kentucky derby-what to wear, what to see
Mar 19th, 2004, 02:21 PM
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kentucky derby-what to wear, what to see
I have been reading all your posts re: the derby. How dressy is this? We were given tickets so I don't know where the seats are. I don't want to go out and buy a fancy hat that I will never wear again, but I don't want to show up in a baseball cap and jeans either. Would black pants and a dressy top be ok, and then a wider brimed hat? For husband: polo shirt and black pants or flowered shirt and pants? and I haven't a clue about a hat for him. The few times he wears a hat it is a baseball cap. I don't want to buy this stuff and never use it again, so is it just the owners who dress up?
We will be leaving Lexington Sunday noon and will have until Tuesday pm to see the sights. I gather there is a lot to do in Lexington, we are going to tour a horse farm and I'm sure see the horse park. Is Cumberland Gap too far away? I hear its a 3 hr drive. I wanted to say I hiked the Appliations (sp) I already decided on Brea, Shakertown, Bardstown, Blue Grass DRiving Tour, and I guess there is a Civil War driving tour also, check out distilleries from Lexington to Maysville and I hear there is a pretty drive called Pisgah Pike. Have any of you been to the underground railway and slave museums? Should we drive to Eastern Ky first, and then go back up to the Northern part, or reverse the route. I hear there is a lot of civil war stuff in Lexington area and in Perryville area. Do I need motel reservations in these outer places or can we just wing it as I don't know how long it will take us to get to these places. Thanks
We will be leaving Lexington Sunday noon and will have until Tuesday pm to see the sights. I gather there is a lot to do in Lexington, we are going to tour a horse farm and I'm sure see the horse park. Is Cumberland Gap too far away? I hear its a 3 hr drive. I wanted to say I hiked the Appliations (sp) I already decided on Brea, Shakertown, Bardstown, Blue Grass DRiving Tour, and I guess there is a Civil War driving tour also, check out distilleries from Lexington to Maysville and I hear there is a pretty drive called Pisgah Pike. Have any of you been to the underground railway and slave museums? Should we drive to Eastern Ky first, and then go back up to the Northern part, or reverse the route. I hear there is a lot of civil war stuff in Lexington area and in Perryville area. Do I need motel reservations in these outer places or can we just wing it as I don't know how long it will take us to get to these places. Thanks
Mar 19th, 2004, 03:56 PM
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Are you in the Grandstand or infield?
BIG difference in the attire!!! If you're in the grandstand, you'll need to dress up (DRESS with hat for ladies, nice clothes and no hat for gents). EVERYONE in the grandstand dresses up for the Derby! It is part of the experience!
BIG difference in the attire!!! If you're in the grandstand, you'll need to dress up (DRESS with hat for ladies, nice clothes and no hat for gents). EVERYONE in the grandstand dresses up for the Derby! It is part of the experience!
Mar 19th, 2004, 04:01 PM
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I meant to add that if you don't want to dress up, I'll gladly go in your stead. ;-)
You'll need to reserve your farm tour in Lexington NOW. Early May is the height of breeding season, so many farms don't even give tours to non-breeders during this time of year. Three Chimneys and Claiborne are two of my absolute favorites. Call the farm's stallion office to arrange the tour. Be on time, and bring a tip for the groom who gives the tour. I usually tip $5 per person for an OK tour, and up to $20 each for an awesome tour. Last time I was at Claiborne, the groom let me give Conquistador Cielo a peppermint.
Needless to say, he got a good tip!
The Kentucky Horse Park is great, especially if you're not big into horses. It's a nice place, and the exhibits at the International Museum Of The Horse are always top notch. Beware that the food in the park is awful, so don't plan to eat there. If you like Japanese or Mexican restaurants, I can recommend one of each not far from the Park.
The Bluegrass Driving Tour is a good way to see the farms and landscape. DON'T do it in the morning as the narrow roads will be clogged with large horse vans bringing mares to the breeding sheds.
You'll likely need hotel reservations in every stop since the Derby brings thousands of people to the area.
You'll need to reserve your farm tour in Lexington NOW. Early May is the height of breeding season, so many farms don't even give tours to non-breeders during this time of year. Three Chimneys and Claiborne are two of my absolute favorites. Call the farm's stallion office to arrange the tour. Be on time, and bring a tip for the groom who gives the tour. I usually tip $5 per person for an OK tour, and up to $20 each for an awesome tour. Last time I was at Claiborne, the groom let me give Conquistador Cielo a peppermint.
Needless to say, he got a good tip!The Kentucky Horse Park is great, especially if you're not big into horses. It's a nice place, and the exhibits at the International Museum Of The Horse are always top notch. Beware that the food in the park is awful, so don't plan to eat there. If you like Japanese or Mexican restaurants, I can recommend one of each not far from the Park.
The Bluegrass Driving Tour is a good way to see the farms and landscape. DON'T do it in the morning as the narrow roads will be clogged with large horse vans bringing mares to the breeding sheds.
You'll likely need hotel reservations in every stop since the Derby brings thousands of people to the area.
Mar 19th, 2004, 04:19 PM
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You see all kinds at the Kentucky Derby. The infield is like a picnic ground/ play ground/ gigantic fraternity party, complete with drunken, lobster colored men shouting Show Yer T*ts, as well as families with kids.
It will likely be a warm day, so you might be happy in a light dress, skirt and top outfit, check the 10 day forecast on weather.com to get a rough idea. I saw a FULL gamut of womens apparel from the bottom edge of California casual to snooty Easter dresses. I think you'd be completely safe in what I would describe as spring wear, light colors and floral prints. Get something that will breathe well as the humidty can be impressive.
As for a hat, get a cheap wide brimmed straw hat for $4 at Target/Walmart/Sears and tie a pretty sheer scarf around it. You'll pay more for your drinks there.
It will likely be a warm day, so you might be happy in a light dress, skirt and top outfit, check the 10 day forecast on weather.com to get a rough idea. I saw a FULL gamut of womens apparel from the bottom edge of California casual to snooty Easter dresses. I think you'd be completely safe in what I would describe as spring wear, light colors and floral prints. Get something that will breathe well as the humidty can be impressive.
As for a hat, get a cheap wide brimmed straw hat for $4 at Target/Walmart/Sears and tie a pretty sheer scarf around it. You'll pay more for your drinks there.
Mar 20th, 2004, 09:37 AM
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Two things:
1. You do realize the Derby is in Louisville, not Lexington.
2. Wear a dress and a hat. The bigger and more old-fashioned the better. The pictures you take will be worth more than the money you spent on a hat worn only once. If money is really an issue, sell the tickets (they're very hard to get), pay $40 for infield admission and wear blue jeans.
1. You do realize the Derby is in Louisville, not Lexington.
2. Wear a dress and a hat. The bigger and more old-fashioned the better. The pictures you take will be worth more than the money you spent on a hat worn only once. If money is really an issue, sell the tickets (they're very hard to get), pay $40 for infield admission and wear blue jeans.
Mar 20th, 2004, 10:29 AM
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Wear the hat and a dress if you are in the Grandstands. You will look out of place if you don't.
If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a hat, buy one at a thrift/second hand store or vintage clothing shop. Or try TJ Maxx or Burlington Coat Factory stores.
If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a hat, buy one at a thrift/second hand store or vintage clothing shop. Or try TJ Maxx or Burlington Coat Factory stores.
Mar 21st, 2004, 09:37 AM
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Thanks for all your replys. Would cream pants and jacket with bright/lightweight sweater be ok. or should I go for sundress with cardigan? (which I will probably not wear again while I am there) I thought I could wear the pants for other stuff there. Is Cumberland Gap worth driving to? Is it just forests and craft places? I have forests here in the NW but I do realize there is history there. Or should we take 1-2 days and drive up North and see Civil War stuff and stuff around Lexington and Brea for crafts etc. Where would be a good place to stay after the Derby and still be central?
Mar 22nd, 2004, 06:50 AM
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Cumberland Gap is about 3 hours south of Lexington. The view from the lookout is beautiful. The original trail is in the process of being returned to its original state-all traffic is now diverted through a tunnel and the blacktop has been removed. Should find some great hiking spots. The last week in April/ first week in May should be a really pretty time with blooming plants. If you want to stay in the area, consider Pine Mountain State Park. The lodge is in a beautiful area.
I think you will enjoy Berea. It is a lovely college town with many craft shops. You may want to consider a night a the Boone Tavern Hotel, a historic hotel. The food in the dining room is great-the spoon bread is beyond compare. Shakertown has really good food in the Trustees House. The restored buildings are neat. In Bardstown, you may want to tour My Old Kentucky Home and eat at Xavier's in Spalding Hall.
As for the weather, spring in Kentucky is a gamble. It may be 80 on Derby Day and it may be 40-it has snowed on Derby Day (Heavy flurries in '89).
As for the Derby, cream pants and jacket would be fine. Your hat (not mandatory by any means) need not be expensive. The Walmart straw hat with scarf is not a bad idea-flowers also work well. Churchill Downs is undergoing a huge renovation and this Derby will be a bit unusual. Millionaires Row may actually be in the infield this year-in a luxury tent fenced off from the masses of course. There is also a tent village in another part of the grounds where many companies have their guest area. The Derby Museum is also used during Derby Week for "prime" seating.
Are you driving to the Derby? If so, consider parking at the Fairgrounds or Cardinal Stadium and taking a shuttle. There is no public on site parking for Oaks or Derby.
I think you will enjoy Berea. It is a lovely college town with many craft shops. You may want to consider a night a the Boone Tavern Hotel, a historic hotel. The food in the dining room is great-the spoon bread is beyond compare. Shakertown has really good food in the Trustees House. The restored buildings are neat. In Bardstown, you may want to tour My Old Kentucky Home and eat at Xavier's in Spalding Hall.
As for the weather, spring in Kentucky is a gamble. It may be 80 on Derby Day and it may be 40-it has snowed on Derby Day (Heavy flurries in '89).
As for the Derby, cream pants and jacket would be fine. Your hat (not mandatory by any means) need not be expensive. The Walmart straw hat with scarf is not a bad idea-flowers also work well. Churchill Downs is undergoing a huge renovation and this Derby will be a bit unusual. Millionaires Row may actually be in the infield this year-in a luxury tent fenced off from the masses of course. There is also a tent village in another part of the grounds where many companies have their guest area. The Derby Museum is also used during Derby Week for "prime" seating.
Are you driving to the Derby? If so, consider parking at the Fairgrounds or Cardinal Stadium and taking a shuttle. There is no public on site parking for Oaks or Derby.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 09:43 AM
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For years. Not all of the infield is a big drunken party. Many families and groups of friends make it a yearly event, although many have switched to Oaks day on Friday. It does not bother the horses as they are far away. Many in the infield never see a horse, although you can walk to the Paddock and see all of the horses before every race.
