Kentucky Derby: Experience Louisville

There's plenty to choose from on the Derby agenda. Four of our Louisville friends sound off on the city's best

Brooke Slezak, by Holly H. Goff

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Season of Activities

U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Glow: Kentucky Exposition Center, 502/584-6383.
Kentucky Derby Museum: 502/637-1111, ext. 227.
U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Race: Kentucky Exposition Center, 502/584-6383.
Great Steamboat Race and LVAA Boat Race Party: 800/261-8586.
Oaks Brunch: 35 West Broadway, 502/589-0102, ext. 211.
Kentucky Oaks: 502/636-4400.
The Mint Jubilee Gala: 502/562-3153.
Annual Historic Homes Foundation Derby Breakfast at the Farmington Historic Home: 502/899-5079.
Grand Gala: Galt House Hotel & Suites.
Kentucky Derby: "The best place to view the race is personal preference, but locals, horse owners, and trainers like the third floor Clubhouse section, close to the finish line but not past it, so they can hear the rumble of the horses' hooves on the track," says Moloney. "Visitors and celebrities prefer the new Skye Terrace or, of course, Millionares Row. After two straight days of parties, however, some think the best Derby seat is a comfortable one in front of the television." 502/636-4400.