Okay…I confess…I am a little goofy when it comes to cars. However, in my defense, the goofiness is a rather common ailment for many people these days.

Hot August Nights 2014 began earlier this week in northern Nevada and will conclude on August 3, 2014. This will wrap up the 28th year of this event which debuted August 1, 1986. This event has grown into one of the largest, most anticipated annual events in our area. It currently features 10 days of events across the area celebrating the 50′ and 60’s – “a time of innocence, prosperity, cars and the birth of Rock and Roll.” Of course a huge part of this celebration centers around the automobile.

Oh…the automobiles! For me, HAN usually begins in mid-June when I start to see the local enthusiasts breaking out their “classics” and getting them ready for the big event. In late July/early August, the local enthusiasts are then joined by thousands of other enthusiasts during the event week and the party begins. Although I was a bit young to experience this innocent, prosperous time, I nonetheless have a definite appreciation for the four-wheeled artwork that rolled off of the assembly lines in the day. You do not have to be an owner of one of these fine pieces of machinery to participate…simply attend a Show-n-Shine, take in a “Controlled Cruise” through one of our downtown areas or just take an evening stroll down your favorite street. I promise you will be dazzled by the scenery. To access a full schedule of the Hot August Nights events, visit their official website at www.hotaugustnights.net.

If you haven’t attained your fill of beautiful buggies by the end of Hot August Nights, I have another suggestion to whet your appetite. Merely one week after the conclusion of HAN, car enthusiasts can move their operations down to the Monterey Peninsula to continue their oooo’s and ahhhh’s.

The nearly week-long schedule of events culminates with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance which has been described as the World Series or Super Bowl of the automotive universe. Once each year, on the third Sunday in August, about 200 of the most prized collector cars and motorcycles in the world roll onto the fairway of what is often called the best finishing hole in golf — the famed eighteenth at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Tire meets turf and transformation occurs: the stage is set for one of the most competitive events in the automotive world. The occasion is the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Like HAN, these events can be enjoyed by non-owners. There are several “free” opportunities to see some amazing pieces of rolling art or you can often become a part of yesteryear by merely hanging out at an intersection in Carmel-By-The-Sea. And once again, I promise you will be dazzled! To access a full schedule of events visit the official Monterey website