Car Week at Monterey, California is a Mecca for anyone interested in old cars, new cars, unusual cars, one-of-a-kind cars, expensive cars, junk cars, sports cars, any cars for that matter. That person would be Gramps.

This is a yearly trip for us in our truck and camper. We stay at a campgrounds very close to the beach and near several restaurants. The weather is cool and breezy, and we get out of the Texas heat for awhile. It is all very fun and wonderful.

Gramps loves all the cars – and I do mean ALL the cars. He looks at every one. He takes photographs. He takes videos. He talks to the owners. He does this all day, every day. Now I love Gramps and I try to be supportive, but after the first 50 cars or so I get a little bleary-eyed.

Let me tell you my view of Car Week.

Tuesday – The Carmel Concours with many stylish show cars, including the new Acura NSX. There were Porches and Metropolitans and an American La France fire engine converted into a car.

Impressed yet?

Carmel is also home to many cute shops and boutiques. One shop I go to every year is the Christmas Store. I get ornaments for all the grandchildren and have them personalized and dated. I also found a couple of Frozen themed boxes for the two little girls.

Wednesday – The Little Car Show in Pacific Grove. Now this was a really interesting display of all the smallest cars in the world. Mini cars with mini engines, mini wheels and cute mini parts. Everything tiny and compact.

Me? I found some wonderful regular sized shops, where I bought fabulous things. At one antique shop, I found a white infant dress, embroidered with a slip for $15, a monogrammed handkerchief and a beautiful blue and white vintage summer weight quilt.

We also had lunch at the best bakery ever! What a wonderful day it was!

Thursday – The Tour d’Elegance, which was the Pebble Beach Concours cars on tour. These are primo top-of-the-line cars. Lots of brass, silver, leather and works-of-art hood ornaments. Very classy, very showy. Lots of sparkle and shine. And it’s all free for the public to enjoy.

I however, discovered a couple of wine tastings. Purchased a bottle of wine and a gorgeous cutting board. Shopping everywhere! Isn’t it grand!

Friday – The Pacific Grove Concours and Rally. A car show and then a tour of the cars Hearing the engines roar and the horns beep was the most fun.

After awhile I was off shopping again. Of course, we had breakfast first at our favorite little bakery. Must fuel the day. Then I was off to a small linen shop for embroidered tea towels for Christmas gifts for friends and a set of monogrammed napkins for me. Very French! Another great day!

At the end of the day, I found a lovely little antique shop among all the sweet vintage buildings.It had the most interesting old windows with vintage glass pieces glued on. I’m thinking of doing this project for myself when I get home. I think I have all the makings except he window.

Saturday – The Concours d’Lemons, a spoof on car shows in general and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in particular. These are the worst, oddest and quirkiest cars vying for “Worst of Show” any way they can, including bribing the judges.

This show I really enjoyed and looked at all the cars in all the categories. When it started      to get too warm, I spent the remainder of the day in the shady tent lounge provided by one of the vendors. A good day all around!

Sunday – The Historic Races at Laguna Seca with hundreds of race cars from the 1920’s to 1970’s. Gramps and his brother attended this but I did not. It seemed the perfect way to end the week.

And that is how Granny does Car Week – with a credit card and a shopping bag!