Check your coolant fluid levels. You might have a leak that is causing this. If all the coolant is gone, the car will over heat and wrap if you don't turn it off.
Go to a local parts shop and ask for a scanner. The scanner will give you a code, and with that code, you will be able to tell what is wrong with the car.
What kind of noise is it making? If it gets worse as you drive it, you should not drive it to the mechanic. If it is fairly stable, it should be ok to do so.