visiting KY

[deedeesmom]

I'm new here. My friend and I are planning on going to Lexington and Louisville the from 5/24 to 5/29. We are signed up to go to Three Chimneys , but would like to go to some more farms. I would love to see Tiznow. Are there any tours to Winstar? Do they allow visitors? What about a private guide? Has anyone done that?
Also, where are some good places to eat in Lexington, Versailles, and Louisville?

I would greatly appreciate any tips, advice, or suggestions :)

Thanks

deedeesmom

[46zilzal]

Make sure to contact the varous farms BEFORE you go as many will be in the middle of the breeding season and not to open to visitors. I found the best time to visit was November when things around that function were under wraps.

The best ones near Lexington are Three Chimneys, still called Gainesway?, Stone Farm, Claumet because of the history and you cannot miss Claiborne. I am told that MOST of the farms are only accepting visitors now as part of a planned tour so check that out before you waste your time.

Check out the street named for Woody Stephens near Three Chimneys....

[46zilzal]

Google Lexington Breeding Farm tours and these and other ones pop up.
http://www.visitlex.com/quick/tours.html
http://www.visitlex.com/pdf/06HorseFarmTours1.pdf

[Shacopate]

Joe Bologna's is a must for food and I highly recommend the Chicago-style pan pizza. It's about $30 and is well worth it.

http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&channel=s&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=FU3&q=joe+bologna%27s+food&near=Lexington,+KY&cid=0,0,13853559153312929753&ll=38.043852,-84.501801&spn=0,.02&sa=X&oi=local&ct=image

If your budget conscious or a night owl then the Tolly-Ho is the place. Just don't tell them it's your first time in or they will ring the bell and then everyone in the joint will shout "Ho Virgin". Open 24 hours; it is THE PLACE after the bars close.

http://www.tolly-ho.com/articles.htm

For entertainment --- Comedy Off Broadway only features top-notch comics.

http://www.10best.com/Lexington,KY/Nightlife/Comedy_Clubs/index.html?businessID=58858

[46zilzal]

Even if you cannot see the stallions (as many will be "busy"), the graveyard alone right outside the offices at Claiborne will knock you for a loop at just who is buried there: Bold Ruler, Princequillo, Riva Ridge, Tom Rolfe, Secretartiat, Nasrullah, Buckpasser, Swale, Gallant Fox, Reviewer, Sir Gallahad, Johnstown, Blenheim II, Double Jay, Court Martial, Hoist the Flag etc.

There is almost a felling of reverence requiring you to lower your voice of something. The same thing might happen in an Egyptian pyramid tomb. It is almost other-worldly.

It is traditional to only bury the heart, the hooves and the head, but Big Red received the ultimate compliment as he was buried whole in a casket and sits all by himself.

[OTM Al]

This is a wonderful place to visit some of the old guys (and gals) that are still around.

http://www.oldfriendsequine.com/

[richrosa]

In Louisville,

Stay at the Galt House. Get a suite that overlooks the Ohio River.

For dinner I must recommend one of my favs in all of the US.

http://www.bourbonsbistro.com/

The Bourbon selection is unbeatable, and the food is fantastic. Please treat yourself well. You won't regret it.

For fun there are plenty of bars and nightclubs at 4th Street Live for all ages.

[Racer98]

If you call ahead, a Guided Tour of Claiborne cannot be missed.

I went in 2002, and it was spectacular. Conquistador Cielo and Danzig were still alive, and Monarchos had arrived only maybe two months earlier. And the graveyard (which had only one open spot, I may add, though I believe it's been filled by Danzig now) is incredible.

Gainesway was call-ahead as well, but the tour was self-guided. The Barns at Gainesway are amazingly cool. The A-Frame design is quite impressive at keeping things at a reasonable temperature. The day I went it was 95 and Muggy outisde, but was only maybe 70-80 in the barns. At the time there was no one famous there, but now there's Afleet Alex, and a couple more.

I have created a list of track stars and famed studs. If you want to find out where a particular horse is, just PM me and I'll let you know ASAP.