Slice of Americana served with frothy mugs of root beer

Part of the sheer joy found in the classic car hobby is the on-road motoring experience. Owning and restoring a four-wheeled gem is only half as much fun as firing them up and actually driving them.

If you're looking for a local spot to cruise to, there's no better destination to transport you to a doo-wop age than Miller's Dog 'N Suds drive-in.

Located in Ingleside, this '50s-style, old-time hop hosts classic car cruises every Saturday night. The cruise is now in its 22nd year and is a surefire way to take you back to a time of poodle skirts, letterman jackets and gleaming street machines.

Owner Roy Miller couldn't be happier with the response. "We have cars drive regularly from Winthrop Harbor, Cary, Milwaukee, Chicago and Beloit. Its not uncommon for 200 vehicles to come out,' the Antioch resident said.

The Dog 'N Suds chain was started in 1954 by two school teachers from downstate Champaign. Miller's franchise was built and opened by his parents in 1967 and is still family operated.

In addition to the old-time flavor of the period drive-in - with its scenic, tucked away location, cruisers and spectators - customers also come to taste the homemade root beer.

"We still make it fresh in a stainless steel vat in the basement and serve it in frozen mugs. Everyone loves the creaminess that you just can't duplicate," Miller said. This frothy beverage is the perfect complement to the rest of the drive-in's cuisine of grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, fries and milkshakes; all of which go perfectly with a parking lot jammed full of Detroit's finest rolling creations.

During the Saturday night cruises, Miller does restrict on-site parking for vehicles made prior to 1973, in keeping with the classic feel. "We just ask that the newer cars park across the street to preserve the look and feel," Miller said.

Also helping to set the vintage ambience are plenty of music events throughout the summer. Each week you can expect to find a DJ spinning up your favorite yesteryear hits and some special events and live performances. Coming soon, you'll find Denny Diamond and his Neil Diamond tribute band on June 23 and an Elvis Presley impersonator will sing the King's greatest hits July 21.

Saturday, May 26 is the season opener with '50s and '60s band Tony and the Affects going live while spectators and owners check out the cool cruising machines.

Cruise nights, and the drive-in, are in full swing through mid-October, based on the weather, as Miller doesn't have a set closing date.

"After all these years the cruising crowd has come to know that they always have a welcoming place to come hang out and show off their special cars."

If you're looking for a slice of motoring nostalgia, then pack up the classic (or modern) and head to this special retro escape. It's getting harder and harder to find such unique venues, but Miller's is doing its part to keep the glory days of 1950s Americana alive and easily within reach.