Racing To Kentucky Racing To Kentucky  A Visitors Guide For Thoroughbred Racing Lovers   Travelers and Thoroughbred Club members are invited to suggest additions to this Kentucky travel page, and to share comments/reviews about any of the listed places to see, dine, or stay. Please email your suggestions and comments to info@thoroughbredclub.org   Kentucky is a wonderfully appealing and romantic land.  Its people are known for their friendliness, sense of fun, and great spirits, but most for their love of Thoroughbred Horses.    The rolling hills are lush and green in spring and summer and golden during the fall and winter months.  One needn't travel far to find wide-open spaces and romantic and stunning natural landscapes where many of the world's most accomplished Thoroughbreds roam in all their splendor.   The Louisville Thoroughbred Club invites you to experience the rich history, warm hospitality, delicious traditional fare and spirits, brilliant music, beautiful landscapes and the drama and excitement of Thoroughbred racing as you "Race To Kentucky".     What to See   THOROUGHBRED RACING                                                                    Churchill Downs   Keeneland   Turfway Park   Ellis Park   Kentucky Downs   THOROUGHBRED ATTRACTIONS                                                                         Kentucky Derby Museum http://www.derbymuseum.org   With a new 10,000 square foot expansion the Derby Museum has a whole new environment full of the sounds, images and artifacts that bring the pageantry and excitement of the Kentucky Derby to life.The video presentation of Derby Day and the activities surrounding it, that is shown on a 360-degree screen is a memorable experience.  Feel the excitement of the crowds and hear the thunder of hoofs as you view this award winning show during your museum visit.     Kentucky Horse Park http://www.imh.org/khp    The Kentucky Horse Park is an equine themed park and competition facility dedicated to man's relationship with the horse. Set on more than 1,200 acres in the heart of Kentucky's famous Bluegrass region, the park is THE place to get close to horses! Home to approximately 50 different breeds, large and small, the park introduces you to the world of the horse. Experience the behind-the-scenes sights and sounds of a real working horse farm as you explore the grounds, and enjoy spectacular live presentations, horse shows and special events throughout the year.        ENJOY OUR SPIRITS                                                                    Labrot & Graham Distillery   http://www.labrot-graham.com   Stroll the storybook setting among Kentucky's famous horse farms and treat your senses to the rich history of Kentucky's native spirit. One step inside and your visit becomes a chance to discover the experience that can only be found at Labrot & Graham.   Maker’s Mark Distillery http://www.makersmark.com   Maker’s Mark is the only operating distillery in America to be designated a National Historic Landmark. Do we sound proud or what? Originally built in 1805 as a gristmill distillery, it became the home of Maker’s Mark in 1953. Today, it is the oldest operating distillery on its original site.     Equus Run Vineyard, Winery, and Tasting Room http://www.equusrunvineyards.com   “Nestled amongst picturesque stone fences and rolling fields of bluegrass, in the quaint town of Midway Kentucky, is a surprising place to find a world-class winery.”     Talon Winery and Vineyard http://www.talonwine.com   "Stroll through lush vineyards as well as a tasting room and gift shop located in an original 18th century farmhouse. Tours feature an inside view of the processing area, the tanks, Kentucky oak-barrels and a state-of-the-art bottling system. Talon Winery sits on 300 acres of rolling Bluegrass farmland."     WHERE TO STAY                                                                    The Brown Hotel http://www.brownhotel.com   In the heart of Theater Square, The Brown Hotel is one of Louisville's most treasured historic landmarks. Combining genteel Southern charm with all the excitement of downtown Louisville, The Brown is as delightful as it is convenient. Built in 1923 and lovingly preserved, The Brown demonstrates the ornate splendor that has made Louisville famous. Here you will find service that is unparalleled in surroundings that are truly legendary.     The Swan's Nest Bed & Breakfast 467 West 2nd Street Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 252-6166 (800) 374-6151 Features antiques, full/queen beds, fireplaces, robes, refrigerators in some rooms.  The house is located in the heart of downtown Lexington's historic district.  It has a turret tower, stained and leaded glass, ornate mantels, original chandeliers, formal rooms and beautiful gardens.  This is a favorite resting place for a number of our industry's biggest celebrities.   WHERE TO DINE                                                                    Pat's Steak House - 2437 Brownsboro Road Louisville, KY 502) 893-2062   In a leafy suburb, just east of downtown, this steakhouse exudes an old-fashioned charm, from the green-coated waiters to its dark-paneled, woody nooks. On the weekends, it's almost impossible to get a table without a reservation. But, if you're waiting, the bar is an excellent spot to bide your time and soak up some local color and meet all sorts of racing celebrities.   Unlike the big chain steak houses, the dinners here include salad and sides, putting folks in a good mood even before they've sipped their bourbon cocktails. Aged steaks are butter-knife tender and veggies are delicious. Lima beans are soft and salty. The potatoes are baked to perfection with a pool of butter swimming inside their soft brown skins. Not a beef eater? The fried chicken has a wonderful crisp coating without a trace of grease to speak of.     John E's Restaurant & Lounge - 3708 Bardstown Road Louisville, KY 40218 502) 456-1111   Always reliable food and service in a friendly, comfortable Thoroughbred Racing themed environment.  The walls are covered with framed programs and photos from past Derbies and Breeders' Cup races.  There aren't many places around that can serve you up a 32 oz steak. When we first heard how big their     steaks were we immediately wanted to go try it out. For $30 you can get a steak meal for 2, they will cut the 32 oz steak in half, add a salad, and a baked potato. They have the best butter you've ever tasted. On certain nights of the week live entertainment is also provided.     Porcinis - 2730 Frankfort Ave. Louisville, KY  40206 502) 894-8686   This Italian themed restaurant has something for everyone.  At Porcini's the entire menu is outstanding. Count on the food being excellent, the wine choices outstanding, and the staff to be very knowledgeable and friendly.  If you're out for a special evening it can't be beat in Louisville.   And, don't be surprised to run into Nick Zito or Bob Baffert who are often seen at Porcini's when in Louisville.     The Chick Inn - 6325 River Rd. Harrods Creek, KY 40027 (502) 228-3646   This ain't no ordinary Kentucky Fried Chicken.  It's simply the best  fried chicken you'll find anywhere.  The fish is great too.  Food and beverage prices are very affordable.  You'll always find racing fans, trainers, riders and other Thoroughbred lovers at the bar or tables.  Very friendly and casual atmosphere with plenty of racing memorabilia.     Jack Fry's Restaurant - 1007 Bardstown Road Louisville, KY 40204 502-452-9244   The food is exquisite, every morsel is terrific.  Live piano jazz and a buzz of Thoroughbred  conversation lend to a lively atmosphere.  The service is flawless without being stuffy and the food-friendly wine list is short and unpretentious.  A long time Louisville favorite of Louisville racing fans.     Shenanigan's Irish Grille 1611 Norris Place Louisville, KY  40217 (502) 454-3919   A friendly, family oriented neighborhood tavern specializing in good food with a sports, Thoroughbred racing and Irish theme. Great daily lunch and dinner specials and you'll almost always run into several local horsemen and trainers.     Molly Malones Irish Pub and Restaurant - 933 Baxter Ave. Louisville, KY 40204 (502) 473-1222   We're partial to Irish pubs and restaurants, especially those co-owned by famous Irish trainers, which plays a part in the top rating we give Molly Malone's. They have an extensive and delightful menu and the atmosphere is lively, warm, and friendly.  On some evenings they'll have a good Irish folk band that adds even more to the atmosphere.  A great place to share a "jar" with friends and feast on some authentic and delicious Irish faire.     Wagner's Pharmacy 3113 S. Fourth St. Louisville, KY  (502) 375-3800   A Louisville tradition - and one of the last of its kind. The dining area of Wagner's Pharmacy is a part of history you'll definitely want to experience.  The service makes you feel like a long-lost family member.  "If this doesn't make you happy," "if it doesn't bring back fond memories, well, you just can't be reached."   Wagner's is not a fancy place. Booths, stools and chairs are upholstered in weathered vinyl the color of pumpkins. Photographs of horses and horsemen - some famous, some barely remembered - hang from every wall and column.   Located directly outside of the Churchill Downs stable area, Wagner's is always packed with friendly horsemen and women, spinning tales of the great Thoroughbreds of yesterday and today.