What to do in/around Atlanta?

[Jameel]

Visiting a friend in Atlanta sometime in Jan/Feb. Other than the Porsche Experience Center, anything P-car related in the area? I know about Caffeine and Octane, but wondering if there are any club events or something more specifically Porsche.

[jackb911]

In Jan/Feb, not much aside of what you have mentioned.

The PEC is a must see/do for any Porsche enthusiast. It is quite an operation. You'll need to make arrangements beforehand, though - I don't think you can just pop in.

The C&O at Perimeter Mall on the first Sunday of the month has it's good and bad points. If you are displaying your car, you need to be there before 6 a.m. to get a good parking sport unless you have access to one of the sponsored "velvet rope" areas.

When the weather is good, C&O draws 1,500+ cars. Some say 2,000. Unfortunately, it has become more about quantity than quality as was the case in the past when it was held at a smaller venue and not run by a Corporate entity (Auto Trader Publications) as it is now,

You will see plethora of late-model Mustangs, Corvettes Camaros, Challengers and Chargers. It's almost like being in a Carmax lot. Many JDM tuner cars as well, some nice ones, others, ummm...not so nice. But the plus side is that C&O is a "welcome all" type of event. There is also a fair amount of older American Iron in attendance. The really nice ones are generally in the roped-off areas.

BTW, there is a velvet rope area for Porsches sponsored by one of the local dealers. But it is pretty small and most of the P-cars parked in there are newer ones.

The Velocity Channel has been filming a TV series at C&O for the past few months which is supposed to be aired starting in February, which has seemed to increase attendance. There are a TON of spectators, mostly younger folks. Then again, I'm old and most everyone is younger than me.

IMO C&O is worth experiencing once if it is worth your time to see a few really cool cars scattered among stuff you can see on the road or at a new car dealership every day.

My '69 Camaro SS gets far more attention there than my GT3....this is Georgia, after all!

Here's an overhead pic that shows a small portion of a recent C&O.

[tirwin]

I agree 100% with Jack on C&O.

Unfortunately, winter isn't the best time of the year. Most local PCA stuff doesn't get cranked back up until early spring.

If you're driving your P-car and have the time, a day trip up to drive the Tail of the Dragon is something that should be on your list.

Some good advice here before driving it:
http://tailofthedragon.com/tail-of-the-dragon-info/how-to-drive/

[tirwin]

Sorry this didn't work the first time when I tried to upload the pic.

[tirwin]

This is the map of the Dragon. Note some of the names.

[faverymi]

Rent the car of your choice.
Drive to Savannah
Enjoy

[MBAtarga]

Do you have info on the Porsche Experience Center - in terms of access? You don't just show up and they let you in. You've got to have a reservation for the driving experience or a restaurant for example. There are two Porsche dealers in town as well - both on the North side of town.

[SiberianDVM]

Chump Car endurance race at Rd Atlanta February 3!!!! Might even be a 944 or two in the field!

[Bleedsblue]

In Atlanta I'd for sure try and meet up with Tate Askew.

[jons911]

I have done the Porsche Experience class and have driven the tail of the dragon. For PEC, just go on their website to book a class. The classes are all basically the same, just with a different car. I can add specifics if anyone wants to know. I drove the tail of the dragon in my '79 SC and it was a blast. I drove the whole thing in 2nd gear and got the full range from the engine. It is definitely more of a motorcycle's road as the turns get quite tight, but still fun.

[Otter74]

Get stuck in traffic?

Grew up there, moved away, glad I'm gone, glad I only have to deal with all the car traffic once a year.

[tirwin]

Originally Posted by jons911

I have done the Porsche Experience class and have driven the tail of the dragon. For PEC, just go on their website to book a class. The classes are all basically the same, just with a different car. I can add specifics if anyone wants to know. I drove the tail of the dragon in my '79 SC and it was a blast. I drove the whole thing in 2nd gear and got the full range from the engine. It is definitely more of a motorcycle's road as the turns get quite tight, but still fun.

I have heard from more than a few people that the Cherohala Skyway is a better drive. I have yet to drive it myself. The Dragon is sort of a rite of passage. The motorcyclists make it hard on the sports cars. Of course they probably say the same thing about us.

PEC is fun for many reasons. I've gone on the organized tours twice now. Food, simulator time and a tour of the museum and restoration center were included. There was an option to go for a ride-along with a pro driver in a GT3RS so of course I did that. I needed a cigarette afterwards (and I don't smoke).

We had a PCA meet up there last spring and it was a blast too. Two of the safari 911's were there, a bunch of 356's and long hoods. I got to meet Vic Elford and listen to some amazing stories. Good folks and a good time.

[whiterabbit]

I sometimes go up to Suches and then follow the loop (180) around which ends up back in Dalonega. Some really good roads a hour from the city without bothering with the hassle of the dragon.

IMHO C@O is horrible………

PEC is good for lunch, you just need to call ahead to reserve so they have your name to enter thru the barriers.

[pookie]

Skip Barber Motorsports Museum is in Huntsville. Back roads to see some awesome rides sounds like a winner to me.

[bigel]

Well, you've got the Cheetah Club...and then there's Gold Club...oh, you're referring to things to do in Atlanta driving-wise.

I've got nothing...

[tirwin]

Originally Posted by bigel

Well, you've got the Cheetah Club...and then there's Gold Club...oh, you're referring to things to do in Atlanta driving-wise.

I've got nothing...

Gold Club closed down a long time ago. That was when the DEA raided the place and busted a bunch of NBA players.

Fun fact: it was a church for a while and they filmed the movie Hall Pass there and at the Taco Mac next door.

[tevake]

The aquarium there is worth while. Not a car activity, but you might want a break at some point.

Cheers Richard

[tirwin]

Some other ideas:

Atlanta Motorsports Park
Motorsports Country Club | Atlanta Motorsports Park

Andretti Karting (2 locations)
| Marietta & Roswell Entertaiment Center: Go Karts, Bowling, & Arcade

[Chuck.H]

>> The Dragon is sort of a rite of passage. The motorcyclists make it hard on the sports cars. Of course they probably say the same thing about us.

Right! I rode the Dragon a few months ago on my Yamaha FZ-09, and it was the cars clipping the apexes that were the main menace! Coming around a blind corner and finding a WRX in your lane will have you buying new underwear in no time.

Oh and to the OP, while you're in ATL buy me a burger at the Vortex, it's right next to my office.

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 424k miles

[Jameel]

Great suggestions all. Didn't know about Skip Barber being relatively close. I'd been to C&O a few years ago when it was at the previous place. A big office building parking lot. Just a tiny group of classic Porsches, not sure it'd be worth it a second time around. Not much into the new ones. Anyway, looks like I'll have plenty of options. Thanks.