It's Derby Day!

Happy Oaks Day!

If you can't attend Oaks this year, partake in this drink inspired by the Oaks and make a toast.

Chocolate Bourbon Butter Pecan Milkshakes

By Paige Rhodes

What do you get when you blend your favorite bourbon, chocolate, and butter pecan ice cream together? An epic boozy milkshake that tastes like a certain famous pie, that’s what! Step outside of the box and whip up this frosty dessert that’s ready for the winner’s circle.

Birds Eye View

Katherine Mitchell is wearing: Hat by Abbie's Designer Hats, abbieshats@yahoo.com, $155. Photos by Melissa Donald

Keep all eyes on you — and the hat.

Colleen McCarthy Clarke: Mixing Up Derby's Favorite

By Ashli Findley

Colleen McCarthy Clarke didn’t seek to become an award-winning mixologist. Perhaps you can say the skill for mixing drinks simply found her. She had moved to New York City to study acting. Yet, around 1996, she got her first bartending gig on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at the French restaurant Gertrude’s. “I didn’t even know how to make a cosmopolitan,” Colleen says with a laugh, “but the general manager (Marion Mauer) gave me a shot, and I just took off from there.”

Dawn at the Downs is the Place to be This Week

The excitement of the Derby season keeps the enthusiasm high among the locals. We spotted these Derby fans last year at Dawn at the Downs.

Winefest is Coming

The Kentucky Derby Festival WineFest gives you a chance to sample wines from wineries located in Kentucky and Indiana and purchase the perfect one for your Derby party. With over 100 wines to choose from, this is a favorite event you won't want to miss!

A Bourbon River Cruise

By Megan M. Seckman


If you are looking for the greatest two minutes in sports, I’d stick to the Derby. But if you prefer your sports on the meandering, cigar-smoking, bourbon-sipping side, the Great Steamboat Race is the Kentucky Derby event for you. Since 1963, the Belle of Louisville has challenged other classy vessels to cruise the Ohio River in a friendly battle for an odd prize: a set of silver-plated antlers. The Great Steamboat Race, however, isn’t your only opportunity to experience the legacy of the steamship — you could take a river cruise.

Chocolates to Get for Your Derby Week

Looking for a sweet treat that will be a nice addition to your Derby party? Schimpff's Confectionary, has you covered with these delectable chocolates designed to cater to the season.

Order a Boxed Lunch

By Paige Rhodes
Whether you're opting for a trip to the infield or you're watching the races from the comfort of your couch, boxed lunches are a local convenience that reign supreme for Derby.

Keeping Up on Bourbon

By Keri Foy 



Hey, ladies! Want to turn into a bourbon “badass” in time for the season of Mint Juleps? Find out what this “whiskey chick” does to stay in the mix of everything bourbon.

Lunch Plus Fun

By Brittani Dick

The Lunch Plus Fun adventure is an easy outing to enjoy with a friend or visiting relative. This Lunch Plus Fun will add some excitement to your Derby season.

Take This Hot Brown Dip to the Derby Party

By Paige Rhodes

Everyone loves the hot brown, but the cooking and assembly can be too cumbersome when you’re cooking for a crowd. Get creative with this steaming Hot Brown Dip that tastes just like the sandwich, but in a rich, scoopable form.

How to Plan for Derby

Ellie Troutman has Derby planning down to a science, from attending the Barnstable Brown party to choosing the most appropriate footwear and fabulous accessories.

In the Mood for Something Quirky?

Add a touch of quirkiness to your Derby outfit for a winning look at the track.

Creative Family

By Marie Bradby

April and Josh Zik, Zoey, (7), and Charlotte (2). April is the director of sponsorship sales, Kentucky Derby Festival
Photo by Melissa Donald  

As director of sponsorship sales for the Kentucky Derby Festival, April Zik has the formidable task of finding sponsor dollars every year to put on the 70 events that locals and visitors have come to love and expect during the two weeks leading up to the most celebrated horse race in the world.

Works of Art for Your Head

Hats by Rebecca, $125. Photos by Melissa Donald 

 Pick one of these masterpieces to accent your Derby outfit.

Are You in a Vintage Mood?

 Add a bit of nostalgia to your Derby outfit using one of these fun items we found around town.

Top it Off

Katherine Mitchell is wearing: Hat by TaDah! Shades and Strokes, $180. Photos by Melissa Donald 

Let your Derby hat become your crowning glory.

You Can't Go Wrong with a Classic Derby Outfit

Kendall Merrick is the general manager at Oxmoor Center. Photos by Melissa Donald 

If you're not comfortable with wearing bold colors, go for a simple understated look without sacrificing style. Choosing a dress or other type of clothing in neutral tones like navy blue, white, and black make it easier for you to add in color wherever you choose — whether it's your jewelry, lipstick, or shoes.