Keeneland

Keeneland’s Fall Meet 2015- my Flashback Friday! There is nothing in the world like tailgating in Lexington, KY at Keeneland.

This year, the Fall Race Meet runs Oct 7-29, 2016. If you are on the Bourbon Trail this month,  Keeneland is a “must see” stop! Below is a picture of us at the Paddock last October:

Upon arrival, my southern eye quickly ascertained something new: tailgating, Keeneland style. My oh MY they do it right at Keenland! This was the moment when I realized how pervasive tailgating is to our American culture.

At Keeneland, you literally tailgate in that beautiful Kentucky bluegrass under the clearest skies on rolling hills. The locale in and of itself is breathtaking. And let me tell you, they take it to an entirely different level at Keeneland. The closest comparison would be an afternoon in The Grove. This was our first foray into the world of Thoroughbred horse racing and let’s just say we were impressed.

Silver trays. Mimosas. Bourbon. Savory bites between visits with new found friends. An air of civility and respect.

Photo Credit: Clark Antiques Gallery

Guess what?  I did not take my camera to Keeneland that day. I simply thought we would be visiting a race track…..why take pictures? Yikes. AMATEUR. I live in Orlando for goodness sakes! Rule #1 as a tourist is always take a camera! As a result I can only show you a few cell phone pictures that we took that day. And, once we approached The Hill (a.k.a. tailgate central) I was in so much awe that I did not even take a picture! So, the photo above is not from Keeneland but it gives you a good idea of what greeted us on The Hill that day.

Now, like other sporting events, there are two distinct tailgating groups at Keeneland:
A. Current Kentucky college students (seersucker suits & bow ties for gentlemen/Lilly and cute dresses for ladies)
B. Everyone else (blazer/tie/bow-tie & slacks for gentlemen/dresses, skirts and nice wraps for ladies if its chilly)

Photo credit: Garden and Gun

Tailgate Tip: Observe the dress code. Keeneland is an elegant experience and very fashion oriented. No denim.

Photo credit: Garden and Gun

There are two fabulous websites that I found (unfortunately AFTER our first visit) that I want to pass on to you….. Garden and Gun or Love, Lexington .

Keeneland provides guidelines for tailgaters that everyone adheres to under all circumstances.

Next time, we plan to make a day of it and tailgate, too! Stay tuned!