The South’s connection to car culture runs deep, rooted in moonshine runners, early stock car racing, and a long tradition of craftsmanship and speed. Today, that legacy lives on through historic speedways, scenic drives once used for bootlegging routes, and museums that preserve the South’s automotive past.
Here are some standout experiences every car enthusiast should have on their radar.
Hands-On Driving Experiences
Porsche Experience Center – Atlanta, GA
Located at One Porsche Drive, the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta offers an engaging mix of performance and hospitality. Visitors can drive on two technical tracks, try out the advanced Simulator Lab, explore the Heritage Gallery, and enjoy dining at Restaurant 356. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply enjoy driving, this destination delivers a memorable experience both on and off the track. Interested in a racing license? Check out their Track Experience in Birmingham!
BMW Performance Driving School – Greer, SC
Next to BMW’s largest U.S. manufacturing plant, the BMW Performance Driving School provides tailored driving programs ranging from half-day clinics to multi-day immersive M School courses. Guided by professional instructors, participants learn high-performance driving skills, precision handling, and vehicle control behind the wheel of BMW vehicles.
Atlanta Motorsports Park – Dawsonville, GA
Designed by Formula 1 architect Hermann Tilke, Atlanta Motorsports Park features a two-mile FIA-certified road course with 16 turns and notable elevation changes. Through Xtreme Xperience, drivers can take three to four laps in exotic cars such as Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and Corvettes, supported by safety briefings and professional instructors. It’s an accessible option for both first-time track drivers and seasoned car enthusiasts.
Ford Performance Racing School – Charlotte, NC
Located at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, the Ford Performance Racing School offers on-track driving instruction with factory-prepped vehicles like the Mustang Dark Horse, GT, and F-150 Raptor. Programs range from half-day Mustang Experiences to multi-day courses focused on advanced driving techniques and vehicle dynamics. Small class sizes and expert coaching ensure a focused, skill-building environment.
Virginia International Raceway – Halifax County, VA
Nestled in the rolling hills of Halifax County, Virginia International Raceway (VIR) is a motorsports gem with deep roots and modern appeal. Opened in 1957 and revitalized in 2000, VIR is now a 1,300-acre destination for racing enthusiasts and weekend travelers alike. Its 3.27-mile Full Course—praised by Car and Driver as one of America’s top road circuits—hosts premier events like IMSA, MotoAmerica, and SRO GT World Challenge. Beyond the track, guests can enjoy onsite lodging, karting, dining, and even skeet shooting. Whether you’re behind the wheel or watching from the sidelines, VIR offers a high-octane experience in a scenic Southern setting.
Motorsports Events & Famous Tracks
Barber Motorsports Park – Birmingham, AL
Located just outside Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Park is a thoughtfully designed racing facility known for its 2.38-mile, 17-turn road course and wide range of year-round events. The park regularly hosts high-profile races like the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix, MotoAmerica, and SRO GT, as well as regional track days and driving experiences. On-site, you’ll also find the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum — home to the largest motorcycle collection in the world.
Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta – Braselton, GA
Just an hour north of Atlanta, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta is known for its 2.54-mile, 12-turn track and wooded surroundings. The venue hosts a mix of professional and grassroots events throughout the year, including Petit Le Mans, MotoAmerica, and various driver schools. Spectator amenities include general admission viewing areas, camping, and hospitality options, making it an easy and enjoyable visit for both casual fans and enthusiasts.
Charlotte Motor Speedway – Concord, NC
Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the most recognized names in American racing. The complex includes a superspeedway, road course, dragway, and dirt track — all located just outside of Charlotte. Alongside marquee events like the Coca‑Cola 600 and Bank of America ROVAL™ 400, the speedway also hosts NHRA drag races, motorsports festivals, and the NASCAR Racing Experience. Year-round offerings, including behind-the-scenes tours and youth programs, make it a versatile destination for everyone.
Talladega Superspeedway – Talladega, AL
Known for its towering grandstands and lightning-fast action, Talladega Superspeedway is the largest and fastest oval track in NASCAR. The 2.66-mile tri-oval hosts some of the sport’s most dramatic moments — complete with high banks and wild pack racing.
Bristol Motor Speedway – Bristol, TN
Nicknamed “The Last Great Colosseum,” this high-banked half-mile delivers some of the most intense short-track racing in the world. With seating for more than 150,000 fans and a stadium-like atmosphere, Bristol Motor Speedway is famous for its night races, rivalries, and thunderous energy.
Daytona International Speedway – Daytona Beach, FL
The birthplace of NASCAR and home to the iconic Daytona 500, this Florida landmark is as legendary as the drivers who’ve raced it. Daytona International Speedway features a 2.5-mile tri-oval, fan-friendly facilities, and a packed calendar of high-octane events. Tours of the track and the Motorsports Hall of Fame make it a year-round destination
Nashville Superspeedway – Lebanon, TN
Located just outside of Music City, Nashville Superspeedway is a rising star in the NASCAR world. After a decade-long hiatus, the 1.33-mile concrete oval roared back to life with the return of the Cup Series. It now draws race fans with modern amenities, exciting on-track action, and easy access to downtown Nashville for post-race fun.
Museums & Auto History
Lane Motor Museum – Nashville, TN
Located in a historic brick-and-maple bakery, Lane Motor Museum displays a diverse collection of mostly European vehicles, including microcars, amphibious models, and military machines. Around 150 vehicles are on view daily, with regular demonstrations and occasional behind-the-scenes tours offering deeper insight into automotive design and history. It’s only a 1o minute drive from some of the best restaurants, music venues, and hotels in downtown Nashville, making it a great weekend trip!
International Motorsports Hall of Fame – Talladega, AL
Adjacent to Talladega Superspeedway, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame honors key figures in racing history. Exhibits spotlight more than 140 inductees, including legendary drivers and influential contributors, through memorabilia and vehicles that trace motorsports’ evolution across disciplines. Open daily, it’s a meaningful stop for racing fans.
National Corvette Museum – Bowling Green, KY
What began as a tribute to a single sports car has grown into a must-visit destination for auto enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. This museum celebrates the full story of the Corvette — from its 1950s debut to cutting-edge modern models. With rare prototypes, race cars, interactive displays, and even an exhibit dedicated to the famous 2014 sinkhole, the museum offers an engaging, behind-the-scenes look at this American icon.
Savoy Automobile Museum – Cartersville, GA
Savoy Automobile Museum highlights the history and cultural impact of the automobile with a mix of classic American muscle cars and rare vintage models. The museum features rotating exhibits, educational programs, special events, and a well-curated gift shop, all within a thoughtfully designed architectural space. Stay a while, there’s more to do in Cartersville than you think!
Edge Motor Museum – Memphis, TN
Tucked into Memphis’ historic Edge District, just steps from Sun Studio, the Edge Motor Museum offers a sleek, story-driven look at the golden era of American sports cars. Its signature exhibit, American Speed, traces the rise and fall of postwar performance vehicles, with thoughtfully curated models like the 1950 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 and Doris Day’s python-trimmed Muntz Jet. More than a car collection, the museum explores how design, culture, and technology intertwined from the 1940s to the 1970s. With a focus on preservation over restoration, it’s a must-visit for design lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about the stories behind the chrome.
Car Shows
Cruisin’ The Coast – Gulfport, MS
Held October 5–12, 2025, Cruisin’ The Coast transforms the Gulf Coast into “America’s Largest Block Party,” attracting over 8,000 classic, hot rod, and custom cars from all around. Throughout the week, attendees can enjoy cruise-ins along Highway 90, high-energy sock hops with live headline entertainment, swap meets, charity auctions, and more. With free access to most events across cities like Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis, this community-driven festival is a unique automotive experience.
Caffeine and Octane – Atlanta, GA
Every first Sunday of the month, car enthusiasts flock to Town Center at Cobb in Kennesaw for Caffeine & Octane Atlanta, the nation’s largest monthly “all makes, all models” car show. Drawing over 2,500 vehicles and 30,000 fans rain or shine, the free event kicks off early — with show cars rolling in before sunrise — and features everything from classic cruisers and custom builds to exotics and modern metal.
Atlanta Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance – Atlanta, GA
On May 1–3, 2026, this festival at the picturesque Lake Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, GA, is a celebration of automotive artistry and cultural heritage. Set against over 1,200 acres of scenic resort grounds, the festival will showcase a stunning collection of rare and classic automobiles alongside modern marvels, all meticulously judged in a Concours d’Elegance competition. Attendees can expect gourmet dining, live entertainment, and a refined atmosphere that invites car enthusiasts, families, and collectors.
3rd Annual Great Rocky Mountain Bronco Stampede – Pigeon Forge, TN
This two-day indoor expo on August 15 and 16 at LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge celebrates Ford Bronco culture, bringing together enthusiasts, clubs, and a wide range of vendors showcasing the latest Bronco parts, accessories, and off‑road gear. Admission is $15 per adult, $5 for children 6–12, and free for those 5 and under; tickets are sold onsite only. Family-friendly and open to the public—no Bronco ownership required—this event promises high-energy, community-driven fun for fans of all ages.
Impressive Drives & Scenic Routes
Tail of the Dragon – NC/TN Border
Tail of the Dragon features 318 curves in just 11 miles — an iconic drive beloved by sports car and motorcycle fans. Surrounded by dense forest and often free from commercial traffic, the Tail offers an adrenaline-pumping drive paired with dramatic scenery. There are no intersections or driveways to interrupt the rhythm — just pure, uninterrupted pavement.
Cherohala Skyway – TN to NC
The Cherohala Skyway, stretching 43 miles between Tellico Plains, TN and Robbinsville, NC, is a dream drive for car enthusiasts who appreciate both performance and scenery. Often paired with the nearby Tail of the Dragon, the Skyway offers a completely different kind of thrill: high-speed sweepers, smooth pavement, and long, flowing curves through the heart of the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. The road climbs over 5,000 feet, delivering crisp mountain air and panoramic views that rival anything in the Smokies. It’s less technical than the Tail of the Dragon but more open and fluid — perfect for drivers who want to stretch the legs of a GT car, a sports sedan, or a motorcycle built for comfort and cornering.
Natchez Trace Parkway – TN to MS
The Natchez Trace Parkway offers a smooth, scenic escape steeped in history and Southern charm. Spanning 444 miles through Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, this federally protected two-lane road is a favorite for those seeking a relaxed, uninterrupted cruise — with no commercial traffic, billboards, or stoplights. The gentle curves and rolling hills make it ideal for classic cars, vintage cruisers, and comfortable grand tourers.
Time to hit the road!
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