Kentucky Derby 2018 Photos Oaks Arrival Day

I'm Noah and that's me on the left with lipstick on my cheek. Kentucky Derby 2018 (aka Kentucky Derby 144) was my tenth time going to the Derby. I had an amazing time with amazing friends. It stormed pretty much the entire day, but we wouldn't have traded it for anything - although next year we are really thinking about getting covered seats. Here are some fantastic photos to show what a great time we had. I'll have more pages with more content coming soon. Follow this blog so you won't miss out on updates on past Derby's or for Kentucky Derby 145.

Kentucky Derby 2018 Photos Derby Day

The next day was DERBY!

Thanks to an obnoxiously loud wake up call courtesy of Chris Mull, click to hear the wake up call we all were dressed and ready early - jackets, dresses, hats, feathers and all. Unfortunately, the rain started even before we left the condo and did not stop all day. Don't worry. That did not spoil our day.

Kevin's Second Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Derby 2018 Photos The Day After Derby Kentucky Derby Museum

Kelly, Chris, Tracy, Noah, Cayla and Kevin
Kentucky Derby Museum

The Day After Derby was a nice, laid-back day for us. We met Travis and Stephanie for brunch and traded Derby stories like Cayla and Kelly walking out of Churchill Downs in the crowd and the rain, soaking wet with their purses and shoes over their shoulders in garbage bags and walking right beside beautiful and pristine Julie (my favorite) who had obviously been in covered seating the entire day. Tracy loved telling the story about walking Chris and me through the tunnel under the track into the infield with everyone screaming at us, our phones were dead and getting kicked out of the Churchill Downs Store because we were still drinking (Chris and I do not recall and question the authenticity of her story). The rest of Sunday was spent at the Kentucky Derby Museum, downtown Louisville and dinner at Captain's Quarters Riverside Grille.

Kentucky Derby 2018 Photos The Day After Derby Downtown Louisville

Game of Thrones

After we left the Kentucky Derby Museum (again, a truly terrific museum that you will enjoy), we headed downtown Louisville. Our intention was for a visit to a downtown bourbon distillery, but the one we picked was closed so we did the brewery across the street. We got skipped over in line by the hostess (it was like she had never had Chris talk to her the first time he asked for a table) but we had a great lunch and lots of beer. Then we walked towards Fourth Street, took some random photos like the 'Two People in a Parking Lot' photo and then we found the Troll Pub... and the party was in full swing!

Dinner at Captain's Quarters

We ended our Day After Derby with dinner at Captain's Quarters Riverside Grille - a favorite introduced to me by Travis' father, Bill. The restaurant had been flooded earlier this year, but they fixed everything up and it looks amazing. Definitely add this to your itinerary on your next Louisville trip.

Kevin and Kelly, filtered

Kentucky Derby 2018 Photos Last Day in Louisville

Our last day in Louisville 2018, was well spent. Kevin promised us lunch at the Maker's Mark Distillery (that didn't happen). Kelly woke up looking like the girl from The Ring, went into the bedroom and came out in 2 seconds wearing a green ball gown ready to go (although she was not exactly perky and cheerful as we rode through the winding hills of Kentucky... and lost our GPS signal and took a couple of wrong turns... "Turn left on Geoffrey Rd."... "In 5 miles".. For the LOVE OF GOD!).

The ride was rough for poor Kelly.
We had to pull over and let her out at one point.

Kentucky Derby Party Necessities

Whether you are going to the Kentucky Derby, hosting a Kentucky Derby Party at your place, attending someone else's Kentucky Derby Party or just dressing up at home while you watch the big race on TV, there are certain things that you need. Ladies - you need a hat, and not just any hat - its needs to be a BIG HAT. Plus, get party props. Here are a few items that will help you experience the Kentucky Derby no matter where you are.