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Photo by Trip, Trek, & Travel The World via Trover.com
“You’re a car girl!” the bombshell standing next to the candy apple red Mustang at the Car Show exclaimed. The evidence was overwhelming. Of all the things I could be doing on my birthday, why else would I be dragging my son to the Convention Center to look at hot rods and dream cars?
Since then, I’ve embraced my car girl passions, and if I could be doing anything I wanted to this spring it would be strolling the grounds of the Austin Lonestar Roundup. It’s a gigantic outdoor car show and live music festival. Over 1,500 vintage hot rods and custom cars make the annual pilgrimage from all over the world. Since it’s such a popular event, visitors should book Austin hotel rooms far in advance.
About 13 years ago the Lonestar Round Up was a humble one-day car affair held in an old football stadium. Now it’s a long weekend of hot rods, custom cars, music, art, history, and creativity inspired by the vintage American car culture. The lineup of events always pleases the eager crowds.
Photo © Lonestar Round Up
Jalopy Journal Is Going Strong
Of course, car culture isn’t all grease monkeys and their molls. This year the Jalopy Journal is publishing its third edition, All Tore Up: Texas Hot Rod Portraits. There’ll be a book signing, great brews, and live music.
Photo by Elaine J. Masters
Official Garage Crawl
Want to see these spiffy wheels in action? You don’t need a vintage ride to tag along on the Official Garage Crawl. Show up early at the appointed place and get in line. Things wrap up by noon with a visit to the Dell Children’s Hospital before parking at the Expo.
The Car Show Kicks Off at the Expo Center
From 11 a.m. till late, the car show will be in full swing. There’s a swap meet and vendor area plus an art show indoors. From Surf Polka to Texas Honky Tonk to RnB, the music will roll through the day from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. Later you can find more music and even hot rod movies downtown.
Cruise on Through
On Sunday feel the religion of hot rod love on a slow cruise. A scenic hill country drive winds up at the Oasis Texas Brewing Company. Don’t put it into park yet, though. Mercury Charlie’s is hosting an open house. Shuffle your feet with live music from Kristy Johnson and the legendary Junior Brown.
Photo by Rocket Man via Trover.com
Can’t make it to the Roundup? Connect with the organizers from the Kontinentals Car Club for Austin-style hot rod culture year round.
Car-girl Elaine and friends. Photo: Tripwellness
Sadly this hot rod honey won’t make it to the Lonestar Round Up this year, but my heart will be there. In my mind’s eye, my little, scratched Toyota Corolla knows what it wants to be when it grows up. Maybe next year I’ll be riding off to Austin in a vintage, candy-apple red Mustang.
Written as part of the Hipmunk City Love Project.
I love old cars! We were recently in Pilsen (Czech) and saw tons of old Czech cars…fascinating!
That sounds amazing, Corrine. I’d love to visit Cuba before they’re all gone too.
What a fun event! How have I missed hearing about it even though I live in Austin, not that far from the Oasis? I’ll have to keep an eye out for it in 2016.
I’m jealous that you live near Austin and can attend the Round Up! Looks like a hopping retro culture that begs for playmates.
Looks like such a fun retro-event!
Thanks and indeed it does.
I remember, not so long ago, when hot rodders used to cruise up and down main street and gather at the local Dairy Queen. Every time I hear about Austin, it’s always about something really cool.
We still have cruising nights in some of the San Diego neighborhoods. Mostly rumblers and low riders but still a pretty colorful crowd. I think the Austin event is a cut above.
The Austin Lonestar Roundup sounds like a blast! I love that post card painting at the top. Is that you in it?
Glad you liked the post. Wish I were the cutie in the picture! Will go for the pose next year at the Round Up hopefully.
I am not a “car girl” either, but I do admire the devotion car fans have to their beloved automobiles. My head will turn when a vintage car passes me by. Thank you for sharing this experience with me.
I think a big part of experiencing fine vintage cars is the visual. Works for me!
I can’t say I am a “car girl” meaning that I don’t have a passion for cars. For me cars are something that will take me comfortably from point A to point B, but I’d love a nice car.
Comfort is a biggie indeed for a car. If I could a bit of retro style would be along for the ride.
I am not a car girl, but I do enjoy looking at vintage automobiles on occasion. The Austin Lonestar Roundup sounds like fun.
I know! The Round Up looks like a blast – all that style, BBQ and great music too.
While I have no desire to own one, I love the kitschy vintage vibe and would enjoy taking one (or more) out for a spin.
I’m with you. Vintage cars can be a headache but when working well, a joy to drive. So my dream is to live like ‘Ironman’ with a fleet of cars and the people to keep them running!! LOL.
not much of a cars girl but thanks for showing an inside look into the event
Glad you enjoyed the peek under the hood.
Totally not a car girl myself but hubby is crazy about certain old cars! Have to show him this. I really enjoyed reading this as you write about it with so much passion 🙂 thanks for linking up with #weeklypostcard
Thanks, Samiya, The nostalgia for the old cars goes deep. I’d love to drive one.
I’m definitely a car girl and this looks awesome! Just wow!
I know. Austin is having all the fun!
Sounds like you had a great time!
I’m not a car girl, but I do love the looks of some cars, such as sports car. I love something fast and make that vrooom sounds. Such a great feeling when it vibrates! Some hot rods looks really amazing too!
I love that vrooom sound too!
i would be all over this, spending most of my time seeking out those American Muscle beauties, but mostly the Mustangs. I still drool over the thought of my GT with a 302 Boss v8 5.0 litter engine… Oops, got carried away. Lol
The Mustangs, ahhhh yes!
Very interesting! I can’t say that I’m a “car girl” myself, to be honest – I just see them as boring “transportation means”, haha. But your excitement about cars is pretty contagious!
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Thanks, Olga. They can be practical (like my home ride) but I do love art and retro cars. Thanks for writing.