Kentucky Derby???

Wow been long time on this site since we sold the farm.Always got good info here,so heres my question.
Going to Kentucky Derby next May.Anyone ever been?Any suggestions or tips on where to stay and handle the chaos.I got my tickets and air fare all set just need lodging for three nites.Dont need any thing fancy,just dont wanna wind up in the ghetto and be within a reasonable distance from the track.
Thanks
Stan


P.S.
If your gonna tell me Im crazy for jumping into this chaotic event and spending an enormous amount of money,please dont waste your time,Im going.Its are 25th anniversary and the Derby is on my bucket list,just wanna see it one time and after that were on to Vegas.

Thanks Again
Stan

Better plan lodging well ahead, I heard that there are hundred of thousands that attend. I have been to the museum a couple of times, but never to race.

I would take two buckets. One to fill at the race, and the other to fill at Vegas. Call if you need my truck. LOL. Good Luck.

Think if you google it, it will show the motels around there.

GO!!!! It was one of the funnest times of my life. We were in the infield and it was similar to a big redneck party. I loved it and would go again if ever given the chance. Take bags of ice, let them melt and you have water to drink. Also go to all the races, start early in the day and get a good spot. We were there early and we had a blast. Good luck and have lots of fun. PS book now like others have said and expect to stay far at this time. We stayed in Indiana and drove over.

I don't have any advice for you, but have a great time. I've worked with thoroughbreds for 23 years and I love them, I go to Saratoga but that it. Have fun and and don't regret doing it.

I live about 25 miles outside of Louisville, so I have a few words of advice for you.

1. Hotels and motels--even the ones 25 miles out--jack up their rated for Derby. Be prepared for some price gouging that way.

2. Even if world oil prices dropped to 10 cents a barrel, gas stations near Louisville raise their prices for Derby Week.

3. The "West End" of Louisville is considered to be one of the undesirable areas. Fortunately, I don't know of any hotels in that area.

4. The Kentucky Derby Festival has all kinds of events going on in the two weeks leading up to the Derby. During Derby week, the Great Steamboat Race on Wednesday and the Pegasus Parade down Broadway tend to mess with traffic. But they also have Chow Wagons and live bands down on the riverfront, and admission is just the price of a Pegasus Pin, which you can buy for a few bucks at any local gas station.

5. Traffic in and out of Churchill Downs on Derby Day is a bloomin' nightmare. Best bet is to find a place on the bus line to park downtown, like a secure parking garage...and then take the TARC bus direct to and from the track. [Just don't forget where you parked.]

Local flavors: There are, of course, a ton of the national chain eateries, but if you want the flavor of Louisville, the local places are where you want to go. Mike Linnig's is a local favorite for fish and seafood; expect them to be busy Derby week. They're a little pricey--it ain't McDonald's--but I've never gotten any food I didn't like there. They're also a little ways from downtown, off Dixie Highway in the southwest part of the county. If Pizza is more your style, local favorites include Wick's Pizza, with several locations around the metro area. For ribs and BBQ, local chain Mark's Feed Store is a great bet. On the Indiana side of the river, Sams' Food and Spirits is a pretty good call as well. They have a varied menu, and I've never gone away from there either dissatisfied or hungry.[Wick's and Mark's Feed Store also have locations in Indiana.]

Hope you have a great time, and I hope some of this information is helpful.

I live on the outskirts of Louisville, about 20 miles south, and also attend Derby just about every year. We have several out-of-town guest's in every year, so I have some familiarity with motels.

Stay SOUTH of Louisville. There's major construction going on at Ohio River crossing. (Kennedy Bridge) Traffic will be a nightmare this year come Derby week. Normally, the Indiana side of the river isn't a bad place to stay, but with that construction, you might just spend most of your weekend in a huge traffic jam. I'd suggest Elizabethtown KY. (Roughly 35 minutes drive down I65 from Louisville)as a great place to stay. Plenty of motels along or near I65 there. I'd also suggest booking rooms NOW. Wait until Derby week, and you'll be hunting 100 miles from Louisville.

Lots to do in Louisville besides Derby. Slugger Museum (Hillerich & Bradsby Baseball bat factory/museum) Louisville Zoo, and a host of other venues. Also, by all means, hit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail! That starts just south of Louisville, at Clermont Ky, at the Jim Beam Distilleries, and goes from there to ALL the major bourbon distilleries. Worth the trip just for that!

Lots of fine dining in Louisville AND E-Town. My personal favorites are Longhorn Steak House, Pats Steak house, Bonefish Grill, Carraba's, and Texas Roadhouse (which is headquartered in Louisville)

Avoid downtown Louisville, especially the "West End" on Derby Eve. MUCH local traffic/cruising, with sporadic gun fire for effect.

On the Friday before Derby, The Downs host's "The Kentucky Oaks". That's been more of a local tradition over the years but is growing in popularity with out-of-towners. Oaks Day leads into the Derby Eve parties. If you're an "A Lister", get yourself an invite to the Barnstable/Brown party! All the big time celebrities in town for Derby show up there! (Never been myself... )

And have yourself a Mint Julep while you're at the Downs rubbing elbows with the beautiful people!

I live just west of Lexington, about 43 miles from Churchill Downs. We get lots of visitors that time of year. They tour the local horse farms, in days before the Derby, then attend the
Derby on Saturday, the Oaks(for 3 yr old fillies) is on Friday and is a big day too.
Try Frankfort motels and Horse Farm tours. Also check out Kentucky Bourbon trail for interesting distillery tours.

Have your wife bring a big fancy hat, but buy it at home, they cost $100++ at Derby time here.

Google Derby hats.

Derby has many park and ride lots in the area. Makes it easy to get off the bus at the door to Churchill and back to the car in a few minutes.

That 43 miles takes about 43 minutes. 41 miles are interstate.

Most louisville motels sell only a 3 day package.

If you are going to rent a car...better get that settled too. If not, cabs will be tough to find.
Lots of mid-range motels on Blankenbaker Parkway.
10-15 miles from the track.

Actual track is in the old part of the city, not much close except the airport hotels, which will be high tariff.