There's something about the appeal of cruising down Ocean Boulevard with the sea breeze blowing through your hair that attracts droves of classic-car enthusiasts to Myrtle Beach. In fact, with dozens of car shows and cruise-ins scheduled throughout the year on the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is the place to be for seeing and driving classic cars down The Strip.
Whether you are a classic-car collector or just a fan who loves to look at fully restored antiques, you are sure to find a gathering of die-hard grease monkeys checking under the hoods of one another's hot rods and admiring the automotive craftsmanship from a different era. The vintage vehicles serve as a time portal for those who long for the good ol' days of drag racing muscle cars and cruising slowly in convertibles.
Guests at Long Bay Resort don't have to travel very far to catch some of the most popular car shows in town. Here's a look at the upcoming car-show calendar:
* Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival: Beach music and barbecue are the headliners of this Labor Day weekend festival, but the biggest crowds can be found at the car show that shares The Market Common festival grounds. Featuring a broad list of categories with 35 different trophies presented, the Sept. 3 Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival car show has quickly grown into one of the most popular events on the Strand. While you’re there, be sure to sample some of the award-winning barbecue, cold beer, live music and fireworks.
* Grand Strand Corvette Club – Cars and Coffee: Held the first Sunday of each month, the monthly gathering of the local chapter of the Corvette Club is held at the Bagel Factory II in Carolina Forest, about 11 miles southwest of Long Bay. Featuring a solid lineup of Corvettes, one of the most popular models in American car history, this regular cruise-in is a lot more laid back than a competitive car show and a great place to make friends and take photos.
* Halloween Rod Run: Dress up for Halloween and go trick-or-treating at this festival and car show, where the participants pass out candy from the trunks of their classic cars. Held in the small seaside village of Surfside Beach, located about 15 miles south of Long Bay Resort, the Halloween party includes traditional fall fun and games, and a nice lineup of cars from all eras.
* Loris Bog-Off Festival: Experience a taste of Southern hospitality and South Carolina’s favorite dish at this cook-off and car show. Held in downtown Loris, about 25 miles from Long Bay Resort, this festival celebrates the local culinary favorite known as chicken bog, a mix of chicken, sausage, rice and onions. Try a few samples, vote for your favorite and enjoy a big-time car show in a small-town atmosphere. The Oct. 15 show offers trophies in 35 categories.
* Mustang Week: This annual festival celebrates the legendary Ford sports car every July. Held at the Myrtle Beach Mall, this show brings Mustang lovers from all over the East Coast to show off their rides and check out other models. The 2016 event recently wrapped up, and a date and location for 2017 is still pending.
* Run to the Sun Car Show: Hosted by the Pee Dee Street Rodders, this is Myrtle Beach's biggest car show of the year. The 29th annual event will be held March 16-18 at the old Myrtle Square Mall site on North Kings Highway, which is only a short cruise from Long Bay Resort. Attracting hundreds of cars and thousands of car lovers, this three-day event includes a parade down Ocean Boulevard and other fun events off the lot.
Vintage car collectors and enthusiasts can stay close to all the shows and relax in luxury at Long Bay Resort, Myrtle Beach. Featuring excellent accommodations and amenities in a scenic oceanfront location, Long Bay is the ideal spot to cruise in for a great vacation.
