Dawsonville is celebrated for its long tradition of involvement in the American Auto Racing industry. In fact many racers learned their craft as a consequence of moonshine activity in the area. Dawsonville celebrates this every October with its annual “Mountain Moonshine Festival”. It is also home to NASCAR driver Bill Elliott, who won the Winston Cup championship in 1988 and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015.
Atlanta Motorsports Park is located just a short drive outside of Metro Atlanta, in the beautiful wooded hills of Dawsonville, Georgia. Known for its long tradition in the American Auto Racing industry, Dawsonville is home to NASCAR legend Bill Elliott, who won the Winston Cup championship in 1988 and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015. The famed driver’s son, Chase Elliott, has also grown into a racing icon himself and has been named NASCAR’s most popular driver for two consecutive years in the Xfinity Series.
What to do:Visit Atlanta Motorsports Park and spend the day viewing attractions around Dawsonville. There are many different outdoor activities, landmarks, and excursions for your leisure time before or after your race. Here are some of our favorite activities in and around the area.
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Museum: Learn more about the history of motorsports by taking a trip to this one-of-a-kind museum, which includes famous racing memorabilia and a huge collection of vintage racecars.
Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery: Learn more about Dawsonville’s history in the moonshine industry. Take a tour of the distillery to see how moonshine is made and taste their distinctive collection of premium spirits.
Bowen Center for the Arts: This non-profit organization is the heart and soul of Dawsonville’s arts community. Visit their center for beautiful art exhibits and photography shows. You can even join them for art lessons throughout the year.
Burt’s Farm: Ready to visit the pumpkin patch or ride Georgia’s most famous hay ride? Stop by Burt’s Farm for the greatest Fall extravaganza, where you can enjoy the cool weather and changing colors with the entire family.
Gibbs Gardens: From beautiful Japanese ponds to colorful waterlily ponds, Gibbs Gardens is top tourist destination in the southeast. Tour the 292-acre botanical garden for hours to see rolling hills, streams, and millions of flowers.
Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze: Ready for Fall? Uncle Shuck’s is home to Georgia’s most popular corn maze. You can even try the Haunted Corn Maze if you’re up for it.
Amicalola Falls State Park: To experience the true beauty of North Georgia, hike through Amicalola Falls State Park. With beautiful waterfalls and bubbling streams, this is the perfect place to enjoy nature. The park is just a few short miles from the start of the Appalachian Trail.
North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall: One of Georgia’s top-rated outlet malls is located right here in Dawsonville, Georgia. Go shopping at over 140 stores, featuring designer clothing brands, household products, technology, and more.
Kaya Vineyard and Winery: Located in Dahlonega, the winery produces hand-crafted complex wines that cater to the serious enthusiast, but with a sense of balance that is both easily approachable and enjoys wide appeal. Kaya’s Winery and Tasting Room are built atop a ridge that is sixteen-hundred feet above elevation and offers the most exquisite panoramic mountain view in North Georgia.
Planning a weekend getaway? Consider this mansions, moonshine and goldmine trip itinerary through Roswell, Dawsonville and Dahlonega:
Dawsonville is a part of the the Hospitality Highway, a group of communities connected by GA 400, which runs from just north of downtown Atlanta to the North Georgia Mountains. The other towns include Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming/Forsyth and Dahlonega. Stay in any one of these charming communities, and you will only be a short drive away from Atlanta Motorsports Park. Some recommended hotels include:
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge
280 Amicalola Falls State Park Road,
Dawsonville, GA
1-800-573-9656
5750 Windward Pkwy.
Alpharetta, GA 30005
770-754-9600
The Dahlonega Square Hotel & Villas
135 N. Chestatee St.
Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-867-1313
27 South Park St.
Dahlonega Ga, 30533
706-864-0021
Racers Retreat Bed and Breakfast
137 Duck Thurmond Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
(706) 265-6304
Camping at Atlanta Motorsports Park
While Atlanta Motorsports Park does not provide dedicated camping or overnight accommodations, AMP will allow members and guest to stay overnight for no more than 72 hours in a tent, trailer or RV for the following rates:
Tent $15/24 hours
Trailer $25.00/24 hours
RV $35/24 hours
RV 50 Amp $50/24 hours
Please read and sign the camping agreement. Contact info@atlantamotorsportspark.com to reserve your space.
Dawsonville Pool Room– Counter-serve Southern eatery located in downtown Dawsonville offering burgers & franks on paper plates in a racecar-themed space.
Big D’s BBQ– A southern-style BBQ restaurant serving homemade country breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Big D’s has two Dawsonville locations, one downtown and one off GA 400.
Old Towne Pizza- A locally owned and operated restaurant located in the historic district of Dawsonville specializing in pizza, hot subs and pasta.
See more of Dawsonville’s top resturants on tripadvisor.com.
