Road Trippin’ to the 25th Hot Rod Power Tour

Undoubtedly, every year is a “big year” for auto enthusiasts. But this year really is a big year, and that’s because the legendary Hot Rod Power Tour is ringing in 25 years next month.

Yes, that tour. The world’s biggest rolling car show. The seven-day, seven-city journey that draws thousands of participants and hundreds-of-thousands of spectators, has a silver anniversary this year. And organizers have some special features in store, including three new venues for the first time in its history.

Over 6,000 vehicles are expected to participate in the 25th Hot Rod Power Tour, running June 8-14. Attendees can expect to see all years, makes, and models along the route, as this rolling car cruise is less about testing your restoration skills and more about testing your limits.

Can you and your ride endure 1,500 grueling miles of driving around America?

If you answered a resounding YES, then you’re in luck, as enthusiasts can join in at any point along the way. Although, if you want the street cred that comes with being a “Long Hauler,” you must check in at the first stop’s registration in Concord, North Carolina—as well as each and every step along the way. (Read more about registration here.)

Got your heart set on being a Long Hauler for the 25th Hot Rod Power Tour? Well, you gotta get there somehow. Here’s an outline of some major routes, chock full of American roadside splendor and guaranteed to get you where you’re going.

Road Trip to a Road Trip? Why Not?!

Concord is northeast of Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina. And since there are 17 interstates that exist in some form within the city limits, it’s safe to say: you’ve got some travel options. For sanity’s sake, we’ve picked the major three: Interstates 77 and 85, which link Charlotte to major hubs throughout the Southeast, Northeast, and Midwest states, and Interstate 40, a major coast-to-coast route that puts you less than hour outside the city.

So, here are some fun routes to get you into Concord, on time for the 25th Hot Rod Power Tour. (As well as some traditional road trip-worthy highlights to hit along the way.)

If You’re Taking Interstate 77

This popular snowbird route for Great Lakes residents cuts through the Appalachians and offers beautiful views of the Southeast United States. Keep in mind that roughly 88 miles of I-77 is a toll road. So, keep some cash in the glove box or purchase a toll pass.

The northernmost point you can pick up I-77 South is Cleveland, Ohio—an excellent stopover destination in its own right. See if the Cavs are in town, hit up the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, or stop off at the historic West Side Market for a literal taste of the city.

Next, consider a pit-stop in Marietta, right on the West Virginia border. With a sweet downtown and some sweeter breweries, there’s plenty of local charm to absorb. If you’re staying the night, consider camping in Wayne National Forest and taking a ride along the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway.

(I mean, what’s a few more miles on the ol’ hot rod when you’re headed to the 25th Hot Rod Power Tour, eh?)

Once in West Virginia, treat yourself to pit stop in Tamarack. A great place to pick up some unique, handmade souvenirs, it’s also THE place to grab some grub. And if you’re spending more than an afternoon, be sure to check out the nearby highlights of Grandview State Park, New River Gorge Bridge, Hawk’s Nest State Park, and the Thurmond Coal Mining Ghost Town.

As you cross into Virginia, enjoy the beautiful drive through the admittedly, poorly-named Bland County. Consider a quick stop in Wytheville if you’re craving some classic, wacky roadside attractions like a hot air balloon-shaped water tower and some world-famous hot dogs.

From VA, it’s only about another hour before you hit North Carolina. Mt. Airy, near the border, is a great place to stop for some true old-world charm, as it served as the inspiration for the actual Mayberry on the Andy Griffith Show. And don’t miss Dale Earnhardt’s “Garage Mahal,” a multimillion-dollar development complex built by the NASCAR superstar in 1999. It’s an easy stop-off on the last leg of the trip.

If You’re Taking Interstate 85

Running from Alabama to Virginia, I-85 filters into a number of major metro areas in the South.

If you’re at the interstate’s southern start in Montgomery, there’s no shortage of fun and attractions in and around the city—least of which is the variety of tributes to its hometown music legend, Hank Williams Sr. Heading north up I-85, you’re looking at about 160 miles until the next major metro area, Atlanta, but there are several great locations to hit up along the way. Consider a stop in the historically-relevant city of Tuskegee or its stunning nearby national forest of the same name. Enjoy some southern hospitality in the sweet, little college town of Auburn. And sip on a juicy IPA while you take in the stunning city of La Grange, Georgia.

Once in Atlanta, here’s the official city guide of things to do…aaand here’s the young, hip guide. Pick your poison. If any version of Atlanta seems like too much excitement for you, consider exploring the outlying Coweta County. Have a picnic in Chattahoochee Bend State Park, take in the sweet downtown of Newnan, and experience the aptly-named Peachtree City via golf cart.

The 25th Hot Rod Power Tour meets up about 260 miles from Atlanta, which should take you about 4 hours with usual traffic. In between, why not check out a craft beer festival in Lawrenceville, Georgia? Or take in the charm of Greenville, South Carolina? Catch a BMW factory tour in Spartanburg and don’t forget to get some delicious barbeque in the state that created it.

Comin’ from the North?

Those of you travelling south from the Northeast, picking up I-85 in Virginia, be sure to spend some time exploring beautiful Richmond before you hit the road again. Also, consider taking 360 West for an alternate, scenic route with less traffic and more little towns. (It runs parallel to I-85.) Either way provides easy on-off opportunities, though if you’re interested in stopping in Raleigh, the interstate makes more sense.

If You’re Taking Interstate 40

Those of you taking I-40 to the 25th Hot Rod Power Tour are in for a real treat. Running coast-to-coast, this interstate cuts through eight states’ worth of attractions, with much of the western portion running on top of (or parallel to) historic Route 66.

For the sake of space, here are some highlights on or near I-40, per state:

California

If you are beginning at the beginning—in Barstow, California—consider checking out the Mad Max-style “Vehicles from Hell” for a good laugh, the nearby Calico Ghost Town for a good scare, and the beautiful, surrounding desert areas, like the Mojave National Preserve, for good vibes.

Arizona

Arizona’s list is a long one, with natural splendor like the Grand Canyon, Coconino National Forest, Prescott National Forest, and the Painted Desert at the top of the list. Consider a stop in Sedona and be sure to “stand on a corner in Winslow, Arizona”—it really is “such a fine sight to see.” The London Bridge in Lake Havasu City is a worthy tourist attraction, too, as is the mile-long meteor crater outside Flagstaff.

New Mexico

If you’re passing through New Mexico, make a pit stop in Gallup. A third of the population in this city has Native American roots, so you’ll find special cultural touches throughout—including native art markets and ceremonial pow wows. Other must-stop locations are Albuquerque for some Old Town archaeological wonders, Fort Sumner for some historical enlightenment, and Santa Rosa for some desert scuba diving. And don’t miss the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano, “The Land of Fire and Ice,” right on the Continental Divide.

Texas

I-40 cuts right through the top of Texas. Be sure to stop at the wacky Cadillac Ranch art installation in Amarillo and grab dinner at the Big Texan Steak Ranch—the food is delicious, the beer is cold, and the atmosphere is all fun.

Oklahoma

Don’t miss the Sandhills Curiosity Shop on your way into the Sooner State—it’s a weird, rough-around-the-edges tourist treat. And before you hit Oklahoma City, keep an eye for the original Lucille’s Historic Highway Gas Station for a taste of old Route 66 travel. Once you hit OKC, see if the Thunder are in town, float along the Bricktown Canal, or just soak in some true cowboy culture.

Arkansas

Still with us? Good. As you cross through Arkansas, military buffs will enjoy a stop in Fort Smith, while outdoor enthusiasts could make a stop-off at the Ozark National Forest or Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Hit up Little Rock for some capital city attractions and be sure to stop at Craig’s in De Valls Bluff for some of the best BBQ in the state.

Tennessee

When riding through the entire state of Tennessee, the main attractions will be Memphis, Graceland, Nashville, and Knoxville for obvious reasons. But if you’re looking for some hidden gems, stop off in Cookeville for an afternoon, or grab a game in Crossville—the Golf Capital of Tennessee.

North Carolina

Can you believe it? You’ve finally made it to the destination state! From Knoxville, you’re looking at about 250 miles until Concord—the meeting place for the first stop of the 25th Hot Rod Power Tour—so let’s make them count. If you do happen to be coming from west of the border, hop off I-40 in favor of US-129 and put those driving skills to the test on the Tail of the Dragon.

Ride that into North Carolina, picking up the interstate again around Clyde, about a half hour outside Asheville (an immensely popular tourist destination nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains). Check out Sliding Rock for some summertime adventure or the Biltmore Estate, if grandiose historical monuments are more your thing.

Remember…!

This year’s 25th Hot Rod Power Tour includes some dragstrip days with fun runs and autocross in addition to all the driving involved. So make sure that hot rod is in tip-top shape, pack your tools and safety supplies, and clear some space on that credit card. Make some friends along the way—inevitably you’ll need a fellow gearhead’s mechanical advice at some point.

And remember—you’re on vacation! While the guys at Hot Rod Network set a designated route, you don’t have to stick to it 100%. Carve your own path through America’s highways and byways and craft the perfect road trip for you and yours.

As always, safe and happy travels!