Charlotte NC Recommendations Needed - NASCAR related
Dec 4th, 2006, 08:44 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Charlotte NC Recommendations Needed - NASCAR related
First my deepest apologies to every non-NASCAR fan who lives any where near Charlotte. My daughter and wife finally talked me into going to the Coca-Cola 600 race at Lowes the end of May, 2007. This will probably be our one and only opportunity to see a race, mostly due to the cost of tickets, travel, hotels, etc. Hard to imagine that NASCAR has evolved from moonshiners into a multi-billion dollar business.
Anyway, we will have some extra days in Charlotte after the race, and am looking for recommendations about other things to see and do within reasonable (3 hours) driving distance. Traveling with son (14) and daughter (18) and wife. Already have reservations at Embassy Suites. Son is Panthers fan, but I know that there nothing related to that going on in May. Theme parks, water parks, natural attractions, historical sites, etc.
Also anybody out there who has been to a big race at Lowes and can offer any insider tips about what to do and not to do, driving vs. bus, parking, what color of wife beater to wear, race related activities, eating and porta-potty advice, etc, will forever be in my debt. OK, I apologize for the wife beater remark, but I do hang out in the Europe forum where clothing color and style are major points of discussion. If I don’t get much response to the race questions, I will probably repost under a more specific title.
Anyway, we will have some extra days in Charlotte after the race, and am looking for recommendations about other things to see and do within reasonable (3 hours) driving distance. Traveling with son (14) and daughter (18) and wife. Already have reservations at Embassy Suites. Son is Panthers fan, but I know that there nothing related to that going on in May. Theme parks, water parks, natural attractions, historical sites, etc.
Also anybody out there who has been to a big race at Lowes and can offer any insider tips about what to do and not to do, driving vs. bus, parking, what color of wife beater to wear, race related activities, eating and porta-potty advice, etc, will forever be in my debt. OK, I apologize for the wife beater remark, but I do hang out in the Europe forum where clothing color and style are major points of discussion. If I don’t get much response to the race questions, I will probably repost under a more specific title.
Dec 5th, 2006, 12:52 PM
#2
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 901
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jim,
do wife beaters come in anything other than white? I mean not including the chicken wing stains.
Oh, travel advice . . .
Carowinds is an amusement park about 30 minutes south of dowtown Charlotte right off I-77.
As you're looking for attractions within 3 hours, you could drive up to Asheville and check out that great little mountain city, along with the Biltmore House (really an American castle, awesome grounds and garden); you could also do a rafting trip on the relatively tame French Broad River (water level should be okay in May).
More help Fordorites?
do wife beaters come in anything other than white? I mean not including the chicken wing stains.
Oh, travel advice . . .
Carowinds is an amusement park about 30 minutes south of dowtown Charlotte right off I-77.
As you're looking for attractions within 3 hours, you could drive up to Asheville and check out that great little mountain city, along with the Biltmore House (really an American castle, awesome grounds and garden); you could also do a rafting trip on the relatively tame French Broad River (water level should be okay in May).
More help Fordorites?
Dec 5th, 2006, 03:48 PM
#3
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Never been to Lowes. Will not admit to having been to a Nascar event.
However, the noise level will be intense. Take ear protection even if front row seats at a rock show experience doesn't seem to need them.
Those expensive headphones with the radio (listen to the drivers and the people who call the event) ability are great.
If you get them, go the extra dollars for the talk to each other style.
For contact lens wearers, shades are needed. Debris from the track is a given - think fine dirt, not blowing hot dog wrappers.
SPF lotion is a necessity.
Look online for details of Lowes. Coolers may be allowed and size limited. Also, same for handbags, etc.
Wife and female offspring will be in style in tank tops, shorts, capris or slacks. No designer shoes needed - think spilled beer or salted in the shell remains.
Have a great time. I don't admit that I enjoyed a Nascar event even if I am not a follower. Lots of good people watching to be had.
Don't forget the head coverings (heat)and ponchos (rain delays).
However, the noise level will be intense. Take ear protection even if front row seats at a rock show experience doesn't seem to need them.
Those expensive headphones with the radio (listen to the drivers and the people who call the event) ability are great.
If you get them, go the extra dollars for the talk to each other style.
For contact lens wearers, shades are needed. Debris from the track is a given - think fine dirt, not blowing hot dog wrappers.
SPF lotion is a necessity.
Look online for details of Lowes. Coolers may be allowed and size limited. Also, same for handbags, etc.
Wife and female offspring will be in style in tank tops, shorts, capris or slacks. No designer shoes needed - think spilled beer or salted in the shell remains.
Have a great time. I don't admit that I enjoyed a Nascar event even if I am not a follower. Lots of good people watching to be had.
Don't forget the head coverings (heat)and ponchos (rain delays).
Dec 6th, 2006, 05:35 AM
#5
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,294
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Asheville's actually a bit closer than mentioned above. From Charlotte, you can be there in a couple hours if traffic's good.
Another option (if you like mountains) is the Blowing Rock / Grandfather Mountain area. Also a couple+ hours away. I acutally prefer this to Asheville - has a more "mountainy" feel.
Another option (if you like mountains) is the Blowing Rock / Grandfather Mountain area. Also a couple+ hours away. I acutally prefer this to Asheville - has a more "mountainy" feel.
Dec 28th, 2006, 05:18 PM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jimcolorado -
Where do I begin? I've been to both Spring/Fall races at Charlotte in the last two years. If you're coming in early, downtown Charlotte has the Speed Street Festival roughly Thursday thru Saturday - they block off several streets right downtown. Free concerts at night with top-rated bands & driver question/answer sessions. During the day, also autograph sessions (plan to stand in line early!), free handouts at virtually every booth, from hats to munchies, simulators to see what it's like to drive a racecar, etc.,etc. Lots of fun, but also lots of people!!
Great to attend if staying downtown - lots of good restaurants,pubs,safe to walk at night.
If you haven't bought your tickets yet, check out package deals that include rooms,transportation to the track,GREAT seats all in one. We've used several different sites, such as www.Premieresportstravel.com and www.racetickets.com. (the latter actually sanctioned by Nascar on their site). Driving to the track will be about 20 miles of stop/start, so leave EARLY in the AM if driving yourself. Also if driving yourself, buy a cheap cooler & have a tailgate picnic for lunch. There are the usual sponsor tents, driver merchandise trailers, etc. to keep you busy for a couple hours, plus live tv filming of Speed Channel's shows,etc. Go to Lowe's Motor Speedway website for schedule of entertainment as the date gets closer.
Also, I would recommend wearing jeans, closed-toe shoes, short-sleeve shirt, with a sweatshirt for the evening.(Race starts in afternoon,goes into evening). Easier to walk without getting stones,grass,etc. in sandals from some parking areas,ditches,etc. Plus if you do get a pit pass, they may deny access if not dressed appropiately.
Once you decide to go into the actual Speedway, they have a gift shop,good bathrooms,numerous food vendors inside...
As for the days after the race, I would recommend Asheville. Only a couple hours from Charlotte at the most, you have the Blue Ridge Mt. area to explore, with more things to do that you'll have time for. Definitely see the Biltmore House - go early in the AM, as you will get more of a bang for your buck on the ticket price, and leisurely you could spend all day there. Downtown Asheville has a lot of quaint shops/restaurants, but we really liked the small town of Black Mountain, 15 miles east on the Interstate. On the Parkway, you could drive from Asheville to the Viaduct in a day, and then ask for directions to take the "quick" route back to Asheville in the evening...Another idea would be Charleston, SC which is about 3-4 hrs away - very historic,fun place with Ft. Sumter, the USS Yorktown battleship, Ghost Tours,etc.
But if you go there, spend the extra money to stay downtown - you can then walk everywhere; go back to room to rest if you get tired...
Hope this helps - if you have other questions, let me know!
Where do I begin? I've been to both Spring/Fall races at Charlotte in the last two years. If you're coming in early, downtown Charlotte has the Speed Street Festival roughly Thursday thru Saturday - they block off several streets right downtown. Free concerts at night with top-rated bands & driver question/answer sessions. During the day, also autograph sessions (plan to stand in line early!), free handouts at virtually every booth, from hats to munchies, simulators to see what it's like to drive a racecar, etc.,etc. Lots of fun, but also lots of people!!
Great to attend if staying downtown - lots of good restaurants,pubs,safe to walk at night.
If you haven't bought your tickets yet, check out package deals that include rooms,transportation to the track,GREAT seats all in one. We've used several different sites, such as www.Premieresportstravel.com and www.racetickets.com. (the latter actually sanctioned by Nascar on their site). Driving to the track will be about 20 miles of stop/start, so leave EARLY in the AM if driving yourself. Also if driving yourself, buy a cheap cooler & have a tailgate picnic for lunch. There are the usual sponsor tents, driver merchandise trailers, etc. to keep you busy for a couple hours, plus live tv filming of Speed Channel's shows,etc. Go to Lowe's Motor Speedway website for schedule of entertainment as the date gets closer.
Also, I would recommend wearing jeans, closed-toe shoes, short-sleeve shirt, with a sweatshirt for the evening.(Race starts in afternoon,goes into evening). Easier to walk without getting stones,grass,etc. in sandals from some parking areas,ditches,etc. Plus if you do get a pit pass, they may deny access if not dressed appropiately.
Once you decide to go into the actual Speedway, they have a gift shop,good bathrooms,numerous food vendors inside...
As for the days after the race, I would recommend Asheville. Only a couple hours from Charlotte at the most, you have the Blue Ridge Mt. area to explore, with more things to do that you'll have time for. Definitely see the Biltmore House - go early in the AM, as you will get more of a bang for your buck on the ticket price, and leisurely you could spend all day there. Downtown Asheville has a lot of quaint shops/restaurants, but we really liked the small town of Black Mountain, 15 miles east on the Interstate. On the Parkway, you could drive from Asheville to the Viaduct in a day, and then ask for directions to take the "quick" route back to Asheville in the evening...Another idea would be Charleston, SC which is about 3-4 hrs away - very historic,fun place with Ft. Sumter, the USS Yorktown battleship, Ghost Tours,etc.
But if you go there, spend the extra money to stay downtown - you can then walk everywhere; go back to room to rest if you get tired...
Hope this helps - if you have other questions, let me know!
Dec 28th, 2006, 05:47 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have a great time at the races!
We like to park on the back side of the Speedway off Morehead Rd. It seems to be easier in-out than parking on the front side of the Speedway. There is free parking on speedway property or $10-$20 parking in private lots. If you're AAA member, their Charlotte city map includes Speedway vicinity. The map can be very handy when you're forcably routed out of the track in a direction you're unfamiliar with. (However, parking on the back side of the track leaving via Morehead Rd, we have always been give the option of right/left turns when we get to Hwy 49).
The Concord/Kannapolis/Mooresville areas are the hub of all weekday NASCAR activity. Most race teams are headquarterd within a few miles of the track. Visit www.raceshops.com for directions and information on visiting the garages for your favorite teams. You can hit a couple or make a day and visit several. Keep in mind most shops are open only M-F. If you are a Roush fan, they have a very nice museum at their complex not too far from the Speedway near Concord Airport and Concord Mills Mall. They almost always have a "tent sale" in May with *great* prices on last year's merchandise. There may also be driver appearances there throughout the week, so check www.roushracing.com for schedule.
I recommend the Speed Street Festival in downtown Charlotte in the days leading up to the race. Lots of music and stuff to see. Lots of driver appearances. www.600festival.com
If you visit Asheville, you can take the scenic route from/to Charlotte and go through Lake Lure/ Chimney Rock area. It's a beautiful drive.
If you want other race-themed attractions, the Bristol Motor Speedway is three hours northwest and offers track tours during the week.
Carowinds amusement park is just south of Charlotte straddling the NC/SC border and has a nice collection of rides for all ages.
My favorite place to eat in the track is the Fuddruckers hamburgers under the stands in Turn 1. You have to look for it, but SO much better than eating the "trackburgers," and they cost just a little bit more.
Each person can bring a cooler with them into the track (max size is 12x12x6 I believe, check fan info at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com to be sure). Beer, water, and soda inside are $3+, so it's much more economical to carry in your own. Glass bottles are not allowed. If you have a clear tote bag, that's the best for hauling your other stuff into the track. Attendees are searched on the way into the track. Clear bags make that process go much more smoothly.
Dress as casually as possible, layers are best. It could be blazing hot during the day and cool when the sun goes down. Don't dress to impress; show off your favorite driver(s)' numbers and you'll blend right in. Take a hat or visor, sunglasses, sunscreen, and earplugs if you don't rent a scanner to take into the track with you (highly recommended -- it's very entertaining to listen to team communication during the race, and you can always flip over to TV/radio broadcast frequencies if you can't follow who's doing what on the track).
Buy a ticket/credential holder from one of the souvenir trucks before you go into the track for the first time -- very handy for keeping your ticket available at all times. They hang around your neck and you can stuff all kinds of stuff besides your ticket in to the pouch if you're creative.
In addition to the "official" trackside souvenir vendors on track property, there are independent vendors across Speedway Blvd from the track. You can find great bargains on older merchandise/diecast. Take a lot of cash!
Have a great time. If you have more questions, post here or email me at rae at mattkenseth.com.
We like to park on the back side of the Speedway off Morehead Rd. It seems to be easier in-out than parking on the front side of the Speedway. There is free parking on speedway property or $10-$20 parking in private lots. If you're AAA member, their Charlotte city map includes Speedway vicinity. The map can be very handy when you're forcably routed out of the track in a direction you're unfamiliar with. (However, parking on the back side of the track leaving via Morehead Rd, we have always been give the option of right/left turns when we get to Hwy 49).
The Concord/Kannapolis/Mooresville areas are the hub of all weekday NASCAR activity. Most race teams are headquarterd within a few miles of the track. Visit www.raceshops.com for directions and information on visiting the garages for your favorite teams. You can hit a couple or make a day and visit several. Keep in mind most shops are open only M-F. If you are a Roush fan, they have a very nice museum at their complex not too far from the Speedway near Concord Airport and Concord Mills Mall. They almost always have a "tent sale" in May with *great* prices on last year's merchandise. There may also be driver appearances there throughout the week, so check www.roushracing.com for schedule.
I recommend the Speed Street Festival in downtown Charlotte in the days leading up to the race. Lots of music and stuff to see. Lots of driver appearances. www.600festival.com
If you visit Asheville, you can take the scenic route from/to Charlotte and go through Lake Lure/ Chimney Rock area. It's a beautiful drive.
If you want other race-themed attractions, the Bristol Motor Speedway is three hours northwest and offers track tours during the week.
Carowinds amusement park is just south of Charlotte straddling the NC/SC border and has a nice collection of rides for all ages.
My favorite place to eat in the track is the Fuddruckers hamburgers under the stands in Turn 1. You have to look for it, but SO much better than eating the "trackburgers," and they cost just a little bit more.
Each person can bring a cooler with them into the track (max size is 12x12x6 I believe, check fan info at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com to be sure). Beer, water, and soda inside are $3+, so it's much more economical to carry in your own. Glass bottles are not allowed. If you have a clear tote bag, that's the best for hauling your other stuff into the track. Attendees are searched on the way into the track. Clear bags make that process go much more smoothly.
Dress as casually as possible, layers are best. It could be blazing hot during the day and cool when the sun goes down. Don't dress to impress; show off your favorite driver(s)' numbers and you'll blend right in. Take a hat or visor, sunglasses, sunscreen, and earplugs if you don't rent a scanner to take into the track with you (highly recommended -- it's very entertaining to listen to team communication during the race, and you can always flip over to TV/radio broadcast frequencies if you can't follow who's doing what on the track).
Buy a ticket/credential holder from one of the souvenir trucks before you go into the track for the first time -- very handy for keeping your ticket available at all times. They hang around your neck and you can stuff all kinds of stuff besides your ticket in to the pouch if you're creative.
In addition to the "official" trackside souvenir vendors on track property, there are independent vendors across Speedway Blvd from the track. You can find great bargains on older merchandise/diecast. Take a lot of cash!
Have a great time. If you have more questions, post here or email me at rae at mattkenseth.com.
Dec 28th, 2006, 08:07 PM
#8
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with the recommendations to go up to the Asheville area. Biltmore is worth a visit, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is fun. The suggestion to drive the route near Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a good one, but keep in mind that route will turn it from a 2 hour drive to at least a 3 hour drive. Important if you are trying to get somewhere by a particular time.
Jan 3rd, 2007, 02:02 PM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks again for the most recent replies, This is exactly the kind of advice I have come to count on at Fodor's. HOTWHEELS, could you e-mail me, I do have some questions that would be better handled that way rather than repeat posts here. Rae thanks for your help also, I am sure I will be contacting you also.
Jan 4th, 2007, 01:42 PM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Charlotte Knights AAA team might be playing. You can check their schedule, if you like baseball. I'm not sure which Embassy Suites you are staying at, but if it's the one on S. Tryon then it wouldn't be too far. The Kannapolis Intimidators is a single A team named after Dale Earnhardt Sr. May be a little more of a drive, but it could be fun too. And if you like whitewater rafting, there is a new Whitewater Park that has just opened on the west side of town. This isn't your traditional park, where you ride down on tubes. This one is in guided rafts on class III rapids.
Feb 4th, 2007, 12:26 PM
#11
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you like shopping- Concord Mills is a mile from the track. One of the largest malls in the South. Charlotte is home to the new Whitewater center- the Olympic training center- very fun and operates in April. You may want to check out a rafting tour ( you can rent wet suit/warmer weather stuff if it is still cold).
Charleston is 3 hour drive- would be beautiful and not too crowded in April.
Asheville is also 2.5 hours away- nice mountain spot- but maybe a tad chilly in April.
Charleston is 3 hour drive- would be beautiful and not too crowded in April.
Asheville is also 2.5 hours away- nice mountain spot- but maybe a tad chilly in April.
Feb 4th, 2007, 12:41 PM
#12
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
White wife beaters are a must. Sweat, chewing tobacco and beer stains on them are considered in...Don't forget the hat displaying your favorite drivers number.. As with any NASCAR race plan on standing the entire race. The ones in front of you will be doing this, most likely in their seats. If like most tracks only one small soft side 6 pack cooler is allowed. Don't forget the pork rinds and the malt beverage of your choice, forget the ice, warm beer the last lap is expected considering it is a 600 mile race... For security they will most likely inspect your cooler, if you do not have the proper items they will not allow you inside the track..!!
Feb 4th, 2007, 12:59 PM
#13
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 14,607
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you are interested in history, Old Salem is a must. http://www.oldsalem.org
It is about an hour and ten minutes (85N to US 52N)from the track. Have lunch at Mary's Of Course nearby. A great way to spend the afternoon.
It is about an hour and ten minutes (85N to US 52N)from the track. Have lunch at Mary's Of Course nearby. A great way to spend the afternoon.
Feb 4th, 2007, 02:14 PM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RedRock: har-de-har. Your stereotypes are a couple decades out of date.
And to tastravel: Concord Mills may be just a mile from the track, but on race day that trip can take an hour or two.
Jim: do you have your race tickets yet? Just wondering where you'll be sitting. Charlotte's a good track and other than the real low seats on the frontstretch, you should be able to see well no matter where you sit.
And to tastravel: Concord Mills may be just a mile from the track, but on race day that trip can take an hour or two.
Jim: do you have your race tickets yet? Just wondering where you'll be sitting. Charlotte's a good track and other than the real low seats on the frontstretch, you should be able to see well no matter where you sit.
Feb 4th, 2007, 06:24 PM
#16
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
xrae
Not really, I will admit that most don't chew any more and the wife beaters are on the decline, not many men wear them anymore. The rest of it holds true to form. Been to the Irish Hills of MI, Dover, Bristol, Indy, 'Daga and others many times and the race fans have not changed much over the years. Biggest change is the traffic, the cost of the the tickets and the difficulty of getting them. But its worth every nickel.
Not really, I will admit that most don't chew any more and the wife beaters are on the decline, not many men wear them anymore. The rest of it holds true to form. Been to the Irish Hills of MI, Dover, Bristol, Indy, 'Daga and others many times and the race fans have not changed much over the years. Biggest change is the traffic, the cost of the the tickets and the difficulty of getting them. But its worth every nickel.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Litespeed_Chick
United States
8
Jul 18th, 2005 06:21 AM
