Go Car Crazy In The Smokies!

Posted by Phil Rodgers in Things to Do

Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains sure do seem to love cars. And we're not necessarily talking about their own vehicles (although on any given day in the Smokies, you'll see plenty of those). What we're referring to specifically are custom cars, trucks and other assorted four- (and two-) wheeled vehicles. Whether they're new or vintage, original equipment or heavily modified, there's definitely a fascination with all things automotive here in these mountains, everything from muscle cars and old-school VW Beetles to classic roadsters like Corvettes and Mustangs.

You'll see that interest reflected in a few different ways, one of the most high-profile of which is the custom-auto show. Dozens of such shows dot the event calendars in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and beyond. These gatherings are great forums for participants to show off their wheels and even compete for awards and cash prizes. Entrants usually talk a lot of shop and have access to unique products offered by participating vendors.

For example, there are several custom-car shows (locals usually just refer to them generically as “rod runs”) headed to town this weekend. The Bronco Super Celebration is taking place at the Townsend Visitors Center in Townsend, Tennessee, April 17 through 20. Billed as the world's largest gathering of Ford Bronco enthusiasts, this event features several daily drives to different areas of the East Tennessee region as well as games and contests for kids, product giveaways and more.

Also this weekend is perhaps the grandaddy of all the local car shows, Spring Rod Run 2024, which is based at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. This three-day event includes a large cash giveaway, Top 25 awards, Ultimate 5 awards and the coveted King of the Hill award. Participants will also enjoy a huge swap meet and interaction with hundreds of other car owners, whose vehicles will be displayed throughout the weekend in the car corral.

On those same dates, you can also swing by the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA and check out the Rod Run '50s Jubilee. Pigeon Forge turns into Coolville during this 1950s-inspired event. Greasers from near and far will enjoy all the classic cars and hot rods at the Rod Run at the LeConte Center and then head back to the KOA for a sock hop party on Saturday as well as train rides, crafts, tie-dye art, ceramic painting, movie night and bingo. The KOA is located one and a half miles from the LeConte Center. Participants and the public can walk or bike between the two sites via the Riverwalk Greenway instead of having to navigate Parkway traffic.

Finally, don't miss the Smoky Mountain Street Dreams Car & Bike Show, taking place in Wears Valley, Tennessee, which is about 10- to 15-minute drive from the Pigeon Forge Parkway via Wears Valley Road. All makes and models are welcome at this show, which includes a swap meet, vendors, car corral and live entertainment. Awards include Best Classic, Best Hot Rod, Best Stock, Best Muscle, Best Import, Best Custom, Best Overall, Best Motorcycle, Best Rat Rod, Best Truck, Best Motor and Top Five. More than $5,000 in cash prizes is up for grabs.

By the way, if you find yourself headed out to Wears Valley this weekend, you'll pass right by Goats on the Roof, which is on Wears Valley Rd., not far from the Pigeon Forge Parkway. In between car shows, it's a great opportunity to ride some rides, play some mini golf, mine for gems, shop for crafts and say hello to the goats on our roof!

This content posted by Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains. Visit our home page, goatsontheroofofthesmokies.com for more information on the goats and their coaster.

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