While the number of large and small museums is almost too big to count, here are a few of the venues classic enthusiasts will find in the continental United States:  

• The Canton Classic Car Museum – Located in Canton, Ohio, this venue has welcomed car lovers since 1978. It features more than 40 restored vehicles and plenty of memorabilia. Cars on display here include a Pierce-Arrow, a Packard and a Cord, among others. The museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except some holidays.
• Floyd Garrett’s Muscle Car Museum – If power attracts, this is the museum to visit. Found in Sevierville, Tennessee, this venue boasts more than 90 cars from the 60s and 70s. Some of the models on display include a 1970 GTO Judge, a 1969 Boss 429 and a 1970 Chevelle. The museum has varying hours, depending on season, and is open every day except Christmas and Thanksgiving.
• The Antique Auto Museum at Hershey – Should some of the very first models in automotive history appeal, this is the place to go. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this museum boasts more than 50 motorcycles and 100-plus cars in some 20,000 square feet of space. Models on display include a 1903 Ford Model A, a 1941 Crosley convertible, a 1923 Nash and a 1955 Studebaker. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It closes for major holidays.

Classic and antique car museums are found in just about every state in the nation. If seeing fully restored models appeals, these venues provide an alternative to car shows and most are open nearly every day of the year.

Are these smaller shows worth the time it takes to prepare and register?

For beginners at showing and serious enthusiasts they are. There are many reasons why beginners at showing in particular will find the smaller shows that take place in towns all over the United States well worth the bother. They include:

The experience – Showing a restored classic, and answering questions about the restoration process, and the vehicle can take some time to get used to. Smaller shows provide a great way for new owners to break themselves into the routine.

The networking – Small shows do provide a great opportunity for owners to network with others in their own geographical area. This is great not only for developing friendships, but also building a network for information on parts, swap meets and so on.

The prizes – Even small localized shows often have prizes attached to them in various categories. This can be a fun way to make back some of the money spent on a restoration job. Don’t expect huge purses, but some shows will surprise.

Small car shows are well worth the time for those who want to get into this aspect of classic ownership. To find them, just pay attention to local newspapers, browse local car club Web sites and check with other owners in the area.

What do you need to do to get ready for your first show?

If you’ve never shown a car before, you are in for a whole lot of fun. There are some things, however, that you’ll need to do to prepare for the big day. Starting out at a local show that is probably fairly small is a great way to go. To get ready, make sure to: 

* Inquire about requirements and registrations – Even local shows can have some picky entry requirements. The earlier you inquire; the better. Make sure your car fits the years allowed for entry and take the time to register in advance. Expect a modest entry fee for most small shows. Some, however, may not charge.

* Get your car ready – When it is time to show a car, the ride should be as clean as possible. Polish up the outside and also pay attention to the interior. If the show is judged, the cleanliness can make a big difference.

* Brush up your knowledge – Even at very small shows, owners get asked a lot of questions. Be prepared to field inquiries about the restoration process, the car itself and even its history. The more you know, the more comfortable you will be.

Car shows are incredible experiences for classic car owners who want to show off their rides. Being prepared for a show can make the experience even more enjoyable.

While it is very likely that small, localized car shows might not operate in the middle of the snowy season in some areas, bigger shows continue throughout the country. If you are new to the classic car world, you will find an active calendar no matter the month.

There are a number of big shows and swap meets that take place throughout the country during January, February and March. Some of the bigger ones include the Mid America Promotions Super Sunday Indy event in Indianapolis in January and March. The sixth annual January in Arizona Collector Car Auction in Gilbert is set for Jan. 16-18. California is a hotbed for car shows in the winter, as well. There are events in Pomona and Long Beach, among other areas, throughout the season.

To find car shows to heat up your winter, consider:

• Checking directly with local antique or classic car clubs
• Looking on line at some of the major classic car organization Web sites
• Just do an on line search for classic car shows and swap meets

Classic car lovers’ passion for their rides does not cool in the winter. Shows continue throughout the year to bring enthusiasts and their vehicles together.

As the holiday season approaches, excitement starts brewing for the release of dates in the upcoming year for all of the most fantastic car shows available to car lovers.  One of those shows is the Cavalcade of Customs in Cincinnati, Ohio.

This 2010 show has been scheduled for January 8th through the 10th and will be held at the Duke Energy Center in Downtown Cincinnati.

This year’s show will feature a parade of custom cars from every era of American automobile history.  You will see everything from classic Thunderbirds to “tricked-out” muscle cars from the big engine glory days of the 1970’s.  This is a show that is guaranteed to surprise and excite!

In addition, this is a show for the entire family and will not only feature an appearance by baseball legend Pete Rose, but the kids will also be thrilled to see “SpongeBob Square pants” and “Dora the Explorer”!

Hotel rooms are available at the Millennium Hotel and this location offers convenient parking and transportation to the convention center and is within walking distance.

Do not miss this opportunity to have a great time with your family as well as see some of the cars you dreamt about when you were a kid!

For the car lover who plans their weekend around what event is coming up next, now is the time to book your trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey and get your reservation at the luxurious Borgata Casino and Resort for the collector’s and classic car show which has been coined as “The Greatest Collector Car Show on Earth.”

Completely indoors, the show is held from February 26th through the 28th and features cars dating back to the Model-T, through the 1950’s and into the muscle car era of the 1960’s and 1970’s.

This show is one of the most talked about events of the year and people of all ages and backgrounds are sure to love the style that will be flaunted at this amazing event.

Tickets are on sale now and a variety of hotels outside of the Borgata offer special rates for casino and non-casino lodging to participants and show goers alike.

This is one incredible event that you will return to for years to come.  Book your tickets today to experience the largest indoor car show on the planet.

The ice cream shop around the corner has a classic car show once a month. It is nothing fancy and prizes are not necessarily attached with this particular event.

Is it worth your time in checking out?

If you own a classic or want to, the answer is likely yes. Chances are strong that you will find stopping by this type of show with or without your car will turn out to be a wise investment of your time.

So, what can small, localized shows offer you?

Whether you happen to be a veteran of owning an antique car or you just getting started in this hobby, local shows can give you access to:

• Information about the hobby – Classic car owners can prove to be walking encyclopedias about the hobby. If you need to know where to go to find a car, find parts or even get your restored car into bigger, better shows, these folks will know.
• Camaraderie – There is nothing better than sharing this hobby with other enthusiasts. When you attend local shows, you will find people in your area who share your passion.
• The exposure – Should you have a car that is ready to show, small events in your own neck of the woods can help you become accustomed to what showing is all about. It makes a whole lot more sense to show the first time out at a local event than to truck half way across the country.

Going to smaller shows might not offer the excitement and crowds that the bigger shows provide, but this is a great way to cut your teeth.

There are now many Concours events all over the world, with many of them in the US – of which arguably the most famous is the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This event has taken on legendary status among fans of classic cars, with some of the most highly-rated car artists in the world falling over themselves to design posters for the event, and lovers of the automotive industry to see the finest examples of the craft. Awards are given for the most impressive cars, including many which center around the cleanliness of the automobiles. Many motorists do not even drive their vehicle to the event, having them transported to the venue so as not to tarnish their immaculate exterior or even cause the engine to work. Anyone who loves the look and feel of classic cars will adore the Concours d’Elegance.

Clubs are popular because they bring people together – people with a common interest in something, whatever it may be. For fans of classic cars, the pleasure of being part of a classic car club is that they are able to discuss something that interests them without the danger of their conversational partner rolling their eyes and affecting boredom. Clubs also frequently either organise or attend special days out such as car shows, which bring the members together and give them a chance to appreciate classic automobiles in the best setting of all – the great outdoors, with a chance to really interact with the cars and appreciate how they work. The joys of classic cars are best appreciated with other fans, so if you can find a club, join it. If you cannot, why not set one up?

You are not much for joining clubs and attending meetings, but you are a huge classic car enthusiast. In fact, you have a project car sitting in your garage right now and are itching to finish it up and get it on the road. If finding the right parts or a lack of restoration knowledge are the things standing in your way, you might want to get over your indifference to clubs.

In the quest to rebuild a classic, antique car clubs can, in fact, become your most valuable tool. When you take the time to go to meetings, mingle with members and show off your project, your efforts could be repaid tenfold. Three of the biggest reasons to consider joining a classic car club during the restoration process are:

       The recommendations – Local classic car enthusiasts are your best resources for finding out where to go for parts, who to trust on repairs and body work and so on. Those who have been through the process can provide you with valuable recommendations that can help you get your classic on the road faster.

       The assistance – Classic lovers are often willing to help fellow club members put the finishing touches on vehicles. The knowledgeable assistance can make all the difference in the world to your own project. Do expect to have to reciprocate, but that is half the fun.

       The camaraderie – Local classic clubs provide a great outlet for not only advice, but also friendship and camaraderie. The shows, parts swaps and other events can make joining an experience you will not regret.

Joining a classic car club is not quite like anything else. If your dream is to put an antique back on the road, your local club could be your most valuable resource.