What You Need to Know About Your First Kentucky Derby
With my cousin Amy, Derby 2004.
The first time I attended the Kentucky Derby was in 2004. I was a young professional, living in Lexington, and I had a great opportunity to sit in a first floor box with some relatives and family friends. It was a tight stretch on my budget at the time, but it was such an incredible experience. I’m so glad I thought to take a disposable camera with me, since we didn’t have camera phones at the time! Back then, I didn’t know much about Derby protocol, since the only racetrack I’d visited back then was Keeneland. I had a great time, and of course have spent Derby week taking in races several times over the next two decades. And, the Derby has changed a ton in that timeframe — it’s so much bigger and crazier, and the track itself has expanded several times. It feels like such a different event!
I recently stopped by WFPL to tape a segment on the On Track Talk Show. We chatted about the Kentucky Derby experience, and what to expect for your first Derby. I’ve put together some tips and suggestions that I’d thought I’d share with y’all as well.
“The Derby” isn’t just the Derby race or even Derby Day.
When I first moved to Louisville in 2005, I really thought that Derby Day was what people meant when they referred to “Derby.” It could maybe be stretched to include Oaks Day as well. It didn’t take long to realize that Derby is Louisville’s equivalent of a Carnival Season. Derby events start in mid-April, and include several weeks’ worth of official and unofficial events. I love this tradition because it really gives so many people from so many backgrounds an opportunity to celebrate our city and its heritage. The Chow Wagons and Derby Festival events are a huge part of Derby. Thunder, Pegasus Parade, the mini-marathon and informal parties are Derby. It’s a long party season, with something for everyone!
Your most important Derby accessory isn’t your hat… it’s your shoes!
Formé Millinery x Vineyard Vines Fascinator, Derby 2019
Here’s the thing. Your Derby hat is very important. It’s the first thing a lot of women think of when we make plans to attend the Kentucky Derby. It’s such a memorable tradition. I’m a fan of local miliner Formé Millinery and designers The Hat Girls for custom pieces to accent your Derby Day look. But, at the end of the day, you’ll be glad if you put some effort into selecting shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. Keep in mind that you’ll be standing in line a lot. Block heels are more comfortable than thinner heels. Take some time to try your shoes on and test the straps and soles. The gates to Churchill Downs open at 9 a.m. and the last race is run at 8:33 p.m. You’ll be walking, standing in line, and standing on your feet.
Speaking of hats, it’s easy to get carried away with your chapeau. Now, that’s a very good thing, because the Derby is all about excess and flair. At the same time, you need to exercise a bit of discernment in choosing your headwear. Don’t wear a hat that’s so big that it hits your seat mates or obstructs their view. Don’t wear something that’s going to hurt your head or neck — you’ll be miserable all day. And don’t commit the number one rookie mistake of purchasing a hat whose brim points downward and obstructs your face. That’s a great feature for gardening or a beach day, but it also keeps you from being able to actually watch the races! These days, I generally opt for a fascinator or hatinator since I'm usually working with spirits or hospitality partners when I’m at the track and I don’t want to have to keep up with elaborate headwear. If I’m there just for fun, I’ll choose something a little more elaborate!
Pack your bag carefully!
You’re allowed to bring one bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ into the track. You’ll want to pack it carefully. Bring more cash than you think you’ll need. There will be ATMs on premise, but the lines are long and you’ll miss something. You’ll want to pack a small “emergency kit”, including some hair ties and safety pins, band-aids, Tylenol or your OTC pain reliever of choice, sunscreen and tissues. If you’re prone to allergies, you may want to include some Claritin, but remember to use extreme caution when drinking! Since this is Kentucky and we literally never know what spring weather will bring, a small disposable poncho is helpful as well! (Review the full list of guest restrictions here!)
Shop wisely!
When I go to a sporting event or a Derby week race, my self-control reverts back to when I was 8 years old and shopping for Barbies. I want it all. When I walk past the Vineyard Vines tent and the Fanatics tent at the Derby, I suddenly NEED baseball caps, sweatshirts, water bottles, and everything else that sports a Derby logo. Now, I’m not saying that you don’t need Derby keepsakes. I am, however, suggesting that you shop wisely. Anything you buy, you’ll have to hold onto all day. And, you risk losing a bag in a huge crowd.
Unless you’re purchasing something you need immediately, like a cap or visor for full sun or flip-flops for aching feet, I strongly suggest that you either plan to purchase as you leave the track, or order online! Vineyard Vines and Fanatics both have fantastic online stores that let you commemorate the event while enjoying it!
I know that some folks are very committed to the idea of holding onto a Derby glass as a souvenir. In fact, I’ve done this myself. It does get awkward to try to walk back to your bus or rideshare with a stack of glasses. If you aren’t just in love with the idea of collecting Derby glasses from the track or being able to say you drank a mint julep at the track, remember that you can order a Derby glass or pick one up ahead of time!
Plan ahead!!
Finally, remember that the more you plan, the better your Derby experience will be. Plan if you’ll be eating food from the track or bringing a box lunch. Remember to stay hydrated, especially if you’re enjoying a few mint juleps or Oaks Lilies. Figure out your rideshare situation, or how you’ll be getting home. Set a budget for Derby Day expenditures and, at least TRY, to stick to it. The more you plan ahead of time, the more you will enjoy your day at the track!
Most of all, have fun and take lots of photos! Happy Derby, y’all!
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Dinner at Capital Grille
Kicking off Kentucky Derby season with Woodford Reserve Cocktails and a delicious meal at Capital Grille!
I recently attended a media dinner event hosted by The Capital Grille and Woodford Reserve. It was a wonderful way to kick off Derby Season, try the menu and Derby-inspired cocktails at Capital Grille, and hear from one of my very favorite people in the distilling industry, Brown-Forman Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris.
We started the evening with a Woodford Spire (the most popular cocktail at the Derby), while Mr. Morris signed 2024 Kentucky Derby Woodford Reserve bottles for the attendees. This year’s Woodford bottle, which commemorates the 150th running of the Derby, is absolutely stunning! I’m thrilled to add it to my collection!
We then enjoyed a five course dinner, paired with Woodford Reserve bourbon cocktails. It was my first time dining at the Louisville location of the Capital Grille, and everything was so delicious!
The first course was a prosciutto wrapped scallop, over heirloom tomato salad and a Grand Padamo Tuile, served with a Derby Spire. This was a perfect pairing. The acidity of the tomatoes cut the saltiness of the prosciutto and the briny note of the scallop beautifully. The bright, citrusy notes of cranberry and lemonade in the Spire were a lovely accompaniment!
The second course was a roasted chicken breast accompanied by a risotto stuffed mini bell pepper, paired with a Woodford Reserve mint julep. This was a light, refreshing and lovely course. I especially enjoyed the risotto, which was rich but not overpowering.
The third course was a gorgonzola-crusted double-cut lamb chop with pomp puree and a red wine reduction, paired with a Manhattan, made with equal parts Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and Woodford Reserve Rye. This was my favorite meal of the evening. The flavors were rich and complex, and the chop was perfectly prepared. The gorgonzola stood up to the rich flavor of the meat, and the inclusion of both sweet (Double Oaked) and spicy (Rye) whiskies provided a very balanced cocktail that complemented the course.
The fourth course was a sliced filet over roasted Japanese sweet potato, topped with chimichurri and paired with a blackberry bourbon sidecar. Oh my, was this one delicious! The filet was flavorful, and the bright garlic-and-parsley notes of the chimichurri worked with the rich berry notes in the cocktail. If you find yourself at a Capital Grille location this spring, you definitely should try the sidecar. It’s a lovely cocktail.
The final course of the evening was a flourless chocolate espresso cake with mixed berry couli, paired with a fat-washed bourbon espresso martini. This was an absolute treat, with strong notes of chocolate and coffee paired with a complex note of smoky bacon and a bright berry sauce. The cake and cocktail made a lovely ending for the evening!
The Capital Grille was so gracious — the restaurant’s GM and chef talked us through each course, the servers were efficient and friendly, and the meal was terrific. Mr. Morris reminisced about past Derby seasons and Woodford Reserve’s long history with the Kentucky Derby. It was such a wonderful evening of great food, great company, and great bourbon. Thanks so much to Woodford Reserve and the Capital Grille for their hospitality!
2022 Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Collection
Vineyard Vines celebrates the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby.
The 2022 Kentucky Derby Collection from Vineyard Vines is here. I love collecting these pieces to wear throughout Derby Season. The folks at Vineyard Vines always find the most adorable ways to celebrate Derby, and this year’s designs are so fun!
Women’s Tees
Check out the Women’s Rose Whale Long-Sleeved Tee and Women’s Whale Horseshoe Short-Sleeved Tee.
Men’s Tees
Y’all, I absolutely love the cut of a VV men’s tee. I wear the long-sleeved tees year-round, and this year’s Derby styles are fabulous. My favorites are the Men’s Derby Whale Horseshoe Long-Sleeved Tee, Men’s Bow Ties, Bourbon & Betting Tee, Men’s Derby Whale Tee, and the Men’s Derby Whale Fill Tee.
Accessories
The Vineyard Vines Derby accessories are always a must-see. My favorites this year are this Derby Tie and this gorgeous Fascinator by Louisville’s Forme Millinery.
Happy Derby Season, y’all!
{This post contains affiliate links. I will receive a small commission from any purchases made using the links in this post, at no cost to you!)
Family-Friendly Kentucky Derby Party
Tips for a family-friendly Kentucky Derby gathering.
The other day, I had a FaceTime call with my 6 year-old niece. “Saturday is May 1st,” she said, “that means it’s also Derby Day!” She then invited me to her Kentucky Derby party, which she’s holding with her sister and my parents. I’m still strongly considering her invitation, even if it is three hours away.
This isn’t a Derby when I’m up for going to the track. I’m so glad the race is on for people who want to attend, but my Covid experience has left me both still wary of crowds and not fully able to wear a mask for long periods of time. I’m skipping the track this year, but a fun, family-friendly Kentucky Derby party sounds fabulous. I’ve put together some ideas for a fun outdoorsy party — I love that there’s nothing fancy or overwhelming about it, it’s full of Kentucky traditions, and it’s as much fun for a 6 year-old as it is for the rest of us!
I kept the decorations simple, using things that could withstand a spill or a drop. I love this inexpensive pin display banner for the bourbon/mint julep and Derby Festival pins I’ve acquired over the years. It tells a fun story of past events we’ve loved and adds a cute little vintage touch to a tree!
I used an old quilt as a tablecloth and grabbed a few kids’ jockey hats in the Derby Party section at Kroger to use as party favors. I also found a vintage Louisville Stoneware Derby-themed flower pot that was perfect for the occasion!
I kept the menu simple as well — mini Derby Pies from Kern’s Kitchen, pimiento cheese and Benedictine sandwiches, crudités with Hall’s Beer Cheese, and Woodford Reserve Bourbon Balls. All of these dishes are traditional Kentucky favorites, and all I had to do was assemble the sandwiches and cut up the vegetables. I used my Stoneware & Co Bachelor Button dishes to continue the theme of a traditional Kentucky event!
Of course, I had to have mint julep ingredients on hand — including bottles of Woodford Reserve and Old Forester for those who choose to imbibe and Ale-8-one for those who don’t. I love freezing some Ale-8 until it’s a slushy consistency then serving over crushed ice with a mint sprig for a julep mocktail that everyone can enjoy!
If you’re looking for recipes, or if you want to take a sure-to-be-appreciated hostess gift, Chef Ouita Michel’s new cookbook, Just a Few Miles South, is the absolute best! Ouita is one of my very favorite people, and her first-ever cookbook is filled with the Kentucky Comfort Food we all love at her restaurants! It would also be a great prize if your party does a Derby Horse Pool or other games!
Cheers to Derby, however you choose to celebrate this year!
Lilly Pulitzer Kentucky Derby Prints
A list of the iconic Lilly Pulitzer Kentucky Derby prints.
My grandmother made me this quilt in Lilly Pulitzer Low Rider fabric!
Over the nearly 10 years, HerKentucky readers have shown me that they love the Kentucky Derby and Lilly Pulitzer more than just about anything else. A 2013 post about how young socialite Lillian McKim (a few years before her marriage to publishing scion Peter Pulitzer) volunteered as a horseback courier in Eastern Kentucky is one of this site’s all-time most popular articles, as is the story of Lilly’s family connections to the Kentucky Derby.
Lilly herself said in a 2004 interview "I don't race, but everyone in the family has had horses in the Derby. And no one has ever won." That streak was broken in 2013 by Orb, owned by Lilly’s half-brother Denny Phipps. Unfortunately, she wasn't here to see the victory; she passed away the prior month. Over the years, the Lilly Pulitzer brand has paid homage to their founder’s love of horses and her family’s ties to horse racing by releasing several equestrian and Derby-themed prints. Recently, one of my instagram followers shot me a message asking if I had a list of all of the Lilly equestrian print names. I knew several of the prints, just from having worn and collected Lilly Pulitzer for over twenty years. But, I wasn’t sure I knew them all. I reached out to Lilly Pulitzer Customer Service to see if they could help, but was met with a courteous note that let me know that they don’t employ a brand historian. (I’d be happy to send them a resume if they ever open that gig!)
So, I found myself with the research project of my dreams. I’m pretty sure my list is fairly exhaustive, but I’d love to hear of any prints I’ve missed!
Lilly Top and a stack of my Lilly Derby prints, from top: Giddy Up, Derby Days, Low Riders, Kentucky Eyelet, and Carson’s Grandstand Patch
The research I did led me to several patterns over the past 20 years or so. The first few prints I’ve identified are from the early 2000s; I have linked images to as many as possible. (Please note that I do not own the rights to any of the linked images; due to the age of the content, many are from now-defunct websites and exist solely in an archived state on Google and /or Pinterest.)
Fillies for Lillies (c. early 2000s) This is a muted mint green, light yellow, and light pink Oaks-themed print featuring pink fillies and Stargazer Lilies. View here
Derby Days (c. early 2000s) A muted mint green background with horses, horseshoes, the Belle of Louisville, and fireworks. View here
Low Riders (c. early 2000s) A muted mint green background with periwinkle, yellow, and white horses and Churchill Downs Spires). View here
Spring 2006 featured an entire collection of Derby-themed pieces. You can view swatches of the entire collection here.
Indigo Minty Denim with mint julep embroidery.
Indigo Up Up & Away Denim with yellow and pink hot air balloon embroidery
Indigo Horse of a Different Color Denim with multicolor racehorse embroidery
Millionaires Row Pink with yellow and green giraffes
Kentucky Eyelet Eyelet lace with an underlay, available in Phipps Pink or Trot Yellow
Fronds Green Derby Argyle Green and pink argyle
Kentucky Plaid Pink and green windowpane check on white background
Derby Patch Patchwork of several prints in this line.
Phipps Pink Festival Stripe Pink and green stripe on white background
Fireworks Multicolor daisy print on yellow background
First Call Pink tulips on green background
Grandstand Blue Hidden Garden Periwinkle butterflies and green flowers on a blue background
Spring 2010 brought us some gorgeous pieces in the Lilly Originals line. Longtime horseman and fashion icon Carson Kressley helped design the Carson’s Grandstand Patch print. Fun fact: Mr. Kressley was in attendance at the Lexington Junior League Horse Show that summer. His signature print was a very popular fashion choice among those of us who volunteered at or attended the Horse Show!
I’m wearing my Carson’s Grandstand Patch shift in this 2013 photo with my cousin Laci!
In the “pink label” Lilly era (past ten years or so), we’ve seen some generally equestrian prints as well as an iconic mint julep print.
Hot to Trot (Spring 2012) Green and white horses on a hot pink background view here
Starfruit Yellow Horse Show Embroidery (c. 2012?) Yellow seersucker with pink horseshoe embroidery
Just Add Mint (Spring 2013) Green and pink mint juleps on a white background. View here
Do you pull out your Lilly dresses for Derby week? Or do you have a print I missed? Let me know!
Silks Bash 2021
A fun #partyinabubble supports children with incarcerated mothers.
Hey y’all. It’s hard to believe that Derby is almost here!
With Kentucky Derby tickets severely limited, most of us are sticking pretty close to home over the next week. Fortunately, there are still fun ways to observe some of Louisville’s best parties. This year’s Sliks Bash has transitioned to a #partyinabubble format — you can stream the festivities, enjoy delicious drinks and snacks, and, most importantly, support Operation Open Arms!
Operation Open Arms is an incredible local charity that provides clothing, housing, transportation, and food as well as a safe and loving environment to children whose mothers are incarcerated. Operation Open Arms serves as a state-licensed private child-placement agency and seeks to offset the difficulties that often arise from parental incarceration, including financial difficulties, instability in relationships, school behavior, performance difficulties, low self-esteem, and feelings of shame. The statistics are staggering, y’all. Seventy-five percent of incarcerated women are mothers. The average age of children with an incarcerated parent is 8 years old; 22% of the children are under the age of five. The likelihood of parental reunification for children of incarcerated mothers is 21%; the average for other children in foster care is 40%. This charity is doing amazing work to give children a stable and loving foundation, and some tickets to Silks Bash are as affordable as $50!
(My dogs have been fascinated by this horse balloon for days!)
The folks at Operation Open Arms were kind enough to share a Party in a Bubble kit with me, and it is so fun! There’s everything you need to throw your own little gala at home, from a 2021 Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby Commemorative bottle to snacks from Wiltshire Pantry to julep cups!
The virtual Silks Bash includes a cocktail lesson from Woodford Reserve Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall (one of my very favorite people in the bourbon industry) and music by celebrity DJ James Kennedy (I’m told by people who are less out-of-touch than me that he’s on a Bravo show…). The event will be held Oaks Night, Friday April 30, from 8 - 10:30 pm. Tickets are available here. Today, April 23rd, is the last day to order the party kit for shipping; you have until the 27th to order for local pickup!
Thanks so much to Operation Open Arms and Lemonade PR for the Silks Bash kit and for inviting me to spread the word about this amazing event!
Richard Sullivan Art Exhibit at Stoneware & Co
Join Stoneware & Co for pre-Derby art and fun!
I hope y’all can join me tomorrow night at Stoneware & Co. for the Opening Reception for their latest art exhibit, Breaking Through: The latest works of Richard Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan, a Louisville native, holds a degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design and played six seasons of professional baseball with the Atlanta Braves. Mr. Sullivan created the art for the 2020 and 2021 Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby bottle!
The Sullivan exhibit is part of Spring Into Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, an outdoor, socially-distance, weekend-long event that will include a pop-up art fair, music, food and cocktails. You can learn more about the Spring Into Derby event here.
If you’re anything like me, you can’t go to Stoneware this time of year without picking up a few Derby-themed pieces for spring entertaining. I love my Embossed Running Horse barware so much!
Cheers to pre-Derby fun, y’all! I hope to see you in Paristown tomorrow!
If You Go:
Opening Reception - Breaking Through: The Latest Works of Richard Sullivan
Friday, April 23 from 5:00 — 7:30 pm
Stoneware & Co, 731 Brent Street, Louisville
Admission is free