Cadillac Begins Shipping ELRs to Dealerships

General Motors’ Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly today began shipping 2014 Cadillac ELR electric luxury vehicles to dealerships.

The ELR luxury coupe is the first application of Extended Range Electric Vehicle technology by a full-line luxury automotive brand. It blends dramatic design and industry-leading extended-range technology to deliver a driving experience that is sporty and environmentally friendly.

The ELR’s driving range, which combines battery-only electric power with a range-extending gasoline-powered electric generator provides total driving range exceeding 300 miles (480 km). The extended range technology is uniquely tuned for Cadillac in the ELR. Most daily commutes will require no gasoline and emit no tailpipe emissions.

Today’s event marked the return of Cadillac production at Detroit-Hamtramck after a two-year hiatus. Employees last built the Cadillac DTS large sedan from 2006 to 2011.

Detroit-Hamtramck, which opened in 1985, is represented by UAW Local 22. In addition to the ELR, employees build the all-new Chevrolet Impala, Malibu and Volt; and Opel Ampera extended-range electric vehicle.

The plant has built some of GM’s best-selling and most important cars. The first vehicle produced for sale at Detroit-Hamtramck was a Cadillac Eldorado, which came off the end of the line on Feb. 4, 1985. Since then, more than 3.5 million Cadillac, Buick and Chevrolet cars have been built there.

"Smart Grid Ready" Explained

As you may have heard, the highly-anticipated Cadillac ELR will come directly out of the factory with the capability to communicate with the electric grid. Coined as "Smart Grid ready", this functionality promises some serious benefits. But, what are they and how does it work?

The ELR will use two existing technologies in conjunction with one another to make the system work. One is extended range electric vehicle technology. This is what come standard, in one form or another, on all GM hybrid-electric vehicles. The other system it will utilize is the OnStar cloud-based connection, which as you know is another common feature in newer model cars.

These technologies combined can be accessed via the RemoteLink Mobile App.

This application will allow drivers to monitor the current state of their ELR's metrics, such as: current state of charge, electric range and electric miles driven.

In addition, it will also empower ELR owners to control and schedule vehicle charging. For example, you could tell the car to charge only during off-peak hours, essentially saving you money. This is just one feature that will surely benefit customers. In the future, the implications of this type of technology are massive. 

“While RemoteLink is really our first Smart Grid service to be available for consumers, the same connection we use to enable the app’s EV functions can be used to open the door for more energy cost and load control benefits,” said Russ Eling, manager, Smart Grid and EV Services, General Motors.

Tell us, is this type of technology something you would be interested in?

Browse our current selection of vehicles by visiting the Rohrich Cadillac website. 

Cadillac Collaborates with Saks Fifth Avenue for 2013 Holiday Season

Exclusive White Diamond 2014 ELR offered in holiday catalog

Cadillac is collaborating with Saks Fifth Avenue this holiday season to create a unique window display featuring the all-new 2015 Escalade luxury SUV, and to offer an exclusive special-edition 2014 Saks Fifth Avenue ELR electrified luxury coupe through the 2013 Saks Holiday Catalog. Cadillac was also the official vehicle of Saks’ fall First LOOK Campaign.

Cadillac and Saks Fifth Avenue are rolling out their holiday festivities, hosting events at Saks retail stores in key markets with more events to follow throughout the fall and early winter.

On November 25, Cadillac and Saks Fifth Avenue will reveal a specially designed “Frozen Escalade” window display at the Saks flagship store near Rockefeller Center on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The display will feature a White Diamond 2015 Escalade with functioning light-emitting diode, or LED, running lamps, which appear embedded and breaking through a wall of ice. 

This year’s Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Catalog features the 2014 Saks Fifth Avenue Special Edition Cadillac ELR. This package, limited to 100 units, will include a 2014 Cadillac ELR with a White Diamond exterior paint color only available through this package. Buyers will be able to choose between a Jet Black or Light Cashmere interior. Also included is an upgraded 240-volt charging station with professional installation and applicable permits, valued at up to $3,000.

Nitrogen: Is It Better for Your Car Tires?

If you don't already know, there is an alternative to regular air when it comes to inflating your tires. Many claim that there are numerous advantages to filling your cars tires with nitrogen, and perhaps there is some truth to that.

Green valve stems indicate nitrogen

You may have noticed some tires that have green valve stems and/or caps. Those tires have been inflated using pure nitrogen, rather than plain old air. Atmospheric air contains 78 percent nitrogen as it is. Typically, the nitrogen you put in your tires would be 93 percent pure or above, to achieve the desired benefits.

Purported benefits of filling your tires with nitrogen include:

• Better pressure retention
• Improved fuel economy
• Cooler running temperatures
• Tire-rot prevention

Now, some argue that the benefits of using nitrogen do not exceed that of the cost. At dealerships, the upgrade to nitrogen can cost anywhere between $50 and $180. Then you will have to pay roughly $6 per tire to refill them. Compare that to say 75 cents per tire to fill them with conventional air at most gas stations—or possibly for free, depending on your local stations—you can see why detractors arguments may be valid.

It is certain that your tires will stay inflated longer with nitrogen. That equates directly to better fuel economy. And while tire-rot is not as common with modern cars, there is still some tenable possibility to save money. Really what it comes down to is just trying it out for yourself and determining whether it is cost-effective in the long run.

Browse our current selection of vehicles or schedule a service appointment on the Rohrich Cadillac website.

The Leading Causes of Car Accidents: Anticipation Is the Best Prevention

Accidents occur when you least expect them. It's important to be able to anticipate which scenarios and conditions are most likely to cause an accident. It's an ability that comes only with experience. However, you can prepare yourself to deal with dangerous situations by familiarizing yourself with the circumstances that most often lead to accidents. Following are the six most common causes:

1. Distracted Drivers. This includes texting while driving. Studies have shown that even talking on your phone in hands-free mode can be enough to pull your attention away from the road. Other common activities in this category are rubbernecking, eating, looking at scenery and adjusting the radio. While some of these distractions are ultimately unavoidable, it's important to identify the right times to perform these tasks. If you're unsure, you can always pull off the road momentarily. 

2. Driver Fatigue. We've all been in that position where we're crunched for time on a road trip and push ourselves to the limit of sleep deprivation. It's common knowledge that it is extremely unsafe to continue on in this manner. About 100,000 accidents of this nature occur every year. Being aware of this fact is important to protect yourself on the road. The most dangerous time to encounter drowsy drivers is between 11pm and 8am. 

3. Drunk Driving. This one's a no-brainer. Don't do it. Also, be aware of holidays, weekends and peak times when it's most common that you will be sharing the road with this despicable type of motorist. 

4. Speeding. Sometimes exhibiting speed can be the difference between getting caught in a dangerous roadway situation and avoiding it. It's important to know instinctively when to do so. However, when on an open stretch of road, there is no reason not to obey the posted speed limit. Another thing to keep in mind is that driving significantly below the speed limit can also be dangerous. A good rule of thumb is to maintain speed with the flow of traffic. If you don't feel comfortable matching the speed of traffic around you, perhaps you should choose an alternate route. 

5. Aggressive Driving. The New York State Police defines an aggressive driver as somebody who, "Operates a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of the other users of the streets and highways." That is a fairly broad definition of the term. Specific examples include road-rage, tailgating and failure to yield right-of-way. Obviously, you never want to operate a motor vehicle in an emotional state that prevents you from making informed decisions. It's more difficult to avoid interaction with these type of people on the road. If you do run into an aggressive motorist remain calm, keep your distance and avoid passing this person. If you feel the situation may escalate, dial 911. 

6. Weather. This cause is completely uncontrollable. However, it still is avoidable. It's important to always inform yourself of weather conditions whenever you plan to be on the road. The radio is a great tool for ascertaining current conditions while on the road. 700 AM broadcasts current conditions in most cities across the country. If you do get caught driving in inclement weather, precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of losing control and/or colliding. Reduce speed, leave more room between yourself and the next car and perform smooth and calculated maneuvers. 

Be safe out there fans! Get more great automotive related content by following this blog and by visiting the Rotolo Chevrolet website. Feel free to share us what you think are some other common causes of accidents.

Cadillac ELR Takes Active Noise Cancelling to the Limit

Audio technology helps preserve sound of silence in electrified luxury coupe

The all-new 2014 Cadillac ELR’s interior is so quiet when running on battery power that the electrified luxury coupe’s development team took care to keep it that way when the on-board gas-powered electric generator turns on for extended-range driving.

 
“Acoustic refinement is an important attribute of every Cadillac interior, and ELR is no exception,” said Chris Thomason, ELR vehicle chief engineer. “Considering how quiet the car is during pure-electric driving we knew the generator sound had to be as pleasant as possible, and we were able to achieve it with active noise cancelling.”

ELR uses active noise cancelling to uniquely preserve the peace and quiet. While most cars that use this type of sound-neutralizing technology aim simply to mute exhaust boom at low engine speeds, such as when idling, ELR uses it across all engine speeds.

ELR uses a variety of sound-buffering and -absorbing materials to minimize wind, road and engine noise, including:

• Acoustically laminated windshield and thicker front-door glass
• Liquid-applied sound deadener applied to the floor pan, trunk and roof
• Triple-sealed doors with acoustic perimeter water deflectors
• Mass-efficient sound-absorbing dash mat and carpet system
• Acoustic foam baffles inside body cavities and in between inner and outer quarter panels
• An isolated front suspension cradle with hydraulic powertrain mounts to isolate road and engine vibration

ELR is available nationwide in the U.S. beginning in January 2014.


Visit the Rohrich Cadillac Website to browse our current inventory of luxury cars.

America's Spookiest Destinations

Are you looking for something different to do this year for Halloween? Watching horror flicks and handing out treats to pre-teen ghouls can get old fast. Even the best of haunted houses usually fall short of providing that authentic horrifying experience that we so actively seek.  For those who prefer a bit more tangible fear, check out this list of some of the spookiest places in the country. 

1. Salem, Massachusetts 

Salem was the location of, arguably, the most famous witch story of all time. Reportedly, 26 people were sentenced to death for practicing dark magic. It's the perfect little spooky town, with plenty of accommodations, ideal for families. Events are hosted throughout the whole month of October.

 

 

2. The Haunted Swamp

New Orleans is one of the best Halloween destinations year after year. Aside from Mardi Gras, Halloween is the most celebrated holiday in the French Quarter. It's also home to the Manchac Swamp, complete with spooky moss-covered trees and eerie fog. Nighttime tours are given through the area which explain where the swamp got its appropriate name.

3. Sleepy Hollow, New York

Most people are familiar with this frightful destination from the iconic American ghost tale. Evening tours through the cemetery are hosted year-round, and are especially busy around Halloween. So be sure to book yours well in advance.

4. Twilight Tours

Are you a fan of the Twilight Saga?  Dazzled by Twilight offers tours of the famous locations seen in the popular movies. Follow in the wake of your favorite Twilight characters. Just don't get bitten!

5. The Brown Palace, Denver

This historic hotel has accommodated high-profile guests for many years. Some of its lesser known patrons include a group of musical ghosts who have been sighted in the past. The Brown Palace offers year-round and seasonal tours.

7. The Queen Mary

This former luxury cruise ship was coined the "Grey Ghost" thanks to its ghastly history. Permanently docked in Long Beach, CA, it hosts the Annual Halloween Terrorfest. Activities include haunted mazes, the vampire village and the fear-inducing Isolation Ward. Tickets start at $29 per person.

 

8. Estes Park, Colorado

The site of the Stanley Hotel is where Stephen King drew inspiration to write his novel, The Shining. If you dare, grab a drink in the billiards room. Enjoy splendid Rocky Mountain views at the same time. Just don't go insane!










 

Feel free to share some other great destinations that we may have missed! Connect with us on the Rohrich Cadillac Facebook page.

10 Easy Steps to Winterize Your Car

Fall is here, and it's a good time to start thinking about winter preparation. The cold season can place extra strain on certain parts of the vehicle, especially at temperature extremes. By performing a few simple checks on your cars critical parts, you can ensure that you won't get stranded in the cold this winter.


1. Antifreeze. Naturally, this is important. A 50/50 mixture of distilled water and antifreeze will typically suffice. If you live in areas that have unusually cold temperatures, you may want to increase that ratio a bit.

2. Battery. The cold weather will put more stress on the cars charging system. Cold starts are notoriously difficult for some cars. The last thing you want to do is be stranded in the frigid morning dealing with a dead battery. 

3. Oil & Filter. This is standard maintenance (as are most items in this list). But it is even more crucial in the winter months. Refer to your owners manual for OEM recommended oil type. 

4. Lights & Indicators. Because of the longer days, your lights will have to work harder. All lights on the car are important, but headlights and brake lights especially so. If you haven't replaced them in a few years, it might be a good idea to just proactively do so. It will be much cheaper than getting into a collision because a fellow motorist couldn't see you. 

5. Tires. Good traction in the winter is essential. Inspect the tread, or have someone do it for you. Also, be sure that your tires are inflated to the manufacturers suggested standards. 

6. Windshield. Visibility is key to road safety. You want to make sure that all windows are cleared of ice and snow before hitting the road. Mix de-icer and Rain-X treatment in your washer fluid to avoid chipping away at ice in the morning with a chisel. 

7. Belts & Hoses. Winter temperatures can put extra stress on these parts. Don't let a $10 part get your stranded.

8. Cabin Air Filter. The summer months can really create a build up of dust and particles. If your car is equipped with a cabin air filter, it is wise to change that now. Blasting the heat on full will only embed these contaminants deeper into your cars heating/cooling system. 

9. Exterior Paint. Rain, snow and salt will really eat away at your cars finish. Applying a proper coat of wax will significantly reduce this.

10. Roadside Emergency Kit. This is ALWAYS important. Simple items like Fix-A-Flat, basic tools and extra oil can really save the day. Be sure to keep a few blankets in the car through the winter too, in case the worst happens. 

Connect with us on the Rohrich Cadillac Facebook Page to get more great automotive related news.

If you need help getting your car ready for winter, we are at your assistance!

Cadillac Takes Its Flagship SUV to a New Luxury Level

Cadillac is launching a new level of luxury!

The 2015 Escalade, which will be revealed tonight in New York City, will show advances to the flagship SUV, most notably with the interior.

According to a Cadillac press release, the all-new interior will feature handcrafted elements, as well as innovative, state-of-the-art technology.

Advanced technical features and controls are included to add a modern element to the SUV's design, as well as offer the latest features in luxury, connectivity and safety for up to eight occupants.

The new Escalade will be unveiled tonight with help from indie rock photographer and director, Autumn de Wilde, who produced a series of portraits and a film highlighting the Escalade design process.

Visit Cadillac's YouTube channel to watch the livestream tonight at 7:30. Also, be sure to share your thoughts and follow updates on Twitter using #EscaladeReveal.

How To Prepare Your Own Roadside Emergency Kit

Nowadays, we're almost always a screen-tap away from contacting someone, should we need assistance. We have been conditioned to take that ability for granted. Most major highways provide cell-phone service. However, would you be prepared for an emergency roadside situation if you were not plugged-in to the rest of civilization?

Even in the age-of-information it is important to prepare a roadside emergency kit. 

What should you put in your emergency kit, you ask? Let us break it down for you.

• Jumper Cables. This one's pretty obvious and allows you to be the roadside hero too! 
• Flares. If your car is disabled on a major roadway, you'll want to signal to oncoming traffic. 
• Extra oil. Usually two quarts will be sufficient to get you to the nearest service station.
• Antifreeze. Never push your car's engine if it is overheating. This could lead to serious (expensive) damage.
• First aid kit. You can never have a too-well-stocked first aid kit. Basic items include bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic/burn cream, aspirin.
• Blanket. This can serve various purposes but the most obvious is to stay warm when stranded in the cold.
• Fuses. Fuse failure is hard to anticipate. This can be a major problem if you don't have extra. Be sure to stock fuses of varied amperage. 
• Flashlight and extra batteries. Without this, being stranded in the dark is a much worse situation.
• Basic, versatile tools. Including: Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, pliers, vice-grips, adjustable wrench, tire-pressure gauge, and pocketknife (multi-tools are ideal).
• Tire inflator. Such as Fix-A-Flat
• Rags and paper towels.
• Duct tape. Need we explain further?
• Ice scraper.
• Pen and paper.
• Help sign. This will make flagging passing drivers much more effective.
• Energy bars. Or some form of emergency food that will last for awhile in the car.
• Bottled water.
• Heavy-duty bag to store the kit in.     

Obviously, this list is not exclusive. There are many other useful items that you may want to bring as well. For more car tips and such, head on over to the Rohrich Cadillac Facebook Page.

Weekly Car Tip: Music Can Improve (Or Worsen) Your Driving

Most of us listen to some form of music in the car while we are driving. Did you know that, depending on the style and genre, music can have drastic effects on your driving abilities? This study shows that faster tempo music causes the driver to make rash decisions like being impatient at red lights, driving faster and making more mistakes, sometimes leading to accidents. Interestingly, the study also shows that listening to any type of music, regardless of tempo, serves to moderate your heart rate. 

So next time you get in the car, think twice about putting on Slayer or Deadmau5. Maybe try some Chopin? Nora Jones?

No, it's not a mirage. It's Elmiraj!

General Motors recently debuted their newest Cadillac concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. If you haven't heard about the Elmiraj yet, it has garnered quite a bit of praise in automotive circles since the reveal. I mean, just take one look at the thing and you'll understand why. 

The design is clean and sharp. The long, smooth lines give the car a truly stunning, provocative look.

Cadillac fans have been patiently waiting for a new version of the CTS coupe. Well, it turns out they got much more than they bargained for at Pebble Beach. 

The first thing you notice upon sight of the front-end is the newly designed Cadillac emblem. No longer does it contain the "outdated" laurels, or wreath, that had previously surrounded the logo. Cadillac had released news of such a redesign, but nobody expected to see it so soon. The badge still maintains that authentic, luxurious feel.

Another eye-opening feature is the vertical orientation of the headlights. The large front-end lends to the design aesthetics. But that is not its only purpose. Under the hood you'll find a a whopping 500-horsepower 4.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8. The chassis is built on a light rear-wheel drive framework, apparently keeping performance in mind.

Moving to the interior, Cadillac spared no expense. Brazilian Rosewood was chosen for the trim. The dash gauges are a classic mix of analog and digital. Additional features include a front-facing camera and 10 inch navigation display that tucks neatly inside the instrument panel when not in use. 

Overall, it's a pretty daring move by Cadillac. 

The Elmiraj design director explains, "We were influenced in particular by the 1967 Eldorado, both its actual design and the fact that in its time that car was a very stark contrast and a new direction."

It's a truly sensational concept from Cadillac and will leave many enthusiasts excited to see some form of production model emerge from it.

Cadillac to debut new concept this weekend at Pebble Beach

Keep an eye out for a new Cadillac concept car this weekend. It is planned to debut at the historic Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, an annual celebration of the automotive industry. The event is five days long and culminates on Sunday for the 63rd annual Concours d'Elegance, where automobiles compete to be named "best of the best." 

Artist rendering of the Elmiraj, debuting this weekend

The new concept will bear the name Elmiraj. It is expected to be unveiled tonight, August 15th, to kick off the weekend-long Cadillac exhibit. The exhibit will feature three iconic Cadillac's of the past (a 1967 Eldorado, a 1965 Coupe Deville, and a 1937 Series 90 V16) to showcase the automakers legacy of design and performance. Guests will also have the opportunity to test-drive new Cadillac models like the 2013 ATS and 2013 CTS-V Coupe. 

More information is available on the Concours d'Elegance website.

Summer's Best Event

The Cadillac Summer's Best Event is happening right now! You will not find better deals all year long. Get 0% financing for up to 60 months on all models. Plus, take advantage the best lease program of the year!  We also have additional consumer bonus cash on the CTS and XTS! 

In summary, if you're looking for the right time to buy a Cadillac — now is that time!

The event will continue through the month of August. Visit the Rohrich Cadillac Website for details. 

Rohrich Cadillac - Cadillac looking for fresh new look

After more than a decade, Cadillac is looking to make some changes to its logo. The new look will most likely debut on a concept car that the luxury auto maker plans on showing next month at Pebble Beach. The decision to freshen the brand comes from generally consistent market research indicating that the current design "is seen as outdated and obsolete." The research seems to have focused on a particular element of the brand design, the wreath or laurels that encapsulate the logo. 

As is the trend right now in the automotive industry, Cadillac seeks to attract young buyers extending and rooting their market influence for years to come. The company believes that moving towards a more cleaner, contemporary look will facilitate in that endeavor. 

It's not uncommon for car companies to adjust their brands to better suit the current trends and styles. Cadillac has done it almost 40 times in the past 100+ years. Last re-engineered in 1999, it would seem that a revision is long overdue. 

Do you think that a change will be good or bad for the auto brand?

Performance Upgrade Package Boosts ATS' HP to 350 or 450

Performance upgrade packages are common in the world of Corvettes and Camaros. Cadillac describes the ATS, "as nimble and exhilarating as it is luxurious and technologically advanced." There's no doubt that the ATS has that sporty feel to it. But now with the available performance packages from Pfadt Engineering that increase the luxury cars' output to 350 or 450 horespower (depending on how much you'd like to spend), you can give even those sports car icons a run for their money.

For $4,900 you get the full 450 horses which allows the ATS to run the Texas Mile at 162.5mph. If you're not willing to shell out quite that much cash, you can acquire the 350hp package for just $1,199.

Despite Axing High-End Sedan Project, Cadillac May Have Other Halo Models Coming

When people talk of a “flagship vehicle,” it generally means a full-size luxury sedan that is both prestigious and uncompromising. Like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and the like. But it could also mean a niche halo model, like the Lexus LFA, or the upcoming BMW i8. The same type of concept may be in the works for Cadillac, according to a source from an Edmunds report.

Word of such a project comes just after GM tossed out plans for a tier-one full-sized luxury sedan aimed at Bentley, one that would start above $100,000. The program was based on the Omega platform and was internally known as O1LL, and because it was shaping to be too similar to the upcoming S-Class-fighting O1SL (what’s expected to eventually known as the Cadillac LTS), developers aborted the project before the company sank any more money into it.

With O1LL as it was known being scrapped, it opens the door up for something different, though equally mouth watering. According to the Edmunds source, it could be completely unconventional:

“There was a contingent (at GM) saying that a super ELR that uses a really leading-edge technology drivetrain could be a flagship, and they are right, it could,” the industry source said. “I am not saying an ELR, but I am saying a fuel-cell car or whatever.”

“Your options for a flagship are multiple,” the industry source continued. “You don’t have to do an S-Class Mercedes or a (Rolls-Royce) Phantom. You don’t have to do that car. There are other options.”

A fuel-cell Cadillac? Considering GM’s latest deal with Honda, there just might be some weight to those words.


Source: gmauthority.com

Rohrich Cadillac | Positive Review on Google+ Local

We just got another great customer review on Google+ Local! Check out the review, among others, here: http://bit.ly/ZYL9qd

 

Rohrich Cadillac | #ATSDrive

Klout Influencer Edward Prutschi takes the #ATSDrive. Find out why he loves the #Cadillac ATS! 

Insider: Montgomerie set to make Champions Tour debut

PITTSBURGH - Colin Montgomerie is coming to America and there is nothing casual or indifferent about his approach.

Montgomerie will make his Champions Tour debut this week at the SENIOR PLAYERS Championship at Fox Chapel Golf Club in Pittsburgh and everything he is saying and doing suggests that he is genuinely excited about being a rookie again.

Montgomerie celebrated his 50th birthday Sunday. Gladly.

“You don't normally look forward to a birthday - do you? - when you get towards 50, but in golfing terms you do,” Montgomerie said. “We're very fortunate that in other sports you would be well gone at 50.”

Montgomerie has been zeroing in on the Champions Tour by speaking to some of the golfers he has known for many years, like Bernhard Langer and Mark O’Meara. In addition, he’s followed closely on television.

“I've been watching more television than I would normally,” he said. “Sky Sports do a very good job in broadcasting the Champions Tour over to Europe, and I'm always surprised at the level of competition and standard that the Champions Tour has.

“Bernhard is a friend and we’ve played many matches together and I know how good he is. He’s on top of the tree right now, the standard is quite phenomenal and I’m in no illusion at all … I look forward to the challenge of it.”

Montgomerie savors the thought of playing with contemporaries.

“Right now I'm playing against guys that are well under half my age, I've got children older than them, and it doesn't seem fair,” he said. “So at least when I get to America I feel that I'm on more of a level playing field.

Montgomerie, who is looking for his first victory since the 2007 European Open at the K Club in Ireland, plans on a busy Champions Tour campaign with about 20 tournaments annually. He embarks on the next phase of his career after giving it considerable thought.

“I said this openly to the European Tour, that I wasn't really going to play Champions Tour golf or senior golf as we call it until I got to 50 and found I was as fit,” he said. “Well, I've never really been fit but as fit as I have ever have been. I think 50 is the new 40 to be honest. I think health has improved to that degree allowing us to go on longer than we would.

“But 50 is old, I thought I would be retiring and I would drive my wife nuts if I stayed home all the time. So I thought I'm better off doing what I do best, which is play golf, and I look forward to the competition almost more than the love of the game of golf. I'm very competitive still and I've remained hungry, hungry for success, and I think that's important.”

Montgomerie will continue to play what he calls “seniors golf” as long as he has an appetite for it and his health allows.

Montgomerie, who was enshrined in the World Golf Hall of Fame earlier this year, had a glorious career on the European Tour as the eight-time winner of the Order of Merit (Money List). He has 40 professional victories and was a central figure in eight Ryder Cups during Europe’s domination.

But he never won on the PGA TOUR, despite a couple of near-misses in major championships. Ironically, the most notable of those came in Pittsburgh, at nearby Oakmont Country Club at the 1994 U.S. Open. Montgomerie and Loren Roberts lost a playoff to Ernie Els.

“I had a great career, a great normal career if you like, and I would get to No. 2 in the world, now being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a great honor, but of course there's always an omission - isn't there? - when you talk about me,” Montgomerie said. “There's a lack of a major championship.

“All I can do from now on is hopefully add a major championship to the resume already in place and I look forward to trying to achieve that … So if I can compete in any major championship, I think it would fulfill a dream, of course it would. There are more golfers over 50 in the world than there are under and it would be fantastic to try and achieve the dream of winning a major championship finally, whether it be normal tour or Senior Tour, I do look forward to it.”

Montgomerie has a busy travel schedule arranged. He was at the U.S. Open at Merion, where he worked in the Sky Sports booth, and last week went to Germany to play the BMW Championship. He arrived in Pittsburgh on Monday for his preparations. He has zigged and zagged between America and the Great Britain for most of the season.

“My game is in good order,” Montgomerie said. “The bag of clubs is good, the equipment is okay. I'm just looking forward to having an opportunity of competing on more of a level playing field. You know, this is what it is. A lot of sport is age related and I'm fortunate I'm playing against guys that hit the ball a mile now and I would like to get back to normality where I can at least compete off the tee with some of the older guys, so I look forward to it.”

“And I've got a new hunger for the game now and I've been working all year towards this date whereby I can compete against (Langer) again. We used to have great battles on the European Tour, Bernhard Langer and myself, and I look forward to it again. I used to come over and play against Couples and Mark O'Meara and Kenny Perry and David Frost and all the great players you have on the Champions Tour. Now I look forward to competing against them again. Really, it's a new chapter in my life and one that I'm really looking forward to.” 

Source: pgatour.com

How Cadillac Designed A Comeback

Sixteen years ago Cadillac was the top-selling U.S. luxury car brand. It seems impossible in retrospect, as its line of cars featured the soulless geometries of a geriatric suppository. Evidently, Toyota, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz agreed, and they all moved in to carve out their share of Cadillac’s market. Detroit soon found itself buried underneath the force of German and Japanese design, engineering, and marketing--and sales tanked.

You’d think things could only get better, but they actually got worse. There was the bankruptcy of GM, Cadillac’s parent company, followed by the infamous bailout. Cadillac was neutered, left without the ability to lease out its cars at enticingly affordable rates, which is a hugely damning point in the luxury car market. 


The 2014 Cadillac CTS--Cadillac post comeback.

But the brand had been thinking ahead. The organization had already retooled, centralizing the design line under one roof. It had adopted a new mantra of “art and science” to blend a new, bold aesthetic with high-octane engineering. And they’d presented a Hail Mary concept car that inspired its own designers and engineers to invent the decade of turnaround to come.

You could call it all corporate lip service, if not for one key fact: It worked. Today, Cadillac’s sales are the highest they’ve been since 1976. The automaker’s cars rival BMWs on the track. And maybe more importantly, for the first time in 40 years, Cadillac has discovered what a Cadillac should be.

The Root Of The Problem 

1959 Cadillac de Ville--rock those tailfins.

Historically, Cadillac design is responsible for some of the most beloved tropes in American automobiles. In the late '40s and '50s, Cadillac introduced the first tailfin, wraparound windshields, hefty Dagmar bumpers, and heavily polished chrome inside and out. Then into the '60s, it did what you’d expect of any good designer who’d pushed the envelope to its limits--it simplified, inspired by the clean lines of modernism, and produced a sort of overstated understatement, a big car that was confident enough not to overdo the filigree. The Cadillac design language for 20 years was 'How do we not make this car look like a blank?'

Into the 1970s, Cadillacs supersized in the name of luxury, but at the worst possible time. The decade’s oil flow was disrupted by OAPEC trade embargoes and Iranian revolution, quadrupling crude oil prices while creating a hysteria of mass fuel shortages. Things got even worse into the early '80s. GM was taken over by its most notorious CEO, Roger Smith (the same Roger in Michael Moore’s Roger and Me). In the interest of ruthless cost cutting, he combined GM’s six distinctive car brands under two generic umbrellas. Ironically, this quest for efficient production killed demand, and Cadillac, alongside GM’s entire portfolio of design heritage, became a bland, homogenous mix. Without an identity in place, Cadillac didn’t produce a lustable car for a few decades. 


The 1965 de Ville--note the shift toward simpler lines and less ornamentation.

“They were wandering in the desert for a long time,” says Jalopnik Editor-in-Chief Matt Hardigree. “The design language of Cadillac for 20 years was 'How do we not make this car look like a blank?' How do we not make the Cimarron look like a base model Chevy? How do we not make the Catera look like an Opel?”

“[Around 2000], Cadillac took a good look at themselves, and they said, ‘What do we need to do to be successful?’”

Staging The Comeback

Legend has it, GM execs met in an informal meeting sometime around 2000 or 2001 to discuss Cadillac’s future, and from this, they planned a reboot fueled by $4.3 billion in investments to save the brand. Maybe it really was one meeting. Maybe it was a series of meetings. The people I speak to at Cadillac don’t seem to know, and they honestly don’t seem to care.

For the collectiv inside Cadillac, the turnaround really began with a 1999 car concept called the Evoq, created by British designer Simon Cox. The only way we could re-establish Cadillac was to do something evocative.

“That was a revolution, and a change of internal culture in the company to think about Cadillac in a different way,” says Cadillac’s current design chief Mark Adams. “If you think about the boldness and the very edgy concept that came about with the Evoq, it was deliberately shocking in a way because the only way we could re-establish Cadillac in people’s memory was to do something bold and evocative.” 


The 1999 Evoq concept--Cadillac’s wake-up call.

It might not seem like it now, but the Evoq was radical for 1999. If you take a look at its Cadillac contemporaries--the Catera, DeVille, or the El Dorado--the Evoq looks like it’s been set on earth to consume them as prey. And while the entire sharp design feels a bit like double-breasted Corvette, you can see many of Cadillac’s contemporary signatures in full swing--a design language spawned a guiding philosophy at Cadillac called “art and science.” The “art” is driven by the impression of the Evoq--the brash machined lines, the towering headlights, and a more aggressive posture that’s itching to pick a fight with the nearest open stretch of asphalt. The “science” is the engineering to make that possible, be it repurposed GM technologies or new platforms that Cadillac would pioneer for themselves. Now, we design and plan based upon how our showroom will look like in 2017.

Around the same time, Cadillac united its design teams, which used to create each Cadillac model in relative autonomy, under one roof. “Under previous regimes, one designer might make a great Cadillac,” explains Don Butler, VP of Cadillac Global Strategic Development. “Now, we design and plan based upon how our showroom will look like in 2016, in 2017. You have the ability to create continuity into the future. It gives you a sense of reach. How far can we stretch this? How far can we push?”

Because even if you determine a new direction, and even if you have all the talent in place, it still takes about 10 years to turn a car brand around. I’ve heard that before from Ford’s Chief Creative Officer J Mays. And what I hear now from Butler echoes the sentiment.

“Cars aren’t like mobile phones. We can’t change them overnight,” Butler tells me. “Mobile phones turn over every six to 18 months. They literally turn over; you don’t see a phone from 2001 still around. Guess what, you still see 2001 Cadillacs on the road. The image in the mind of consumers takes much longer to change.” 


The original Cadillac CTS, released in 2002.

The used Cadillacs I imagine are either the waxed white boats of the road in Boca Raton, or the rusty tanks lodged permanently on the non-ticketing streets of Chicago. And if you think that pair of images is only ingrained in the heads of consumers, you’d be wrong. Even car designers aren’t immune to the precedents set by their own vehicles out there in the world. It’s why concept cars like the Evoq are remarkably important. Cars aren’t like mobile phones. We can’t change them overnight.

Building out Cadillac’s new showroom in the shadow of the Evoq is a challenge that’s spanned a solid decade. In 2002, Cadillac released the CTS, its first car with some of the Evoq’s DNA. Jalopnik’s Hardigree calls the moment “a rebirth” but is quick to point out that this was but one car in a whole line of previous-generation Cadillacs. It wasn’t for another eight or so years that Cadillac’s showroom felt like it had adopted the "art and science" philosophy from car to car. And Cadillac was still missing the most critical piece to complete the statement--not a luxury flagship but a featherweight fighter--to prove it could appeal to a younger buyer and stand toe-to-toe with Germany and Japan in style and substance.

The ATS

You see, while the CTS was a decent midsize luxury car, Cadillac’s line still lacked the most important vehicle in high-end vehicles today: a performance-focused compact capable of wooing new buyers considering a luxury car for the first time. What they created was the ATS, a smaller, more nimble Cadillac to compete with the venerable BMW 3 series. 


An early pencil sketch of the CTS’s little brother, the ATS.

"We usually start with a platform or architecture, a set of components, then we say, ‘Can we make a Cadillac out of this?'” Butler explains, referring to GM’s post–Roger Smith philosophy of efficiency. “The matter of fact is, when we looked at our shelf at the components we used, there was nothing we had to compete with the luxury compact market.” When we looked at our shelf, there was nothing we had to compete.

So rather than rebranding GM parts--the approach that got Cadillac in so much trouble in the past--Cadillac built the ATS largely from scratch. It debuted, rather than repurposed, GM’s new performance-focused Alpha Platform. The platform’s goal is to make a compact to medium-sized car as light as possible, right down to the smallest detail. As Car & Driver put it so eloquently in its review:

"When you compare a CTS with an ATS, you see that every part--aluminum or steel--is carefully sculpted to be no thicker than necessary. Aluminum webs are slim, steel stampings have large lightening holes and rolled edges to add stiffness, and most fasteners have been downsized. The manual-transmission housing, the strut towers, the brake booster, and the hood are ­aluminum…Cadillac is sweating the details. It needs to, considering how much ground the ATS has to make up."

 

                The final ATS (2014 version).

Via its newly unified design studio, Cadillac crafted the ATS to feel like a little brother of the CTS--a Caddy through and through, though maybe most distinctively, with a wider, lower grill to accentuate agility. But none of this would have mattered much if the car didn’t drive well. As it turns out, it drove extremely well.

“The original Cadillac CTS wasn’t as good as a [BMW] 3 series or 5 series,” Hardigree assesses. “But fast forward 10 years in the future, and the new ATS is benchmarked to, not the newest 3 series, but an older BMW 3 series that actually benchmarks better." Some people will hear you have a Cadillac and think you wear gold chains.

Hardigree continues: “If you can swallow buying an ATS, it is the best car in compact luxury. It’s a great car, you just have to suck up the fact that it’s a Cadillac. Some people will hear you have a Cadillac and think you have gold chains, chest hair, and three buttons unbuttoned. But they’re great cars. At some point, people will get over that stigma.”

Adams, a Cadillac designer, confirms that the next battle is to change consumer perception. “We know we have work to do. We have a lot more people to convert and bring them over to looking at us with a new level of respect. That takes time, consistency, and integrity. We’re doing the right things at the right time now, and we’re going to keep growing, building the brand, and being laser focused on what’s next.”

What’s Next

A sci-fi conceptual mock up of the ELR, Cadillac’s Volt.

Whether it’s your cup of tea or not, Cadillac’s new design finally has a perspective to buck the stigmas of Florida drivers and gold chains. And with the critically acclaimed ATS in its pocket, Cadillac has a new level of clout. The future for Cadillac hinges on expanding its line with character and variety but with enough consistency to feel like a steady, timeless luxury brand.

The next statement in their lineup is what Butler calls the “epitome of art and science.” Called the ELR, it’s Cadillac’s take on the Chevy Volt platform. Deconstructing the entire concept will only lead you to a series of borderline silly paradoxes: An electric coupe? An eco-friendly Cadillac? But the company hopes it will be a showpiece, almost like a concept car that’s actually brought to market. It’s perhaps Cadillac design’s least apologetic, yet maybe most refined form yet--a balance between the hard lines of "art and science" with the sculptured curves that historically define luxurious goods. 


The final ELR design. A single cheekbone connects the taillight to the front tire.

“Cadillac has turned everything on the car into a design feature,” Hardigree tells me, as I pore over the Tron-esque concept art GM had sent me earlier. “The CHMSL on the ELR coupe looks like He-Man’s sword. It’s not like a BMW where you have chutes and lines going in all sorts of directions.”

Indeed, right down to the distinct curves of their cars, Cadillac has found direction after decades of being lost on the map. Only time will tell how many of us they can bring along on the ride. 

Via Mark Wilson

Cadillac Goes Rogue With Its Advertising In Luxury Car Challenge

Cadillac, General Motors resurgent luxury brand, has a new advertising agency to help it launch the next-generation CTS sedan this fall and promote Caddy’s push into foreign markets.

The new agency, a consortium of three agencies under the Interpublic Group, is called Rogue and will make its headquarters in downtown Detroit. Created specifically for Cadillac, Rogue brings together resources from three existing IPG agencies – Hill Holiday, Lowe and Partners, and Campbell-Ewald. Rogue replaces Fallon, which had the account since 2010. 

The decision is a big win for Campbell-Ewald, which lost GM’s $600 million Chevrolet account in 2010 after 91 years. GM spent nearly $244 million on Cadillac advertising last year, according to data provided by Kantar Media Inc.

While Cadillac has other agencies outside the U.S., spokeswoman Jordana Strosberg said London-based Lowe has the global expertise to coordinate Cadillac’s marketing message on a worldwide basis and shepherd its growth in China, Russia and other international markets. Campbell-Ewald, based in Warren, Mich., will manage the account and Boston-based Hill Holiday will do the creative work.

Cadillac sold about 150,000 cars in the U.S. last year, down 1.7 percent in an industry that was up 13 percent. So far this year, Cadillac sales are up 38 percent, thanks to the addition of the new compact ATS. Some of those sales, however, have come at the expense of the CTS, which has seen a 38 percent decline so far this year. A redesigned CTS — larger, but lighter for better performance and fuel-economy — goes on sale this fall.

It will be up to Rogue to make sure the new CTS is a hit. Then, early next year, Cadillac will launch the ELR, a luxury plug-in hybrid similar to the Chevrolet Volt.

GM wants to turn Cadillac into a global brand and compete head to head with German luxury brands like BMW. In May, Cadillac’s worldwide sales were up 74.3 percent on an annual basis to 3,843 units. It was the brand’s second-highest monthly sales ever. Leading the way for GM’s luxury brand was the SRX, which had sales of 2,221 units, and the new XTS, which had sales of 1,503 units.

“We selected Rogue because its strategic insights, creative vision for Cadillac and strong luxury and automotive experience were the best match for our global growth plan,” said Bob Ferguson, vice president of Global Cadillac.

GM also hired public relations firm FleishmanHillard to help with strategic communications and reach new customers in fashion, luxury, and technology.

Source: forbes.com

10 Best Summer Drives in the Midwest

“Are we there yet?” are four words you won’t hear from your restless backseat drivers (or, more truthfully, you won’t hear those words every five minutes) when you embark on one of the 10 scenic summer drives we’ve outlined for you in the following pages. These routes offer so much to see (and do) that even the most tireless passengers will be speechless.

 

1. STILLWATER

You could argue that the scenic town of Stillwater—located on the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway—is the perfect summer drive destination because it’s less than 30 minutes from the Twin Cities; and you would be right. At least partially right. The short drive and prime location on the St. Croix (one of the last unspoiled rivers in the country within close proximity of a major metropolitan area) are two appealing reasons to visit, but that’s only part of the story. The historic character of the valley’s community is another main draw. Many of the buildings in Stillwater are listed on the National Register of Historic Places—even the Stillwater Lift Bridge, extending over the St. Croix River from Minnesota on the west to Wisconsin on the east, is on the National Register. Drive up into the hills to see the lumber baron’s mansions from the early 19th century before parking your car and wandering down Main Street, featuring several blocks of unique gift and antique shops, then walk along the river before enjoying a malt at Leo’s.

2. UPPER ST. CROIX AREA

Head just 50 miles northeast of the Twin Cities to the sister cities of St. Croix Falls, Wis. and Taylors Falls, Minn. for the wild and scenic St. Croix River, phenomenal hiking trails, music festivals, live theatre, artists of all kinds, paddleboats, waterparks, wildlife, and wineries. Drive from Stillwater north on Highway 95 to Highway 8 before turning north and winding your way down into the valley. “After all these years, I still get a thrill coming down the hill and catching my first glimpse of the St. Croix from the bluffs near Franconia,” says Danette Olsen, a founding member of the St. Croix Marketing Alliance and the executive director of the Festival Theatre in St. Croix Falls. The options for enjoying a summer afternoon in the area are as varied as the steamboats that travel down the river. Visit the National Park Service headquarters and interpretive center, hike the trails in over 2,000 acres of park preserve, go on a riverboat cruise, check out the galleries, shops, live theatre, Franconia Sculpture Park, and the art of wine-making at Chateau St. Croix, zip down a waterslide at Wild Mountain, or dine at a variety of nearly 20 restaurants, many with outdoor seating. Lodging choices include everything from campsite and cabin rentals to hotels and B&Bs. Come on a Friday for music in the park, play a game of mini golf, tour the Folsom House, bike down the Gandy Dancer trail, view domestic and wild animals at Fawn-Doe-Rosa, or board the historic Osceola train.

3. OWATONNA

Drive an hour south of the metro, where the crossroads of Highways U.S. 14, U.S. 218 and Interstate 35 meet, to Owatonna, home to the first Cabela’s World’s Foremost Outfitters store in Minnesota, built in 1998—the second largest tourist attraction in Minnesota only to the Mall of America. Classic, small town charm can be found in the town square, with its picturesque fountain and Central Park Bandshell (featuring outdoor concerts all summer long), downtown shopping, dining, 24 parks, numerous trails, an aquatic center, and three championship golf courses, in addition to being home to the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children (the only state school orphanage in Minnesota’s history), the Steele County Historical Society’s Village of Yesteryear, and the RAD Zoo, featuring creatures of the reptile and amphibian world. Visit during the Steele County free fair, the largest county fair in the state, Aug. 16-21, 2011.

4. MINNESOTA'S BLUFF COUNTRY

Drive along Highway 52 south of the Twin Cities on to Minnesota’s bluff country. A descent into the Root River Valley comes complete with hairpin curves that feel like you’re in the mountains. Just south of Preston, County Road 16 branches off to the historic town of Lanesboro, one of the prettiest towns around. If you want to continue seeing amazing scenery, get on a bike and ride along the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley Trails, ranging from level terrain to more challenging trails that opens up to gorgeous vistas. See a play at the nationally recognized Commonweal Theatre, check out the Cornucopia Art Center, tour Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park (a restored historic fur trade center and village) in nearby Preston, visit the Amish community of Harmony, and spend time in the charming shops and restaurants.

5. WATERTOWN, SOUTH DAKOTA

Most people, when thinking of South Dakota, think only of Mount Rushmore—and while that national memorial is truly awesome, there’s so much more to see in this great state.

Watertown, South Dakota—the state’s fourth-largest city—is one of those must-see cities, located on Interstate 29 100 miles north of Sioux Falls and 140 miles south of Fargo. Home of the Redlin Art Center (housing over 150 of world-famous wildlife artist Terry Redlin’s original paintings), internationally acclaimed artist Josh Spies (his gallery is located uptown in the historic Goss Opera House), the Bramble Park Zoo and Discovery Center, the Mellette House, built in 1883 by Arthur C. Mellette and restored as a memorial to South Dakota’s first governor, the Kampeska Heritage Museum, and specialty retail shops in the hip Historic Uptown district, and water recreation on Lake Kampeska and Lake Pelican, Watertown has something for everyone.

6. BEMIDJI

The Great River Road from Lake Itasca (the source of the Mississippi River) east to the Chippewa National Forest makes for a memorable drive up North to the Bemidji area, a cultural oasis in the heart of the wilderness. The drive to Bemidji is a good four hours, so plan accordingly.

While visiting the area, stay at Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge on the northwest shore of Lake Bemidji. Accommodations include lakefront rooms, suites, townhomes, a romantic whirlpool suite with a fireplace, and cottages with anywhere from one to four bedrooms, all spread out along 1,700 feet of natural sand beach. Check out the Camp Rabideau historic site, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp built in 1935 to house the men that constructed fire towers, bridges, roads, and trails in the area. Four of the camp’s 15 buildings have been restored and are open to the public for touring during the summer. Other attractions include the interpretive Bog Walk in Bemidji State Park; the famous Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues; the Paul Bunyan Playhouse; excellent biking and hiking trails; and phenomenal golfing and horseback riding.

7. NORTH SHORE

Built into a steep, rocky hillside, Duluth, two and a half hours north of the metro, overlooks the sparkling blue waters of Lake Superior. Most visitors see the vista unfold as they crest the hill of Interstate 35, and what a view it is.

“You never get tired of watching the lake and it’s many personalities,” says Gene Shaw, director of public relations for Visit Duluth.

The town is full of outdoorsy activities: You can skip rocks along the shoreline, walk along the Lakewalk, get an overview of the scenery from Enger Tower, tour the grounds at the historic Glensheen Mansion, or visit Leif Erickson Park. Perhaps one of the most unique Duluth activities is watching the Aerial Lift Bridge and the massive ships coming into port.

Continue cruising along Scenic Highway 61 to Lutsen, a drive that takes about 10 minutes longer than the Expressway, but definitely worth the extra time. Rather than just a drive, Highway 61 is a destination in itself. As you approach the Lutsen–Tofte area, the scenery begins to shift. The ancient Sawtooth Mountains signal your arrival.

Whether you’re seeking solitude, family time, recreation, or romance, Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior, in the Lutsen–Tofte area, has the right ingredients for the perfect North Shore vacation. Once you arrive at Bluefin Bay, enjoy a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities ranging from high-adrenaline mountain biking to kayaking on Lake Superior to guided Lake Superior fishing charters to endurance hiking along the Superior Hiking Trail. Other attractions include the family-friendly Lutsen Mountain alpine slides, golfing at Superior National Golf Course, or naturalist-guided wildlife viewing excursions in Superior National Forest.

“But the real star of any vacation at Bluefin Bay is the greatest of lakes herself, and the way you feel when you’re this close to Lake Superior. That’s why we consider our lake-inspired spa treatments, lakeside campfires, summer Saturday night barbeques, and romantic lakewalk to be absolute musts for every North Shore vacationer,” says Lori Schaefer, marketing director for Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior. “We provide the views, the warm and friendly hospitality, and the umatched natural surroundings, and then we leave it up to our guests and let them define the perfect vacation—and they do.”

8. GRAND MARAIS

Stay along Minnesota 61 until the road leads you deeper into the wild boreal forest. With Lake Superior stretching off into the distance and the Sawtooth Mountains rising in the background, a trip to Grand Marais feels like a trip to the sea shore. “After the first glimpse of Grand Marais from the Cutface Creek overlook, you’ll understand why so many people consider Grand Marais the ‘Jewel of Lake Superior,’” says Kjersti Vick, events and communications coordinator for the Grand Marais Art Colony.

Grand Marais is an arts destination with numerous galleries and arts organizations encouraging visitors to get involved. Visit the Grand Marais Art Colony, Minnesota’s oldest colony, for a tour of the campus, or better yet—sign up for a visual arts, ceramics, glass, printmaking or plein air painting class (available year-round for all skill levels). Complete the day with the outdoor activity of your choice and dinner at one of the eclectic locally owned restaurants. Visit July 9–10 for the 21st Annual Grand Marais Arts Festival, when over 70 local and regional artists will set up by the sparkling shores of Lake Superior to showcase their unique handcrafted work, and August 26–September 2, 2011 for the Plein Air Painting Competition & Exhibition, when artists move from the studio to the great outdoors to celebrate the unique beauty of the North Shore landscape.

9. DOOR COUNTY, WIS.

Quick quiz: What has thousands of acres of cherry orchards, vineyards and farms, 300 miles of shoreline, more than 100 art galleries, studios and museums, over 50 beaches, 19 county parks (and excellent camping), 10 lighthouses, five state parks, plenty of outdoor recreation, an old-fashioned drive-in, a world class fishery, eclectic local cuisine (hint: think fish boils), and glorious waterfront sunsets? If you answered Door County, Wis., you are correct. As a result of the area’s numerous tourism-related amenities, Door County was named by Money magazine as one of the top 10 vacation destinations in North America, and it’s less than a six-hour car ride away.

10. BAYFIELD, WIS.

Thanks to Madeline Island, located near Bayfield, Wis. (about a four-hour drive north of the Twin Cities) it is possible to have an island vacation without booking a flight to Hawaii. Madeline Island, a ferry ride from Bayfield to LaPointe, Wis. is one of 22 Apostle Islands and the only island not part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, meaning it is the only developed island of the bunch. This means more opportunities to golf, visit museums, charter a sport fishing boat, sailboat, sea kayak, or canoe, and plenty of shopping, dining, and lodging options. The Madeline Island Ferry Line provides daily transportation to and from the island every 30 minutes during the summer.


Source: minnesotamonthly.com