Cal Bears guy looking for KU info

surfdog456

Redshirt
Jan 2, 2005
13
14
0
Every year my wife and I go to a storied University for a football game when Cal has a bye or an away game we're not going to. This year we're planning on coming to Kentucky for the KY v. Ga game. I have reservations, Thurs thru Sunday at the University Inn Hotel and I assume I can get game tix at StubHub or somewhere. Any advice on things to see, where to eat, gameday traditions, where to sit in the stadium (assuming I can get seats), etc., would be appreciated.
Really looking forward to our visit.
Thanks
Make that UK, not KU.
 
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Soupbean

All-American
Jan 19, 2007
5,945
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Well you picked a good game but one week late for Keeneland which combined with a football Saturday may be the one of the best football trip combos anywhere in the country. Football, Races at Keeneland in full fall display is hard to beat.

But I'd still plan a trip out to Keeneland even if their not racing just to tour. Tour a bourbon distillery too if you have time, Woodford Reserve is close by. I'll let the others chime in on places to eat etc. as big night out for me is Parkette Drive In.

As far as game day traditions, that late in the year it's pretty much walking back the car disgusted and mumbling to ourselves, "not again".

And good catch on the end!
 
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trueblujr

Heisman
Dec 14, 2005
30,374
96,168
113
First things first. Don't ever refer to us as KU again. We'll let it slide this time because you're not from around here, but from now on we are UK. . KU is Kansas and we want no part of that.

Bourbon distillery tours are always a good option. Visit the Kentucky Horse Park. There are also a number of good craft brew establishments around town. You can venture up the road to Berea where there are a lot of nice little shops that feature local artists.
 

Grumpyolddawg

Heisman
Jun 11, 2001
28,416
37,195
113
Every year my wife and I go to a storied University for a football game when Cal has a bye or an away game we're not going to. This year we're planning on coming to Kentucky for the KY v. Ga game. I have reservations, Thurs thru Sunday at the University Inn Hotel and I assume I can get game tix at StubHub or somewhere. Any advice on things to see, where to eat, gameday traditions, where to sit in the stadium (assuming I can get seats), etc., would be appreciated.
Really looking forward to our visit.
Thanks
Make that UK, not KU.

I can't tell you were to go or what to do in Lexington, but I do want to congratulate you on about the coolest personal tradition for football season I think I have ever heard of. Have a safe trip.
 
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KentuckyDC

Heisman
Jan 26, 2016
6,412
11,769
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A couple options for things to do. The horse park, bourbon trail, horse farms like another posted had. If willing to drive a little Windy Corner Market is a cool little place to grab lunch. Outside of that there arent many restaurants unique to Lexington.
 

rudd1

Heisman
Oct 3, 2007
14,419
21,101
0
Dinner: Cole's on main or Jean Farris. Both are very good and use local ingredients.

Other places unique to Lex:
Le deauville
Table 310
National Provisions
Heirloom (midway)
Holly hill inn (midway)
Middle fork
Dudleys
Sabio
Village Idiot
Nick Ryans
Enoteca
County Club


...all off the top of my head, sure I missed a few. Lexington has a solid food scene for a college town.
 
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surfdog456

Redshirt
Jan 2, 2005
13
14
0
Thanks for recommendations. As to the KU screw up! I knew better and it was a typo that I couldn't figure out how to edit. My sincere apologies. It's as bad as calling Cal, Berkeley.
As to our tradition, we've darn near wrapped up the SEC. Havn't been to Vandy or LSU. We have gone to several other U's when Cal played them, Ohio State, Texas last year, Michigan ,Northwestern.
It's been a lot of fun.
 
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BigBlue8

All-Conference
Jan 5, 2003
1,687
1,298
113
Every year my wife and I go to a storied University for a football game when Cal has a bye or an away game we're not going to. This year we're planning on coming to Kentucky for the KY v. Ga game. I have reservations, Thurs thru Sunday at the University Inn Hotel and I assume I can get game tix at StubHub or somewhere. Any advice on things to see, where to eat, gameday traditions, where to sit in the stadium (assuming I can get seats), etc., would be appreciated.
Really looking forward to our visit.
Thanks
Make that UK, not KU.

This is an awesome tradition. I have thought about doing this. Unfortunately, money and time are not on my side. Hopefully, I will be able to do this in the near future.
 

BigBoyBlueMMA

Senior
Jul 14, 2013
849
479
63
Thanks for recommendations. As to the KU screw up! I knew better and it was a typo that I couldn't figure out how to edit. My sincere apologies. It's as bad as calling Cal, Berkeley.
As to our tradition, we've darn near wrapped up the SEC. Havn't been to Vandy or LSU. We have gone to several other U's when Cal played them, Ohio State, Texas last year, Michigan ,Northwestern.
It's been a lot of fun.
I can't even get my wife to sit through a full game let alone travel to one

YOU ARE DA MAN!
 

Brock28

All-Conference
Dec 14, 2004
3,701
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Tailgating is always fun at Commonwealth. I'm sure many on this board would welcome you to join their crew for the day. Love your tradition, and would love to be able to do it someday. Hope you enjoy the trip!
 

80 Proof

Heisman
Jan 3, 2003
64,647
51,404
113
A couple options for things to do. The horse park, bourbon trail, horse farms like another posted had. If willing to drive a little Windy Corner Market is a cool little place to grab lunch. Outside of that there arent many restaurants unique to Lexington.
You're fuggin crazy, there are tons of great, unique spots to eat in Lexington. Now 15 years ago we were chain restaurant heaven, but there has been a rennasaince of culinary delight happening over the last decade...

Tonys, Grey Goose, Blue Door, Willies, Sabio, Table 310, National, County Club, Smithtown Seafood, Local Taco, Village Idiot, Dudleys, Enoteca, Stellas, Sidebar, Limestone Blue, The Tulip, Wild Thyme, Coles, Azure, Brasabana, Uptown Crow, Pasta Garage, Portifino, La Deuville, Broomwagon, Nats, Lockbox...

And that's just stuff from the last few years off the top of my head (you also left out Ouita's other restaurants that might be better than Windy Corner). Then there are older establishments like Malones, Suggins, Guiseppes, and one of my favs... Indis :smiley:

And if what I heard is true about what's going in the old Atomic Cafe, then it will be a game changer of major proportions.
 

Grumpyolddawg

Heisman
Jun 11, 2001
28,416
37,195
113
This is an awesome tradition. I have thought about doing this. Unfortunately, money and time are not on my side. Hopefully, I will be able to do this in the near future.

Right there with you CMB, time has done taken its toll on me, and an old knee that had too many twist and turns back in the day keeps me from doing the walking and climbing needed to attend many if any games now. Plus my truck died a couple weeks ago and I had to get a new one, when I looked at the window sticker I thought my next ride was going to be horizonial, my old truck was 14 years old and hadn't looked since I got it. I couldn't believe how expensive a damn pickup truck is now. But I could tailgate at different places, but those cute young coeds in sun dresses make me feel like a creepy old man,
 

Soupbean

All-American
Jan 19, 2007
5,945
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You're fuggin crazy, there are tons of great, unique spots to eat in Lexington. Now 15 years ago we were chain restaurant heaven, but there has been a rennasaince of culinary delight happening over the last decade...

Tonys, Grey Goose, Blue Door, Willies, Sabio, Table 310, National, County Club, Smithtown Seafood, Local Taco, Village Idiot, Dudleys, Enoteca, Stellas, Sidebar, Limestone Blue, The Tulip, Wild Thyme, Coles, Azure, Brasabana, Uptown Crow, Pasta Garage, Portifino, La Deuville, Broomwagon, Nats, Lockbox...

And that's just stuff from the last few years off the top of my head (you also left out Ouita's other restaurants that might be better than Windy Corner). Then there are older establishments like Malones, Suggins, Guiseppes, and one of my favs... Indis :smiley:

And if what I heard is true about what's going in the old Atomic Cafe, then it will be a game changer of major proportions.
Good call on Indi's! Can't sit down there unless you do it on the curb but worth it
 

Beatle Bum

Heisman
Sep 1, 2002
39,889
60,242
113
Dinner: Cole's on main or Jean Farris. Both are very good and use local ingredients.

Other places unique to Lex:
Le deauville
Table 310
National Provisions
Heirloom (midway)
Holly hill inn (midway)
Middle fork
Dudleys
Sabio
Village Idiot
Nick Ryans
Enoteca
County Club


...all off the top of my head, sure I missed a few. Lexington has a solid food scene for a college town.

Because Keeneland will not be running, I would recommend your horse farm tour guide you to Midway for a meal. See post above.
 

CB3UK

Hall of Famer
Apr 15, 2012
62,958
103,632
78
Posting on the wrong board if you want Kansas advice.


Here at UK however, we hope you enjoy your trip to Lexington.
 

surfdog456

Redshirt
Jan 2, 2005
13
14
0
I've copied down the restaurants and definitely going to look at going to Midway.
I will never live down, on this board, my KU. UK screw up.
While my wife loves football, this trip will cost time at a couple of B and Bs. I'm more of a Hilton Inn, or even better, a motel 6 kind of guy.
One thing that keeps the cost of these trips down is that I still have a bucket of airlines mile. I traveled from L.A. TO DC, Damn near weekly before I retired.
Thanks to all.
 
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sluggercatfan

Heisman
Aug 17, 2004
35,953
29,631
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I've copied down the restaurants and definitely going to look at going to Midway.
I will never live down, on this board, my KU. UK screw up.
While my wife loves football, this trip will cost time at a couple of B and Bs. I'm more of a Hilton Inn, or even better, a motel 6 kind of guy.
One thing that keeps the cost of these trips down is that I still have a bucket of airlines mile. I traveled from L.A. TO DC, Damn near weekly before I retired.
Thanks to all.
I know it's a little but of a drive, but if you're a baseball guy I'd recommend a drive to Lou to tour the Lou slugger bat museum and go eat at one of the restaurants across 2nd Street bridge on the river
 

sluggercatfan

Heisman
Aug 17, 2004
35,953
29,631
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I've copied down the restaurants and definitely going to look at going to Midway.
I will never live down, on this board, my KU. UK screw up.
While my wife loves football, this trip will cost time at a couple of B and Bs. I'm more of a Hilton Inn, or even better, a motel 6 kind of guy.
One thing that keeps the cost of these trips down is that I still have a bucket of airlines mile. I traveled from L.A. TO DC, Damn near weekly before I retired.
Thanks to all.
Also don't miss visiting the castle on Versailles Rd as I think it is now a B&B although I don't think it's cheap.
 

80 Proof

Heisman
Jan 3, 2003
64,647
51,404
113
I've copied down the restaurants and definitely going to look at going to Midway.
I will never live down, on this board, my KU. UK screw up.
While my wife loves football, this trip will cost time at a couple of B and Bs. I'm more of a Hilton Inn, or even better, a motel 6 kind of guy.
One thing that keeps the cost of these trips down is that I still have a bucket of airlines mile. I traveled from L.A. TO DC, Damn near weekly before I retired.
Thanks to all.
Be sure to check back in as the season gets closer and we'll update you on the latest goings on around town. Be safe and have a good summer.
 

PaulRCollins

Redshirt
Mar 7, 2003
15
10
0
Thanks for recommendations. As to the KU screw up! I knew better and it was a typo that I couldn't figure out how to edit. My sincere apologies. It's as bad as calling Cal, Berkeley.
As to our tradition, we've darn near wrapped up the SEC. Havn't been to Vandy or LSU. We have gone to several other U's when Cal played them, Ohio State, Texas last year, Michigan ,Northwestern.
It's been a lot of fun.
Echo all of the earlier comments but will add that you may be planning to fly (particularly Southwest Airlines) in to a city to the west of Lexington (which shall not be named) but where Churchill Downs can be located. If you're coming to Kentucky, and returning to that city, you might check out the Kentucky Derby Museum and the track there.
 

Glenn's Take

Heisman
May 20, 2012
12,532
14,704
113
Besides you and her parents I love your wife more than anybody. Treat that woman well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW, Churchill is open that weekend so you can go Friday or Sunday. Friday is the first day of Breeders Cup races (only on video, the races are at Santa Anita) so that would be the better day to go. Keeneland is more fun that Churchill but it's the only one running.
 
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BIGBLUEQ

Senior
Jun 22, 2003
1,321
549
0
Dinner: Cole's on main or Jean Farris. Both are very good and use local ingredients.

Other places unique to Lex:
Le deauville
Table 310
National Provisions
Heirloom (midway)
Holly hill inn (midway)
Middle fork
Dudleys
Sabio
Village Idiot
Nick Ryans
Enoteca
County Club


...all off the top of my head, sure I missed a few. Lexington has a solid food scene for a college town.

You beat me to it. Also if you are in the mood for BBQ, I would suggest Willie's locally known on Southland drive, and they have live music almost every night, but always on the weekend, be a good place to hit on Friday night.
 

80 Proof

Heisman
Jan 3, 2003
64,647
51,404
113
Got tix today with the single game tickets going on sale. At $60, the price was sure right. They are in section 31, row 34.
Not bad seats, you're down near the students across the endzone from the band so it should be a good atmosphere. If the game is during the day, you'll get shade pretty quickly too.

Pro tip, sneak in some bourbon (airline bottles are easiest to conceal) but don't go through the gates the students use. They pat you down.
 

redbudman

Sophomore
Apr 10, 2007
7,027
184
0
Even though Keeneland is not running it still is a must see! Across from Airport! No place in the world like it!
 

Greasy Creak Mafia

All-Conference
Sep 9, 2015
809
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Keenland and a bourbon tour..........fu€£< that. Go see my man the breeder , he will let you tour a bourbon free for all at his pad , then take you and your wife out for a night on the town.
 

TBCat

Heisman
Mar 30, 2007
14,317
10,331
0
Well you picked a good game but one week late for Keeneland which combined with a football Saturday may be the one of the best football trip combos anywhere in the country. Football, Races at Keeneland in full fall display is hard to beat.

But I'd still plan a trip out to Keeneland even if their not racing just to tour. Tour a bourbon distillery too if you have time, Woodford Reserve is close by. I'll let the others chime in on places to eat etc. as big night out for me is Parkette Drive In.

As far as game day traditions, that late in the year it's pretty much walking back the car disgusted and mumbling to ourselves, "not again".

And good catch on the end!
I second the bourbon tours. I've gone to several of them and they've all been pretty cool. Woodford and Wild Turkey have been the best so far and both are less than an hour drive.
 

gene0001

Redshirt
Feb 5, 2012
7
0
0
Every year my wife and I go to a storied University for a football game when Cal has a bye or an away game we're not going to. This year we're planning on coming to Kentucky for the KY v. Ga game. I have reservations, Thurs thru Sunday at the University Inn Hotel and I assume I can get game tix at StubHub or somewhere. Any advice on things to see, where to eat, gameday traditions, where to sit in the stadium (assuming I can get seats), etc., would be appreciated.
Really looking forward to our visit.
Thanks
Make that UK, not KU.
 

gene0001

Redshirt
Feb 5, 2012
7
0
0
Look up on Google "70 no cost ways to have fun in Lexington and the Bluegrass: Its a good read.
 

Claynole

Redshirt
Mar 29, 2002
22
40
0
In terms of Lexington restaurants, for dinner, I would suggest the Merrick Inn or Holly Hill Inn. For breakfast or lunch, I would suggest the Windy Corner Market. The Windy Corner Market is located near some really nice horse farms.
 

surfdog456

Redshirt
Jan 2, 2005
13
14
0
Thanks again for all the advice. Got a question. Does UK a have greeting/slogan like " Go Bears"for Cal, or Bamas "Roll Tide etc. going to Lids to pick up a couple UK hats. Need some wearing to break them in. I buy so many hats, bald headed sports nut that I am, at the local Lids store that they embroider the back for me at no cost.
I think I've heard "Go Big Blue" but not sure.
 

MrKentucky

Heisman
Mar 2, 2006
28,512
20,931
113
Thanks again for all the advice. Got a question. Does UK a have greeting/slogan like " Go Bears"for Cal, or Bamas "Roll Tide etc. going to Lids to pick up a couple UK hats. Need some wearing to break them in. I buy so many hats, bald headed sports nut that I am, at the local Lids store that they embroider the back for me at no cost.
I think I've heard "Go Big Blue" but not sure.

"Go Big Blue" and "Go Cats" are really the only ones, GBB being much more common in my experiences.