Horsin' Around
If you’re anything like us here at the Kernel, we’re counting down the days until Keeneland officially opens for the spring season (T-minus 48 hours, in case you were curious). Think about it: no Friday classes, plus a cute dress and all of your closest friends enjoying a beautiful Kentucky afternoon at the races. What could be better?!
To reduce the risk of FOMO or a Keeneland faux pas, read below for our insider tips to get the most out of this year’s outings. College Scholarship Day, here we come!
Do NOT wear heels. Ladies, take my word for it. Chances are, you might be parking out by the grassy, tailgating areas, which can be a good 10 to 15 minute walk from the racetrack. Opt instead to wear wedges; you get all of the height, but none of the embarrassment of stuck or sinking heels.
Always remember to grab sunglasses. These will be your best friend on those bright, sunny days at the track. They’ll keep you from squinting, but they’ll also shield your eyes as you watch your pick of the race toward the finish line. For bonus points, strap on a pair of croakies for a cute and convenient outfit addition.
Crossbody purses are the only way to go. These bags are the perfect accessory for a day at Keeneland. You won’t need to carry much anyway (cash/card, student ID, cell phone and lipstick), and you’ll want to stay hands-free to take that Insta-worthy pic and carry all of the free stuff vendors will be handing out on College Scholarship Day.
Eat lunch at home. Keeneland does sell food, but just like the soft serve ice cream cones at Rupp, it can be a little expensive. Grab a bagel on your way out the door, munch on a peanut butter sandwich on the drive over or pack a bag of Goldfish in your purse for later. It’ll save you some money and besides, you’ll be too busy watching the races and spending time with friends to eat a full-blown meal anyway. You can always head over to Cane’s afterward.
Bring a selfie stick. Though they first began as a joke of sorts, selfie sticks have become pretty popular. After all, they can be extremely useful. At Keeneland, you’ll see lots of students from campus, especially on College Scholarship Day. Capture the moment with everyone in your squad with your selfie stick. To be even cooler: apply a geofilter on Snapchat and submit to UK’s campus story. #SquadGoals2016
