Charlotte, NC -- Jimmie Johnson knows a thing or two about Charlotte--he's lived there since the late '90s and says it's the perfect city.
And, with the Democratic National Convention right around the corner, Johnson sat down with USA Today's Larry Bleiberg to talk about some of his favorite things to do in and around the DNC's host city.
Be sure to take notes.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
NASCAR's a big part of Charlotte, both historically and economically, and you can learn all about the sport at this new museum. Exhibits take fans from the sport's moonshine-running roots to its record-setting crowds. Interactive stations such as the Kobalt Pit Crew Challenge give visitors a hands-on introduction to the high-pressure world of track life. "It's a big, beautiful building NASCAR put a lot into," Johnson says. "I'd love people to come by and learn about my sport." 704-654-4400; nascarhall.com
Hendrick Motorsports
Johnson's auto-racing team's complex includes a museum showcasing nearly three decades of cars and memorabilia, along with a team store. And visitors can tour the race shop, too. "It's a beautiful facility," Johnson says. "People say it looks like NASA in there. I hear it all the time." 704-455-3400; HendrickMotorsports.com
Cabo Fish Taco
Johnson grew up in the San Diego area, and the fish tacos at this casual Mexican spot remind him of home. "It's a fun place. The dress is casual, and you can have a beer and some Mexican food." He also likes the location, a neighborhood north of downtown, called NoDa, which is home to a historic arts district and microbreweries. 704-332-8868; cabofishtaco.com
Freedom Park
When he's not out racing, you can often find Johnson at this green space near his home. "We're in Freedom Park all the time for things with my daughter and birthdays," Johnson says. He also likes to run the trails. "It's really big when you get back into it. The jogging trail runs from downtown to the park."
Ritz-Carlton Lobby Bar
Johnson loves a good margarita, and he says this hotel bar makes a perfect one. "It's about as good as it gets." He'll often go during the winter, stopping in for a drink before catching a Charlotte Bobcats basketball game next door at the Time Warner Cable Arena. 704-547-2244; ritzcarlton.com
Selwyn Avenue Pub
Johnson loves the vibe at this bar, which serves bankers stopping in for a beer on the way home after work and then a younger crowd as the evening wears on. Johnson says that on occasion, he has stayed long enough to watch the crowd change. "They have a great menu for appetizers and bar food. It's a really great place to stay for a long time." 704-333-3443
Zada Jane's Corner Café
This hole-in-the-wall breakfast spot is Johnson's favorite place for brunch. Located in the historic Plaza-Midwood neighborhood, it attracts a younger crowd, some of whom bring their dogs and sit outside. "The breakfast is phenomenal," he says. "You can get there and have a bit of a wait, but it's worth it." 704-332-3663; zadajanes.com
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Johnson doesn't need to be in a car to get an adrenaline rush. He and his crew have done team-building exercises rafting on the center's man-made whitewater river. There's also mountain biking, rock climbing, zip lining and a 46-foot free-fall jump from a tower. "For the adventurous type, you can have a great time out there," he says. 704-391-3900; usnwc.org
Lake Norman
Johnson grew up on the water and is drawn to this huge man-made lake, where he has spent a lot of time over the years. "I've had Jet Skis and way-too-fast boats that scared the fire out of me," he says. Though the main channel of the 50-square-mile lake can get busy, Lake Norman State Park and some of the inlets are much calmer. lakenorman.com
N.C. Music Factory
There is no shortage of entertainment options at this complex of restaurants, bars, a comedy club and an amphitheater. A few years ago, Johnson and country-music star Darius Rucker hosted a charity event at one of the theaters. "There's always something going on out there," Johnson says. "It doesn't matter what kind of music you're into, they get the heavy hitters." 704-987-0612 ncmusicfactory.com