Sorry to side track a bit - but was looking into Kentucky as a trip for Bourbon tasting, countryside driving and the Kentucky Derby.
If you are comfortable providing it, can you state how much you spent all in for the Derby. It appeared "Super Bowl" type pricey to me.
Thanks to all for the warm welcome. I wanted to comment about the Oaks and Derby. It has been many years since I was last there. I think it is cheaper than attending the Super Bowl, but as I have never been to the Super Bowl, that is just an assumption. The Derby can be extremely expensive depending on where you want to sit, eat, and where you stay. I have family in Louisville so I just stay with them when I am in town. You can always stay in a hotel that is outside of Louisville to save on lodging costs.
Many local residents prefer to attend the Oaks the day before the Derby...less tourists, pomp and celebrities. The infield is much cheaper than the stands, but you don't get to see much of the races, if any, from the infield. But many people go for the experience and atmosphere more than to watch the races, which of course you can watch on tv or probably on a cell phone.
The Bourbon Trail is on my list of things to do. The distilleries all have tours and a free sample...and of course, bottles to sell at the end. Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Jim Beam, and about 9 others are within an hour of where I live in Frankfort. I've heard it is great fun, and I don't think it is extremely costly.
Rebecca Ruth Candy has a tour of their mini-museum here for a small charge. Their chocolate and bourbon balls are the best in the world.
Another fun and (nearly free, or at least it used to be free) tour is the HUGE Toyota plant in Georgetown, about 8 miles from Lexington, and close to the KY Horse Park/Museum, which is also wonderful to see.
The State Park system in KY is very good and reasonably priced, although it can be difficult to book rooms at some locations on certain weekends unless you do it far ahead, or can get on a cancelation list.
When it cools off this fall, my wife and I will be driving to the hundreds of fall festivals in KY, to see the trees in their fall glory, and drive the back roads. There are numerous historical sites to see. I love horse country, especially in the spring when the colts and fillies are being born and staying close to their Moms!
I must sound like a Parks and Tourism Director for KY. Sorry, I know every state has some special places to see and things to do. There are so many in KY I am going to have trouble going to all of them before I die.
Again, thanks to all for the warm welcome!
Larry
