Rev Your Engines: 7 Great Outings for Car-Crazy Kids (and Dads!)

When you think of taking your car to the mechanic or visiting an auto supply store, you might picture a grease-stained concrete floor and grubby lifts. Nope. The flagship store of Griot’s Garage is sparkling and stylish, designed in a red, black and white retro theme. In the garage, employees will show you how to detail your car like a pro. Attached to the retail store is an auto display room that is like a mini museum.

Griot’s isn’t for your average Brown Bear customer. It sells a special cleaner to remove bug splats, another one for cleaning wheels (also in heavy-duty and chrome formulas), and a spray just for cleaning the car’s undercarriage. Even if you’re not in the market for $249 handmade Italian driving loafers, Griot’s is a fun place for car fanatics to visit.

Store events: Griot’s hosts some kind of car show or gathering nearly every weekend. Check the shop’s events page for upcoming events, which include seemingly every variety of car show and club gathering.

Where: 3333 S. 38th St., Tacoma

Cost: Free to look

Next stop: Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-In