Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Keen on Keeneland?

The Beau announced to me on Sunday that he was planning a trip for us to Lexington, Kentucky one weekend in April to go to the Keeneland horse races. This is something he did with his family growing up that he really enjoyed. I'm a creature of habit and my family used to take long weekends to the beach or the mountains or sometimes places like Disney World or New York but we never drove 5+ hours to a horse race and I never have had the desire to do so. So of course I am apprehensive. I love to travel and discover new cities but this wasn't high on my list of "places to visit". I am also not big on riding in the car for more than 4 hours and I would rather put that money towards a big vacation this summer. But the Beau is super excited about this and thinks we are going to have a blast. Maybe we will ... I just don't know a lot about it. The picture above that I googled looks very pretty. So you tell me. Have any of you ever been to these horse races? Is Lexington a fun town? Do you think it is a trip worth taking? Give me the scoop!

xoxo~

29 comments:

Madison Girl said...

Keeneland is so much fun! We visited Kentucky for the USC vs UK a few years back. We stopped at Kenneland to kill sometime. We had so much fun betting on the horse races. I won $65 dollars!

Polka Dots & Protein Bars said...

I've never been to KY for a horse race, but I have been to the Carolina Cup and Steeplechase. I always had so much fun - maybe because of the races, maybe because of the cute sundresses and big hats. I think you'll really enjoy it!

Cindy said...

Lexington certainly doesn't compare to a beach or mountain getaway, but it can be a nice city for a quick weekend away. I've been to Keeneland and like getting dressed up and the opportunity to see beautiful horses, but betting on a race isn't all that exciting to me. If you are with a group it can be fun, and the horse country surrounding Lexington is beautiful. The nearby small town of Midway has several nice restaurants that people frequent before/after races and I always like to browse the quaint shops if there is time. I hope you have an enjoyable trip!

emily mccarthy { designer } said...

Hey! Our friends, Brooke and Andy that live here LOVE keeneland and even brought us some tervis tumblers last time they went! They are from that area if you want any advice of where to stay, what to do!

emily mccarthy { designer } said...

Hey! I emailed you about that invitation, check your old gmail account!

Mojito Maven said...

I am so jealous!! i have always wanted to go there!!!! Have so much fun!!

LyndsAU said...

That sounds like so much fun!! Yall will have fun :)

Megan said...

It's been years since I've been to Lexington, but horse races are great fun! I'm sure once you get there, you will get swept up in all of the excitement!

Jess said...

I'm partial, since that's where I'm from, but I think you'd have a great time. Keeneland is definitely an experience. I'd suggest going on a weekend when the weather will be nice and hopefully warm. The Toyota Blue Grass Stakes is usually a great day 4/11/09. It's a great opportunity to wear a super cute dress. I looove it. It's really alot of fun and you don't necessarily have to be in a group to enjoy it. For eating, I'd suggest Malone's @ Hambur (includes Harry's & Aqua Sushi Bar) or Ramsey's. There is also some great eats downtown. There are some nice wineries to visit, Talon or Equus Run. Also, Lexington is only a little over an hour from Louisville, which has
4th Street Live. Sorry this is so long. If you have any questions, just leave them under a post on my blog.

KLC said...

that sounds like so much fun, I'm jealous! Does your husband want to take me instead? :-P

Milltini said...

this sounds like a lot of fun. one of my really good friends is from Lexington and their family is into horse racing...so i'll get the lowdown from her on where to go/what to see, etc.

KAG said...

Keenland is always a good time! PS I am hosting a giveaway at my blog. Hope you'll come check it out. xoxo KAG

Ally said...

You're going to have a GREAT time! I'm from Louisville which is about an hour and a half west of Lexington.

My girlfriends and I go to Keeneland every year and always have a great time. It's a real treat in the spring to see all the girls in their pretty sundresses and the boys in their suits...who doesn't love to dress up for a day at the races? :)

Lexington has some good restaurants, but if you're wanting some amazing food, make the trip to Louisville. We have more restaurants per capita than any other city in the US. Our local restaurant scene is extraordinary!

Wila (aka Ali) said...

I lived in Lexington for a bit and Keeneland is great--you'll love it. Make sure to pick up some Ale-8 1 Ginger Ale....my favorite! Plus, Lexington's just a neat town..great shopping and restaurants!! Get excited!

Sassy Engineer said...

It looks beautiful and sounds like fun. I hope you enjoy it :)

Pink Pearls & Muddy Sneakers said...

Oh that trip sounds like such a fun adventure! Do you get to wear a big hat & sundress?

Michelle said...

Keeneland is such a fun place to get the authentic Horse Racing experience! It has been a few years since we have been, as once we moved "nawth" we always went to Saratoga but at KL they didn't even use a PA system which was kind of cool and the paddocks were open to the public before the races. Also, if you are up early and can catch breakfast and watch the work outs you will love it. Another fun side trip would be to Midland...great antiques!

Lilly P. Wannabe said...

Keeneland and Lexington are both amazing! I am a horse person, so we go to Kentucky for some horse shows. Every time I have been we have a blast. You should go and check out the Kentucky Horse Park... it has a great museum and some interesting things to see. Hope you win lots of money at the races (I pick my winner by the color of the jockey's silks).

Megan said...

My family lives in Lexington. Though I've never been to Kenneland, I have been to Churchill Downs (where the Kentucky Derby is at). But horse racing is a lot of fun! The gambling part is kind of hard to understand but you should have a good time!

Piper Jacquelyn said...

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised and have a really fantastic time! I'm jealous! I love racing & host a Derby party here in NE each year because we're so far away that I can't go to the actual race! Have fun!

Q, La, and Gooner said...

We got married last year in Lexington during the horse craziness. BEAUTIFUL horses even if you aren't a horsey girl. Barns nicer that houses! BUT, get your hotel early... they go FAST!

Elizabeth said...

I go to Keeneland every year for the Spring and Fall meets. It's one of the things I love about living in Kentucky! The scenery is just beautiful...the horses, jockeys and their colorful silks. It is so much fun. I love to get a pretty dress and dress up and sometimes win some money too! If you have any questions, just leave me a comment. I agree with the comment on Ramsey's and Malone's. Both are great restaurants!

Dugout Daisy said...

I've never been but it sounds like you'll have fun from what I've read of the other comments!!!

oh, and I tagged you on my blog! :)

The Pink Chick said...

Never been to a horse race. Hopefully, it will be a lot of fun! I look forward to hearing about your adventure!

Mrs. Shelton said...

I went to school in Lexington and visited Keeneland every weekend when it was open! It is so much fun and beautiful! Be very careful of thier beer...I swear they put something in it to make you drunk after 1! You will have a great time!

Amy said...

I am in LOVE with Fall/Spring because of Keeneland! I grew up i Lexington and it was so much a part of our life (horses/Ky) that my dad would get us out of school on a Friday so the whole family could go. I would choose a Fall meet over the Derby. Keeneland is BEAUTIFUL! Lexington has a lot to offer too!

Amy

Nikki said...

You will love Keeneland! As a Lexington native, there is nothing better than getting dressed up for a day at the races!

Abby said...

I went to the University of KY, and Keeneland is a WONDERFUL time - cute dresses, bloody mary's & mint juleps, and good old southern charm. It's a blast!

Anonymous said...

I went to UK, and Keeneland was one of my favorite parts of Lexington! It's gorgeous there, and the atmosphere is so fun. I even prefer Keeneland tailgates to football ones. Be sure to get a bloody mary, too!