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If you're in need of an escape from the forced awkward conversations with relatives that turkey and a day off from work brings, head downtown to the Convention Center and check out the LA Auto Show. All of the manufacturers you've heard of and a bunch you've never heard of, found enough money in their budgets to make the trip and fortunately they brought some of their best new cars with them. Ford premiered the 2010 Mustang, Mini unveiled an all-electric ride and Nissan busted out a cube-shaped vehicle cleverly titled Cube (For more new cars making their premiere at the LA Auto Show Jalopnik has their Top 10 Reveals).
One thing that seemed to be missing from this year's Auto Show that we saw plenty of last year - people working the booths. Looks like when the economy is down, the first thing to go are the guys and girls tasked with engaging the public while wearing a funny uniform. There were far less staff standing around doing nothing this year than at the '07 Auto Show. Maybe the manufacturers read last year's coverage.
For those who enjoy looking at new cars without having to worry about someone trying to sell it to you, than the LA Auto Show is definitely your place.
Admission is $10, children under 12 get in free. Parking is $12 in the Convention Center parking lot, although there are other options available including the "Additional Weekend Parking" provided by the Convention Center on Grand Ave which will run you $10, a free shuttle bus from the lot to the Convention Center runs pretty regularly.
Bring cash, all the "Cash Only" signs spread throughout the Convention Center make your credit/debit card pretty useless. Fill up on turkey before heading out to the show, the cafeteria food in the halls tastes like cafeteria food and it's not cheap. After dropping $14 on that burger/fries/drink meal, you'll be right alongside the big three looking for a bailout of your own.
