Slot machines and a speedway may be the best-known attractions in Dover, Del.
But there's much more to do in the capital of the country's first state.
Just about two hours from Baltimore, Dover offers a variety of museums as well as great restaurants and tax-free shopping. Admission to most of the museums is free. Shopping includes a mall with more than 100 stores as well as outlet centers on the way to Dover.
The city is home to Dover Air Force Base. Base personnel have provided military air support since World War II as well as humanitarian aid in crises as diverse as the evacuation of Americans from Iran in 1978 to the cleanup of the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
Dover itself has had a role in this country's history since the American Revolution. On Dec. 7, 1787, Delaware's constitutional delegates met here and became the first to ratify the new Constitution of the United States.
In modern times, Dover's fame has tended toward its recreation opportunities. While people in Maryland grapple with the idea of slot machines, Dover has been attracting folks from around the region to its casino and harness racing track at Dover Downs for years.
In September and again in June, NASCAR fans descend on Dover en masse to watch racing at the famed Dover International Speedway. This year's Winston Cup race - the MBNA America 400 - starts at 1 p.m. Sept. 21. Limited grandstand tickets were still available at press time.
Major attractions
Dover International Speedway (off DuPont Highway, U.S. 13, 800-441-RACE): They call it "the Monster Mile" and for good reason. This tough, 1-mile oval course of concrete offers no forgiveness to a driver who miscalculates his speed or abilities. The track has 3,200 feet of curves, and driving around it 400 times without making any mistakes can be a white-knuckled experience for even the most veteran racers.
The fall race weekend kicks off Sept. 18 with qualifying sessions for the Busch and Winston Cup races. The Busch North Series race at 4:15 p.m. Sept. 19 is 150 laps featuring the top drivers from the Mid-Atlantic and New England. Sept. 20 brings the final practice sessions for the Winston Cup drivers as well as the Stacker 200 Busch Series truck race at 1 p.m.
The jewel in the crown, however, is the Winston Cup race Sept. 21, scheduled to feature NASCAR's top contenders including Dale Earnhardt Jr.; Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart and others. Loyal fans wouldn't miss the contest or the chance to mingle with their peers. Dover becomes the racing capital of the country for these three days.
