Cruisin’ the Coast Down in Biloxi Mississippi
Known as “America’s Largest Block Party,” Cruisin the Coast is mecca for gulf coast car guys and gals. In fact, it’s more than just car guys and gals as people of all walks of life get involved in this festive event that stretches for miles along Mississippi’s coastline. If you’ve never experienced the thrill of old cars mixed with beautiful beach scenery, you really should mark your calendars for next year’s Cruisin’ the Coast (Sept 30-Oct 7 in 2018).
With eleven car clubs and over 700 volunteers working to insure it comes off smooth, the event runs from Pascagoula to Bay St. Louis, a 30-plus mile stretch of thousands of cars cruising for a full seven days. There are block parties in each town, meet and greets with industry celebrities, casinos, concerts, shrimp gumbo, po’ boys and of course hurricanes (the cocktail variety – although the outer bands of Hurricane Nate did come to the party Sunday).
CTC features seven designated stops – Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, D’Iberville, Gulfport, Pass Christian, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula. Each town is set up like a mini show for cruisers to stop in, grab a bite to eat, listen to live music, and enjoy the quaint, southern towns brimming with charm. These check-points, if all acquired, allow participants to be entered in a drawing for cash prizes – so you definitely want to hit all the stops.
The swap meet is a full day venture itself. Held at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, hundreds vendors fill the grounds with everything from boutiques and antiques to tools and rod shops – there is literally something for everyone. Although there is a designated stop for each day, cruisers have a free schedule and are welcome at any stop at any time during the week. This makes for a chill vibe and an enjoyable experience where participants get to set their own pace.
If you’re like most car enthusiasts you want to be where the action is. The Edgewater Mall in Biloxi is the place to be. The parking lot is packed with show cars, food trucks, and live bands kicking out the jams on stage. If you want a little something different, you can head to the coastal boulevard to catch classic cars cruisin’ by, and if you’re lucky a few smoky burnouts taking place. Smoke show!
We saw plenty of younger car people taking in the fun. We saw families set up roadside campsites to enjoy all the hoopla and timeless vehicles. The weather is usually amazing, the food is on point, cocktails strong and the company is top-notch. If you love your old car, road trips and fellowship, Cruisin’ the Coast hits all the marks. Ya gotta drive ‘em!
