Workshops are also held throughout the event and vendors have tables set up as well.

For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the experience of the Rod Runs, the only lodging choice would one of the many hotels located on the main Parkway.  This allows visitors to literally step outside of their hotel room into the car show.  It also allows one to fall asleep to the sounds of engines revving all night long, so keep that in mind when choosing where to stay.

Of course, sometimes not every member of the family is going to be on board for a three day car show.  There is a way, however, to make a trip to the Rod Runs fun for all.

For those who are bringing along some less than eager family members, staying in the heart of nearby Gatlinburg is a much better choice.  This will allow the car lovers to drive to Pigeon Forge, but the other family members can walk from the hotel room to nearby shopping, dining and attractions such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, the Ripley’s Aquarium and many others.

Those members of the family who do not care about the car show will not have to put up with the traffic jams along the Parkway, and can simply stay in Gatlinburg enjoying all that the city has to offer.

The show goes all day and all night.  At night, the line of cars meandering slowly down the Parkway is constant and gives visitors a chance to hear the engines of the cars they have looked at during the day.

The Rod Runs provide a great chance to network with others from around the country who are interested in similar types of cars.

Those wishing to stay right on the Parkway should make their reservations as far in advance as possible as this is one of the most popular yearly events in the area.  Also, expect to pay a premium price during these events, even if choosing to stay off of the Parkway.   It is noisy all night long on the Parkway, so that is not the best choice for all visitors.

There are other smaller car shows held during the year, but the Spring Grand Rod Run and the Fall Grand Rod Run are, by far, the two biggest.

It costs under $50 to enter a car into the show and vendor tables are available for under $200.

Car lovers must put this on their bucket list!