We have tickets for the Preakness next weekend and are staying at a hotel near the Inner Harbor. Will getting there by car be a nightmare or should we use public transportation? Thank you.

Many of the residents who live around Pimlico charge people a few bucks to park in their yards. We've even hitched a ride from where we parked in the back of someone's pick-up to the gate. Get there early and you shouldn't have a problem. Drink a black eyed susan for me!

If you're staying downtown, hop on the Light Rail or the Subway. They will have shuttles to take you to the track. Officials encourage patrons to take public transportation, since there's not tons of parking. Don't take a cab, because you'll have trouble getting one back downtown, and the area where Pimlico is, isn't great.

Have a great time. It's a lot of fun. If you need tips for what to do in Baltimore, we're happy to provide.

Thanks all for the replies. How early is early and what's in a black eyed susan? Thanks again

From www.preakness.com:

Official Black Eyed Susan
1 part (? oz to 1oz) Mount Gay Eclipse Rum
1 part Cointreau
1 part Vodka
Squeeze 1 lime wedge
Equal parts Orange Juice & Pineapple Juice to fill
Stir, and pour over crushed ice. Garnish simply with lime wedge.
Garnish elaborately, if desired with pineapple, orange slice, and cherry.

Yummy!!
I might have to concoct one for optimal Preakness watching!

What a ghastly way to ruin Mt. Gay Rum. I thought Black Eyed Susans were only made with vodka. Mt. Gay must have sponsored them, or something. Anyway, the drinks are pretty horrible. Mint Juleps are much better.

Maybe I'll try both drinks! Does anyone know how early to get there to get a good parking spot?