Seeking advice for Keeneland trip

[Alabama Stakes]

Originally Posted by Cardus

Second ugliest.

Oh yeah, that's right , I forgot about you. You got hit more than once with the ugly stick.

[saratogadew]

Originally Posted by Needing the Wire

I am heading to Keeneland on Friday Oct 3 and attending the races Friday, Saturday, and Sunday(bankroll permitting). This will be my second visit, but my first was as part of a large charter group out of Bowling Green, KY. in 2002. Up and Back same day, Dropped off, wander around, Drink too much, gamble, back on the charter and home by 9. I will be driving over from Va. early Friday with 2 other friends. They have never been at all. I have the hotels all booked, so I am good there.

I am asking for advice about Parking, Seating, Dining, etc. I know Saturday is Sold Out on basically all Reserved Seating and all of the High Roller locales unless I hit StubHub. I am looking at the "Limestone Café" Seating option for Saturday. Table is $160 for 4 people and there is a lunch served. KEE website says the Cafe is at "Sales Pavilion just down the hill". Can you see the track or is this just a Restaurant with Tellers and Selfies on the property? Would like to get to the rail for a race or two so I don't know if this is a viable seating option. Don't want an OTB experience 500 yards from this track. Anyone know?

We would probably be OK with General Admission on Saturday, but would like suggestions. Any advice welcome and Thanks.

I was there for 5 days of racing in 2013 for the Bluegrass. I absolutely love Keeneland. I would not do the cafe' thing. I would just feel to far removed from the action. I would pay the extra money and get grandstand seats. If you don't, you will be rubbing elbows with people all day long because of the crowds. At least with a seat, you can go out to the paddock or the rail, deal with the crowd for a few minutes, and then back to your seat. Have a great time!!!

[tanner12oz]

I'm in section c row a if anyone wants to say hello Saturday and Sunday...dragging a kid along so my debauchery is limited

[ghartman02]

Another out of the way place is Equus Run Vineyards. It's about 5 miles NW of Keeneland, they have an area to do a wine tasting, it's out in the bluegrass, very nice.
Agreed with parking off Rice Road, or near the Track Kitchen. There are shuttles that will take you up, or walk through the barn area, always a treat! You can also tailgate, so get there early and enjoy your surroundings.
If possible, drive as we all say the back way. There's many farms, and the rolling country side, I would put up that drive with many top drives in America.

[DevonshireHanover]

Tanner/needingthewire,

I will also be there Sat/Sun and QEII week. I am in section K Saturday. Row D. Maybe we can do a quick meetup