This is the United States Bullion Depository. It stores gold and other precious metal bullion reserves for the United States. It has more than half of all the gold bullion in the US – around $240 billion worth today!
Churchill Downs, Louisville KY
So we toured Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville KYThis is “The Spires”, a national landmark that is the classic view of Churchill DownsStatue of Barbaro, who won the 2006 Kentucky Derby, then shattered his leg two weeks later in the Preakness, which led to his death in January 2007. He is buried here.The two drinks most famously connected with the Kentucky Derby are Mint Juleps and Oaks Lilys.There are many wagering windows throughout Churchill Downs. All bets at the Kentucky Derby are required to be CASH. Last year’s Derby saw over $80 million wagered onsite. That means there was at least $80 million in CASH in this location at one time! Wow! Overall worldwide over $200 million is wagered on the Kentucky Derby.More wagering windowsWe learned interesting facts about jockeys. This mural of Kentucky Derby-winning jockeys gives a hint about the progression of jockey demographics. The first jockeys were black…..then they were primarily white most of the early to mid-20th century……and today they are predominantly hispanic. Another interesting jockey story is the weight requirement for jockeys. All the jockey’s gear, including halter, bridle, saddle, stirrups, helmet, glasses and clothing, and the jockey himself, must weigh exactly 126 pounds. Elevators to “The Mansion”. Upon entering the elevator, you are handed a glass of champagne to drink on the ride up six floors. Access to these elevators are exclusively “by-invitation-only”.We took the “Behind the Scenes Tour”, which allowed us to see areas not usually available to the public. This is the entrance to “The Mansion”, a very elegant and exclusive room. To attend the Kentucky Derby in The Mansion, one must be invited by the Board, and then pay somewhere between $10K and $40K.The opulence here is hard to imagine. If you attend the Derby here, there are many food stations, where the food is prepared personally by top-line chefs, such as Bobby Flay! Personal attendants tend to the attendee’s every need – bring the food and drinks, and even taking their bets to the wagering counter in the room!Here we are at the bar.The view from the sixth floor, again only available to exclusive invitees!The track in the background, with the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle on the right.Ground view of the final turnFinish lineThe paddock for 14 to 20 horsesThe horses walk through this hall to get on the track.The Kentucky Derby Museum is a great visit! Upon entering you see this video – pretty cool!The Triple Crown races (Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont) are known for the outrageous hats and loud outfits worn by the women! The men also dress up, but women’s hats steal the show. These hats were donated to the museum by a Louisville socialite.The museum runs a 360 degree movie that shows the entire track oval. It is the only 360 degree theater in the world with 4K resolution. An 18 minute movie is a really neat story.Kentucky Derby artHorseshoes worn by American Pharaoh, who won the Triple Crown in 2015. Rachel saw him win the Preakness that year!Photo of Secretariat, greatest racehorse of all time. Secretariat won the Triple Crown in 1973, and set speed records in each of the three races, that still stand today!! When Secretariat died in 1989, a necropsy was performed, and they discovered his heart was over 20 pounds! The typical thoroughbred’s heart is 7 to 9 pounds!Secretariat displayWagner’s Diner across the street from Churchill Downs. Trainers and owners frequently eat here, but not when we were here. Some of the Secretariat movie was filmed here.This waitress appeared in the Secretariat movie in 2009.
Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) Boyhood Home, Louisville KY
Boxer Muhammad Ali grew up in this house on Grand Avenue in Louisville. He was born Cassius Clay, and won an Olympic Gold medal, as well as the Heavyweight champion in boxing three times. One of the most famous athletes in the world in the 20th century.
Jim Beam Stillhouse & Distillery, Clermont KY
The Stillhouse was closed because of the Wuhan Flu, but we were able to look around the Distillery campus.Mr. Jim Beam Warehouse that stores the barrels full of bourbon
Bardstown KY
Within 16 miles of downtown Bardstown there are 11 distilleries!“My Old Kentucky Home” This early 19th century house was the home of the Rowan family. The tour of the house features singing tour guides, who sing the Kentucky State Song, “My Old Kentucky Home”. It was a pretty neat tour – they dressed up the house like they were in mourning for a death in the household, so black bunting draped over the doorways and picture frames, black fabric covered the doorknobs, and all the mirrors were covered in black to prevent the ghost from seeing himself as he left, and deciding to stay in the house! This demonstrated the Victorian traditions in the 19th century.Stephen Foster composed “My Old Kentucky Home”. He also wrote many other popular and well-known songs in the 1800s, including Beautiful Dreamer. Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair, Camptown Races, Gentle Annie, and Oh! Susanna.We stayed here at the Old Talbott Inn, which dates to 1779. It was actually pretty nice!Old Talbott Inn and TavernThe oldest bourbon bar in the world at the Old Talbott Tavern
