We survived the west coast swing and are finally back on the east coast. I’m excited because we are going to 1 of my favorite tracks- Atlanta Motor Speedway! Now the track isn’t what I grew up on anymore, I loved seeing the raw speed combined with the slipping and sliding across the track on TV. I attended college in Chattanooga, TN and my friends and I went to a couple races. There was nothing like watching those cars fly by heading into turn 1 at full speed. What Atlanta is now is kind of cool with pack style drafting, but I will always enjoy watching reruns of Atlanta in its glory days.
If you’ve never been to the Speedway, let me tell you something up front- it’s not in Atlanta. It’s basically out in the middle of nowhere. You’ve left the big city lights behind just driving down the road for a while, watching trees and fields fly by and then BAM racetrack. Sorry to disappoint you if you didn’t already know that.
So after bursting the bubble and letting you know you aren’t actually in Atlanta, what is there to do that doesn’t require driving north and fighting traffic to get to downtown Atlanta? Don’t get me wrong, there is a ton of things to do in Atlanta but March isn’t exactly warm and who wants to walk around downtown in the cold? Here’s some other options to fill your time.
1. ROAD TO TARA MUSEUM
10 miles from the racetrack you will find yourself in Jonesboro, GA. A very cute town that houses its visitors center in an old railway station alongside a museum dedicated to the famous Georgia book and film ‘Gone With The Wind’. You can see artifacts used in filming and much more. The town was inspiration for much of the novel. While there also check out information about the Civil War Battle of Jonesboro. And if you have the time, take a historic tour of the town or walk around to check out all the murals painted on the sides of buildings.
2. TANGER OUTLETS LOCUST GROVE
I won’t lie, I love outlet shopping. About 20 minutes from the track in Locust Grove, GA you will find Tanger Outlets. With over 50 stores- ladies you can do some major damage to your husband’s credit card! Grab lunch or dinner there as well, multiple restaurants surrounding the outlets.
Food Options
1. JUICY’S RIBS
A hole in the wall BBQ joint that serves delicious ribs and southern down home sides. Not far from the racetrack in Hampton, GA.
2. SOUTHERN FUSION
Serving breakfast and lunch, you don’t want to skip this restaurant if you are in Locust Grove. Menu is large and diverse.
3. CRUMBLES BY NICOLE
If you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, run to this bakery in Locust Grove. The owner, Nicole Silva, competed on ABC’s Great American Baking Show and won Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge! Chow down on cupcakes, cookies, cheesecake or macarons.
Have a great Atlanta race weekend fellow race fans!
Thank you. This is my first time driving to the track. Helpful to know ahead of time so I don’t think I’m lost.