Formula 1 race - Spa, Belgium

First, Amy, let me admit my jealousy! Big F1 fan myself, and Spa will be a great place to see a race. Second, here is the website for the track, if you don't already have it... http://www.spa-francorchamps.be/en/ Lots of information there, including accommodations and how to get to the track from wherever you are staying. I visited the track last year (not during the F1 race, but there were non-F1 cars running on the track) and it is amazing. I would say that you will need some other travel book or books besides RS's, as he does not cover that section of Belgium at all. We used Lonely Planet, which worked fine. You might also want to check over on the Trip Adviser travel forum, where you can go to a forum specifically for the town of Spa. If you scroll back through the posts, you'll find some relating to the race (you might have to look back at posts from last August/September to see some about the race.) As far as WWI history, I believe you'll have to travel East to Flanders. Not a big deal--Belgium is not a huge country! RS does cover some of these in his book. If WWII interests you at all, the area around Spa-Francorchamps is jam packed with sites. I hope you and your husband have a great trip!

As the other poster noted, Rick Steve's book doesn't cover the Ardennes... or any part of Belgium east or south of Brussels. I know nothing about the Formula 1 circuit except its general location. However, nearby Spa would be an excellent place to stay. For a town of its relatively small size, it has a pretty good number of restaurants and cafes. And of course, the mineral baths that have become synonymous with the town's name. For WWI history, some of the ruins of the fortresses around Liege remain, although I don't know how well preserved and demarcated they are. Otherwise, you really won't see much of WWI around the Ardennes. You would have to go further west to Leuven, Mons and Ieper. EDIT: OK, it appears that 7 of the original 12 forts around Liege are open to the general public, and some were restored.

Hi, "a lot of interest in the WW I era...." Great! You have a site in Spa itself connected to WW I history...the Hotel Britannique which served as OHL HQ (German Army HQ in the West), if it's still there, otherwise you can see its location.

Amy, you would love Spa even if you didn't attend the race. Before I forget, if driving be sure you get a good GPS, very important. Like others have said, more WW II sites, but excellent ones with many small museums cramed with cool stuff. Luxembourg and the American Cemetary, Liege, Bastogne. If you are a fan of "Band of Brothers" this is one of the areas to cover. If I were to go again would choose Radisson Hotel with funicular to Spa complex, quite outstanding!! Food at Hotel was acceptable, did not eat elsewhere. Belgium is small enough that you can get to Aachen, Cologne, and Dusseldorf quite easily.

Amy, you don't say how deep your pockets are. If I were going to Spa for the race and I could afford it (I can't) I would make reservations at the Dorint Hotel (or everwhat its name is these days) which completely overlooks the entire circuit. Just to think of looking out your hotel windows and getting the whole experience while having effectively a box seat with access to food and drink and a private bathroom, and cover for when the inevitable rain comes would be paradise. From one F1 nutcase to another.

Thank you everyone! Not sure how deep our pockets are for 2013, probably more likely 2014. But to see eau rouge in person (rain or shine, likely rain) would be very exciting. I just know the earlier I start to research and plan the better off we will be. I will take all your suggestions in stride. Thanks!!

Amy, check out Gran Prix tours or other travel providers that cater to Gran Prix fans. It has been a number of years since I have been on a Gran Prix Tour but it was worth doing. After connecting with a tour group you can then continue on your way. The Nurburgring will not be too far away to the east or Riems in France if that would be of interest to you. Spa is a dream trip for me as it is one of the last old tracks that Bernie hasn't blown off. Good Luck!

We were just at the circuit on Tuesday, April 16th. It was one of the few days in the month when you can take a guided tour. There were 2 couples: my husband and I (seniors) and a couple in their 20's. It was a fabulous experience and a dream come true for my amateur club open wheel racing husband. We did not get to go around the track because a group had it rented for the day. The area is VERY rural. It will be a zoo during the race. I would be willing to bet that if you don't have accomodations already for this year, you are unlikely to find any within an hour drive of the track. I would also bet that there will be public or special transportation for the event from many distant places. If you are serious about 2014 and want to be close, you might want to look for accomodations now. Stavelot and Malmedy are close in addition to the other towns mentioned.

Indeed, Amy, Eau Rouge is AWESOME in person! As TV tends to do, you just don't see the extent of the immense elevation change when watching from home.