I am not very good at trip reports but I feel like I should at least make an attempt because I always get so much help on the forums.
Hotel: Galt Hotel - we always get the suite - seperate sitting area with sink and refrigerator. FOr the price (145.00) we think it is a great deal for our group of 3. The hotel is old, but our rooms were nice and the bathroom was fabulous. The jockey lounge in the main building has leather couches and chairs with wood paneling. Very old school. We were almost alone. I think more people spend their time in the bar in the atrium. Room service was quick and good when we used it.
Restaurants: Jeff Ruby's steakhouse. Expensive but very good. The fish, lamb chops and bone in filet were perfect. The oysters, shrimp cocktai, foie gras were all very good. The restaurant has a lot going on...lots of lights, music, pictures, noise - but we really enjoyed ourselves and it is on the same block as the Galt House.
Proof on Main - We went with the intention of having bone marrow and they were out. A little disappointment but we managed. The fish was not as good as Jeff Ruby's but the bison was fabulous. If for nothing else you should go for drink in the lounge and visit the artwork. This is a hotel as well and has interesting modern art. Make sure and visit the bathroom.
We went to the St. Mathews area forshopping and lunch - we had lunch at 211 CLover and it was really good (trout, shrimp and pasta, and BLT). This is a very nice part of town with shops and great restaurants. I would come to this area again.
Four Roses Distillary: Great tour - about an hour long and good tasting. Very interesting.
Churchill Downs: We went to the museum and it was very informative! There were areas to watch famous races, areas to "ride" the horses, and a starting gate with a horse to pose on - we had a great time!. The video was breathtaking! We went for opening day at the track - the Spring Meet. It has always been in the daytime and it was at night this year. We prefer the daytime, but we aren't into the big "party". If you are you are of the younger crowd and like a band and a big party you will really like the experience. The tickets were around 30.00 for a box seat.
All in all we had a great time. The flood waters were really up and River Rd was closed. I hope the area holds up for the Derby. We always enjoy this weekend!