Hot Rods & Turkey Run, a Florida favorite

There is a legendary annual automotive event that Florida fans attend without fail. They rub shoulders with thousands of folks from around the country who have it on their can’t miss list as well. It’s a four-day event, held over the Thanksgiving weekend, and there is always more to do than time to do it. The huge display of vehicles inside the Daytona International Speedway typically numbers between 5,000 and 6,000.

While street rods are the flavor of choice, you’ll also see a huge collection of customs, restored originals, replicas, trucks, antiques, and oddities. Bring comfortable shoes or rent a scooter to see them all. It’s also the perfect opportunity to shop for parts since the 3,000 vendor spaces are typically rented by the first day. Your little red wagon would be a big help or flag down one of the many parts-hauling golf carts roaming the track. If it was time to update the wheeled vehicles in the garage, buyers and sellers met at the Car Corral with dozens of vehicles changing hands hourly.

Interested in celebrity sightings? Meet Rick & Kelly Dale from American Restoration on the History Channel. Chat with Butch Patrick (Eddie Munster) and admire his Drag-U-La and the Munster Koach display. If all that activity caused you to work up a thirst, swing by the Hops & Hoods Craft Beer Festival, offering samples of more than 120 different craft beers from 48 different breweries. At 2 pm each day, make your way to the area behind the registration tent and listen for your name to be called for the fabulous collection of door prizes given away throughout the weekend.