LEX Horse & Bourbon DO XXIV, Oct 3-6, 2024
Apr 24, 2024, 11:08 am
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,193
LEX Horse & Bourbon DO XXIV, Oct 3-6, 2024
Dates are set, Oct 3-6, 2024, for our 24rd gathering, to visit Keeneland, horse farms, and bourbon distilleries and enjoy some southern food and hospitality. We also visit brewpubs and bourbon bars and have the best ice cream in KY (bourbon honey is my favorite). Sometimes there are even MS opportunities at a convenient Officemax and/or good fuel reward opportunities at Kroger. And of course we share lots of miles/travel/points talk.
Different people want different things, or have already been on specific tours, so we do not run around as a group the whole weekend. We usually set up a phone message group to communicate.
Nothing is mandatory during the whole weekend of course. Do what you like. I would appreciate a general heads-up on things you are doing. There will be a Wiki attached to this post where people will organize dinner reservations, horse farm tours, and bourbon distillery tours. These things often sell out months ahead.
Keeneland and bourbon
https://www.keeneland.com
Keeneland is a gorgeous racetrack, one of the best in the world. Owned by a charitable foundation, it is maintained beautifully. You can get very close to the horses, attend morning workouts with breakfast available, and see KY derby contenders. There is a track kitchen with classic southern breakfast available to the public. You may even meet a famous jockey or trainer.
Admission for the races is $7-15 depending on the day; must purchase online and print ticket or show on smartphone. https://tickets.keeneland.com/specia...ission-tickets
Someone will organize a group purchase of seats (under cover) which costs more and maybe a premium dining experience, which will be $100-150 or so. Tailgating in the free parking lot before entering the grounds is a classic event. There is also paid parking close to the entrance.
https://www.keeneland.com/
Bourbon is a US-only product, and about 95% is made in KY, mostly because the limestone-filtered water is perfect for it and the variable seasons/barometric pressure cause the aging product to expand into and be forced back out of the wood, where most of the flavor originates.
"Smithsonian" magazine has listed the KY Bourbon trail as a Top Ten tourist activity in the US.
EVOLVING TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
.
THURSDAY
1. Some folks arrive, including me.
2. Probably beers back at the hotel or maybe Beer Trappe or Country Boy or Ethereal (see below).
FRIDAY
1. Most people arrive.
2. Keeneland at 1 pm?
3. Bourbon tours (see above, or on your own)
4. Lunch undefined
5. Stop at West Sixth Brewing? They have picnic-style tables and there is a seafood takeout counter next door. A little distillery next door has tours.
6. Drinks/pub? The Chevy Chase Inn, the oldest bar in LEX, is co-owned by a friend and for Happy Hour W/F/Sun at 5:30, you get a free one of whatever you have ordered, except for super-top-level bourbon, which is 50% off for a second shot. These can be shots you'd almost never find elsewhere. Then someone will reserve dinner someplace, often the Merrick Inn. https://www.themerrickinn.com
7. Afterparty likely. HPN-HRL has already reserved a suite at the Hyatt Regency, where he welcomes guests most evenings for travel talk, general discussion, and we share very good bourbons.
SATURDAY
1. POSSIBLE:
1. Morning visit to an Icelandic horse farm, run by a high school friend of mine and her daughter, assuming it is convenient for her. Between LEX and Louisville. See training, babies, etc. Lettleiki Icelandics ? Icelandic Horses, Boarding, Shows and More It is about 25 miles past Four Roses, so the trip could be combined somehow. Might also arrange a group visit to a distillery such as Buffalo Trace, where free tickets become available a couple months ahead and vanish immediately.
2. Keeneland. 1:05 pm. Many people go for 2-3 hours, but there are about 9 races, 30 minutes apart.
3. May then go out to dinner/dessert place. Various possibilities.
4. Drinks?
5. Afterparty with HPN-HRL.
SUNDAY
1. Brunch at Stella's (see below). ~9:00 am.
2. Usually go to Barrel House Distilling at 11 am (5 minutes from Stella's). Pizza, ice cream (http://www.crankandboom.com), brewpub, cidery in the same complex.
3. Keeneland 1 pm?. LEX is across the street. Depart directly if convenient.
4. And/or another bourbon tour?
MONDAY
Usually people depart Sunday, but some stay longer. Activities to be determined on the fly.
TUESDAY
Likely my departure day.
========
My SIL has recently recommended these three restaurants for consideration, but they are new to me:
Bella Cafe https://bellacafeandgrille.com. We will want the Chevy Chase location on High St.
Obstinate Sons https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Obsti...1555543863054/
Corto Lima https://www.facebook.com/CortoLima/?locale=es_LA
Popular is OBC, a restaurant and bourbon bar with over 700 varieties. https://www.facebook.com/obckitchen/
A classic KY specialty is the Hot Brown. Top 10 Hot Brown competition 2016:
http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/...n-in-kentucky/
A plate with toast, sliced turkey, sometimes sliced country ham, Mornay sauce, sometimes cheddar cheese, a couple strips of bacon, some sliced tomato, a bit of Parmesan/Romano, baked in the oven. A "heart-attack-on-a-plate." Fantastic, one of the world's best comfort foods.
https://www.brownhotel.com/dining/hot-brown
(There is not as much cheese on there as it appears!)
There are several noteworthy brewpubs/beer bars: Country Boy (Country Boy Brewing), Beer Trappe, a Top 100 US beer bar (The Beer Trappe ? LEXINGTON?S FIRST CRAFT BEER STORE!), Ethereal Brewing (Ethereal Brewing Co. Craft Brewing out of Lexington, KY), Mirror Twin (https://mirrortwinbrewing.com), and others.
Popular are bourbon bars with hundreds of varieties. One is said to have over 1000. Google "bourbon bars Lexington" and start surfing.
Folks usually hit one or more bourbon distilleries, some on the KY Bourbon Trail (http://kybourbontrail.com), including the newer Craft Bourbon Trail.
Try other KY specialties, such as beer cheese (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer_cheese_(spread). Others are discussed here: (Cuisine of Kentucky - Wikipedia)
We always have Sunday brunch at Stella's (www.stellaskentuckydeli.com), for real southern fare including Bourbon Ball Coffee, genuine southern biscuits and gravy, locally fresh-ground grits, KY ham or sausage, etc. They made the "Top 10 KY Hot Brown" list linked above. This will be reserved for 8:45-9:00 am.
My April 2024 breakfast at Stella’s. Fried eggs, KY ham, biscuits with sausage gravy, and tomato/artichoke bisque.
Other things to visit in the area:
1. Shakertown, the restored Shaker community outside LEX: http://shakervillageky.org/
2. Mary Todd Lincoln's girlhood home. Future president courted her there: http://www.mtlhouse.org/
3. Ashland, grand home of Henry Clay, the "Great Compromiser": Henry Clay - Henry Clay
4. Hiking, perhaps at Red River Gorge: Red River Gorge Online
5. KY has one of the best state parks systems in the country: Best Kentucky State Parks - State Parks - KY State Parks
6. Berea College, where there is no tuition and the students work for their education; great restaurant: https://www.berea.edu/
7. Kentucky Donut Trail; here is one such listing, but there are tons of other fantastic donut shops all over: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kent...onut-trail-ky/
8. See "Cocaine Bear" (https://kyforky.com/blogs/journal/cocaine-bear) about which there was a recent movie (which looks utterly horrible judging from the trailer).
For a nice quick view of some classic horse farms and countryside, take a ride out past Keeneland a bit to the KY Castle (https://www.thekentuckycastle.com), where they rent rooms if you like, and immediately turn right on Pisgah Pike. Follow that until you run into a T at Old Frankfort Pike (the original way to get to/from LEX and the state capital), and turn right. This brings you back to downtown Lexington past the entertainment district with Ethereal Brewing, Crank and Boom Ice Cream, etc.
AIRLINES SERVING LEX: http://www.bluegrassairport.com/airlines.html
If you are flying in, check LEX, SDF, and CVG; the latter two are about 1:15 hours away, but generally are less expensive, so you can cover some of your rental car cost. Interstate all the way from those airports, a beautiful drive. Avios can work very well from PHL, ORD, CLT, and DFW to LEX; 8250 Avios one-way at present. AA often offers reduced AAwards to/from LEX.
Lexington is very easy to get around, but you'll need to have a car or share with someone. Public transportation is hopeless. Please post if you are driving in and can bring someone, or if you are looking for a ride.
They have good Uber service in LEX.
bk3day scored a nice UA bump out of LEX a few years ago, as did iris30 on AA. Those planes can get quite crowded during Keeneland.
On the northeast part of town there is a Costco with a ton of bourbon at good prices, but generally no super-rarities. You never know what they will have. Miesque reports that their prices are 19-29% less than at her state-run liquor store at home.
The Liquor Barn chain is good and gives 5% military discounts.
Many of us stay at the Hyatt Regency downtown, a cat 2 property. 8000-9500 points per night during the DO, or use a cat 1-4 cert. Usually $240+taxes for cash. Centrally located. Free parking for all Hyatt guests (and likely anybody if there are no events at the Convention Center), as they use the giant lot across the street.
They are generous with breakfast coupons, usually giving out up to 4 per room for Globalists or those staying on a Guest of Honor reservation. Very nice buffet on weekend; order off the menu during the week.
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/ke...exington/lexrl
HYATT REGENCY LEXINGTON
401 West High Street
Lexington, Kentucky, USA, 40507
Tel: +1 859 253 1234
Full-service Hilton is across the street. New Marriott and Residence Inn a few blocks east. Walking distance to plenty of restaurants/bars.
Any spot in LEX to any other is only about 25 minutes driving max, so where you stay is not 100% important. Many folks use the opportunity to use up hotel certs they may have.
Youtube channel for Lexington, with some nice material:
Bourbon news from the Lexington "Herald-Leader": Search Lexington Herald Leader
Please post if you are definite, maybe, or can't but want to consider another time.
ATTENDING/LIKELY
toomanybooks+2
bk3day
cocobird +1?
HPN-HRL
Miesque
rxgeek +1
Santander
MAYBE/INTERESTED
CANNOT MAKE IT/UNLIKELY
jrl767
Different people want different things, or have already been on specific tours, so we do not run around as a group the whole weekend. We usually set up a phone message group to communicate.
Nothing is mandatory during the whole weekend of course. Do what you like. I would appreciate a general heads-up on things you are doing. There will be a Wiki attached to this post where people will organize dinner reservations, horse farm tours, and bourbon distillery tours. These things often sell out months ahead.
Keeneland and bourbon
https://www.keeneland.com
Keeneland is a gorgeous racetrack, one of the best in the world. Owned by a charitable foundation, it is maintained beautifully. You can get very close to the horses, attend morning workouts with breakfast available, and see KY derby contenders. There is a track kitchen with classic southern breakfast available to the public. You may even meet a famous jockey or trainer.
Admission for the races is $7-15 depending on the day; must purchase online and print ticket or show on smartphone. https://tickets.keeneland.com/specia...ission-tickets
Someone will organize a group purchase of seats (under cover) which costs more and maybe a premium dining experience, which will be $100-150 or so. Tailgating in the free parking lot before entering the grounds is a classic event. There is also paid parking close to the entrance.
https://www.keeneland.com/
Bourbon is a US-only product, and about 95% is made in KY, mostly because the limestone-filtered water is perfect for it and the variable seasons/barometric pressure cause the aging product to expand into and be forced back out of the wood, where most of the flavor originates.
"Smithsonian" magazine has listed the KY Bourbon trail as a Top Ten tourist activity in the US.
EVOLVING TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
.
THURSDAY
1. Some folks arrive, including me.
2. Probably beers back at the hotel or maybe Beer Trappe or Country Boy or Ethereal (see below).
FRIDAY
1. Most people arrive.
2. Keeneland at 1 pm?
3. Bourbon tours (see above, or on your own)
4. Lunch undefined
5. Stop at West Sixth Brewing? They have picnic-style tables and there is a seafood takeout counter next door. A little distillery next door has tours.
6. Drinks/pub? The Chevy Chase Inn, the oldest bar in LEX, is co-owned by a friend and for Happy Hour W/F/Sun at 5:30, you get a free one of whatever you have ordered, except for super-top-level bourbon, which is 50% off for a second shot. These can be shots you'd almost never find elsewhere. Then someone will reserve dinner someplace, often the Merrick Inn. https://www.themerrickinn.com
7. Afterparty likely. HPN-HRL has already reserved a suite at the Hyatt Regency, where he welcomes guests most evenings for travel talk, general discussion, and we share very good bourbons.
SATURDAY
1. POSSIBLE:
1. Morning visit to an Icelandic horse farm, run by a high school friend of mine and her daughter, assuming it is convenient for her. Between LEX and Louisville. See training, babies, etc. Lettleiki Icelandics ? Icelandic Horses, Boarding, Shows and More It is about 25 miles past Four Roses, so the trip could be combined somehow. Might also arrange a group visit to a distillery such as Buffalo Trace, where free tickets become available a couple months ahead and vanish immediately.
2. Keeneland. 1:05 pm. Many people go for 2-3 hours, but there are about 9 races, 30 minutes apart.
3. May then go out to dinner/dessert place. Various possibilities.
4. Drinks?
5. Afterparty with HPN-HRL.
SUNDAY
1. Brunch at Stella's (see below). ~9:00 am.
2. Usually go to Barrel House Distilling at 11 am (5 minutes from Stella's). Pizza, ice cream (http://www.crankandboom.com), brewpub, cidery in the same complex.
3. Keeneland 1 pm?. LEX is across the street. Depart directly if convenient.
4. And/or another bourbon tour?
MONDAY
Usually people depart Sunday, but some stay longer. Activities to be determined on the fly.
TUESDAY
Likely my departure day.
========
My SIL has recently recommended these three restaurants for consideration, but they are new to me:
Bella Cafe https://bellacafeandgrille.com. We will want the Chevy Chase location on High St.
Obstinate Sons https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Obsti...1555543863054/
Corto Lima https://www.facebook.com/CortoLima/?locale=es_LA
Popular is OBC, a restaurant and bourbon bar with over 700 varieties. https://www.facebook.com/obckitchen/
A classic KY specialty is the Hot Brown. Top 10 Hot Brown competition 2016:
http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/...n-in-kentucky/
A plate with toast, sliced turkey, sometimes sliced country ham, Mornay sauce, sometimes cheddar cheese, a couple strips of bacon, some sliced tomato, a bit of Parmesan/Romano, baked in the oven. A "heart-attack-on-a-plate." Fantastic, one of the world's best comfort foods.
https://www.brownhotel.com/dining/hot-brown
(There is not as much cheese on there as it appears!)
There are several noteworthy brewpubs/beer bars: Country Boy (Country Boy Brewing), Beer Trappe, a Top 100 US beer bar (The Beer Trappe ? LEXINGTON?S FIRST CRAFT BEER STORE!), Ethereal Brewing (Ethereal Brewing Co. Craft Brewing out of Lexington, KY), Mirror Twin (https://mirrortwinbrewing.com), and others.
Popular are bourbon bars with hundreds of varieties. One is said to have over 1000. Google "bourbon bars Lexington" and start surfing.
Folks usually hit one or more bourbon distilleries, some on the KY Bourbon Trail (http://kybourbontrail.com), including the newer Craft Bourbon Trail.
Try other KY specialties, such as beer cheese (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer_cheese_(spread). Others are discussed here: (Cuisine of Kentucky - Wikipedia)
We always have Sunday brunch at Stella's (www.stellaskentuckydeli.com), for real southern fare including Bourbon Ball Coffee, genuine southern biscuits and gravy, locally fresh-ground grits, KY ham or sausage, etc. They made the "Top 10 KY Hot Brown" list linked above. This will be reserved for 8:45-9:00 am.
My April 2024 breakfast at Stella’s. Fried eggs, KY ham, biscuits with sausage gravy, and tomato/artichoke bisque.
Other things to visit in the area:
1. Shakertown, the restored Shaker community outside LEX: http://shakervillageky.org/
2. Mary Todd Lincoln's girlhood home. Future president courted her there: http://www.mtlhouse.org/
3. Ashland, grand home of Henry Clay, the "Great Compromiser": Henry Clay - Henry Clay
4. Hiking, perhaps at Red River Gorge: Red River Gorge Online
5. KY has one of the best state parks systems in the country: Best Kentucky State Parks - State Parks - KY State Parks
6. Berea College, where there is no tuition and the students work for their education; great restaurant: https://www.berea.edu/
7. Kentucky Donut Trail; here is one such listing, but there are tons of other fantastic donut shops all over: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kent...onut-trail-ky/
8. See "Cocaine Bear" (https://kyforky.com/blogs/journal/cocaine-bear) about which there was a recent movie (which looks utterly horrible judging from the trailer).
For a nice quick view of some classic horse farms and countryside, take a ride out past Keeneland a bit to the KY Castle (https://www.thekentuckycastle.com), where they rent rooms if you like, and immediately turn right on Pisgah Pike. Follow that until you run into a T at Old Frankfort Pike (the original way to get to/from LEX and the state capital), and turn right. This brings you back to downtown Lexington past the entertainment district with Ethereal Brewing, Crank and Boom Ice Cream, etc.
AIRLINES SERVING LEX: http://www.bluegrassairport.com/airlines.html
If you are flying in, check LEX, SDF, and CVG; the latter two are about 1:15 hours away, but generally are less expensive, so you can cover some of your rental car cost. Interstate all the way from those airports, a beautiful drive. Avios can work very well from PHL, ORD, CLT, and DFW to LEX; 8250 Avios one-way at present. AA often offers reduced AAwards to/from LEX.
Lexington is very easy to get around, but you'll need to have a car or share with someone. Public transportation is hopeless. Please post if you are driving in and can bring someone, or if you are looking for a ride.
They have good Uber service in LEX.
bk3day scored a nice UA bump out of LEX a few years ago, as did iris30 on AA. Those planes can get quite crowded during Keeneland.
On the northeast part of town there is a Costco with a ton of bourbon at good prices, but generally no super-rarities. You never know what they will have. Miesque reports that their prices are 19-29% less than at her state-run liquor store at home.
The Liquor Barn chain is good and gives 5% military discounts.
Many of us stay at the Hyatt Regency downtown, a cat 2 property. 8000-9500 points per night during the DO, or use a cat 1-4 cert. Usually $240+taxes for cash. Centrally located. Free parking for all Hyatt guests (and likely anybody if there are no events at the Convention Center), as they use the giant lot across the street.
They are generous with breakfast coupons, usually giving out up to 4 per room for Globalists or those staying on a Guest of Honor reservation. Very nice buffet on weekend; order off the menu during the week.
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/ke...exington/lexrl
HYATT REGENCY LEXINGTON
401 West High Street
Lexington, Kentucky, USA, 40507
Tel: +1 859 253 1234
Full-service Hilton is across the street. New Marriott and Residence Inn a few blocks east. Walking distance to plenty of restaurants/bars.
Any spot in LEX to any other is only about 25 minutes driving max, so where you stay is not 100% important. Many folks use the opportunity to use up hotel certs they may have.
Youtube channel for Lexington, with some nice material:
Bourbon news from the Lexington "Herald-Leader": Search Lexington Herald Leader
Please post if you are definite, maybe, or can't but want to consider another time.
ATTENDING/LIKELY
toomanybooks+2
bk3day
cocobird +1?
HPN-HRL
Miesque
rxgeek +1
Santander
MAYBE/INTERESTED
CANNOT MAKE IT/UNLIKELY
jrl767
Last edited by toomanybooks; May 1, 2024 at 5:35 pm
Apr 24, 2024, 11:33 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
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:/
was really hoping for two weeks later, as we could have probably tacked this on before our 20-26 Oct Road Scholar program in EYW
we’ll be road-tripping thru various National Parks in AZ/UT/CO/NM for 2.5 weeks in Sep, and trying to squeeze LEX in with a one-week turn from that expedition is probably too ambitious
was really hoping for two weeks later, as we could have probably tacked this on before our 20-26 Oct Road Scholar program in EYW
we’ll be road-tripping thru various National Parks in AZ/UT/CO/NM for 2.5 weeks in Sep, and trying to squeeze LEX in with a one-week turn from that expedition is probably too ambitious
Apr 24, 2024, 11:42 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,193
:/
was really hoping for two weeks later, as we could have probably tacked this on before our 20-26 Oct Road Scholar program in EYW
we’ll be road-tripping thru various National Parks in AZ/UT/CO/NM for 2.5 weeks in Sep, and trying to squeeze LEX in with a one-week turn from that expedition is probably too ambitious
was really hoping for two weeks later, as we could have probably tacked this on before our 20-26 Oct Road Scholar program in EYW
we’ll be road-tripping thru various National Parks in AZ/UT/CO/NM for 2.5 weeks in Sep, and trying to squeeze LEX in with a one-week turn from that expedition is probably too ambitious
Apr 24, 2024, 1:21 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: UA, bmi, AA, CO, DL, B6, AMEX, Hertz, Most Hotels
Posts: 3,002
Ever optimistic, already booked the Hyatt. Flights are always a PITA from NYC.
Thinking ahead, do those of you in the know anticipate another run on Keeneland tickets?
Did availability ever free up last weekend? Reading the pre-DO posts it seemed like they sold out faster than I can ever recall from past DOs?
Also given that distillery tours also sell out crazy fast these days...anyone recommend a new one they really enjoyed?
Thinking ahead, do those of you in the know anticipate another run on Keeneland tickets?
Did availability ever free up last weekend? Reading the pre-DO posts it seemed like they sold out faster than I can ever recall from past DOs?
Also given that distillery tours also sell out crazy fast these days...anyone recommend a new one they really enjoyed?
Apr 24, 2024, 1:58 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,270
Since this DO Is scheduled for Opening Weekend, its being even more difficult to get tickets than it was for the third weekend of the meet (which was when the Spring DO was held). That weekend is also Fall Stars Weekend - oodles of Breeders Cup prep stakes making it even more difficult that usual to get a table.
Last edited by Miesque; Apr 24, 2024 at 2:22 pm
Apr 24, 2024, 2:16 pm
#8
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Apr 24, 2024, 2:19 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,193
Ever optimistic, already booked the Hyatt. Flights are always a PITA from NYC.
Thinking ahead, do those of you in the know anticipate another run on Keeneland tickets?
Did availability ever free up last weekend? Reading the pre-DO posts it seemed like they sold out faster than I can ever recall from past DOs?
Also given that distillery tours also sell out crazy fast these days...anyone recommend a new one they really enjoyed?
Thinking ahead, do those of you in the know anticipate another run on Keeneland tickets?
Did availability ever free up last weekend? Reading the pre-DO posts it seemed like they sold out faster than I can ever recall from past DOs?
Also given that distillery tours also sell out crazy fast these days...anyone recommend a new one they really enjoyed?
General admission should not be a problem, but maybe grandstand seats would be. Best to get on Keeneland’s mailing list I guess.
We should have a group plan in place before sales commence.
Apr 24, 2024, 9:00 pm
#10
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Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: UA Million Miler (lite). NY Metro area.
Posts: 15,090
I was able to walk up and buy Grandstand tickets for $25 on Sunday morning.
dh
Apr 25, 2024, 11:08 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
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Posts: 14,193
Article about the secondary bourbon market in KY:
https://www.kentucky.com/lexgoeat/bo...272281248.html
https://www.kentucky.com/lexgoeat/bo...272281248.html
Apr 25, 2024, 12:25 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,193
The Hyatt its 8000-9500 a night during the DO. Hilton across the street is 50K ($300+ cash). Marriott a couple blocks east is about 50K also (192K for Oct 3-7). Residence Inn next to Marriott is 148K for 4 nights. Points IMO much preferable to cash at all these.
Generally we have extra breakfast certificates for the Hyatt, as they are very generous with them for Globalists and Guest of Honor patrons. So if staying at Hilton/Marriott, you could just walk over and join us.
Generally we have extra breakfast certificates for the Hyatt, as they are very generous with them for Globalists and Guest of Honor patrons. So if staying at Hilton/Marriott, you could just walk over and join us.
Last edited by toomanybooks; Apr 25, 2024 at 1:52 pm
Apr 25, 2024, 12:37 pm
#13
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Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
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Posts: 14,193
15K AA CLT-LEX.
16K AA ORD-LEX
I think 8250 BA Avios each way to LEX from all those cities, if available.
Last edited by toomanybooks; Apr 25, 2024 at 1:46 pm
Apr 25, 2024, 5:42 pm
#14
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,270
I made a reservation that weekend at The Sire for a materially bigger suite (with a proper table, bigger couch area et al). As I mentioned earlier in the thread, that weekend is a big Breeders Cup prep weekend, not just at Keeneland but across the country. Based on last year (and Keeneland tends to have the same stakes schedule whereas NYRA tends to move around which stakes are on what day) the Breeders Cup prep stakes that weekend are:
Friday (Opening Day) – Phoenix, Jessamine, Alcibiades
Saturday – Woodford, TCA, First Lady, Breeders Futurity, Coolmore Turf Mile
Sunday – Juddmonte Spinster, Bourbon, Indian Summer
While Keeneland is typically the only track with Breeders Cup preps that Friday, that Saturday (and to a lesser extent Sunday) is going to jam packed with BC preps across the country which means I will be betting multiple tracks seriously and absolutely need to be at one of the three dining rooms if I am at Keeneland that day. I made sure I booked the sort of suite that I can have a proper simulcast den (I always travel with a long HDMI cable) if I can’t get track accommodations for either Saturday or Sunday, but if I can’t get a table one of those days it doesn’t make sense for me to make the trip. For Friday, while I would prefer a table, that is one day, I could do Grandstand seating.
I realize the above will sound odd to many, but Breeders Cup has always been the focal point of my year (for most it the Triple Crown Trail) and I take the preps very seriously and play accordingly.
Friday (Opening Day) – Phoenix, Jessamine, Alcibiades
Saturday – Woodford, TCA, First Lady, Breeders Futurity, Coolmore Turf Mile
Sunday – Juddmonte Spinster, Bourbon, Indian Summer
While Keeneland is typically the only track with Breeders Cup preps that Friday, that Saturday (and to a lesser extent Sunday) is going to jam packed with BC preps across the country which means I will be betting multiple tracks seriously and absolutely need to be at one of the three dining rooms if I am at Keeneland that day. I made sure I booked the sort of suite that I can have a proper simulcast den (I always travel with a long HDMI cable) if I can’t get track accommodations for either Saturday or Sunday, but if I can’t get a table one of those days it doesn’t make sense for me to make the trip. For Friday, while I would prefer a table, that is one day, I could do Grandstand seating.
I realize the above will sound odd to many, but Breeders Cup has always been the focal point of my year (for most it the Triple Crown Trail) and I take the preps very seriously and play accordingly.
Apr 26, 2024, 11:52 am
#15
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Westchester Co, NY or Rio Grande Valley, TX or ???
Programs: BAEC G, WN A-, Hyatt G, HH G, MAR T, Hz PC, was [UA2P, FL A+Elite, BD G]
Posts: 2,276
I am in, with a suite reservation at the Hyatt.
IIRC a flight on AA costing 14K miles will not be available using BA Avios. CMH is a 3 to 3.5 hour drive, but I used to have much better luck booking that with Avios from LGA. Flying to SDF nonstop on Delta is another option.
I expect to have the suite open in the evening on Thursday through Sunday, with possible daytime openings if requested.
IIRC a flight on AA costing 14K miles will not be available using BA Avios. CMH is a 3 to 3.5 hour drive, but I used to have much better luck booking that with Avios from LGA. Flying to SDF nonstop on Delta is another option.
I expect to have the suite open in the evening on Thursday through Sunday, with possible daytime openings if requested.