TALLADEGA, Ala. (WIAT) – The Geico 500 is April 21, but City of Talladega officials want to remind you that there are so many things to do while you’re visiting for the race outside of the speedway.
Public Information Officer Mary Sood joined the CBS 42 Morning News live to talk about how NASCAR fans can still enjoy what Talladega has to offer.
Sood said while the Talladega Superspeedway is a vital part of the community, and the races bring so much excitement and joy, it’s important to shop, eat and visit some historic sites like the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, Amistad Murals, Hall of Heroes, Heritage Hall, Ritz Theatre and the Walk of Fame while you’re in town.
The Walk of Fame at Davey Allison Memorial Park has been a destination of thousands of tourists and race car fans. It’s located at 301 S. Court St.
“It’s a great place to come and see your favorite drivers,” Sood said. “Drivers from the 1990s and on. You can get your photo with the plaques and the park is just beautiful. It’s been refurbished quite a bit over the last few years, so it’s just looking beautiful, and we want people to come out and see that.”
Sood said there is also a new mural that Talladega native Jeff Hallman designed to honor legendary driver Davey Allison along with history-making Police Chief Wilby Wallace. It is located behind the Hall of Heroes at 112 Court Sq. South.
Sood said there is another Instagram-worthy mural at LMo & Co located at 304 East Street South. It features a woman with green hair that flows in nature. This is another Jeff Hallman creation.
On Saturday, Pop the Top Soda Shop has a Cruise In and Car Hop where you can check out classic cars and watch 50’s classic TV shows like I love Lucy and Andy Griffith. That event is scheduled for 4 p.m. at 704-B East Battle Street.
Talladega Cars of Many Colors at 407 Spring Street is a small, free museum with a guided tour where you can push a button and hear the history. It features a 1902 Oldsmobile to a 1963 Thunderbird. You can schedule a tour by calling 256-761-7141.