For classic car enthusiasts, the open road is a canvas painted with chrome, curves, and the rumble of vintage engines. This curated journey takes you through five iconic destinations across the U.S.—Auburn, Indiana; Hershey, Pennsylvania; Pomona, California; Dearborn, Michigan; and Tupelo, Mississippi—each a mecca for classic automobile culture, offering museums, auctions, swap meets, and car shows that celebrate automotive history. From marveling at Duesenbergs in the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum to haggling for parts at the Hershey Swap Meet, this 3,500-mile road trip along scenic byways is a dream for families, couples, solo travelers, and gearheads. Buckle up, roll down the windows, and let America’s classic car legacy ignite your passion for the ride.
A Journey Through Automotive History: From Horseless Carriages to Muscle Cars
The American automobile, born in the late 19th century, revolutionized travel, culture, and industry, with pioneers like Ford, Chrysler, and Duesenberg shaping the road. This journey celebrates the craftsmanship, design, and nostalgia of classic cars, from Model Ts to ‘69 Mustangs, while exploring the stories of the workers, racers, and collectors who kept the legacy alive. Each stop highlights a unique era: Auburn’s pre-war luxury, Hershey’s collector community, Pomona’s hot rod culture, Dearborn’s Ford empire, and Tupelo’s rock ‘n’ roll rides. Museums and events feature artifacts like original blueprints and vintage gas pumps, with docents sharing tales of Route 66 and barn-find restorations. TripAdvisor reviews praise these destinations for their authenticity, though some note crowded event parking. This route, ideal for a two-week adventure, blends history, hands-on experiences, and the thrill of the open road.
Auburn, Indiana: Art Deco Automobiles
Start: Auburn, IN (120 miles northeast of Indianapolis)
Begin at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, housed in a 1930 Art Deco showroom at 1600 S Wayne St. This National Historic Landmark showcases over 120 classic cars, including 1929 Duesenbergs, 1935 Auburn Speedsters, and Cord L-29s, with exhibits on the Roaring Twenties’ luxury car boom ($15 adults, open daily, 9 AM–5 PM). Explore the Kruse Automotive & Carriage Museum nearby at 5634 Co Rd 11A, featuring movie cars like the 1966 Batmobile ($10, open daily). The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival (August 2025) brings parades and concours d’elegance (free entry, $10 for premium events).
Dining: Savor burgers at Mad Anthony Brewing at 114 N Main St ($8–$15). Vegetarians enjoy salads at The Deli at Sixth & Main ($6–$12). Grab apple pie at Auburn City Steakhouse ($4–$7). Sip craft beers at Mad Anthony ($6–$10).
Stay: Book at Hilton Garden Inn Auburn ($100–$150) or camp at Fireside Resort Campground ($40/night).
Quirky Attraction: The Eckhart Park Model A, a restored 1928 Ford, is displayed during the festival (free).
Tip: Visit during the festival (August 29–September 6, 2025) for car shows; book lodging early.
Hershey, Pennsylvania: Swap Meet Paradise
Drive: 450 miles east via I-80 and I-76
Next, head to Hershey, PA, home of the world’s largest antique car swap meet at the Hershey AACA Fall Meet (October 7–10, 2025), hosted by the Antique Automobile Club of America at Hersheypark, 100 Hersheypark Dr. Browse thousands of vendors for parts, memorabilia, and classics like 1957 Chevys ($10 entry, free parking). The AACA Museum at 161 Museum Dr displays 100 vehicles, from a 1896 Ford Quadricycle to a 1970 Dodge Charger ($14 adults, open daily, 9 AM–5 PM).
Dining: Try cheesesteaks at Fenicci’s of Hershey at 102 W Chocolate Ave ($8–$15). Vegetarians love The Chocolate Avenue Grill’s veggie wraps ($6–$12). Grab chocolate pie at Hershey Pantry ($3–$6). Sip beers at Tröegs Brewing ($6–$10).
Stay: Stay at The Hotel Hershey ($150–$300) or camp at Hersheypark Camping Resort ($50/night).
Quirky Attraction: The Hershey’s Chocolate World car display, featuring a 1950s-themed ride, is a sweet detour (free).
Tip: Bring cash for swap meet deals; visit in early October 2025 for mild weather.
Pomona, California: Hot Rod Haven
Drive: 2,200 miles west via I-70 and I-15
Continue to Pomona, CA, home of the NHRA Motorsports Museum at 1101 W McKinley Ave, showcasing drag racing history with hot rods like 1960s Funny Cars and dragsters ($12 adults, open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM). The Pomona Swap Meet at Fairplex (February 9, 2025, and monthly) draws thousands with classic car sales and parts ($15 entry). Cruise Route 66 nearby for retro diner vibes.
Dining: Enjoy tacos at Donahoo’s Golden Chicken at 1074 N Garey Ave ($6–$12). Vegetarians love The Rookery’s avocado toast ($8–$15). Grab churros at Donut Man ($2–$5). Sip beers at Innovation Brew Works ($6–$10).
Stay: Book at Sheraton Fairplex Suites ($120–$200) or camp at East Shore RV Park ($45/night).
Quirky Attraction: The Wally Parks NHRA Time Capsule, a restored 1950s gas station, is a nostalgic photo op (free).
Tip: Visit in February 2025 for the swap meet; bring sunscreen for outdoor browsing.
Dearborn, Michigan: Ford’s Legacy
Drive: 2,000 miles northeast via I-40 and I-94
Head to Dearborn, MI, home of The Henry Ford Museum at 20900 Oakwood Blvd, a 250-acre complex with 200 vehicles, including the 1963 Mustang II Concept and JFK’s 1961 Lincoln limo ($30 adults, open daily, 9:30 AM–5 PM). The Greenfield Village, part of the complex, features a 1929 Ford Model A ride ($20). The Ford Rouge Factory Tour showcases F-150 production ($20, weekdays).
Dining: Savor shawarma at Al Ameer at 12710 W Warren Ave ($8–$15). Vegetarians enjoy The Green Well’s quinoa bowls ($6–$12). Grab cherry pie at Achatz Handmade Pie Co. ($4–$7). Sip beers at Ford’s Garage ($6–$10).
Stay: Stay at The Henry Ford Hotel ($120–$200) or camp at Detroit Greenfield RV Park ($40/night).
Quirky Attraction: The Ford Tri-Motor Ride, a 1929 plane flight, offers a vintage thrill ($75, seasonal).
Tip: Visit in June 2025 for mild weather; book factory tours early.
Tupelo, Mississippi: Elvis’s Rides
Drive: 600 miles south via I-55
Conclude in Tupelo, MS, birthplace of Elvis Presley and home to the Tupelo Automobile Museum at 1 Otis Blvd (closed in 2019 but planning a 2025 reopening, check tupeloautomobilemuseum.com). Expect 120 cars, including Elvis’s 1976 Lincoln Mark IV and a 1929 Duesenberg ($10 adults, open daily). The Tupelo Elvis Festival (June 4–8, 2025) features car shows with 1950s Cadillacs (free entry, $10 for premium events).
Dining: Try BBQ ribs at Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen at 124 W Main St ($10–$20). Vegetarians love Neon Pig’s veggie burgers ($6–$12). Grab pecan pie at Connie’s Fried Chicken ($3–$6). Sip beers at Blue Canoe ($5–$10).
Stay: Book at Hilton Garden Inn Tupelo ($100–$150) or camp at Tombigbee State Park ($30/night).
Quirky Attraction: The Elvis Presley Birthplace at 306 Elvis Presley Dr displays a 1940s Plymouth like Elvis’s family car ($20).
Tip: Visit during the Elvis Festival for car displays; confirm museum reopening.
Family Fun: Car Shows, Museums, and Festivals
This journey is family-friendly. Auburn’s festival offers kids’ car-building workshops ($5). Hershey’s swap meet has vintage pedal cars (free for kids under 12). Pomona’s swap meet features hot rod demos ($5 kids). Dearborn’s Greenfield Village offers Model T rides ($10). Tupelo’s Elvis Festival includes pet parades and music (free). Museums provide interactive exhibits like driving simulators, and picnic areas abound at nearby parks like Hersheypark or Tombigbee State Park. These stops create joyful family memories.
Romantic Escapes: Vintage Road Romance
Couples will find romance on the road. In Auburn, stay at The Inn at DePauw and dine at Auburn City Steakhouse ($20–$40). Hershey’s The Hotel Hershey offers spa nights and chocolate cocktails ($15–$30). Pomona’s Sheraton Fairplex pairs with sunset cruises on Route 66 ($50/couple). Dearborn’s The Henry Ford Hotel and Al Ameer dinners are intimate ($15–$30). Tupelo’s Hotel Tupelo and Kermit’s BBQ set a cozy mood ($10–$20). Scenic drives like Route 66 or Blue Ridge Parkway near Tupelo add romance under starry skies.
Solo Adventures: Finding Serenity in Classic Cars
Solo travelers will feel inspired. Wander Auburn’s museum for Art Deco elegance ($15). Haggle at Hershey’s swap meet for rare parts. Explore Pomona’s hot rod shops on Garey Avenue. Join Dearborn’s factory tour to connect with gearheads ($20). Visit Tupelo’s Elvis Birthplace for reflective moments ($20). Sip coffee at local haunts like Hershey Pantry or Neon Pig, where locals share restoration tips. Each stop’s museums and events offer serene dives into automotive history.
Shopping: Automotive Memorabilia and Local Finds
Each stop offers unique gear. Auburn’s museum shop sells Duesenberg models ($10–$50). Hershey’s swap meet has vintage signs ($20–$100). Pomona’s Route 66 Gift Shop offers hot rod posters ($5–$30). Dearborn’s Henry Ford Museum Store sells Model T kits ($15–$50). Tupelo’s Elvis Presley Birthplace has retro car decals ($5–$20). Nearby farmers markets, like Tupelo Farmers Depot, offer local crafts. Gear shops equip restoration projects.
Best Places for a Night of Fun: Classic Car Evenings
Nights rev up the fun. Auburn’s Mad Anthony hosts live music ($5–$10). Hershey’s Tröegs Brewing offers beers and bands ($6–$10). Pomona’s Fox Theater has retro movie nights ($10–$20). Dearborn’s Ford’s Garage features car-themed cocktails ($8–$15). Tupelo’s Blue Canoe hosts Elvis tribute bands ($5–$10). Festivals like Auburn’s Concours (August 2025) and Tupelo’s Elvis Festival (June 2025) bring car shows and music. For spooky fun, try Dearborn’s Ghostly Model T Tour ($15, October 2025).
Why This Classic Automobile Journey Beckons
This journey through Auburn, Hershey, Pomona, Dearborn, and Tupelo is a heartfelt ode to America’s automotive soul, where vintage cars, open roads, and passionate communities create a thrilling adventure. From Duesenberg elegance to Elvis’s Lincoln, every moment pulses with nostalgia and craftsmanship. Whether you’re browsing swap meets, dining with gearheads, or cruising under starry skies, this route invites you to slow down, connect, and embrace the timeless magic of classic cars. Hit the road—you’ll leave with memories as enduring as a ’57 Chevy’s chrome.
Hagan Happenstance 