Old Friends isn’t part of the KHP, it’s closer to Georgetown, I believe. There is a Hall of Champions at the KHP that include Funny Cide.
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If you’ve got an extra day I feel like maybe Louisville has more of the non-horsey attractions? It’s an hour’s drive from Lexington though.
I always forgot about Hall of Champions. All the times since 1978… Importantly finally remembered in time to see Cigar. And that is a firm memory!
I go to Hall of Champions every time, I love that little barn and the relaxing vibe it has. It’s so peaceful and quiet, a nice break from the crowds. I want to have that barn and paddocks for myself and our horses 
What part of TN? I’m in eastern middle TN and only about a 3.5 hour drive from the KHP, if you need a semi-local hostess/tour guide!
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She’s in a suburb of Nashville I believe, hang on lemme drag up our first contract… Old Hickory?
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That’s about 85 miles west of me, so maybe not super convenient for your purposes, but the offer stands.
Everyone talking about how driving an hour from Lexington to Louisville is daunting - I drive an hour to go to the movies regularly 
I will message you and we can do a mini COTH meet up, assuming maresey gets pregnant I do want to come down and visit the maybe-baby before bringing him/her home!
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Haha. I commute 90 minutes each way to and from work daily, so I feel you there. I’m looking forward to a COTH meet-up!
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I’ve done is solo a few times. I had a blast. It’s a twelve hour drive for me. I’ve done it driving and by plane. It’s kind of a wash between the two for me. Both take an entire day for travel. Car gives me the space for bringing every type of clothing necessary for a trip to KY in spring and space for all the crap I’m going to buy at the trade show. All flying does is same me the 12 hour drive. Any way you slice it, I’m thinking having your own car (rental or otherwise) sitting out there in the parking lot, is a good idea simply because you’re going to want changes of clothes and a place to put everything you buy without having to carry it around all day. Unless things have changed, parking is free so just save the $$ there.
As a fellow Puget Sounder I am LOL at this, too. I live 10 miles from my old work place. I had 45 minute drives on the regular.
Right? Here it’s just that far to anything better than what the Island can offer, I mean the closest theater with stadium seating (not just 17 rows of seats going back) is Burlington at the soon-to-be-closed AMC theater still inside the soon-to-be-closed Cascade Mall. We generally make the jaunt to Bellingham and I’ve even done Lynnwood 
But when I lived in Alabama, it was the same way for whatever reason, 45 minutes to a good theater, an hour for a fancy dinner. Maybe I just like living rural
I went 4 or 5 years ago, I think? We camped in our LQ and had a blast.
Things I would do differently:
Watch more dressage warm up and less tests. I can always watch the tests back on the replay. Seeing riders just ride and school and warm up and such was really more interesting in the long run because you are so much closer to the ring.
Don’t even try to see head of the lake. It’s insanely crowded and I’m short.
Don’t bother trying to see the start/finish OR make it a plan to start at the furthest interesting jump and wander my way there, taking my time.
Maybe plan a half day of dressage then hit the trade fair that afternoon.
Packing your own food is important I think. Lines were long!
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This is a past years repeat. I discovered the easiest carry in food items. I make salami and cheese in pita pocket sandwiches. Can stand a few hrs unrefrigerated. I cut up red pepper slices and carry in a plastic container of hummus. Goes best with a small swig of red wine!
I’ve met people who stop and ask where did you get that!
I agree LONG food lines and takes away from shopping time on breaks! Save your money for a good dinner with friends.
That is a good tip. We have tickets for dressage but I think we’ll wander out to watch some warm up too.
Actually last year was the first time we attempted to see it and went as the very last riders were going, so we were able to wiggle our way in to sit in the front without annoying anyone.
OMG they are! I hope this year will be different but we will see.
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I’m curious, do people choose a fence at Kentucky and then sit and watch all day, such as by the big water or fences in the arena? The hardcore pattern in the UK is to walk to a fence, watch one or two combinations over it, move on to the next fence. That way, even the most challenging and/or photogenic fences are visible to everyone because the crowd is constantly changing. Even if three or four people deep it is possible to reach the string for the best view. Obviously the least interesting fences have fewer spectators and many courses these days have clumps of fences that are designed to make video coverage easier and therefore make spectator viewing easier too, but I walk an awfully lot of steps (measured on my phone) on xc day. At Badminton and Burghley there are bars and hospitality tents around the course where people can sit and watch on Big Screens but these viewers aren’t hardcore: they’re just having an excellent day out. The food courts and the shopping area have big screens too, so everyone can keep up as they spend their money.
Actually, as I write this I’m visualizing Badminton in particular since that is coming up in a couple of weeks but the pattern is similar at any major event.
We walk a ton on XC day from fence to fence. There are some people who stake out spots at the head of the lake very early and stay all or most of the day. Personally I think those folks are missing out on a lot. If you don’t want to battle the up-close crowds at the lake, you can usually find a decent viewing spot from a distance. Just look for some higher ground where you can peek over the crowd. The vet box is a fun spot to watch, too! It’s amazing to watch the action there and the reaction of the riders, grooms, etc.
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We walk around all day. We pick a fence, watch a few rides, move to the next fence, watch a few rides. I’ve never had a problem getting to the Head of the Lake before, yeah it’s a ton of people but everyone takes turns and gaps along the ropes open up regularly, someone leaves and someone else moves up to watch. I was right on the ropes for Boyd and MJ last year.
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Same here. We clocked close to 5 miles walking last year. I usually try to catch the last few riders at the Head of the Lake - it’s a nice spot to end the day. And @skipollo is right - people move in and out and if you’re patient and canny you can usually find a good spot to watch from.
Last year, the stadium did not have operable water fountains due to covid restrictions. I’m not sure if they will be operational this year. Last year XC was warm and sunny, and the grand prix jumping was after XC. All the vendors ran out of water, and we had a wait at least an hour before more water was delivered.
I’ve been multiple times, and my mom and I make it an every-other-year event. It’s definitely worth a visit at least once! We both usually drive (12 hours for me, 4 for her). We usually get a hotel in Georgetown. I don’t purchase parking (even when pregnant with twins, lol!), but mom did spring for preferred parking last year since my aunt came with us (recent foot surgery). TBH though, the trek is only about a 10 min walk from the back parking field to the stadium. Just make sure you have good walking shoes. The food vendors are usually pretty good. I feel like last year had more food options than previous years. We usually bring snacks but will get meals at the park.
Definity watch the dressage warm-up! We do plan out XC day to pick our favorite spots & to see who we want to see where. Seeing the grand prix jumping is also super fun but makes a long day with XC!
I do like to try to make time to visit Old Friends! A farm visit or two, if you have the time, is nice as well! One year, we made it out to Keeneland to watch early morning workouts!
