Spring Keeneland Trip

[paisjpq]

I second the reserved seats although I never do...

Railheads restaurant in versailles is surprisingly good for the area.

[Storm Cadet]

I went on the Keeneland site and all the reserve seats are sold out for Toyota Bluegrass weekend.

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by Storm Cadet

I went on the Keeneland site and all the reserve seats are sold out for Toyota Bluegrass weekend.

it's like saratoga...the track is not that big and everyone wants to be there.

[Grits]

Originally Posted by Supah Brother

My girlfriend and I are planning on going to Keeneland for opening weekend. Any suggestions on where to stay?

SB, if you have not already firmed up hotel reservations for Keeneland, you are getting in the very short rows especially for a weekend trip. The Spring meet is much busier and more attended than the Fall meet.

The hotels downtown will fill up first. The Raddison is downtown, the Hilton is at Lexington Green on Nicholosville Rd, those two book quickly. On Harrodsburg Road, which is the closest hotel area to Keeneland, you have the Comfort Inn and Suites, this is nice, its relatively new. Fairfield is there also, Applebees, and other restuarants in walking distance. The next exit up on Nicholosville Road, you have Red Roof Inn, Extended Stay America. Lots of barn employees stay at these.

The Springs Inn, closer downtown on Harrodsburg, is family owned, it is full usually, but it is not as clean as it should be. Carpeting is filthy. Also on Harrodsburg Rd there's the Campbell House Inn, which has just undergone a few million renovation.

Now, out towards I-75 south you have several hotels that are new at Hamburg Place. Several restaurants as well. These are much further from Keeneland.

Closer up on I-75 north at Newtown Pike, which exits off New Circle Road, which you take to Versailles Road which Keeneland is on, you have Marriott at Griffin Gate, Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and LaQuinta. All are fine, all vary in price range.

There are good restaurants all over town, the usual chains, and the locally owned spots.

[Supah Brother]

Thanks for all the info. I booked the four points Sheraton, not sure how far away we are but I really don’t mind driving and its fairly cheap. I also ordered tickets yesterday for the 6th,and 7th. Now all I need is a big win so I can go to Malone’s and get the wahgyu

Thanks again all, and if you have any other suggestions let me know.

[Grits]

Originally Posted by Supah Brother

Thanks for all the info. I booked the four points Sheraton, not sure how far away we are but I really don’t mind driving and its fairly cheap. I also ordered tickets yesterday for the 6th,and 7th. Now all I need is a big win so I can go to Malone’s and get the wahgyu

Thanks again all, and if you have any other suggestions let me know.

Four Points Sheraton is on Newtown Pike, at 64-W and I-75, its in the northern part of town that I spoke of. Closer than the southern edge of town. Leave the hotel, turn left on Newtown, go a couple of blocks to New Circle and take a right, it takes you straight to Versailles Road, Keeneland's exit. (When you get on V.Road. stay in the right lane, take either 1st or 2nd entrance to K'land.

[Grits]

SB, here's another tidbit about Keeneland. A well kept secret (that will be no more.)

If you're there, with your girlfriend for several days for the races, and you're tired of dressing up each day, you can shuck that deal. When I get sick of it, I keep my jeans and topsiders on, drive into the track and go all the way back to the track kitchen. The tvs are on and wagering windows are open all afternoon.

I get a table, and I sit right there with the grooms and hotwalkers and the oldtimers that have known this always. Easy and comfortable. And there's plenty to eat.

After days and days, Keeneland and all its blueblood ambiance can grow weary. Real weary. Jeans are cool in the kitchen, when one can't wear 'em to live races.

[Storm Cadet]

Grits,

Thats exactly what I do at Saratoga. Backstretch kitchen, betting windows, $2 beers and you can drive the SUV right next to starting gate...back it up to fencing and pack all the food you want all day!

SC

[Grits]

Originally Posted by Storm Cadet

Grits,

Thats exactly what I do at Saratoga. Backstretch kitchen, betting windows, $2 beers and you can drive the SUV right next to starting gate...back it up to fencing and pack all the food you want all day!

SC

I've never done it at Saratoga SC, but man, don't ya love it!!!!!

I take a Crown and water in with a couple of flight sizes in my pockets. I don't do beer unless eating boiled seafood and Keeneland doesn't serve drinks in the kitchen. LOL

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

Originally Posted by paisjpq

there are no hotels super close to Keeneland as I'm sure you have noticed...probably the closest is the Fairfield Inn off Harrodsburg rd. (it's in a plaza with a couple of chain restaurants and the 'liqour barn') But it depends what else you are doing while you are there...if you want to go to the horse park etc, there are a bunch of hotels in that direction...

just ask somwon to stop hogging the blanket and move over..cs has lots of hay....

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by hoovesupsideyourhead

just ask somwon to stop hogging the blanket and move over..cs has lots of hay....

if it's ok w/ you I prefer a bed...but you can sleep in the barn

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

Originally Posted by paisjpq

if it's ok w/ you I prefer a bed...but you can sleep in the barn

thanks i know your just a "people person"

[GPK]

Originally Posted by hoovesupsideyourhead

thanks i know your just a "people person"

understatement of the year right there..

[Riot]

The unbooked hotel secret during Kee is up in Georgetown just north of Lex (if you can't get a room at the Marriot, Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn, LaQuinta at exit 115 and 922/Newtown) - easy to get on I-75 south, drive 5 minutes, get off at Newtown Pike and it's 15 minutes to the track (versus the serious traffic on the south side and Man O' War Blvd). Alot less traffic and easier access.

I'll be at the meet pretty much all days except Sat/Sun (have to work some time <g>) would love to meet up with Sumwon crew and other DTers.