Kentucky in October
 

We will be at Keeneland for horse racing. Is there a dress code? Any other suggestions on what is fun to do in Kentucky?

Frankfort, the state capitol, is not all that far away to the east of where you will be. It's a charming town, with an attractive small historic downtown, several historic houses (including the Governor's Mansion) which can be visited, the State Capitol building, the old state house, Kentucky History Museum, and Rebecca Ruth Candy Factory. This can all encompass a day's worth of sightseeing -- just note that nearly all the attractions close by 4 PM.

One good place to eat in downtown Frankfort is Rick's White Light Diner, a little hole in the wall (serves BBQ and Cajun food) with stunningly good pulled pork and sides and bourbon pecan pie. As good as I've ever had anywhere.

You will definitely need a car (or incredibly expensive taxi ride) to get there, as it's to my knowledge the only state capital city that cannot be reached via any form of usual public transportation (bus, train, or commercial flight).

The dress code is entirely dependent on where you are seated, check here for relevant info - http://www.keeneland.com/racing/list...s/tickets.aspx Also, since you'll be in the neighborhood - http://www.kybourbontrail.com/#map. Keeneland is like no other racetrack you have ever been to. Enjoy your visit.

Thank you both for great answers to our question. We are leaving Saturday, and will definately go to Frankfort. We have already made a list of the sites you mentioned. The info on Keeneland was great too. Do you recommend, since we can be there only one day,:( to go Friday or Saturday? Both look great to us ! Also, we will do the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Do you know if it's better to take a tour of the horse farms, or get a list and do it ourselves. Thanks to both of you !

Have been doing opening weekend at Keeneland for 6+ years. Will be there Friday thru Sunday this week. Lexington is a great town. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is worth doing. You can do the horse farms on your own but depending on the farm, you probably need to make an appointment. The tours are a good deal in my opinion and eliminate the hassle of the do it yourself.

You'll want to go here - www.kyhorsepark.com & maybe here - www.shakervillageky.org

See Shaker Village by all means. Eat at the Trustees' House and have a slice of Shaker Lemon Pie for me.

The card for Saturday is much better than the one for Friday. Friday has a Grade 1 and a Grade 3 race. Saturday has three G1, one G2, and one G3, and for the early birds: Breakfast With the Works.

The calendar
http://www.keeneland.com/racing/events/calendar.aspx

Thank all of you for the great info. SAnParis2, the websites have been great, and we are planning a trip to Shaker Village. Carolyn, Shaker Lemon Pie sounds wonderful ! Also, after looking at the racing events mrwunfl, we have decided on Saturday, as you suggested. We will be making an appointment to tour the horse farms,as nygvic said would be the best way, and doing the Kentucy Bourbon Trail too. Wish we could stay 2 days at Keeneland, but want to see as much of Kentucy as possible. So much to see and so little time. Thanks again !

Anytime & enjoy your trip. We will expect a full trip report upon your return. Also, don't miss Bardstown, it may be a good place to stop for lunch on the Bourbon Trail - http://www.visitbardstown.com/tourism/ & eat here - www.talbotts.com

Or at Kurtz's Restaurant in Bardstown, down home cooking like fried chicken livers with biscuits and gravy, and cream pies. It's across the road from My Old Kentucky Home, also worth seeing.

Carolyn, my husband loves fried chicken livers, and I'm a fan of biscuits and gravy. We both will eat the cream pies. The food in Kentucy sounds so good, and I plan to eat fried green tomatoes too. I can't wait to see Kentucky, My Old Kentucky Home, as you mentioned, and eat everything that looks good for 2 weeks ! All the food in Kentucky sounds like home cookin'. Thanks for the Kurtz restaurant idea. We had Kurtz's where we used to live. Thank you for taking the time to help us enjoy Kentucky !

If one were to do The Bourbon Trail, where would you all recommend to stay overnight? We live in Ohio and it would be a good little weekend trip. Thanks Bailey, don't mean to highjack your post.

I'd stay in Bardstown (& have, although I used to live in Louisville), that is pretty much right in the middle of things. Where in Ohio ?

Thanks SAnParis. We are 30 minutes south of Cleveland

It will be a bit of a drive then, better make it a long weekend (as if you need encouragement).