Cruisin’ the Coast is a big event in our house. We look forward to it all year and ride Hwy 90 almost daily throughout the week-long event.
I’m always surprised to meet locals who avoid the event and the traffic that comes with it.
ENJOY THE RIDE
There is traffic (so much traffic!) so I wouldn’t suggest driving Hwy 90 if you’re in a hurry. But I would definitely recommend taking a “Sunday Drive” any night this week to see some awesome cars and bond with the family.
When our little guy gets restless, I give him a certain color car to lookout for and make a game of it. We point out our favorites and treat the traffic like a moving car show. There are block parties and events every day if you get restless sitting in the car. We usually stop at the mall or downtown Ocean Springs.
I love seeing the families looking at the cars, watching the couples driving Hwy 90 in classic cars from their youth, and dads bonding with their sons over something outside of a screen.
LOVE FOR CARS
I enjoy it because it’s so great to see people enjoying something together.
My husband loves the cars. In fact, he’s been a car guy since he was a kid and can tell us the name and year of almost any car we see. It’s fun to test him and he enjoys seeing the rare ones.
He bonded with his dad while they worked on cars so he appreciates the time and effort that goes into restoring them. He uses Cruisin’ as a chance to engage our son and get him interested so they can eventually work on cars together. So far it seems to be working because our son can recognize a Mustang, won’t stay out his toolbox and “fixes” his truck on a daily basis.
I love Cruisin’ the Coast because it’s something we can all enjoy, for different reasons.
My son has been every year since he was born and has started a new game while we drive. Every time we see a classic car, he “claims” it for his tank. I’m not sure how it started, but he can point out a classic car from blocks away and is always convinced he’s winning. In the interest of our sanity, the game is on pause when we hit 90.
There aren’t very many things that each of us truly enjoys and are as simple as driving on the beach. I’ve realized that when we become parents, most of the things we do for entertainment revolve around our kids; what will keep them occupied and entertained but also be semi-entertaining for us.
This is an event where everyone can find something fun, whether it’s doing a scavenger hunt or just appreciating the dedication that goes into the beautiful cars.
So strap the kids in, drive the beach, embrace the traffic and enjoy this beautiful place we call home.
FAVE CRUISIN’ EVENTS FOR FAMILIES
These are a few of our favorite Cruisin’ the Coast events to take the kiddos to:
MONDAY, OCTOBER 3
- Long Beach Parade: 5:30 p.m. (parade starts). Over 600 cars in parade.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4
- Margaritaville Cruise-In: 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5
- Blessings of the Classics in Diamondhead: 4-7 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7
- Ocean Springs Sock Hop & Street Party: 5:45-9 p.m.
