What would the hive recommend for a trip to the Kentucky Derby? Wanting to go more for the experience than just for the actual races. Is it worth it? Where to stay/not to stay? Anything I need to know before hand? Don't bother with it? I'm already familiar with Mint Juleps... Speaking of, also interested in the Bourbon Trail too, if anyone has experience with that!
Drink heavily then head north to the Indy 500 mid month and hang out a few weeks then finish drinking the first week of June.
Definitely also go to the Oaks. It's almost like the horse racing version of Carb days at Indy....
For the bourbon trail, absolutely do that. Buffalo Trace has great tours so do one of those. Avoid Town Branch, it's awful swill. Willet is beautiful, Heaven Hill has a great museum. Glen's Creek is a good stop, making good juice in the old Old Crow distillery - buy a bottle of the Premium which is only available at the distillery when they have it. Beam is a good tour, Maker's is interesting, but both are fairly commercial if that makes any sense.
My friend and his dad went 2 years ago. Expect it to cost several challenge cars. Cheap seats were $450+ each, hotel room was ~$500/night because tourist gouging. Food, drinks, and other entertainment also cost a good bit.
They were apparently closet racing fans, I've known them almost 15 years, only found out it was an interest 4 years ago. According to him, he'd rather go back to the Preakness or other races instead of the Derby, even before the cost kicked in. He was glad he went, especially because they got to see the Triple Crown before his dad died, but it just wasn't worth it on its own.
I kinda figured $$$$$$$. But, that's not a worry, because I'm totally gonna make all of it back at the betting window...
So far, sounds like skip the Derby all together and just hit up all the distilleries! Anyone have experience with the cheap(er) infield tickets to stand in the mud and what not? Terrible idea?
You'll need to log in to post.
