What. A. Weekend. From long days spent at the track and dinners on distillery lawns to after parties than went too late – it was easily one of the longest weekends I’ve had in months, but also one of the best that I’ve had in a while.
I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect with Derby 2016, as I’ve never been before, but I’ll be honest and say that I went in slightly hesitant. I’m not the biggest fan of long lines, huge crowds, and drunk people – especially when they’re combined in tight spaces on hot days.
But all in all, I was pleasantly surprised by my experiences at Derby. I wandered around the track on Thurby and placed bets with friends, spent Oaks in Millionaires Row, and hung out on the Red Carpet for Derby. All in all it was a successful and fun-filled weekend.
Will I be back next year? Most definitely. But I don’t think I’ll agree to all three days. By the time Derby day rolled around I was so worn out (with some serious blisters) that I felt like a zombie walking around in a Perry Ellis suit for most of the day.
Like they say, hindsight is 20/20. My advice would be to pick one day to go at it full force. Take it easy and enjoy all that Louisville has to offer the other two days – because this time of year something Derby related is going on everywhere you look.
Big thanks to Churchill Downs, Department of Travel and Tourism, Perry Ellis, Agentry PR, and Taylor Strategy for making this weekend possible.