Trip to Kentucky Derby

[Thunder Gulch]

Originally Posted by robfla

Thinking of going to the Derby for the first time.

should I sell the tickets or go?

what are the positives and negatives ( if any )?

If I go, I'll arrive Friday Morning and will make the Oaks card.

What/ Where should I go Friday mid-morning early afternoon or Saturday morning Derby Day? ( museums, etc. )

Appreciate any tips on where / what to do - I'll be staying 40 miles away in Elizabethtown.

Thanks everyone in advance.

I'll be making my 17th annual trip for the first Saturday of May. The answer to the question...it depends. Depends on whether you want to watch some horse racing or take in the atmosphere. Despite the great card of races (pay attention Maryland) the races are really spaced out and the crowd overwhelms you at the window. Thus you just can't treat this as any other day at the races.

Also, I believe the museum is closed on Derby weekend. Too many people on the grounds.

[opusone]

Definatley go. Get there early and walk through the infield before it gets too drunk out there. Allow plenty of time to bet. Everything is fun in Louisville until you have to catch a cab.

[slotdirt]

Originally Posted by Thunder Gulch

I'll be making my 17th annual trip for the first Saturday of May. The answer to the question...it depends. Depends on whether you want to watch some horse racing or take in the atmosphere. Despite the great card of races (pay attention Maryland) the races are really spaced out and the crowd overwhelms you at the window. Thus you just can't treat this as any other day at the races.

Also, I believe the museum is closed on Derby weekend. Too many people on the grounds.

I'm not sure what you mean by "pay attention Maryland." I think the Preakness card is absolutely stellar and always has been.

[ddthetide]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

Going to my first Preakness this year! I am really excited because we are planning in a lot of the other things to do around the City like the Aquarium and Gettysburg on the way down.

you are goin to the aquarium, the B&O Railroad museum is close by and pretty cool and Fort Mchenry too.

we went to the Oaks 2 years ago. and sat in sec- 324, AWESOME seats! if anyone would get the chance !

[Grits]

Preakness goers....Whatever you all do, make sure, that you eat well.

No one prepares crabmeat better than Marylanders. No one. So plan to have crabcakes at one of the numerous good restaurants in the area.

CJ's is one. Its simply a large joint of a spot, nothing fancy, and its some of the finest seafood in the city. Last time I was there, the entire ESPN crew, Randy Moss et al were spread out at a large table beside me. (And those guys did some serious eating!)

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by ddthetide

you are goin to the aquarium, the B&O Railroad museum is close by and pretty cool and Fort Mchenry too.

we went to the Oaks 2 years ago. and sat in sec- 324, AWESOME seats! if anyone would get the chance !

Thanks for the tip!

[ALostTexan]

Guess if you are going to the Derby, you could always call over to England and see if the Queen has an extra ticket and sit with her...

ALostTexan

[TBJUNKY]

u can catch me with the Scat Daddy camp on the 1st sat in May

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by TBJUNKY

u can catch me with the Scat Daddy camp on the 1st sat in May

Cool... I like him.

[sumitas]

i'd love to see the Queen there. it should be a hugely electric day, of course. i still don't want to see any horse wear #8 this year. i just don't think it's right that #8 should be on a horse this year at the derby.

[Thunder Gulch]

I don't want the Queen there. Nothing against her, but she represents a target and security checks are already tight.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by merasmag

sightseek, your pics of barbaro almost made me cry...if i don't spend all the bf's money beforehand, we will be there (suites are $1650 a person! are you rich??? i think we will be in the 3-figure level...) i am hoping it doesn't rain...anybody got a farmer's almanac handy?

Then definitely don't view the tribute videos of him on Youtube.

Speaking of Youtube...if anyone is thinking of being there for the week, here is a taste of week's activities:

http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...Derby+Festival