Derby Days: Louisville, KY

Ah, the Kentucky Derby! The hats. The horses. More hats. The mint juleps. The bets. And those hats!

The Derby, as it’s called by locals, is a rich—perhaps even dizzying—spectacle of athletic horses, super-skilled jockeys, a truly Southern social scene, and carefree party of epic proportions.

Whether you’re a Louisvillian who awaits this day in their “backyard” throughout the year or a global traveler who’s checking off a bucket list, you’re most certain to cite the Derby as a “must-do” experience. An experience it is, indeed.

Although you essentially could buy a ticket on Derby day to join the festivities, some planning ahead will save you from the frenzied flood of college students and other revelers that kick up the party a few notches in the infield. It’s always held on the first Saturday of May, so a few tips can help you make the most of this worthwhile experience.

Go for the full “Derby Experience”

If you’re not a seat license, season ticket, or horse owner, consider booking a “Derby Experience” package. This is the best way to get great seats (including spots at the elite Turf Club and Millionaires Row), access to full-service hospitality suites, hotel accommodation at the official Derby hotel (the Galt House), and other perks such as admission to the Derby Oaks, a full-day racing event the day before the Big Day; it raises funds for cancer charities, so pack some pink.

Held at Churchill Downs, too, the Derby Oaks is a wonderful way to acclimate to the venue, test-drive your betting smarts, and get a solid feel for what makes this Southern tradition so wonderfully appealing.

Note that both the Oaks and the Derby kick off the first race at 10:30 AM, but the premier event is not until early evening. Review this year’s contenders. The reputable Derby Experiences is organized by Churchill Downs and QuintEvents, which plans elite sports travel packages. Even with a planned trip, you should check out what you need to know.

Fuel up for a long day

Perhaps the best way to fully experience the flavor and hospitality of Louisville, the American South, and the Derby itself is “Breakfast at Wagner’s.” This long-standing tradition at Wagner’s Pharmacy takes you a few steps back in time, yet it’s abuzz on Derby Day with locals, racing veterans, and visitors alike. And when in Rome…choosing the biscuits ‘n gravy is a must if you want true Southern flair.  See the full menu. Forgot some goods?  You can pick up most items at Wagner’s general store.

Once you enter Churchill Downs for the Derby proper, you’ll be captivated for hours. Be sure to stay cool and hydrated. Wearing hats is part of the fun; the more outlandish the better. For men? If you’re not comfortable in traditional Southern seersucker pants, any casual, flashy pair will look the part.

And what about those two minutes of the longest-running sporting event in American history? Your heart will beat only a few beats more slowly than the horses’! Enjoy! It’s simply exhilarating.

Slow down the pace

While some argue that the Derby is the crown jewel of a Louisville visit, others will say that the Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® experience is even better. Why not plan to do both, keeping these tips in mind as you transfer from the dusty track to the two-lane roads that make this excursion so peaceful?

Trade in your hat and fast pace for a more laid-back, moseying, 75-mile road trip to nine of the incredible bourbon distilleries that dot the Kentucky bluegrass landscape. Seven distilleries are mapped out in this Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® Map by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. But Buffalo Trace and Barton 1792 (formerly Tom Moore) are musts as well.

Even just visiting one distillery will let you discover why the saying, “All bourbons are whiskies, but not all whiskies are bourbons” rings true.

There are more than 20 working distilleries throughout Kentucky; together, they produce over 200 brands. You’ll experience some of the best brands among the nine featured distilleries below.

The Trail runs between Versailles, KY, and Elizabethtown. Historical Bardstown, the heart of Bourbon Country, is at the center of this spirited loop. The best way to plan your trip is over two days, covering the two main groups: the Southwest group (Jim Beam, Barton 1792, Heaven Hill, and Maker’s Mark) closer to Louisville and the Northeast cluster (Town Branch, Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, and Four Roses) closer to Lexington.

Favorites include Woodford Reserve (which boasts a gorgeous setting and uniquely offers tours year-round), Buffalo Trace (where you’ll get the deepest dive of any distillery tour into the fascinating production process), Four Roses (for its generous samplings) and Maker’s Mark (which is housed on an interactive estate and shows you its signature sealing the bottle with the distillery’s famous red wax).

Planning to bring back some bottles? Trust your palate along the tours and/or consult this “Bourbon Bible.” Some highlights to bring back for your collection include the following:

1)  Woodford Double-Oaked Reserve. Even though the entry-level Woodford is simply wonderful, one pour of this double-oaked reserve will have you hooked. Woodford also offers a Master’s Collection, which changes from year to year, but the Double-Oaked is a given win! New to bourbon? Just get to the third sip of any Woodford, and you’ll be an instant aficionado. If you’re coming from the Derby, you will have noticed that Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Derby, and it’s made a splash in restaurants and bars throughout the United States, perhaps replacing long-standing best-on-ice Knob Creek and sweet Maker’s Mark as a go-to choice best enjoyed “neat” (no ice, no water).

2)  Blanton’s. The appeal of Blanton’s goes well beyond its signature, gorgeous bottle topped by a horse. Sipping this airy bourbon is everything bourbon tasting should be. Look for it at Buffalo Trace.

3)  Eagle Rare Single Barrel. Also at Buffalo Trace, this bourbon is simply delicious. Reminiscent in some ways of Blanton’s, it enters the market at a smaller price point yet remains no less satisfying. It’s a great one for introducing novice bourbon drinkers to this liquid manna.

4)  Willet. From the Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Willet is harder to find in retails stores, so grab it on your tour as a “regular” for your collection.

5)  Elijah Craig. You’ll appropriately find this brand at Heaven Hill; it’s like drinking heaven. You really can’t go wrong with either Elijah Craig’s 12-year or its 21-year single barrel option, but the Elijah Craig 21-year old is well worth it. It’s so good that you’ll make any occasion a “special occasion” to enjoy a pour of this finely aged bourbon. Look for the 23-year old batches, too.

Want to stay in Louisville and skip the road trip? Try the Urban Bourbon Trail, where you can enjoy flights of bourbon bar-side. However you plan for your Louisville experience, a simple, “Cheers!” makes the best send off.

Tasting photo and Woodford Reserve photo courtesy of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® Tour

Derby Field header photo and Hats photo courtesy of Dan Dry.