Monterey - The Car Week For Me
There is so much to do during Monterey Car Week. Too much for me. So I pick and choose. I have to because I'm not a teenager anymore (that's a long time in the past).
Here's my intended schedule for next week. (For those with more energy the week starts tomorrow.)
I am first heading to Carmel-By-The-Sea on Tuesday, August 13th, for the Concours On The Avenue. This is without a doubt one of the best free car shows anywhere. Officially it starts at 10 am and runs to 5:30 pm. Classic cars, hot rods, sports cars - and just about anything else. It's crowded and it's fun.
Also on Tuesday I plan looking in on Classic Motorsports Monterey Kickoff Cruise-In (3 pm to 7 pm) on Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove. I didn't go last year and I was told by folks I trust I HAVE to go. So I will.
Finally on Tuesday I hope to stop by Automobilia Monterey at the Embassy Suites in Seaside. This year they will be there for three days. There will be all kinds of automotive collectibles. (And someone who once lived down the road from me in Connecticut will be there.)
Lunch and dinner will be on the Peninsula where the food and atmosphere is always fantastic.
Wednesday I'm back home for the day resting up for the remainder of the week.
Early Thursday, August 15th, morning I'll be back on the road to Monterey. My goal is to hit all the auctions - Bonhams, Goodings, Mecum, RM Sotherby's, Russo and Steele, and Worldwide. That's a ton of cars to see. Almost all out of my price range but I still can dream.
I have to pick up my credentials for different events (primarily Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca).
Thursday evening I head to the Embassy Suites for the Legends of Auto Gala.
On Friday the 16th I'll take it slow. For the most part I'll be at the track just soaking up the atmosphere. I may visit one or two of the auctions especially if I missed any.
Saturday the 17th I'll be at Concorso Italiano in the morning for the beautiful Italian (and a few non-Italian) cars. I always find Concorso relaxing and a good place to spend a Saturday morning. If I have time I may stop by the Concours d'Lemons a tongue in check show.
Saturday evening is set aside for the Automotive Fine Arts Society show at the New Masters Gallery in Carmel-By-The-Sea for their reception.
Sunday is the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The past couple of years I've given up trying to find the perfect parking spot close to the Lodge. I'll park with the general public and take the shuttle bus to the event. I do try to get there early so I can take photos before the crowd is too dense. Thanks to Mequiar's Car Care Products, and the always gracious Mr. and Mrs. Mequiar, I will have a spot to rest my weary bones and watch the awards ceremony.
Monterey is the highlight of the car year for me and thousands of others. If you've never been to any of the events you owe it to yourself to go. There are free events and pricey events. And there is always the Monterey Peninsula.
This year my thanks go out to Volkswagen and the people at Page One Automotive for the load of a VW Tiguan for the week.
For a list of everything happening go to:
https://www.brucehotchkiss.net/2019/05/2019-pebble-beach-automotive-week-events.html. The Monterey Herald usually has a good schedule of events. And Sports Car Market has a downloadable pocket guide at http://www.sportscarmarket.com/guides/2019-MontereyDigitalEventGuide/viewer/desktop/
While you are in the area spend some money if only for a meal. The merchants and people of the Monterey Peninsula will appreciate it.
Here's my intended schedule for next week. (For those with more energy the week starts tomorrow.)
I am first heading to Carmel-By-The-Sea on Tuesday, August 13th, for the Concours On The Avenue. This is without a doubt one of the best free car shows anywhere. Officially it starts at 10 am and runs to 5:30 pm. Classic cars, hot rods, sports cars - and just about anything else. It's crowded and it's fun.
Also on Tuesday I plan looking in on Classic Motorsports Monterey Kickoff Cruise-In (3 pm to 7 pm) on Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove. I didn't go last year and I was told by folks I trust I HAVE to go. So I will.
Finally on Tuesday I hope to stop by Automobilia Monterey at the Embassy Suites in Seaside. This year they will be there for three days. There will be all kinds of automotive collectibles. (And someone who once lived down the road from me in Connecticut will be there.)
Lunch and dinner will be on the Peninsula where the food and atmosphere is always fantastic.
Wednesday I'm back home for the day resting up for the remainder of the week.
Early Thursday, August 15th, morning I'll be back on the road to Monterey. My goal is to hit all the auctions - Bonhams, Goodings, Mecum, RM Sotherby's, Russo and Steele, and Worldwide. That's a ton of cars to see. Almost all out of my price range but I still can dream.
I have to pick up my credentials for different events (primarily Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca).
Thursday evening I head to the Embassy Suites for the Legends of Auto Gala.
On Friday the 16th I'll take it slow. For the most part I'll be at the track just soaking up the atmosphere. I may visit one or two of the auctions especially if I missed any.
Saturday the 17th I'll be at Concorso Italiano in the morning for the beautiful Italian (and a few non-Italian) cars. I always find Concorso relaxing and a good place to spend a Saturday morning. If I have time I may stop by the Concours d'Lemons a tongue in check show.
Saturday evening is set aside for the Automotive Fine Arts Society show at the New Masters Gallery in Carmel-By-The-Sea for their reception.
Sunday is the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The past couple of years I've given up trying to find the perfect parking spot close to the Lodge. I'll park with the general public and take the shuttle bus to the event. I do try to get there early so I can take photos before the crowd is too dense. Thanks to Mequiar's Car Care Products, and the always gracious Mr. and Mrs. Mequiar, I will have a spot to rest my weary bones and watch the awards ceremony.
Monterey is the highlight of the car year for me and thousands of others. If you've never been to any of the events you owe it to yourself to go. There are free events and pricey events. And there is always the Monterey Peninsula.
This year my thanks go out to Volkswagen and the people at Page One Automotive for the load of a VW Tiguan for the week.
For a list of everything happening go to:
https://www.brucehotchkiss.net/2019/05/2019-pebble-beach-automotive-week-events.html. The Monterey Herald usually has a good schedule of events. And Sports Car Market has a downloadable pocket guide at http://www.sportscarmarket.com/guides/2019-MontereyDigitalEventGuide/viewer/desktop/
While you are in the area spend some money if only for a meal. The merchants and people of the Monterey Peninsula will appreciate it.
Comments
This sounds incredibly fun & I hope you have a great time ! I’m sure you will do a great write up to tell us all about it & inspire folks to check it out for next year. Be sure to include lots of photos, too. Safe travels & looking forward to hearing all about your trip soon.