Ok so who’s done this (from PA or elsewhere on East Coast)–and what was your favorite mode of transportation to get there? Just 2 humans–no horses 
Anyone who has good restaurant suggestions, hotel suggestions or any other gems of knowledge please let this rookie know via PM or post. Thanks!
Car- I’ve never done Rolex before but I am going for the first time this year. My daughter is attending College in Lexington though and I’ve driven every time from Upstate NY. I’ve investigated bus, train and plane, all are either slower than car, and take you out of the way first to other locations to get there or are very expensive. My sister is flying in to attend Rolex with us and flights are getting limited. Only Delta and USAir fly in to Lexington. Your other options would be to fly in or out of either Louisville or Cincinnati and it’s even more expensive and then you’ll need a rental car anyway.
If you’re gonna go, find a hotel asap. Most are booked already so be prepared to look approx 30 min from the park. Or you can look on Craigslist and see if anyone is offering a room in their home to rent. They are out there but you don’t know what your getting into unless recommended.
Hope that helps!
Car, as flights are never direct, meaning making connections which means missing connections.
Hotels are a scramble by now as many people book a year in advance.
I always fly. I’m not sure how it takes less time to drive. From where I live south of Philly, it is around a 9 hour drive. I take a connecting flight (usually through Chicago although there are other options) and get to LEX airport, which is about a 15 minute drive from the horsepark in 5 hours (this if from the minute I leave my house to when I exit the plane at the LEX airport). In my world those 4 hours count - 8 hours if both ways and I can work on the planes and in the airport which I can’t when I am driving. The gas alone for the nearly 1300 mile round trip probably comes in about $160 (and that is in my very mpg friendly small car). The plane plus rental car is right around $400. In my world $240 for 8 hours saved and not having to spent 18 hours in the car is a major win.
Hotels aren’t as tough as they used to be as many more have been built. I often like to stay in Georgetown as it is very close and there is less traffic. Right now on Kayak, there is reasonable availability, around $90 night for ** and $180 for *** hotels. Do try http://www.winnerscirclemotel.com/ if price is a primary consideration. It is bare bones, but clean and friendly and doesn’t show up in search engines (although Rolex regulars know about it). Cookiepony and I stayed here a few years ago http://www.pineappleinnbedandbreakfast.com/pineappleroom.html. It is a great deal, though on the main road through Georgetown.
I usually end up eating with a gang at the Griffin’s gate (it will be jammed, but many of the top riders are there is you want to mix and mingle). In Georgetown, I love Wilshire’s though it is not inexpensive. Otherwise, I usually just do one of the many chain places that are close to the hotels.
If you are a beer drinker, be sure to try the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, yummy
I drive I like the quiet time…have stayed Uptown Hotel and el cheapo…decided closer to uptown nicer than barebones …If you know anyone going who has a tailgate spot that’s a bonus…30 minutes out isn t really all that bad…and tons n tons of places to eat…You will have fun…
I’m not on the east coast, but I’m 11.5 hours away. I went last year and I drove. Enjoyed the entire trip 
I did break it up since I was alone and did a layover in Bowling Green, KY. I met my mom there and we stayed in Georgetown, which I recommend. We were 10 min. from the horse park and going into the park we really didn’t hit any traffic.
Please check the FAQs sticky at the top of the eventing forum. You’ll find all kinds of good advice there
There was a Smashing Tomato right across the street from where we always stay. It is sort of fancy fast food ala Chipolte where you order at the counter then sit down but is pizza and salads and such. Their artichoke dip is great.
I’ve gone twice with different sets of friends. Drove down overnight both times (no traffic!) and then went right to the park for the first day. But I suppose that depends on how well you can function without sleep for a while. The first time we stayed here in Lexington: http://www.innonbroadwaylex.com/ and it was reasonable for a group of 3 on a budget. Although the photos on the website… I sure don’t remember it looking that posh! The second time we stayed at the Motel 6 in Georgetown (newly renovated in 2012) which was a super bargain at like $40/night, even booking late, although I did have a corporate code. Looks like it’s running about $90/night now.
Sheryl from FITS here. We will be at Rolex with VTO Saddlery. And we will be having a number of special and free FITS sponsored activities like course walks with some Rolex Riders; autograph sessions… and all kinds of fun! Hope to see you there!Our favorite restaurant is
a la Lucie
159 North Limestone St.
Lexington, KY
859-252-5277
www.alalucie.com
Drove from Ann Arbor MI (5 hrs) to the event a few years back and then to Annapolis, MD (8-10, depending on route) thereafter. Stayed at a recently renovated Red Roof Inn about 15 minutes away from the Park because they are dog-friendly and I was on a student budget at the time. Loved it! Because I had my own ride it was an easy drive each day. Enjoyed the junk food indulgences of Waffle House and Buffalo Wild Wings as opposed to my more expensive foodie tastes. One of the best weekends I’ve had.
