Visit informal `cruise-ins' for vintage car fun

Owners of cool classic cars cruise St. Paul's University Avenue almost daily to visit Porky's in nice weather, just as they have since the 1950s. But drivers of vintage cars visit many places today, as seen by the following list of free "cruise-ins." Some have music, door prizes and other activities. There's always food, with eateries usually offering specials. Some events are small and informal, and few classic car owners come out in cold or damp weather. Here's where and when the "Happy Days" spirit comes alive this summer.

Tuesdays

5-8 Grill & Bar, Champlin (2nd Tues., June-Sept.), 5-8 pm, 763-425-5858, 63galaxieman@jmknowlton.com. Denny's, Otsego (1st Tues., May-Sept.), 5 pm-dusk, 763-441-3924.

American Legion Post 334, Coon Rapids (2nd & 4th Tues., May 27-Sept. 23 plus Oct. 7), 5 pm-dusk, 763-421-6260.

Culver's, Savage (3rd Tues., May-Sept.), 6-9 pm, 952-223-0332.

Culver's, Albertville (2nd Tues., May-Sept.), 5 pm-dusk, 763-497-1042.

El Tequila, Inver Grove Heights (every Tues., May-Sept. 16), 5:30-8:30 pm, 651-455-1650.

Oak City, Brooklyn Center (every Wed., May 7-Sept. 24), 7-9 pm, 763-531-0235, 612-529-4630. Wal-Mart, Forest Lake (3rd Wed., May-Sept.), 6-8 pm, 651-464-4052.

Central Park, North Branch (every Wed., May 7-Sept. 24), 6:30 pm departure for a short cruise to a restaurant, 651-674-0020, 651-283-3359.

Turtle Bar, Shakopee (1st & 3rd Wed., May-Sept.), 6:30-9 pm; 612-741-5906.

Lookout Bar & Grill, Maple Grove (3rd Wed., May-Sept.), 6-9 pm, 612-581-8730, 763-424-4365.

Pizza Ranch, Waconia (2nd & 4th Wed., May-Oct.), 6-9 pm, 952-442-9255, 952-448-4946.

Culver's, Monticello (1st Wed., May-Sept.), 5 pm-dusk, 763-295-9536, 763-682-3772.

Culver's, Elk River (3rd Wed., May-Sept.), 5 pm-dusk, 763-441-0400, 763-682-3772.

Denny's Classic Diner, Rogers (4th Wed., May-Aug.), 5 pm-dusk, 763-428-1574, 763-682-3772.

Carver Car Cruise, Broadway St., downtown Carver (2nd Wed., May-Aug.), 6-9 pm, 612-989-5454.

Thursdays

Culver's, Lakeville (4th Th., May-Sept.), 6-9 pm, 952-223-0332.

Culver's, Forest Lake (2nd Th., May-Sept.), 5:30-8:30 pm, 763-434-6629.

Fridays

North St. Paul History Cruze (every Fri., June 6-Aug. 29), 6-10 pm, 651-773-8274. About 1,000 classic vehicles can attend this 14-year-old tradition. Prior Lake Roll-In (every Fri., May 16 into Sept., except July 4 and Aug. 1), 5-9 pm, 952-440-2277.

DQ Grill & Chill, Edina (every Fri., May 30-Aug. 29 except July 4), 6-10 pm, 952-830-0330. O'Reilly's Auto Parts, Lakeville (last Fri., May-Sept.), 6-8 pm, www.MnHotRods.com.

St. Paul Downtown Beat Classics Show, Kellogg Blvd. between Wabasha & Robert (May 24, June 7 & 21, July 19, Aug. 2 & 16), 5-10 pm, 651-224-4133, www.downtownbeatclassics.com. Music, food, 1975 and older vehicles, more. Anoka Saturday Night River Run (every Sat., May 17-Sept. 13 except July 12), 5 pm-dark, 763-427-1460. Downtown hosts hundreds of classic cars.

Historic Hastings Cruise-In (May 31, June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, Aug. 9 & 23, Sept. 6 & 20, Oct. 4), 5-10 pm, 651-438-7949, 651-437-4400. Hwy. 61 will have construction; Hwy. 52/55 is an alternate route to this big event.

Sundays