Soooooo. It’s been a while. Oops? I’ve been working full time since the last post, and just kinda….forgot. I’m sorry. If I could make this my job, I would, but the reality of it is that I don’t make a cent off these posts, and just write because I love it. Please forgive me.
Part three of our road trip! Yay!
When we first got to Louisville, we managed to stumble into a fair. Still not sure how that happened, but after a few turns on the various rides, I found myself questioning how 8-year-old me used to go on the teacups back to back at the fall fair. I mean, I have a strong stomach, but by the end, I’m pretty sure I was literally green.
Needless to say, it was an absolute blast. There appeared to be a free concert set up as well, so in an effort to settle our stomachs before heading out, we took a seat.
We didn’t realize it was a Christian concert until after the first two songs. The pastor had a beautiful voice, and we actually knew some of the songs from school chapels, so we stayed for fifteen minutes or so of singing, but when he began to preach, we excused ourselves. I guess seven years of chapel services tired us out of listening to sermons. Oops. Sorry, Father Don!
After excusing ourselves from the concert, we headed to Carrie’s birthday dinner. In search of nice Italian food, we went to ROC. Not only was the food amazing(the octopus starter we shared pictured below), the patio was stunning, and the weather was beautiful. It was a fantastic dinner.
We split the octopus, and then both ordered our own entrees. Pasta seems to be the specialty here, and it did not disappoint. I had the most amazing pistachio pasta, a combination I never would have even dreamed of. I’m still looking for a similar recipe…….
And with that, we decided to turn in for the night.
The next day was spent mostly relaxing. We went and saw a friend of Carrie’s friends out at Midway University, which left me utterly envious of the stunning, sprawling campus, and ordered dinner from uber eats that night.
After a full week of running at 100%, it was lovely to have a quiet day. The next morning, however, was likely my favourite part of the trip. We were up early for a traditional southern breakfast at Churchill Downs, as part of Derby week. Dawn at the Downs, as the event is known, gives spectators the opportunity to watch the fillies train, all while having a beautiful, white tablecloth breakfast in millionaire’s row.
It was quite an event.
Due to the event literally occurring at dawn, the Downs looked spectacular. The viewing included a commentary by people who evidently knew more about horse racing than I did, so it was nice to get a little bit of insight about the fillies that were racing for the lilies, the filly’s equivalent to the race for the roses that the derby is so famous for.
The athletes and their horses were absolutely beautiful to watch that morning.
After watching the training, we got to tour around a little bit, getting a better look at the grounds.
One of the traditions the derby is known best for (besides the mint juleps) is the derby hat competition! Though we were lacking in the hat category, I tried to subtly take some pictures of the other attendee’s spectacular hats.
After a great morning of biscuits and gravy and watching the fillies, we set off for Elkton, to visit my grandparents. We arrived late that night, enjoyed a family dinner, and immediately fell asleep. The ten-hour drive, combined with the 4:45am wakeup, really knocked us out.
The next day, my cousin and I got to show Carrie some of our favourite spots to visit around my grandparents’ place.
Our first stop was Winterthur, an old DuPont estate with spectacular gardens. They were patient with me while we toured the blooming gardens and saw the old mansion. If you’re ever in the area, Winterthur truly is spectacular, and family friendly, as well! As a kid, I used to LOVE visiting the ‘enchanted garden’, a corner of the estate done up with fairy houses and troll bridges.
I mean, honestly. What little girl wouldn’t be obsessed?
Being there in the spring, everything was in bloom. It was wonderful.
After that, we made a stop at the Charcoal Pit. If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you might remember this place from my previous post, The Kitchen Sink Cookies , where I made cookies based on their famous milkshake.
Aaaaaand, that’s the end? After another night’s sleep in Elkton, we returned home to Port Hope.
Of course, upon our return, the run for the roses happened, so we HAD to tune in (mint juleps in hand) for that!
Keep reading for the recipe!
Mint Juleps
ingredients
1 ounce mint syrup(homemade, or purchased)
2 ounces of Kentucky bourbon
Ice, crushed
Mint(to garnish)
Procedure
Combine all the ingredients in a mint julep cup, and stir to combine! ta-da!
Just a warning, these go down WAY too easily. I learned that the hard way :/
Yay! You are back 😉