The Waller Family: The Kentucky Derby

Last weekend we had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to the Kentucky Derby. We drove up to Louisville on Thursday afternoon. We arrived at the historic Brown Hotel just before the police were blocking off the streets for the annual Pegasus Parade that goes down Broadway in front of the hotel.

We were greeted with pewter julep cups, a framed print, and as you'd expect - some bourbon.

We watched some of the parade from the hotel lounge - saw the derby girls waving from their float and then had dinner at Ruth Chris Steakhouse. (interesting side note: the restaurant is located on the top floor of a Christopher Lloyd Wright designed building. We had a wide view of the city from the glass elevator.) We ended the evening at the bar in the hotel...a beautiful, historic spot...and a great place to mingle and people watch.

On Friday the men took a tour of the Woodford Reserve Bourbon distillery. And you may be surprised that the ladies asked go shopping instead. Eli dropped Denise, Pattie and myself off at a nice outdoor shopping area and then continued on with the men to the distillery. Eli's adorable wife Susan met up with us and was a sweet hostess.

Ladies' tapas lunch

One of my best souvenirs is the pair of rain boots I bought. They look just like riding boots!
We all gathered back at the hotel and then went to dinner at Z's Oyster Bar & Steakhouse. Since half of our group went to Church Hill Downs for the running of the Oaks, we didn't get to dinner until after 8pm. I nearly had to be rolled out of the restaurant when we left at almost midnight. (The wellness and eating program I've been on for the last 9 weeks, did not prepare me for eating like this!)

Here's Susan in her hat!

On Saturday - Derby Day - we woke early to leave The Brown at 10am. We took pictures in the hotel lobby. Here we are with Denise & Darrell and Pattie & Mark.

Eli gave us some info about how he would get us to Church Hill Downs with minimum exposure to the rain that was already coming down pretty hard. One of the unfortunate rules at Church Hill Downs is NO Umbrellas!

In route, we changed into our rain shoes - Denise & I bought matching flip flops the day before.

Once we arrived, we starting drinking Mint Juleps, Lillies (a cranberry/vodka type concoction) and placing bets on the 10 some races that were scheduled before the run for the roses.

Here's Denise and Pattie - who's wearing a rain poncho.

I don't know who these men are, but I thought the balloon hats were pretty darn funny!

Here's the first race of the day...and the first of several wagers we lost.

It rained so frequently, that we actually spent most of our day inside near the betting counter watching races on the TVs. Even in our club level this was standing room only. If it wasn't for the people watching and ability to walk around a check out the place, it could have been a long day.

The rain stopped long enough for us to sit in our box and enjoy our box lunches. Thanks to Mark, a Derby veteran, who thought to pre-order these for us! It seems silly to show a picture of our lunch but it was an incredible amount of delicious food and everyone should know about ordering a box lunch when you plan your trip to the Derby! Apparently the CHD chef is quite well respected - and this is an example of why.

Well, keep in mind, now that I think of it.....yes, the lunch was good...but I was probably on my fourth drink by that time of the day....
We walked around after lunch and found ESPN's set up.

Now it's close to Derby time and we're in the box waiting. Notice I have the rain poncho and blanket on for warmth and a Mint Julep in my hand. Yep - this picture sums it up.