Northern Kentucky has been known for farmers and horse breeders since the 1800s, and they are still an important part of the landscape, so the region surrounding the Kentucky Speedway is dotted with small communities that enjoy a slower pace and quieter lifestyle than most NASCAR cities. On a sell-out day at the track, Sparta, population 230, becomes the third-largest city in Kentucky, behind Lexington and Louisville.

The Speedway opened in June 2000 and sits on 1,000 acres of former farmland off Interstate 71. With a 1 ½-mile tri-oval track and grandstands that seat more than 66,000, the state-of-the-art facility has become a big draw for seasoned race fans and newcomers alike, in part because of its modern design. The facility has a bowl-like structure, with the track sitting 22 feet below the first row of seats. That's good news for fans, because it allows a clear view of the entire track from virtually every seat.

Outside the track, you'll have to travel a bit to find similar fast-paced excitement. Cincinnati, Louisville, and Lexington are the nearest places to enjoy big-city amenities, but it'll take you about an hour to get to most of them. Instead, look to the smaller cities in the area, many of which offer some fun and unique attractions. Because the area is so rural, traveling is easy and traffic isn't much of an issue anywhere you might choose to go, except in the hours before a race.

On the banks of the Ohio River at the northernmost tip of Kentucky, Covington and Newport have fun and reasonably priced family attractions including riverboat restaurants, the wildly popular Newport on the Levee entertainment center, and MainStrasse Village, a historic district that pays tribute to its original German residents. It's about 50 miles form the track, but it's an easy trip and worth it if you have the time. Many fans head to Florence on race weekends, about 30 miles north of the track. It's one of the larger towns in the are and has plenty to see and do, from movies, bowling and active endeavors to restaurants to suit every taste.

Or, slow down and savor the charm of historic Madison, Indiana, also about 30 miles from the track on the banks of the Ohio River. All 133 blocks of the downtown area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it seems as if time has stood still in many of them. The town's dedication to preserving its heritage shows in every area, from the historic homes, antique shops, and museums to the general southern hospitality of the place.

No matter where you're headed, be prepared for a variety of weather. Summer in the Ohio River Valley can get unbearable hot and muggy, and thunderstorms and heavy rains can pop up at any time. But it's also not unheard of for temperatures to fall into the 50s at night during colder spells, so equip yourself for both ends of the spectrum.


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