Run for the Roses in Kentucky: Lindsay on Location
Something that has been on my bucket list is to experience the Kentucky Derby. I haven’t even been to Kentucky, so I wanted to soak up as much as I could on my next adventure. Kentucky is celebrating a big year. It’s the trifecta of anniversaries. The Kentucky derby is 150 years old, the state parks are 100 years old, and the Bourbon Trail is celebrating 25 years.
What is the first thing you think of when you think Kentucky? Horses? You are not alone. The horse culture has been rich in the state for 150 years. They take such pride in their beautiful animals and the race traditions. I wanted to check out every stage of the thoroughbreds.
The Kentucky derby is the most famous U.S. horse race. All of the horses are thoroughbred and have to be exactly three years old. This is to keep the competition at the same level. But, this also means the horses only get the one chance to run the Derby. The race only last 2 minutes. They say it is “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Why is the Derby so famous? This is the first race on the journey to the triple crown. Also, unlike the others, the Derby races 20 horses at the same time, which increases the difficulty. And for the first time ever the purse is the highest at 5 million dollars. Churchill Downs did not disappoint. People come from all over the world. They get dressed to the nines and place their bets. The entire place becomes electric. This is something that everyone should experience at least once in their life.
Located 20 minutes from Louisville is the stunning Hermitage Farms. Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson swept in to save Hermitage Farms from becoming a suburban development. They not only saved the farm, they reimagined horse culture. They have a thoroughbred nursery, farm- to- table dining in a barn, bourbon tasting, and curated art. Dinner at Barn 8 was one of my favorite meals during my stay.
Since 1936, Keeneland has been one of the leading auction houses and hosts of world class racing. You can enjoy the main races twice a year. Keeneland has produced 24 Derby winners over the years. Giving it the reputation it deserves. My morning at Keeneland I got to see all the horses practice. Just like all athletes, the horses get training and work daily on their craft. I loved how I felt like I was part of the locals. Anyone can go and enjoy watching the horses on a daily basis. You might also recognize Keeneland from some of the most famous horses movies, Seabiscuit, Dreamer, and Secretariat.
What happens to horses after the retire from racing? That is exactly what Micheal Blowen wanted to know. So, he started Old Friends in 2003, an aftercare for racehorses and breeding stallions. He wanted to make sure that the racing horses that gave so much in their careers were taken care of. Today they have 255 horses. They have the oldest living Derby winner, Silver Charm. Silver Charm is 97 years old (if you break it down to age versus humans. This is a great day for everyone in the family. You can feed the horses and see them living their best life. Make sure to say hi to my favorite (also a Derby winner), “I’ll have another.”
The history of horses runs deep in the state and they say one of the reasons they produce such successful horses is the limestone in the land. The horses feed off it and also why their bourbon is so delicious. I wanted to check out all that limestone. And to celebrate the state parks 100th birthday we hiked Natural Bridge Stare Park. Gorgeous views off the state with lots of limestone and tiny gaps. There are tons of parks in the state. Make sure you get out there in the nature and take in all the beauty the state has to offer.
So much of the derby is about the fashion. From the beginning, everyone came dressed to impress. I, of course, had to get a hat to complete my look. I always wanted to wear one of Derby hats. I went to the best, The Hat Girls. They hand make each beautiful creation. They could take them anywhere from 6-40 hours. I had the best time trying them all on.
The derby is known as “The Run for the Roses” the winning jockey gets greeted with a blanket of roses in the winning circle. So, I wanted to make a rose. I went to Trifecta Design Studio to learn how to make a glass rose. They also have a hidden speakeasy. This is an experience anyone can book!
Stay: The Manchester- located in Lexinton’s Distillery District. From the moment I walked into the lobby I knew I loved it. The design is rich in textiles and fabrics. It feels like home, but curated with style. It showcases leather and art that reminds you of Kentucky, but also feels like I could be in the highlands of Scotland. Their restaurant, Grandam, is named after a famous horse, and is getting all the buzz with Chef Paula at the reins. Not to be missed is Lost Palms rooftop bar. Take in sunset while feeling like you are in Palm Beach. I love all the details and personalities of the hotel.
Food: Hot Brown- was created in 1926 at the Brown hotel, so that there was something for their guests to eat after the derby, that was hearty and would soak up all the fun they had that day. Chef Paula from Manchester hotel showed me how to make it. Just picture an open faced turkey sandwhich, tomato, morney sauce (basically fancy cheese sauce), bacon and broiled. Boy is it hearty! It is a big tradition around the Derby.
Drinks: Kentucky is all about their horses and bourbon. The bourbon trail is turning 25, and 95% of the world’s bourbon is made in Kentucky. To be called bourbon it has to be made of 51% corn and aged in new charred oak. Bourbon is basically everywhere you look. It is part of their DNA. We had the privilege to visit Castle & Key Distillery. They put love and care in every detail. Creating spirits feels more like an art at Castle and Key. You can feel the passion and dedication. Take the tour, have a drink in their garden or even taste from the barrel. It is also an added bonus that it is located in a beautiful castle.