DISCLAIMER: “Park ‘n Chat” is a complimentary resource for classic car activities around north central Michigan. Cruises, shows, swap meets, meetings, club links, both sponsored events and informal hangouts.
It is NOT ALL INCLUSIVE (but will do our best). Check back, access websites (or call) venue/organizers before driving hours to attend events. PLEASE READ! Some require pre-registration, have entry fees, limitations, admissions, and of course are weather permitting.
Thanks for stopping by “Park ‘n Chat”. Hope it is useful and maybe we’ll meet up someplace to park, ‘n chat.
Regular Park ‘n Chat Gatherings
Find out where (weather permitting) folks are hanging out with their old cars.
1st Monday of every month
Sunrise Cafe & Cabins in Lupton
Date:
Location:
Carl & Kenalee McGregor invite classic car owners to join them the 1st Monday of every month at noon, starting in May thru October. The laid-back, friendly atmosphere keep us coming back year after year. Rods and Relics has arranged a 10% discount off your meal that day! Tell them you arrived in a classic car!
EveryTuesday morning for breakfast
Buck’s Country Cookin’ in West Branch
Date:
Location:
A small informal group of vintage vehicle lovers meet up at Buck’s around 8:30 (give or take a half hour) for friendly car talk, car tales…and breakfast…because we love breakfast at Buck’s and talking cars.
Tuesday evenings on dates listed
Rita’s Twisty Freeze in Standish
Date:
Location:
On the following Tuesday Evenings:
June 2nd, June 16th, June 30th, July 14th, July 28th, August 11th, and August 25th
Rita’s Twisty Freeze in Standish hosts classic cruisers for “POPS in the PAST” Cruise In at 6:00 p.m. Great food, ICE CREAM, and always a big turnout. Just remember to stay home if it rains.
Every Tuesday night
The Mio Moose #1035
Date:
Location:
Starting on June 9th, thru August 25th, every Tuesday night at 5:00 p.m., if you’re looking for a more rustic, northern setting for a drive, head for the Mio Moose Lodge Cruise-In. They’ll have the grill fired up and the parking lot ready for you and your ride. All participants vote on each other’s car for a weekly winner. What’s better than a cookout with cool cars!?!
Kicks off June 9th at 5:00 p.m.
2nd Tuesday of each month
The Victorian Cafe in Hale
Date:
Location:
The 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m., all summer long, Rods and Relics invites car enthusiasts to join them at Victorian Cafe in Hale for an ice cream social! They have been gathering at the ice cream shop in Hale since the early 2000’s. Anyone who cruises in a classic ride can see Moe for a 25% discount token off their order at the Cafe. It kicks off again this year on May 12th!
Wednesdays
Cruise into Burger King in West Branch
Date:
Location:
Every Wednesday (except the 2nd Wednesday of the month) a bunch of folks like gathering with our cars in the overflow parking lot between Burger King and Rally’s at 5:00 p.m. This is probably one of the most casual hangouts of old cars you’ll find and is organized by White Knights Car Club.
2nd Wednesday of the month
West Branch Community Airport
Date:
Location:
So you ask, what to do the 2nd Wednesday of each month when you’re not at Burger King? White Knights Car Club sponsors a cruise out at the airport! It’s a scenic drive to a spacious venue for relaxing conversation with friends. Show up at 5:00 p.m. to join the conversations.
1st Wednesday of the month on dates listed
Pit Stop in Whittemore
Date:
Location:
The 1st Wednesday of the month join “Calvin & Nicole” as they welcome hot rodders to the Pit Stop. Be there as they kick off June 3th at 4:00 p.m., then again July 1st, August 5th and September 2nd. They have a huge menu full of pizza, grinders, wraps, salads…DESSERTS…YUM, and more!!! CRUISE ON IN!
3rd Wednesday of every month
Rods and Relics Monthly Club Meeting
Date:
Location:
Third Wednesday of the month is set aside for Rods and Relic’s monthly meetings, year ’round. May thru October gather at the Commission on Aging around 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6:00, club provides hotdogs and everyone brings a dish to pass, meeting starts at 7:00.
When snowbirds head south in off months, it’s lunch at a local restaurant around 1:00 p.m. Rods and Relics sponsor many great activities. Watch the Events Calendar for updates, times, locations, and special instructions.
LAST Thursday of each month
Trailside Food Court at Long Lake
Date:
Location:
On the last Thursday of the month at 4:00 p.m., (STARTING ON THURSDAY, MAY 28th!!!!), gather for great food, great stories (and occasional live music) at Trailside Eatery. Make sure you get the coupon for a free ice cream when you pull in with a classic car.