Across the country I've noticed several car shows that call themselves "Cars and Coffee." In fact there are several websites with variations on that theme. While there may not be a specific mandate, most shows follow some simple guidelines.
Generally these meets start EARLY! By 6 AM most spots may be taken already. The shows are usually in a largely vacant, unused parking lot. Hopefully there is some spot that sells coffee nearby. Usually these shows are unsponsored, with no fees, music or registration paperwork. Just show up, park the car, enjoy the rides, sip some coffee and leave.
In Scottsdale, AZ our version is held on the first Saturday of the month. All sorts of cars and trucks show up at a quiet shopping strip mall. So there are lots of parking spaces, but the center section where the classic cars park fills up quickly.
Being Scottsdale, there are all sorts of high priced cars coming in; from Maserati's, Porsche's, Bugatti's, Lamborghini's and even the electric version of the McLaren P1. But since we have no rules, this show also has plenty of more traditional classics; like ‘32 Deuces, Packard's, Mustang's and a restored stock ‘51 Chevy truck. It's kind of nice and speaks well to our hobby that all classes of cars can come out and be enjoyed by all.
The best part of starting early, is that after being there for a few hours; you could head up to a more traditional car show, after meeting up with your buddies or head home and still have the bulk of the day available for other "stuff."
At the June show, I noticed that one "prime" spot up front by the shops was blocked off. I was wondering what prima donna was so unthoughful, but it turned out totally different. It seems that the spot was going to be auctioned off to the highest bidder who would get the right to park there for the next twelve months, during Cars and Coffee. The proceeds were going to the family of a Mesa, AZ sergeant who had recently died in a head on crash while driving home after work on Mother's Day. The winning bid was $5,000 with an additional $4,000 collected from onlookers that day.
So if you are heading out to some new territory during a road trip, consider looking for the local version of a Cars and Coffee show and enjoy the cars, and a cup of java!