A Woman's Guide to Surviving Another Car Show with Her Guy

Let's face it ladies - if you have a man in your life that is a "car guy" you can bet that car shows will be a regular part of your social calendar. But if the thought of debating which car wax outshines the others doesn't quite thrill you as much as those sassy patent leather shoes in Macy's, don't get your sandle strapes in a twist. Put on your favorite flip fops, get out your matching tote bag, and head to the car show with your honey. You may be pleasantly surprised over the number of events that some car shows are now offering to attract that ladies.

I grew up with a "car dad" for the first 28 years of my life and now I am married to a "car guy." Needless to say I've seen my share of car shows. Whether you've entered your car to display it in the event or are just attending as a show-goer, here are some of my favorite "gals only" inspired events and a few other unique suggestions for you to enjoy.

Visit the Ladies Tent
Carlisle productions in Carlisle, PA, realized that many women wanted to attend weekend car events with their husbands, but were bored by spending the entire weekend looking at shiny chrome. They decided to start a ladies tent to attract women rather than scare them away. As a result, guys can still enjoy their gals company, the show's attendance and income has increased, and ladies get to enjoy being pampered. A beauty school provides manicures and pedicures for a donation, and a massage therapist soothes those sore muscles with complimentary back rubs. Women can relax with their girlfriends, enjoy light refreshments, browse through vendor tables selling female inspired products, and even sign up for fashion shows and seminars. Event companies hosting weekend long car shows across the country are catering to women with ladies tents or something similiar.

Seek out the sights
If your guy wants to go to a car show, but doesn't have a specific one in mind, encourage him to take you to a car show in operation near, or at, an attraction. Many popular tourist destinations host car shows to boast attendance and increase profits. When my guy is in the mood to take our 'Vette to a car show, a sign us up for the Corvette parade that runs on the Ocean City, NJ, boardwalk. We both enjoy the novelty of riding on the boards, and I get to embark on a shopping trip by the ocean with my girlfriends. We've also been to Historic Smithville and Village Green, WheatonArts and Cultural Center, and plenty of other places.

Head out for a day on the town
When I went to the Mustang anniversary show in Charolette, NC, several years back, I enjoyed strolling the racetrack drooling over Mustangs with my husband and in-laws. But if I wasn't interested in the cars, there were plenty of bus trips for the ladies that I could have signed up for. Some hauled women off to enjoy outlet shopping, while others visited local attractions and numerous antique shops.

Get to work
Are you the type that always has to stay busy? Put your reporter hat on and grab your notebook. Note the types of cars in attendance, what their owners are like, what other things there are to do at the show, and write down a few quotes from show-goers. When you get home, write up an article and submit it to numerous newspapers and magazines. Write it well enough and you just might get paid. You can do the same with photographs.

Get connected
Work with the car show's event company to coordinate an all women's club. Pick a meeting spot for you, and other women attending the show that may need a break from all the testosterone, to have lunch together and have lively discussions. Plan and advertise in advance, and you can even discuss books, create crafts, and more.

No matter what you choose to do while your guy plays with cars, be sure to recommend a nice place for dinner for him to take you to after all cars have driven off into the sunset.