5 Fun Chicago Destinations

PEKIN, Ill., – Summer has officially arrived in Illinois and we’d like to inspire you to take a road trip adventure! We picked 5 fun Chicago destinations to see this summer. Chicago is located about 170 miles northeast of Pekin, right on Lake Michigan. It will take you a little less than 3 hours to get there, the perfect distance for a road trip! We think you’ll like these fun places:

Oz Park 

Oz Park is The Wizard of Oz themed park located in the Lincoln Park community of Chicago. The park was originally an effort to enhance the community. Now it serves as a unique playground and park featuring fun statues of Oz characters.

Lincoln Park Zoo 

Lincoln Park Zoo is a completely free outdoor attraction located in Lincoln Park in Chicago. The zoo features tons of different wildlife including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Did we mention it’s free?

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool 

Originally built in 1889 as part of a Victorian garden, the lily pool was adopted by Alfred Caldwell in 1936. The Lincoln Park Conservancy picked it up in 1997 and brought it back to its former glory. They now maintain the beautiful 2.7 acre historical landmark.

Navy Pier 

Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most well renowned attractions and landmarks. With so much food, the Ferris wheel, and its redeveloped atmosphere, there’s something at Navy Pier for everyone. Be sure to check their website for lists of events and activities.

The International Museum of Surgical Science 

If you need to get out of the heat or the rain this summer, and you want a different museum experience than the art, science, and field museums offer, check out the International Museum of Surgical Science. The IMSS is the only museum in North America dedicated to the history of surgery!

We hope these 5 fun Chicago destinations pique your interest and motivate you to hit the road! If you decide to go on any road trips this summer, be sure your car is up to date on all of its maintenance. Head over to our new Summer Car Care at Velde Ford Pekin pages to help you keep your car running smoothly. If you’d like to schedule a service appointment you can fill out our online form. Don’t forget to check our Service FAQ page for more information.

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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5 Travel Snacks Perfect for any Road Trip

PEKIN, Ill. – With summer approaching quickly, it’s time to get your road trips planned and organized. First, you need to start with picking your perfect destination. Want to explore a city? Try Chicago! Looking for more of a family vacation spot? Check out the Wisconsin Dells! Once you figure out your destination, it’s time to start thinking about what you need to pack. That’s one list we can help you with though! You’re in charge of packing your shoes and clothes, but we’ve got you covered with the food. Check out these 5 travel snacks perfect for any road trip! From healthy to not so much, and from salty to sweet, your trip will be awesome with these treats in the passenger seat.

5 Travel Snacks That Are Perfect for any Road Trip

Homemade Crunch Apple Chips

Peanut Butter Bliss Bars

S’mores Snack Mix

Parmesan Ranch OysterCrackers

Homemade Fruit Rollups

Don’t forget to check out our spring car care section on our website. Make sure your vehicle gets the routine maintenance it needs this season so it’s road trip ready for the summer. Schedule your spring service appointment with our experts at Velde Ford. We’re happy to take care of anything you need in the Pekin area. If you’re looking for a new Ford for your summer road trips check out the 2016 Ford Expedition EL. With plenty of space, safety features, and technology features the whole family will love this SUV.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram

6 Traveling Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe

VELDE, Ill. – Summer road trips are the best! With spring finally here, your family might already be thinking about where your vacation destination will be this year. If you’re going camping or visiting other family members, it’s likely you’re bringing the dog along with you, because they’re family too. Your safety on the road is always very important to us, but your furry friend’s safety is just as important. If you’re taking a road trip with the whole family this spring or summer, follow these 6 traveling tips to keep your dog safe.

6 Traveling Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe

1. The front seat is for humans. We know your dog looks like a great copilot, but he/she is not safe in the front seat. First off, if an accident occurs and the airbag deploys, they could seriously get hurt, even if they’re in a crate. Second, it’s very distracting to you as a driver to have them sitting in the front seat with you. Your eyes should always be focused on the road.
2. Pets shouldn’t roam in the vehicle. Going along with the first tip, this is a huge distraction to the drive and also another safety risk for your canine friend. You can either get them an appropriate sized crate and anchor it down so it doesn’t bounce or slide or you can get a dog seatbelt that will keep them safely tied to the seat comfortably.
3. Don’t skip rest stops! Your dog doesn't have a voice to tell you when he might need to use the bathroom, so stop intermittently to make sure they're ok. Not only that, but being cramped inside a car for too long isn’t good for you or your dog. Go for a walk and stretch your legs. This can also help with their rambunctiousness in the vehicle. Keep in mind that when you’re letting your dog out of the car he/she should have their collar and leash on with a name tag.
4. Keep your dog’s head inside the vehicle. We know that your dog loves sticking their head out the window, but this can be dangerous for him/her. Flying debris and other objects can get into your dog’s eyes, and the cold air from the wind can actually get into their lungs and make them sick. So while they may look like they’re enjoying themselves, it’s not worth their safety.
5. Don’t ever leave your dog alone in the car. This is a big no-no. Even if it’s nice outside, your vehicle gets much hotter in a small period of time. Cracking your window isn’t the best idea either; it can still get too hot in there for them. Also, what may seem like a short amount of time for you, is not for your dog. This could also cause anxiety. 
6. Give you dog as much comfort as possible. Some dogs like traveling, and others don’t. Either way, trying to comfort them with a familiar toy or some company from a person that’s not driving is important. This will keep our dog from getting to excited or anxious. Keep in mind that this should not be the job of just one person, try switching off duties every hour or so.

With these traveling tips, you and your dog will have a great road trip vacation. Before you start your road trip though, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready to go. Check out our service FAQ page to learn about the routine maintenance your vehicle needs to perform its best. We’re happy to take care of your brakes, tires, wipers, or anything else you need before you hit the road. You can schedule a service appointment online or over the phone by calling (888) 221-2804.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram