in Colorado is known for its peace and tranquility, as well as its rustic charm offering more off-grid style camping.  It’s a great spot to disconnect from the outside world, melt away into the sounds and sights of nature, and really just kick back and enjoy the scenery.  It’s picturesque and the quintessential camping experience, perfect for solitude and outdoor recreation.  There are numerous wildflower and plant species to photograph, as well as diverse wildlife and fishing opportunities.  Canoers and kayakers will really enjoy paddling around the freshwater lake and taking in the gorgeous mountain backdrops. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park in Minnesota is located near Two Harbors, and offers beautiful views and scenery along Lake Superior. This campground can easily accommodate RVs, Campers, and tents, and offers both private bathrooms and showers as well as a main office for assistance and firewood.  Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate how close it is to the park’s many hiking trails and the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse.  Great for backpacking and camping, but make sure you bring plenty of bug spray for the flies and mosquitoes. North Rim Campground in Grand Canyon National Park Arizona offers unmatched scenic views of the Canyon with less tourist traffic than The South Rim.  Surrounded by a majestic pine forest at higher elevations, you’ll find a very peaceful and cool atmosphere. The views will most assuredly be exceeding your expectations!  The campground does have flush toilets, a general store, and spacious campsites as well.  You’ll have easy access to a number of trailheads in the area including North Kaibab Trail.  Backcountry camping or tents or RVs options are available in this area, so it’s very flexible. Scoria Point in North Dakota is a first come, first served free camp site for the serious camping enthusiast.  This picturesque location is certainly off-grid and rustic, but unendingly peaceful, quiet, and perfect for an entirely unplugged getaway in the Little Missouri National Grasslands near Medora.  While it’s not an officially organized campground, visitors report it’s great for boondocking in the dispersed camping area. There’s lots of available space to choose from via the gravel access road up to the top of the bluff. If tranquility and sprawling grassland sunsets are your thing, you’ll find copious amounts of it here! Pfeiffer State Park in Big Sur offers more than 150 campsites that accommodate everything from hike-in/bike-in sites to traditional tent camping up to RVs/campers, and both standard and premium site options. You will need to book in advance for sure, as reservations can be filled up to 6 months in advance!  This camp site is nestled amidst redwood forests and the Big Sur River, making for a truly serene and quintessential west coast camping experience.  You’ll find abundant wildlife, numerous hiking trails ranging from very easy to challenging, plenty of options for fishing or swimming or paddling, as well as cycling and biking. As an added plus for popularity, it’s pet friendly!

Beat the heat this summer and check out our list of cool weather getaways!  We’ve scoured the country for the ultimate summer vacation destination without the heat and humidity. We’re heading away from the midwest in search of some cooler temps, stunning mountain and coastal scenery, and plentiful options for outdoor activities.  Bear in mind that each of these destinations offers an abundance of trails, beaches, history, entertainment and excitement, so you’ll want to spend a few days to a week at each location for maximum enjoyment, but we’ve collected some of our favorite highlight reels to get you started! more First up on our travel plans: Acadia National Park, Maine! Summer is the ideal time to visit Acadia to enjoy outstanding hiking, swimming, kayaking, and camping as well as taking advantage of clear roadways for its many scenic drives.  June through August are peak visiting months for pleasant weather and beautiful sightseeing. This is the trip to take if you’re looking to get reacquainted with nature and unplug for a while, as it’s got some of the most breathtaking cliffside and mountainside vistas and unmatched night-sky stargazing opportunities. If you’re looking for an immersive experience at this national park, you’ll want to dedicate at least 3 to 5 days to explore its main attractions and check out the hiking trails. Must-see highlights include: Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road (27-mi scenic drive), Ocean Path Coastal Trail featuring Thunder Hole and Otter Point, Sand Beach and the Bowl Trail to Beehive Trail route. Next up on our list: San Francisco, California! This city is chock full of vibrant culture and sightseeing, and is nearly always a balmy 70 degrees or less with mild, sunny weather.  You’ll be well-advised to travel with a few zip-up hoodies as you travel, just to take the chill out.  While it’s a very walkable city accessibility wise, there’s lots of hills, so you’ll probably be opting for public transport ala cable care or otherwise.  We highly recommend taking a walking tour of the Golden Gate Bridge (30 minutes, each way), with a little extra time left to do some serious photo ops for those stunning bay views and trek through Golden Gate Park!  Of course, you’ll also need to make a trip to the museums and historic sites including Alcatraz Island, SF Museum of Modern Art, the Exploratorium, Legion of Honor, Asian Art Museum, and more.  The San Francisco Botanical Gardens are a delightful escape from city buildings and tourist attractions, with plenty of sunny areas to relax and have a bite to eat with a BYO picnic lunch as you explore the coastal scenery and diverse flora. Third on our destination guide: Lake Tahoe, California. If you seek a vacation with near-perfect weather during the summer, then this will do you right!  With an average temperature of 60 degrees in the evening/night and 80 degrees max during the day, you’ll find plenty of respite from oppressive summer heat.  Plus, on the warmer days, you’ll find plentiful options for dunking yourself in the crystal-clear water for swimming, fishing, boating, paddleboarding, and even kayaking!  When you’ve had your fill of aquatic activities, you can dry off and take a hike into the woods and nearby Van Sickle Bi-State Park which offers panoramic views of the lake.  Sand Harbor State Park is the most popular beach in the Lake Tahoe area; it offers gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe as well as prime spots for scuba, swimming, and kayaking. Traveling with pets in tow? No problem – hit up North Lake Tahoe’s Waterman’s Landing beach and South Lake Tahoe’s Kiva Beach, for pet-friendly fun in the sun, dog friendly paddleboard rentals, doggy dining, and plenty of digging in the sand by the beach!  The area also has numerous free outdoor concerts on both the North Shore and South Shores alike. Our fourth and final vacation destination for a cool-cation is Seattle, Washington. During the summer months the rain in this Pacific Northwest region is minimal and humidity is ultra low.  The city is bustling and jiving with lots of energy, events, outside eateries, and plenty of festivals.  While the city itself is jampacked with historic and tourist attractions such as Pike Place Market, Seattle Great Wheel, the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Museum of Pop Culture, and the Seattle Aquarium, there are so many gorgeous natural wonders both in and out of the city limits: Discovery Park offers hiking trails and beach views of the Puget Sound; Green Lake Park offers walking, cycling, and running trails as well as lakeside boat rentals; Bellevue Botanical Gardens has 53-acres of cultivated gardens, woodlands, and wetlands; Snoqualmie Falls area is not only home to the infamous Twin Peaks show but a stunning area for hiking; take a day trip to Olympic National Forest or Mount Rainier National Park; take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and explore the local island town and views.

Nashville is a bustling city full of vibrant history, not just from the Music industry but American history as well! The city is also a premiere destination for shopping, live music, and an up-and-coming foodie scene.  It’s also one of the fastest growing cities in the US thanks to its bustling night-life and entertainment scene, and exciting things to do. Of course, it’s also quite beautiful with plenty of parks and trails to explore as well as historic buildings and museums. We highly recommend checking out this colorful, creative, and lively city! more Our list is by no means an exhaustive one, and there are so many more places to explore beyond what we’ve listed, but if you’re only there for a short time, our list will get you the core vision of the city in just a few days.  So, what are you waiting for? Hop in your new car from Classic Kia of Waukegan and let’s explore Nashville together! Ryman Hall is the former site of the Grand Ole Opry, and one of music’s most iconic stages!  Known as the “Mother Church”, the facility is a world renowned concert hall that has a rich and storied history in music legend!  Book a self guided, guided backstage, or VIP tour to learn about the history of the venue, view the rock and roll hall of fame exhibit, and learn more about Nashville’s legendary presence in the music industry. Grand Ole Opry is a classic Nashville Tour Stop! Book a behind the scenes tour, learn about the past and present of country music, and learn the history of the venue and its evolution since 1925 when it began as a 1-hour radio show on WSM. And of course, you’ll have to book tickets to a show to experience the magic live for yourself! Texas Troubadour Theatre is a wonderful historic spot to enjoy live radio shows and musical performances, and is also home to a non denominational Sunday worship service if you’re into that sort of thing. It’s right across the street to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which would be the perfect way to end your day, enjoying live music with the family! Country Music Hall of Fame Museum showcases an extensive musical collection with more than 2 million artifacts from the country music recording industry. It’s one of the country’s premiere institutes and libraries for preserving American music history, as well as one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to music. Visit on your own self-guided, or schedule a tour with a local guide and group. “Music Row” is set in the heart of Nashville, and is home to just about every record label, radio station, and recording studio in the Country Music industry.  Many streets in the area are even named in honour of country music stars!  You can take a sightseeing tour and get an in-depth look at the industry for a more intimate experience.  You’ll even find RCA Studio B, home to recording artists like Elvis and Dolly Parton!  And if you play your cards right, you might catch a glimpse of some of your country music faves as they head in for a session or stroll about the town. Tennessee State Museum is a wonderful new place to explore the history of Tennessee in depth!  The rotating series of exhibitions and permanent collections cover the rich cultural history of the state.  Enjoy lectures and workshops on the history of community, culinary traditions, entertainment and music, sports and so much more.  Explore and learn about the Civil War, check out artifacts and clothing, and get an up close look at history. Lane Motor Museum of course holds a special place in our heart as car enthusiasts. It is home to the largest collection of European Cars and Motorcycles in the whole USA!   Explore the permanent collection and a rotating series of exhibits with memorabilia, media, and more.  Your whole family will love looking at the unique cars and vehicles and archival goodies! Frist Art Museum is located in the historical building of a former US Post Office, this 24,000 square foot facility is dedicated to providing locals with a rotating collection of arts programming, historical artifacts, and in depth overview of art from around the globe.  You’ll find everything from paintings to sculptures to lectures to historical costuming!  It’s a fantastic place where fun meets curiosity and education. Natchez Trace Parkway is a historic forest trail and roadway that runs 400+ miles from Nashville down to Natchez in Mississippi, and is a great mini-road trip side step on your getaway.  This route commemorates the “Old Natchez Trace” route, originally created and used by Native Americans in the region for centuries; later, European traders and American explorers used it as a trade/travel route between eastern states and southern frontier land with food and lodging stations dotting the way.  It’s now one of the most used Federal Roads in the entire National Parks System! Marathon Village is housed in the brick building of the former Marathon Motor Works automotive factory which was built in 1881! This historic building is home to a bustling creative community including small businesses, one-of-a-kind retail shops, a bourbon distillery, antiques shops and more. You’ll also find a wide variety of  special events, workshops, and lecture series open to the public. Plus, it’s a hotspot for eclectic nightlife activities and offers a plethora of dining options for all tastes and palettes. The Nashville Parthenon at Centennial Park is an incredibly impressive full-scale replica of the Athens Parthenon in Greece, since Nashville was known as “Athens of the South.”  Originally built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Expo, the city tore the structure down in 1920, rebuilt it  in 1931, and it was again renovated and restored in 2001.  The Parthenon is open 7 days a week to the general public

Today we’re sharing some of our favorite coastal-vibe beach getaways that you can enjoy without leaving the midwest!  That’s right, the beaches and destinations on our list are evocative of any west coast, east coast, or gulf coast beach without having to drive very far!  You’ll enjoy fine sand beaches, pebbly coastal views, shoreline hikes, and more.  What’s not to love about an affordable and accessible beach day? Exactly!  So, what are you waiting for? Hop on in your new car from Classic of Waukegan and let’s hit the road to summer vacation bliss. more Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has a beautiful Lake Michigan beachfront and is the place to be for summer sun and fun.  Enjoy an afternoon of sunning on the sand, stroll along the beach, or jump in for a swim. Did you know that you can also surf on Lake Michigan?  Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak offer lessons for adventure seekers.  Additional places to explore include North Bar Lake and Glen Lake which offer a little bit warmer and shallower water than Lake Michigan.  Platte River Point Beach offers the option to swim in both the river and Lake Michigan, and it’s also perfect for tubing and paddleboarding or even just quietly floating. Esch Beach is located at the mouth of Otter Creek and makes a fantastic family destination; leashed pets are also welcomed in some areas of the beach.  Glen Haven Beach is a one-stop shop for summer fun including picnicking, camping, and water sports! Ludington State Park has several beaches to choose from. Hamlin Lake Beach has calm waters and sandy beaches, and is truly a prime location for family summer vacation. It’s also got a lovely playground, picnic shelter area, restrooms, and concessions for your convenience. The second beach extends along the shores of Lake Michigan and offers a more lowkey beach experience including sunning, swimming, and playing in the waves.. There are also miles and miles of gorgeous sand dunes to explore as well on either side of the state park. Big Bay State Park is located on the eastern side of Madeline Island, largest of the Apostle Islands.  You’ll find stunning sandstone bluffs with 4 miles of shoreline along Lake Superior. It also has a 1-mile boardwalk, a 1.5 mile swimming beach with sand, and family campgrounds for a full experience. You’ll feel like you’re vacationing on the ocean, instead of a lake. It’s a truly pristine location for summer vacation. Orchard Beach State Park sits atop a 100-foot bluff overlooking the stunning waters of Lake MIchigan. You’ll find stellar panoramic lake views, unmatched sunsets, and beachside hikes. Due to recent erosion issues, visitors don’t have any beach/water access, but there’s still plenty to do!  With 201 acres on the shore of Lake Michigan, you’ll be able to enjoy some coastal summer camping, several miles of self-guided hiking trails, plus you’ll be very close to local shopping, eateries, and even boardwalk along the river.  Hop in your car and head down a short ways away to 5th Avenue Beach to enjoy some fun in the sun and sand with your family. Oval Beach Michigan is part of the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, and you’ll see exactly why it’s included on several “best of beaches” lists with some of the world’s best!  You’ll find plenty of parking, a picnic area, concession stand, and miles of sweeping shorelines framed by rolling dunes.  It’s got gorgeous fine sand beaches for sandcastles, sunning, and strolling, as well as crystal blue waters that are perfect for swimming and fishing. You’ll never know you’re not on a coastal ocean shoreline, except for the lack of saltwater and sharks of course. It’s the perfect tropical oasis in the Midwest!

Today we’re celebrating Cultural Communities Week by focusing on one of the most fantastic things about living here in the US – there are so many unique and vibrant cultures that make this one exciting place to live. We’re sharing some of the most immersive and diverse cultural festivals all across the US, so you can plan your next road trip accordingly.  Center your next trip around one of these great annual festivals, and you’ll not only have a great time and be entertained, but we bet you’ll learn something new, too!  We’ve loved connecting with the local community over the years here in Waukegan, and can’t wait to expand our knowledge to learn even more about everyone’s heritage! So let’s get to know one another, explore the vast multicultural perspectives out there, and connect with people while having the time of our lives and making unforgettable memories.  Get out your calendars because you don’t want to miss these incredible cultural festivals across the US! more The Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival in South Carolina This festival commemorates the celebration called Decoration Day, and educates the masses about the history and traditions of Gullah Culture. The festival hosts panels and discussions along with special presentations on Gullah Heritage, but that’s not all! There are numerous Jazz and drum musicians, singers, dances and traditional spoken word storytelling.  Learn all about Sweetgrass Basket Weaving’s origins in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and how it was brought to the Lowcountry of South Carolina. You’ll even have your chance to try it first-hand to make a keepsake sweetgrass project. If you’re looking for something a little more familiar, Crocheting or African American Quilting classes may be more your speed.  Creative folks will really be interested to learn more about the history of the Gullah’s She’ke’re West African percussion instrument, and meet the artist in person!  Abayomi ragdoll making expands on the Yoruba cultural history lesson and is an easy crafting workshop for all ages. The Miami Goombay Festival This vibrant festival celebrates the culture and community heritage of the Bahamian people with three days of music, food, and tradition!  With entertainment ranging from cultural programming and lectures to live music and dance performances, and family-friendly activities there’s something to entertain everyone!  The star of the festival, however, is the Junkanoo, a centuries-old tradition of rhythmic drumming, fantastical elaborate costumes, and a lively street procession. Vendors will also be showcasing Bahamian fashion and art, and serving up classic Bahamian dishes such as conch fitters and conch salad!  It’s one of South Florida’s longest running cultural events, and has a sterling reputation for being a must-see destination each year! Chicago’s Caribbean Carnival Weekend in Chicago, Illinois This lively and vivacious annual event aims to help preserve and celebrate the Caribbean culture and history of the Chicago community.  With 5 different events held over a three day Summer weekend, this bustling celebration features some of the biggest names in Caribbean entertainment and SOCA music, live DJs and dance demonstrations.  This family-friendly event is chock-full of excitement and you’ll get to enjoy more than 20 musical artists, opportunities to meet local influencers, special event vendors and artists and shopping markets, local food and beverage vendors, Caribbean bands, and an absolutely effervescent parade. Bavarian Blast Festival in New Ulm, Minnesota Held annually each summer in New Ulm, this unique festival prides itself on being the biggest party of the summer for the local area. It’s a 4-day event that has grown in popularity, and outgrew its original roots at local German Park, now held at the Brown County Fairgrounds.  It's energetic and enthusiastic in celebrating the region’s German heritage.  For its 17th year running, the festival promises plenty of live music and dance, family-friendly activities, a sauerkraut-eating contest, beer-stein holding contest, barrel rolling, dog racing, and plenty of polka! Each day is a full schedule of bands, singers, and entertainers in Schell’s Tent. Or enjoy the dancing and demonstrations at KNVJ Polka Hall. Closing out the event is the unforgettable Bavarian Blast Parade! Des Moines Iowa World Food and Music Festival Each year this festival brings together a melting pot of global culture, cuisine, art, music, and more.  This three-day event showcases the beautiful unity of arts and food by celebrating the diverse people who helped build our country.  Guests of all ages will enjoy a rich experience steeped in history, the arts, and community spirit.  Attendees will be able to sign up for cultural activities, sample local and global food from vendors, and shop a multitude of artisanal goods in the marketplace.  And of course, plenty of live music, entertainment, dance, and more to enjoy.  The US District Court will also kick things off at the start of the fest with a special Naturalization Ceremony, where attendees will witness individuals from all around the world become a US citizen; it’s a great way to celebrate our differences and unite on common grounds. The Diwali Festival of San Antonio, Texas This unique festival experience celebrates the traditional Indian holiday of Diwali, the festival of lights.  Diwali is traditionally celebrated over the course of 5 days with festive feasts, gatherings with family and loved ones, fireworks displays, rangoli  artworks with oil lamps, and more.  The San Antonio festival started in 2009 as a celebration of the “Sister-City” relationship between Chennai, India and San Antonio, Texas. It has since blossomed into a major celebration for the city! Celebrations include ceremonial floating candle lighting along the River Walk, traditional Indian dance celebrations, delectable Indian cuisine from local restaurants and food trucks, art and merchant booths, vendors selling traditional Indian attire, and so much more. And of course, at the end of the night there’s a truly impressive fireworks spectacular! National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City, New York Celebrating the rich Puerto Rican cultural history of local immigrant populations and the country itself, this day is an explosion of excitement and entertainment while raising awareness about the community’s contributions to the world.  The parade starts in the morning and makes its way from 44th street to 5th Avenue to 79th Street.  Each year features a new theme, and  features fantastic floats, explosive entertainment and musical acts, dazzling folkloric dance demonstrations, incredible costumes and traditional dress, and of course plenty of family-friendly activities, food, and shopping. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico For nine incredible days, Balloon Fiesta Park becomes a true spectacle to behold as 600 balloons fill the grounds and the sky for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What started as a small gathering of 13 balloonists has grown into both the largest ballooning event and the most photographed event in the world! Plan to spend at least 3 days here at minimum, so you have better odds of witnessing the incredible balloon launches early in the morning. You’ll experience everything from gas balloon races, to flying competitions, to uniquely shaped balloons, drone light shows, live music in Balloon Festival Park, chainsaw carving competitions, car shows, carnival games and rides, and so very much more.

We may be in the middle of prime Beach Day time, but there’s nothing like a late summer campout to really kick back and relax.  Get prepped now so you’re ready to go when swim season winds down. Today on the blog, we’re sharing some great gear for the perfect road trip and car campout experience.  We’ve gathered the best portable creature comforts to ensure you have a home away from home, even if you’re back country camping! more First up we have the Compressible Pillow Cinch, designed to pack up small and be light weight to transport from site to site even while hiking. With three different sizes and patterns to choose from, we adore this option from Therm-a-Rest. It’s also a great airport travel choice for those late night flights.  Priced under $40 at REI. The Kelty Catena 30 Sleeping Bag comes in two color options and is rated to keep you cozy down to 30 degrees, perfect for late summer campouts before the weather dips too chilly. At just under 4lbs, this is also a breeze to carry in its easy to sling Stuff Sack!  Priced under $60 at REI. The REI Co-Op Trailmade 20 Sleeping Bag comes in 6 different sizes/width combos and two different colors!  It’s also portable, packable, and comfortable for end of summer, early fall nights in the mountains.  It’s easy to carry and comes in a convenient stuff-sack for portability. Priced under $100 at REI. You and your pals, be they human or four-legged furry ones, will have a very comfortable, safe sleep in the Skylodge 4-Person Instant Camping Tent by Coleman! It sets up in minutes and offers ample room to stretch out, plenty of storage space, an option to hang a lamp from the center, and packs up easily for portability from site to site.  The polyester and fiberglass construction means it’s durable and water resistant, and metal framing means it can withstand up to 35mph winds.  Plus, it’s got enough room to fit a queen size inflatable mattress – great even for a little luxury solo camp! Priced under $250 at REI. This comfy Parks Project portable chair is not only comfortable, portable, and convenient, it’s for a good cause!  The foldable chair sets up in minutes, and features stylish artwork by Caroline Clark.  Plus, the funds from each sale go towards preserving our National Park lands!  Priced under $100 on Parks Project site. This cushion is not only stylish and comfortable but it’s handmade and supports indie makers and our national parks!  Created especially for Parks Project, this cushion is perfect for traveling and road tripping, featuring durable fabric and cotton webbing for easy transport.  Priced under $100 on Parks Project. The Lowdown Couch by Kelty i s a top of the line camping couch. With room for 3 people, or 2 humans and 1 needy dog with a lack of personal space, this couch is meant for relaxation.  Have a lie down and chill with your cup of coffee to watch the sunrise, or curl up at night next to the fire for a cozy s’mores date. It’s easy to pack, easy to carry, and surprisingly comfortable. Comes in two colors and is priced under $180 at REI. YETI’s 700 portable power generator is a must-have for those who prefer to live off-grid on their road trips and campsites.  It’s a plug-and-play option with solar powered charging, so you’ll never have to worry about carrying containers of fuel around.  It powers everything from laptops to tablets to gaming devices and phones, as well as featuring wall outlet options for lights and small cooking appliances.  Works in weather conditions as chilly as  32º or as warm as 104º! Priced just under $700 on REI, perfect for off-grid travelers.

We’ve got a second edition of the Community Calendar this month; our first edition highlighted where to find fireworks displays and 4th of July celebrations around the Chicagoland area and Lake County.  Today, we’re bringing you events from family friendly fun to adults only trivia nights to wine tastings and food trucks and more!  So get ready, because July is heating up with some scorching summer fun. more Family Relaxing At Outdoor Summer Event Beach Fest is coming to Round Lake Beach Civic Center on Saturday July 5th! The Mundelein Community Days Car Show rolls into town on Saturday July 5th from 9AM to 3PM! Lincolnshire Arts Festival is hitting the Village Green on July 5th and July 6th from 10AM to 5PM. Brothers’ Field Flavor Days is hosting “America the Beautiful” Summer Food series event on July 6th from 1PM to 4PM in Long Grove. Louis Glunz Wines Tasting is coming to Beer Bazaar in Grayslake on Wednesday July 9th from 3PM to 6PM during the Grayslake Farmers Market event. Nicole Devine Music will be performing at Tighthead Brewing Company on July 10th from 7PM to 9PM. Lady A will be performing at Zion Park District on Thursday July 10th from 7PM to 8:30PM at the Zion park District Band Shell for an evening of R&B and Blues. Food Truck Thursdays with the Ravinia Parks District will be hosting a special “Broadway Takes Center Stage” event in Highland Park on July 10th. Come on down to Candles & Cannolis hands-on class at Romney Brown Candle Co in Grayslake from 6PM to 8PM on July 11th. The Glow and Gather Nature Event at the Heller Nature Center invites people to participate in a firefly monitoring program and lecture; $14 admission ages 3+ welcomed on Friday July 11th in Highland Park. Scoop Waukegan 2025 Car Show is heading to downtown Waukegan on Friday July 11th and Saturday July 12th  with live entertainment, vendors, and family activities. Enjoy a free movie night outdoors for “If” as part of the Movies in the Park series at Waukegan’s Diversity Park starting at 8:30PM on Saturday July 12th including a free family art activity. Come one come all to the free Beach Bash from 11AM to 2Pm on Saturday July 14th at the Mundelein Parks and Recreation district event. The Art Impact Project is offering 90 minute sessions to foster emotional wellness through creative expression at the Dunbar Recreation Center in Mundelein on July 15th. The Flick and Float event at Deerspring Pool in Deerfield takes place on July 19th at 8PM; enjoy a family movie night while floating around in the pool for a cool summer treat! Daily fee for non-passholders. Enjoy Live Music at Lindy’s every Thursday from 6PM to 9PM at Lindys Landing Restaurant and Marina through 7/24. Grab your friends and come on out to BBQ’d in Lake Zurich for Big Bang Trivia and Barbecue = The Ultimate Equation event on Thursday July 24th from 6PM to 8PM. The Library Learning Garden of Lincolnshire is hosting a Family Friday event on July 11th and 25th as well as August 1st and 8th and 10th starting at 11AM for infants and kids up through Grade 5

We’re going to start off our typical community calendar with an extra special Bang this month – for the Fourth of July, that is!  We’ll be highlighting a one-stop shop for your independence day festivities this year, all around the county and surrounding areas.  Plus, we’ve got some bonus fun activities to do for the rest of the month on our second calendar post!  So, make sure you’re bookmarking the Classic Kia of Waukegan’s Local Community Calendars for July because it’s going to be an exciting month. Where to see fireworks if you’re near Chicago? We’ve got you covered! more vibrant new years banner with fireworks and cheering crowd Fireworks on Thursday July 3rd 2025 Aurora Fireworks will begin at 9PM on July 3rd with best viewing at Aurora Transportation Center and McCullough Park; festivities will be followed by a parade in Downtown Aurora on Friday July 4th at 10AM. Bridgeview Park District will host fireworks beginning at 9:15PM at Commissioners Park. Burr Ridge will host its annual fireworks display at dusk on July 3rd at Walker Park; the Family Fun Area opens as early as 5:30 with family friendly activities and games + food trucks. Deerfield fireworks display will begin at 9:15PM and is best viewed from Shepard Park; the following day on July 4th will be a parade beginning at 12PM with family friendly activities. Glencoe will begin its fireworks at 9PM at Lakefront Park, but the family friendly party begins at 5PM; the following day there will be a Fun Run at 8AM followed by a parade at 1PM. Lemont will begin fireworks to be viewed from Centennial Park at 9:30 with festivities starting at 4PM including food vendors and kids activities and live music. Lisle will be hosting fireworks at 9:30PM with a family friendly event starting at 5:30; parade to follow the next day at 10AM with an ice cream social to follow. Lockport is beginning their fireworks at dusk, best viewed from Dellwood Park. Mokena will be hosting a family friendly afternoon followed by fireworks at 9:30PM; the parade will follow at 10AM the next day. Oak Brook will be extending the Taste of Oakbrook festivities from 4PM on and including a drone show with live music and fireworks at 9:30. Palos Heights will be hosting a family fun day starting at 10AM with fireworks to be held at Memorial Park at 9:30PM; parade to follow the next day at 12PM. Palatine will be hosting fireworks as part of the Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest from July 2nd through the 6th with fireworks on the 3rd at dusk. Carnival event for the 4th starts at 1PM. Park Ridge will be hosting fireworks at dusk with free live entertainment starting at 6PM. Romeoville is hosting 3 simultaneous fireworks shows at 9:30 to be launched from Volunteer Park, Lukancic Middle SChool and Discovery Park – synchronized music available on 96.7. Wheaton fireworks will take place at Graf Park starting at 9PM, after a family friendly day of activities for the holiday; parade downtown to follow on the 4th. Fireworks on Friday July 4th Antioch will host a parade at 10:30AM, festivities starting at 4PM for activities, and fireworks at Dusk at Sequoit Creek Park. Bartlett is hosting a four day long event with fireworks on Friday at 9:15PM and a parade to follow on Saturday at 10AM. Beecher 4th of July Fest is running from July 2nd through the 5th with parade at 4PM on the 4th and fireworks at 9:30. Bensenville fireworks will be a part of Libertyfest, starting with a 10AM parade on the 4th followed by libations and music at 6PM, and fireworks at 9:30PM Blue Island will host a parade at noon with fireworks begin at dusk at Waterfall Park. Bolingbrook fireworks begin at dusk on the 4th with remote viewing options at Eichelberger Elementary School and JFK Middle School; grounds open at 3PM for festivities. Buffalo Grove fun begins at 7PM with fireworks at 9PM. Carol Stream fireworks begin at 9:15PM. DeKalb fireworks start 30 minutes after sunset on the 4th. Downers Grove and Woodridge fireworks will be at 9:30PM on the 4th. Elgin fireworks begin at dusk at Festival Park, but parade will commence at 9AM including a pet parade! Elk Grove Village will hoist fireworks starting at 8PM in Elk Grove Village Rotary Green. Evanston Fireworks will take place over the lake at 9:30PM. Frankfort fireworks will begin at 9:15PM on the 4th at Main Park. Glenview fireworks will begin at Gallery Park starting at 6PM with food and music and a display at 9:20PM. Glen Ellyn fireworks will begin at dusk at Lake Ellyn Park; parade is at 12PM noon on the 4th. LAke Forest is celebrating with a Taylor Swift Tribute band followed by fireworks show at the concert’s end on the 4th in Deerpath Community Park. Lake Zurich fireworks show will be at Paulus Park at 9:15PM following Family Day starting at 10AM. Libertyville fireworks display at 9:30 PM at Butler lake with live music beginning at 7:30PM preceding the festivities. Lincolnshire fireworks will begin at 9:30 PM at Spring Lake Park; celebratory activities on July 3rd and 4th including a parade. Lombard will set off fireworks at 9:30 PM on the 4th in Madison Meadow Park. Morton Grove Days will run from July 3rd through the 6th and will include fireworks on the 4th at dusk. Mount Prosper is hosting fireworks at 9:30PM at Melas Park, with a multi day festival from July 2nd through the 6th; short fireworks will also take place on the 2nd at 9:30PM. Mundelein village center will be hosting fireworks beginning at 9:30PM as part of a multiday celebration from July 3rd through the 6th. Naperville fireworks will begin at 9:30PM on the 4th. New Lenox fireworks begin at 9:15 PM at the village commons on the 4th. Northbrook will host a family fun day starting at 7:30AM and commencing with a parade at 4PM followed by fireworks in the evening. North Riverside fireworks will be held on the 4th at dusk with a 10AM parade before it. Oak Lawn fireworks will be held at dusk on July 4th. Orland Park fireworks will follow at 5PM Parade and concert at 5:30; fireworks start at 9:30PM. Oswego fireworks will begin at 9:30PM. Rockford is hosting an all day event with fireworks to follow at 9:30PM Rosemont fireworks will proceed after the Silver Bullets show on the 4th. Schaumberg fireworks will take place after the close of the Schaumburg Boomers Baseball Game. Skokie fireworks will be held at the Niles West High School after dusk; Firework FEstival activities begin at 6:30PM. St Charles Fireworks will begin after it gets dark on the 4th. Tinley Park is hosting July 4th fireworks at 9:30PM. Vernon Hills fireworks can be seen at 9:15PM. Warrenville activities will begin on the 3rd and 4th with a parade on both days and fireworks at 9:30 on the 4th. Westmont fireworks will be held at 9:30PM on the 4th. Winnetka fireworks will follow a 10AM parade and fireworks display at 9:20PM. Yorkville fireworks will begin at dusk on the 4th following a 9AM parade.

We’ve highlighted quite a few visits to national and state parks this year, and of course we know you’ll want to document it!  If you find yourself feeling a little intimidated by the idea of taking snaps of the great outdoors, we’ve got great news for you. The equipment you have on hand is just fine, yes even your smartphone!  You don’t need a fancy DSLR or expensive equipment to snap a picture of beautiful scenery or wildlife, we all carry a wonderful high tech camera right in our pockets: the smartphone! And you can even do it right from the comfort of your car (after you’ve pulled over safely to a scenic viewpoint or a road shoulder.) more Here’s some beginner tips to try: We do not advocate photographing while you are driving, and we do not recommend nor advocate that you do this if conditions are perilous, busy, or hazardous in any way.  Safety first always! While on your next road trip, plan a visit to stop off at various vista points and “Scenic view” signs on the highway, and if no one else is around, consider parking your car in the center for a scenic profile shot! Apply the use of motion blur judiciously, and use a fast shutter speed whenever you want to freeze your landscape clearly.  A fast shutter speed from a moving vehicle of passing landscapes will ensure that you have clear cut images without the need to stop your car or use a tripod.  A fast shutter speed allows less light in, so you’ll need to up your ISO to assist in the proper exposure.  Practice makes perfect, so keep working at it until you find the right settings and shutter speed for your need Set your phone camera in a dashboard holder and set it to burst mode or timelapse as you head down a road and see what you capture along the way. It can be a lot of fun to document thrilling drives down winding roads, mountainscapes, sprawling highways, and document the changing landscapes from nature to metropolitan along the way. If you’re a passenger, try and take a moment to snap some photos while the vehicle is in motion, especially if there are animals along the road. A blurry photo may at first seem like a wasted shot but sometimes it can add a sense of dynamic movement and life to your memory books. Remain seatbelted in case of any accident. When you’re out in the field, bring along a sturdy, balanced tripod to take clear shots and you can then focus on composition and timing. Shooting during the “golden hour” is preferable, so time your visits along the hours of sunrise and just before sunset for optimal lighting. Use the “grid” feature to compose your image, and avoid using digital zoom. The Rule of Thirds is your friend here! Don’t be afraid to experiment with creative angles by getting low to the ground, or tilting your phone to capture things at a new angle instead of straight on. To avoid a pixelated picture, resist that digital zoom option on your phone. Move closer to your subject, or utilize the grid to frame the scene within squares to crop the image using a photo app like Snapseed or Photoshop Express to cut down the image and center in closer for more clarity. Now let’s check out a fun list of places that would make a great little road trip for nature photography around the midwest!  Check it out: Big Manitou Falls near Superior, WI is home to Big Manitou Falls and Little Manitou Falls and a beautiful trail system for hiking, camping, birding, and more! Lake Wissota State Park in Chippewa Falls, WI is a 1,062 acre state park set along the northeast shore of Lake Wissota reservoir. It’s great for camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and it even has a beautiful beach! Devils Lake State Park Baraboo, WI is a gorgeous state park set along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail with gorgeous scenic views of Quartzite bluffs along each of the many trails.  There’s plenty of scenic views to behold, and it’s perfect for both experienced hikers and novices. Pafrey’s Glen State Natural Area near Merrimac, WI is set within Devils Lake State Park and is a designated State Natural Area, the first one of its kind in Wisconsin!  There’s a 1.7 mile trail that boasts spectacular views of the sandstone gorge, and has access to a waterfall. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore near Bayfield, WI is an incredible destination year round for photographers.  This National Park is filled with islands, waterfront caves, and lighthouses.  You’ll have spectacular views of beaches and cliffs and local wildlife, as well as sprawling views of crystal clear water. Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve has a wide variety of prairie wildflowers and gorgeous prairie grasses which are in their prime viewing from May through August.  Since it’s open from sunrise to sunset, you’ll have a very good opportunity to observe wildlife active during different parts of the day!  It’s surrounded on both sides by housing and manmade structures, making for a unique perspective about how we coexist with nature. Garden of the Gods Shawnee National Forest near Herod, Illinois and Equality, Illinois is one of the most photographed locations in the whole state!  Whether you’re camping or hiking or here for a photo excursion, you’ll find plenty of scenic views and gorgeous sandstone rock formations. Pratt’s Woods Nature Preserve in Wayne IL is the largest DuPage County forest preserve, and offers numerous hiking, birding, and fishing options. It’s also a prime heron rookery during spring nesting season, making it an absolute must for bird loving photographers! Starved Rock State Park in Lasalle County near Oglesby, IL has gorgeous scenery that changes depending on the season, including seasonal waterfalls, beautiful caves with deep green mosses and trees, and many brooks and streams.  It’s so popular, in fact, that it’s one of the top destinations for local travelers! North Avenue Beach in Chicago IL is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and offers stunning views of both the lakeshore beach and the Chicago metropolitan skyline, highlighting a magical juxtaposition of man and nature together.