Travel Log: Loudon

New Hampshire hosted NASCAR back in the summer months, but this time is a little more genuine. The temperature is cooler, the mood is lazier. Well, for some.

On the last visit, the focus was on the attractions in the Loudon, N.H., area. This time we take advantage of the state's best feature: the outdoors.

From apple picking to scenic drives and walks to a stop at a genuine New England general store, it's all New Hampshire. There's a feeling one gets when speaking of the state. And touring the countryside captures it.

For New Hampshire's walking trails, click here

Also: June's edition of Travel Log

Scenic drives -- Songs have been sung about it. Books have been written about it. Movies have been made about it. So do it. Take a drive through New Hampshire in the fall. True, it's technically still summer, but this could be as close as it gets. The New Hampshire tourism Web site has a list of routes visitors can take to capture the best scenery in New England.
• For more information, click here

zenwoodle -- You need a lot of patience leaving NHMS. The first year we went my son and I were stuck in the traffic leaving the parking lot for three hours. No food, no water and no beer. The next time, we took all the tailgating tools and just chilled 'til the crowd thinned.

Be advised: There are no beer sales at the racetrack, so be sure to bring your own. This track needs a lot of work to provide a good pre- and post-race fan experience, and hopefully the new owner will do that.

celia2 -- Not much here but more than Talladega, which is in the middle of nowhere! You can enjoy the cool, crisp weather. Just remember, getting out of Loudon takes three or four hours! It's one reason why a lot of people don't attend! Myself, I go in the spring and not in the fall. Not the best track. No 'Southern' spirit. I prefer to save my money and go to 'Dega. People in the Northeast are too reserved at races. Someone needs to stick a firecracker up their butt!

Join the New Hampshire Motor Speedway Crew

Thursday: Mostly sunny with a high of 70 degrees, low of 43
Friday: Cloudy with a high of 70 degrees, low of 43
Saturday: Cloudy with a high of 77 degrees, low of 57
Sunday: Cloudy with a high of 75 degrees, low of 53
Complete Forecast

More
• Let NASCAR.COM help book your last-minute travel.
• Directions and aerial map of Loudon, N.H.

The Chase gets into full swing with consecutive mile tracks. So what is there to do in the first state of Delaware? Share your personal favorites here.