More often than not, visitors' first encounter with Talladega, Alabama, comes via the sports world: NASCAR to be exact. As home to Talladega Superpeedway, this city hosts two of NASCAR's biggest Winston Cup races each year: the Aaron's 499 in the spring and the EA SPORTS 500 in the fall. However, the track also hosts events in the NASCAR Busch Series, the True Value IROC series and ARCA series. Talladega Superspeedway is also open to the public for tours. Come see for yourself what 33-degree banking feels like!

Located adjacent to Talladega Superpeedway, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame invites guests to revisit the people and vehicles that made motorsports history.

Another race fan highlight can be found in downtown Talladega. Situated just off the square, the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame Davey Allison Memorial Park pays tribute to the late Davey Allison as well as the fans' favorite. The highlight of the park is a sidewalk shaped like Talladega Superspeedway.

But this historical Southern town offers more than breathtaking speed and heart-stopping side-by-side racing. Those visitors wanting a slower pace of life can find it at Cheaha State Park. For the best view of Alabama, head to the top of Cheaha Mountain. At 2,407 feet, it easily is the highest point in the state.

Another not-to-miss natural wonder is DeSoto Caverns Park. Featuring beautiful onyx formations, ancient Indian burial grounds, and a spectacular laser, sound and light show, this park will keep visitors occupied for hours. A must on every to-do list is the guided cave tour. Larger than a football field and higher than a 12-story building, the cave will mesmerize and bewitch all who see it.

Looking for a little bit of cultural entertainment? Then make sure to visit Jemison-Carnegie Heritage Hall. This museum and cultural center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the social and cultural history of Talladega and its surrounding area.

For more interactive entertainment head to the Historic Talladega Ritz Theatre in Talladega. Housed in one of the nation's most unique art deco landmark theatres, the theatre is a wonderful historical site. Throughout separate spring and fall seasons, the theatre hosts world-class performances in music, dance, theater and comedy. In fact, many Broadway-bound productions have included the Ritz Theatre on their schedule.