5 Things to Do and See in Talladega, Alabama

Home of Talladega Superspeedway

A lot of NASCAR fans tend to get caught up in raceday excitement and forget that there are other things to do around the tracks. Sometimes, race fans don't always want to just hang around the track. I have not been to or visited all of these places but many of these have been suggested by fans or natives of the towns and states or even by folks in the NASCAR industry themselves! Others have come from websites or the chambers of commerce. So sit back and take an armchair road trip with me across the circuit...

 

The International Motorsports Hall of Fame - suggested by Talladega.com

Talladega is not only the home of Talladega Superspeedway but it is the home of so many other things such as their very own International Motorsports Hall of Fame.The museum was officially opened on July 26, 1990.

The Hall of Fame and Museum lies adjacent to the track, 90 minutes from Atlanta and just 45 minutes from Birmingham. The Hall of Fame and Museum is open daily between 8am and 5pm except for the major holidays. Hours are extended during race weeks. You can find out more information on their website, or contact them by phone at (256) 362-5002.

 

Birmingham, Alabama - suggested by Kristin

Kristin suggests checking out nearby Birmingham, Alabama for the shopping and the biggest zoo in Alabama, the Birmingham Zoo. Kristin isn't from Birmingham but she has visited quite a bit, so she knows her stuff!  Some of the highlights of Birmingham are the Robert Trent Jones golf trails, the Riverchase Galleria Mall, and the new Alabama Adventure theme park.

The Riverchase Galleria Mall has plenty of shopping, as if your wallet wasn't empty enough from the race tickets and hotel! The Alabama Adventure park also has a waterpark for the kids. Or your husband. *Note: the water park does not accept any responsibility for any domestic disputes that may result from taking your spouse to the water park*

Finally, if you're in the mood to get really messy, Kristin also suggests the Dreamland BBQ joint for some good southern cooking.

Birmingham lies about an hour west of Talladega and you can visit their website for more information.

 

Talladega Blvd. - suggested by Adam O'Donnell

"It's like Mardi Gras for NASCAR fans". That's how it was described to me when I first heard of the Talladega infield, also known to fans as Talladega Blvd. I figured this needed more investigation. I did a Google search for "Talladega Blvd." and there wasn't a whole lot of information, but from what I hear from some fans who have been there, it is quite a wild and wacky place.

Adam says "Every adult should take at least one trip through the Dega infield at night (but bring a friend). It's Mardi Gras for NASCAR fans, and Talladega Blvd. is it's Bourbon Street. Not even Dorothy and Toto have taken a stroll down a road like this."

During one of Adam's trips through the Dega infield, he even witnessed a certain Cup driver behind the wheel of a yellow chicken car!

Talladega Blvd is located right in the Talladega infield! Here's more information about camping out there.

Photo credit: Adam O’Donnell

 

Speedway Blvd & Texaco Walk of Fame - suggested by Sharon King

Speedway Blvd is full of things to do during race weekends, according to Sharon. She says there are a lot of vendors and even people offering kart rides, for a price, I'm sure, and folks prancing around in costumes. There's also a lot to do in the display area at t he track such as live concerts. "Many people like to go to the Texaco Walk of Fame/Davey Allison Memorial," she says.

Every year, two drivers are inducted into the Walk of Fame, one active and one inactive. It is certainly a fantastic way to honor past and present drivers. For more information about the Walk of Fame, you can visit their website or call 256-362-4261.

Photo credit: Sharon King

 

 

Cheaha State Park - suggested by Talladega.com and Sharon King

If you ever wanted to have a couple of days before or after a race to just relax, Cheaha State park might just be the place for you. Cheaha Mountain is the highest point in Alabama. Standing at 2,407 feet in elevation, this lovely mountaintop retreat offers something for the nature loving NASCAR fans that just want to get away for a while.

The park offers lodging, private chalets, dining, camping, hiking and biking trails, fishing, and even geocaching for the more adventurous NASCAR fan. Some of the chalets are even pet friendly for the fan who just can't bear to leave their furry loved ones behind. Located just 25 miles from Talladega Superspeedway, this is a must see destination if you love the outdoors.

You can visit the Cheaha State Park website here.

I’d like to thank Sharon, Adam, and Kristin for their help in the writing of this article and for their insights to Talladega and the surrounding areas.