This weekend’s race will be held at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky. It’s a pretty rural area, but don’t let that fool you! There’s plenty of fun things to do and see close by!
If you’re planning on cheering on Blake from the stands this weekend, you’ll definitely want to get a jump start on your plans. Get some ideas with these top 8 hot spots around the Kentucky Speedway!
The Ridge Winery and Tasting Room
Vevay, Indiana
For over 20 years, The Ridge Winery has provided carefully crafted wines to the area. Overlooking a beautiful lake, this venue provides visitors a relaxing atmosphere that’s perfect to unwind after an exciting race weekend. We highly suggest taking a seat on their deck and taking it easy for the afternoon with a bottle of wine and a plate of cheese and crackers. Their award winning Blackjack wine, which is a proprietary blend of blackberries and apples, is all the rage right now, but you really can’t go wrong with any of their selections.
Schenck Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn
Vevay, Indiana
This 1874 bed & breakfast is fit for royalty. The gorgeous rooms make you feel like your at a 5-star hotel, but with only 5 rooms, it’s a little cozier than your typical hotel. Past visitors say their stays at the bed and breakfast far exceeded their expectations, making it a special stop on their trip. To top it off, you’ll get a decadent homemade breakfast in the morning. A night at the luxurious Schenck Mansion is a must!
Jane’s Saddlebag
Union, Kentucky
Jane’s Saddlebag is the perfect place to bring your family. With a unique mixture of restaurants, shops, and attractions, all on one sprawling property, you’ll have plenty to do for hours of fun. Kids will love the petting zoo, Kids’ Village, and playland. And adults are guaranteed to enjoy the Whine Shoppe, which offers a great selection of Kentucky wines, and wine slushies! Everyone will want to grab a famous Wolly Mammoth Burger for lunch. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir at Wyatt’s General Store to commemorate your trip!
Hog Wild Pig Crazy Bar-BQ
Sparta, Kentucky
If you’re dirt tired after a day at the track, and desperate for some tasty food, Hog Wild Pig Crazy Bar-BQ is your go-to location! Just minutes away from the track, this is the perfect pit stop for weary travelers. Whether you choose their saucy fall off the bone ribs, savory pulled pork, tangy barbecue chicken, or tender beef brisket, you really can’t go wrong with any of their offerings. Past customers say their food is so delectable that stopping at Hog Wild Pig Crazy Bar-BQ has become a family tradition. So, make a plan to check this place out – you certainly won’t be disappointed!
Bella Terra Casino
Florence, Indiana
Bella Terra isn’t just any old casino. This place truly has it all! Of course, their slot machines and table games are always hot. But even for the non-gamblers, this place is fantastic! You can work out your race day tension at the Beleza Spa and Salon, or relax by the poolside for the afternoon. Bella Terra also offers a golf course and shopping galore. You can catch a show at the CenterStage Showroom in the evening, or experience a gourmet dinner at one of their many top notch restaurants. Seriously, you’ll never run out of things to do at Bella Terra. Press your luck and check this place out!
Switzerland County Historical Society
Vevay, Indiana
The Switzerland County Historical Society runs several awesome museums in the area. The “Life on the Ohio” River History Museum is one of the best, with educational displays detailing the rise of steamboats on the Ohio River, and the impact on the surrounding economies. The Agriculture Museum Center and Thiebaud Farmstead takes you back to a simpler time, giving visitors an authentic look at how our ancestors farmed. This is a fun place for curious kids, who have the chance to get an up close and personal look at the unique Mormon hay press. Those who venture to Vevay should also check out the Switzerland County Historical Museum, which houses Indiana’s first piano, a one of a kind doll collection, military artifacts from the Civil War to World War II, and much more. Take the opportunity to support a worthy organization and check out all that the Switzerland County Historical Society has to offer!
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Findlay Market
Cincinnati, Ohio
If you ask any of the local visitors about their memories at Findlay Market, most will have a story to tell. The Market is deeply rooted in the local history, and for good reason – it’s touted as “Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market.” With over 40 different stands and shops, it’s a great place to get a taste of all the different cultures in the area. We recommend getting a little adventurous and trying something new, like a bahn mi at Pho Lang Thang, or baklava from Areti’s Gyros. Past visitors suggest bringing a cooler so you can load up on all your favorites while you’re there. Make sure to visit Findlay Market so you can make your own memories here, and be a part of this establishment’s long lasting history!
Moerlein Lager House
Cincinnati, Ohio
The Moerlein Lager House has a long history as one of the best breweries in Cincinnati. The brewery opened in 1853 by a Bavarian immigrant with a knack for creating deliciously robust beers. The prohibition forced the establishment to close, but it came back full force after the repeal. Today, they serve a dozen carefully crafted, in-house beers, and a broad range of other libations as well. The Moerlein Lager House is also known for food that pairs perfectly with their beers, like their short rib poutine and hops smoked pork belly. This place is a little further from the track than some of the other locations on this list, but is so worth the jaunt.
Come cheer on Blake in the Alsco 300, and don’t forget to check out these awesome local businesses while you’re in the area!
What are your favorite places to visit around the Kentucky Speedway? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you!
