If you've ever dreamed of going to the Kentucky Derby, let me start by saying: do it. Rain or shine, it's one for the bucket list, if you have one. From cashing in Christmas gifts to cheering on horses with names like Sovereignty and Journalism, our adventure to Churchill Downs was anything but ordinary. Here's the behind-the-scenes scoop on our trip to the greatest two minutes in sports.
🎁 Christmas Came with a Side of Derby Tickets
This Derby dream started back in December when we surprised Cameron’s mom, Kathleen, and his stepdad, Brett, with the ultimate Christmas gift: tickets to the Kentucky Derby. (I mean, what says “I love you” more than the smell of mint juleps and muddy turf?)
It had been on Ryan and Breanna’s bucket lists too, and while we weren’t 100% sure they could join until the last minute, the stars aligned and all six of us hit the road to Louisville.
🚗 Road Trip Shenanigans
It was an early morning but as always, Cameron was our fearless driver. Ryan had co-pilot duties, and he took the role seriously, navigating like a pro and keeping the vibes high up front. Kathleen and Brett were cozied up in the middle seats, and poor Breanna had to squeeze into the back with me. She didn’t rat me out for my signature micro-naps (though for all I know, she was napping too and just as guilty). Everyone knows by now: I nap, I eavesdrop, and I wake up pretending I’ve been part of the conversation the whole time. Classic mom move.
🌧 Wet, Wild, and Wonderfully Derby
The weather? Oh, it was classic Kentucky Derby chaos, cold, wet, and soggy. But thanks to our clear bags packed with essentials (yes, 12"x6"x12" is your new best friend), Breanna and I prepared with snacks, drinks, ponchos, and even some gluten-free goodies for me (because celiac disease + questionable food stands = no thanks).
As we parked at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium and made our 10-minute trek to Churchill Downs, fate handed me a blessing in the form of rain boots I’d forgotten were in the back of my vehicle. Kathleen, offered me her spare (cute) socks and even swapped her flip-flops for the shoes I had been wearing. Let’s just say she deserves a medal and probably some foot warmers.
🐎 The Mint Julep Misadventure
Let’s talk Derby drinks. Only Ryan was brave enough to order the traditional Old Forester Mint Julep, which came in at a cool $22 for an 8 oz cup. Naturally, the rest of us had to try a sip—because when in Rome, right? Let’s just say it was… an experience. Cameron went a different route and ordered the Woodford Spire. Breanna and I held off for something else (preferably something cold and not herbal), but we couldn’t resist a taste of the iconic julep. It’s tradition, after all. Just maybe not something we’d make a habit of.
White Claws and beers ran about $16 to $18, so we weren’t about to blow the budget on canned cocktails, especially since I’m already chipping away at the kids’ inheritance with all my other nonsense and travel escapades. A few rounds was plenty. But hey, it’s the Derby!
💥 Drama at the Fence
Now, you haven’t really done the Derby until you’ve witnessed (or participated in) a passive-aggressive turf war over viewing space. Kathleen, our MVP, was holding it down when a woman rudely tried to take over our spot, trying to bring her whole group with her. Breanna, in full protective granddaughter mode, swooped in to stand with her. Cameron held his ground, Ryan and I locked eyes from across the group, and suddenly we were a united wall of Derby defense.
We didn’t come for a fight, but we sure weren’t backing down. (Spoiler: we won. Kentucky spirit, y’all.)
🧺 Food, Fog, and Final Races
Between the sandwiches, summer sausage, and snacks Breanna and I packed, we stayed fueled and fabulous. The races were a blast, even if some poeople the infield were passed out or arguing by mid-afternoon. (Note to future Derby-goers: pace yourselves. It's a marathon, not a sprint.)
Though no one in our group won big, I did score a small win in the final race with Sovereignty in first, Journalism in second. Not enough to retire early, but enough to brag all the way home.
🏁 Lessons from the Infield Trenches
Leaving the infield felt like a full-contact sport, with people shoulder to shoulder all trying to squeeze through the tunnel at once. It was chaos, and patience was definitely the MVP of that moment.
Pro tip: pack patience with your poncho. We eventually made it back to the car and hit up Buffalo Wild Wings before heading home, soaked, tired, but absolutely exhilarated.
🎩 Final Tips for Your Kentucky Derby Adventure
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✅ Bring a clear bag packed with snacks, a blanket, water, and rain gear
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🧢 Get to the fence early. People will try to snake your spot
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🥪 Pack your own food, especially if you have dietary restrictions
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🌧 Always bring a poncho. Even if it’s sunny, trust me
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🏇 Be patient when exiting. Or hang out a bit longer and wait for the crowds to thin
👒 Verdict: Would We Do It Again?
Absolutely. Rain and all, the Kentucky Derby is an unforgettable experience. From the southern charm to the thunder of hooves and our family’s laughter echoing through the infield, it’s a day I’ll treasure forever.
Next time? We’re praying for sunshine but bringing the ponchos just in case.
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