It’s finally floppy hat season! The Kentucky Derby is quickly approaching and we have laid out the most fabulous things to do while you enjoy a weekend getaway from Philadelphia to go and soak up those Derby Days in beautiful Louisville, Kentucky. The 2015 race weekend begins on Friday, May 2, but the best Derby-goers are the ones prepped way ahead of time! Let’s get down to business. First things first, get your Kentucky Derby tickets! Next, find a place to rest your head…
The most famous place to stay during the runnings is the Seelbach Hilton Hotel, located right downtown. This hotel may look familiar when you get there because it served as the background for Tom and Daisy Buchanan’s wedding in The Great Gatsby! Book soon – hotels fill up quick for this iconic weekend! Look to www.gotolouisville.com for advice on the best hotels.
Once you’ve settled in, bask in the splendor of the epic race’s history at The Kentucky Derby Museum. The venue recently underwent a $5.5 million dollar renovation to enhance their “Star of the Stands” exhibit, resident thoroughbred, and the museum’s Annual Hat Contest! The historical exhibits mixed with fun modern twists will have you feeling like a local in no time.
Friday, May 3, or “Derby Eve,” has Restaurant Row packed with foodies and whiskey enthusiasts. Among the most popular for this weekend are three streets: Bardstown Road, Frankfort Avenue, and Market Street.
For some original tenderloin lollipops and live music, visit Bard’s Town located on – you guessed it – Bardstown Road. Known for their Bard Burger (loaded with provolone cheese, bacon, Henry Baines, and horseradish sauce) Bardstown brings BIG crowds this weekend. Make reservations in advance to be included in this laid back, social environment.
You’ll find more sophisticated bites at Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant. Reviewers rave about dishes such as Vitello Gabriele, a scallopine of veal served in a delicate white wine sauce, and the Filetto Ripieno; grilled filet stuffed with gorgonzola cheese and wild mushrooms glazed with Bordelaise sauce.
We didn’t forget about the whiskey! How could we, when Whiskey Row is right in the middle of town. That’s right. Whiskey Row is a block-long stretch of Main Street that was once called home to the bourbon industry. Now a historic site, you can most certainly still find the bitter nectar on every corner. Our top pick for your Kentucky Derby celebrations is Sidebar at Whiskey Row. With over 50 bourbon options, no one is left thirsty and everyone is left satisfied. You know what they say: “Bourbon is the best spirit in the world; Kentucky bourbon is better.”
Getting There
We encourage our adventurous vacationers to take the 11 hour drive from Philadelphia to the dirt tracks at Churchill Downs! As for our more eager beavers, a flight is less than two hours. But these are not your only options!
For as little as $15, hop a Megabus from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh to be ready for a trip on the epic Rally Bus! Rally Bus is “crowd-powered travel for the 21st century,” a.k.a., a party that brings you to another party! Rally Bus is an opportunity to get hyped up with people going to the same events as you. Avoid the hassles of driving while you relax in a luxury bus and make new friends for the exciting weekend to come.
If you’ll be staying local during the Kentucky Derby, take the BSL down to XFINITY Live! for a viewing party with specials and a blow up derby race for our most spirited competitors! And don’t miss out on the fun during the Preakness Stakes! Philadelphia will be celebrating with Preakness at the Piazza, a massive viewing party scheduled for May 16th.
