Outside the Track – ROVAL

The ROVAL

Well, it’s that time, NASCAR fans! We have arrived at the second cutoff race for the NASCAR Playoffs. Come Sunday night, there will be only eight drivers left battling their way to Phoenix.

Kansas Speedway gave us an exciting last lap, which saw a surprise winner emerge. Will we see the same at the ROVAL? It has happened before; it could happen again!

I know it is a controversial take, but I actually like the ROVAL. The schedule has too many road courses overall, but I enjoy going to the ROVAL. The past few years, the weather has been beautiful, and the fans get super hyped up for the cutoff races. It makes for a fun weekend. I would understand if they switch back to the oval, but it would make me a little bit sad.

If you will be in town for the weekend, we hope you have a fantastic time! A few of our staff and I will be at the track, so look for us. If you are watching from home, check our social media pages for content from the track. After that public service announcement, here is what you came for: activities and restaurants near Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Attractions

• If you are looking for family fun with a fall theme, check out Almond Farm in Concord. They currently have their fall festival going on, which will appeal to all ages.
  

  (Photo: https://almondfarmproduce.com/about-us)

  Hayrides, petting zoo, corn maze, nature trail, pumpkin patch, an inflatable obstacle course, and farm games are just some of the fun options they have available. Check out their

• If you want something a bit more thrilling, try The Speedpark at Concord Mills. It is right down the road from the racetrack on the backside of Concord Mills Mall.
  

  (Photo Credit: The Speedpark Concord Mills | Facebook)

  The purchase of a wristband gets you unlimited go-karting, mini golf, and other activities like bungee jumping for a day.

• A great option for after the races each night is Topgolf. It is less than 15 minutes from the racetrack and is open until 1am! I’m terrible at golf, but it’s really fun just trying. Bonus: they have some pretty good food to munch on between swings!

Restaurants

• Bossy Beulah’s is a great place to chow down on chicken, which is good since that is almost the whole menu!
  

  (Photo Credit: Bossy Beulah’s | Facebook)

  I was told the best meal is to grab a sandwich and the cucumber salad as your side. You won’t be disappointed. There are multiple Bossy Beulah’s locations in the Charlotte area, and luckily, there is one in Concord just a few minutes from the racetrack.

• If you will be in uptown Charlotte (NASCAR Hall of Fame, anyone?), definitely check out Moo & Brew. You cannot go wrong with any burger or salad on the menu. The Moo Melt and Peter Piper burgers come highly recommended.
• Parkway House Family Restaurant is the place to go for breakfast, and it is right up the road from the racetrack on Highway 29. You cannot go wrong with any of the omelets or waffles. If you would rather go for lunch or dinner, they have an extensive menu with all types of food as well as daily specials. No one in your group will leave here hungry!
• If you are looking for a sweet treat to end your day, look no further than The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar and Ice Cream Shop in Concord. The Crazy Mason started in Myrtle Beach, SC years ago and has now expanded to other states. If you have been before, then you know how good it is. If you haven’t, now is the time to go! The signature shake at the Concord location is called The Pit Stop. Who wouldn’t want to try that?!?!
  

  (Photo: https://www.thecrazymason.com/desserts/the-pit-stop/)

  Drop your favorite places to visit and eat at while in Charlotte!