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Review content:
The Monster Mile is a huge fan draw on the NASCAR and INDY circuits. They have 2 races - one in June and one in September. These weekends usually have 3 races - Nextel, Busch, and Craftsman Truck. Unless they are fans, most Dover residents try to go south to do things like dine and shop because of the crowds and traffic issues. Visitors should check around outside the track itself for parking and of course check Judy's Book before or during your stay for off track places to visit. Delaware State University has parking on it's campus and grounds, as do a lot of areas around. Businesses like ACME near the track usually have a part of their parking lot set aside for their customers, and part for the track. To avoid a lot of the traffic, some people bring RVs and come and go when the traffic dies down. During the week before the race, there are a lot of activities scheduled in the area to help entertain the visitors. Before the race, a plane from the Base usually does a fly over - and sometimes they schedule Thunderbirds or other military flying groups to come perform before the race.
Besides the NASCAR races, Dover Downs is primarily a Harness horse race track and has simulcast racing as well. There is a huge slots casino, which is about to almost double in size. By law, we cannot have anything but slots, and they are allowed only at horse tracks.
On-site eating - Michelle's is a top notch restaurant, but is expensive. Equally good are the other restaurants in the casino. My favorite is the buffet. If you like to listen to music when you eat, you might consider the some of the other areas near the slots. They have added several new things since I was there last.
There is a Hotel on site, but they are rather pricey. However, don't try to book a room here during the NASCAR races. Most hotels are booked a year in advance.
Many big name acts are being booked at Dover Downs. Be sure to check out their site to see who is on the schedule. Usually they do not book a big name during race weeks.
Since we are about an hour to a great beach resort, Rehoboth Beach, sometimes the track organizes trips down there for spouses who aren't into racing. Since Delaware does not have a sales tax, we have well over 130 outlet shops in Rehoboth.
All in all, it's a great place to visit. I wish they would start doing the tours like they do at Lowes track in Charlotte NC, but they still have room to grow. If you come visiting, bring plenty of money to play in the casino!
Two important things - Delaware does not have a sales tax, and Delaware does not allow smoking inside public buildings, including bars.
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