The Bayside Exposition Center is located just a few minutes drive south of Downtown Boston, and in November two large events are happening there – The 50th New England Auto Show and just in time for snow season – the Ski and Snowboard Expo.

Let’s quickly check them out here…

New England Auto Show

This is New England’s annual showcase of the newest model year import and domestic vehicles — cars, vans, light trucks and sport utilities. Factory representatives from the car lines are on hand to answer your questions in a no pressure environment. There are cars to suit every budget and life style. With the car lines all under one roof, it’s easy to compare prices and features, saving both time and money.

Special appearances this year include former Red Sox pitcher Bill “The Spaceman” Lee, AAA’s Funny Car racer Bob Tasca III, and NASCAR Nextel Cup Driver Hermie Sadler. Jeep is sponsoring an event called “Jeep Fun for All Ages” where you can involve yourself in 4WD demos, a Kid’s Driving Course, gaming stations and a climbing wall for the more adventurous attendees.

Of course all the big name car manufacturers will be on show with latest and greatest models. Some highlights include the new Pontiac G5, Ford Edge, Dodge Nitro, Hummer H3-X and GMC Acadia, as well as many more.

Always a favorite are some of the concept of what you might be driving in the next few years – sometimes you never know what the manufacturer will decide to show until you get there. Concepts that are expected include the Dodge Rampage, Chrysler ME Four-Twelve, and the Suzuki Dune.

The show runs from November 4 – 12, and admission is $10 for adult and $5 for children (6-12). Show hours are Saturdays 10:00am-10:00pm, Sundays 10:00am-7:00pm, Monday and Tuesday 1:00pm-9:00pm, and Wednesday-Friday 1:00pm-10:00pm.

Ski & Snowboard Expo

It’s fast approaching snow season in New England and this means skiers of all ability are praying for the white stuff to fall – unless you have to shovel it!

So kick off your winter season at the Boston Globe Ski & Snowboard Expo November 16-19, 2006. Everything you’ll need to prepare for skiing and snowboarding this season including mountain resorts with great deals on season’s passes and vacation packages, equipment manufacturers, travel destinations, and winter-themed entertainment. Ski Market Multi-million dollar equipment sale will have incredible pre-season sales on ski and snowboard equipment and accessories

Special events and attractions include: the SkyRiders Aerial Spectacular where a group of Olympic and National, trampoline athletes redefine extreme fun as they entertain and amaze audiences of all ages. Adrenaline Jam - A FREE interactive video game area featuring 15 game ports with PS2 and Xbox 360 video games, plus 2 large-screen monitor ports, highlighted by action sports games including SSX3, AMP3, and Eye Toy: AntiGravity.

And especially for the younger the Stowe Kids Snow Park presented by WBZ - A children’s oriented introduction to skiing in an indoor setting. This special area of the Expo Hall is devoted for first-timers and beginners to learn and try skiing and snowboarding, get information and professional advice on getting started, plus exclusive introductory learn-to ski/snowboard offers.

The Ski and Snowboard Expo runs November 16 – November 19, and admission is $10. Show times are: Thursday 11/16 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday 11/17 4:00pm-10:00pm, Saturday 11/18 10:00am-8:00pm, and Sunday 11/19 10:00am-6:00pm.

Bayside Center Details:

The Bayside Expo Center is located in Dorchester at 200 Mt. Vernon Street, Boston, MA 02125. From Boston take I-93 south and take exit 15. At end of ramp, turn left. Go halfway around rotary. After rotary, take first right. At traffic light, turn left. Follow signs to Expo Center parking. Enter Bayside parking on your left.

The Bayside Expo Center charges $12.00 for parking. Ample, on-site parking is available. After the rotary, simply follow the signs for On-Site Parking at Bayside Expo Center.

For ideas and suggestions on not-to-be-missed attractions while in Boston check out my special Boston destination section by clicking here.

More events from New England in a few days so be sure to check back regularly.

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Vacations Guide