I have always seen pictures of Lexington KY, the horse capital of the world, and thought it couldn't look that good everywhere.  I was wrong.  The farms and homes are pristine.  There are no pictures I could take that would do it justice.  We drove out to Calumet Farms and around the country side.  Lovely.

We stayed at the Kentucky Horse Farm.  The park is dedicated to the region's history.  Man O' War burial site is at the gate.  There is a Hall of Champions where Cigar and Funny Cide live. Went to the Breeds Barn and saw a show different breeds.

We also did a couple of distillery tours n the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  First one was Town Branch.  They had the best craft beer ever.  They age their beer in old whisky barrels.  Its suppose to be available in Port A.  Hope so.  Tried Pearse Lyons Reserve malt whiskey and liked it!   They also have Bluegrass Sundown which is an infused Kentucky Bourbon and sugar with Haitian coffee.  Great stuff, bought some of it.

Town Branch new brewery old updated building.

Next was Buffalo Trace Brewery.  The oldest continuous brewery even during prohibition they were allowed to do medicinal! whiskey.  They have quite a history.  Did not care for their bourbon even though it is highly decorated.  Just hard core to me, but impressed with the facility.

Really aged.

They still hand package and you can walk around them.

We also hit our first Diners Drive In and Dive restaurant in Lexington.

Had the chicken and malt.  Pretty good.

Our first visit back on the road was Hannibal MO.  Home of Mark Twain one of my favorite writers and the Unsinkable Molly Brown.  I have always wanted to see the area that inspired Huck and Tom's adventures.  I enjoyed the visit.  Did a trolley tour, river boat ride and walked around town.

Mark Twain's view of the Mississippi.

On to Kentucky.  First stop Churchhill Downs.  It is as impressive as I thought it would be.  We did a tour called Behind the Scenes where we got to go to the barns and stables.  They had lots of horses even though there were no races.  I found it very interesting and the guide was very good at explaining what was going on. We then did the front tour had lots of history went in the grandstand area and saw lots of things you get to see on tv.

From the barn area.

 The Paddock

Millionaires Row upper level

Finish Line

Dennis in the Winners Circle

 

We also did the Museum which was very interesting.  Had a great display of the hats.

Back on the road

We had a slight delay in plans.  There were some family medical emergencies in Lincoln NE and we were there for about two months.  Everyone is on the mend so we are formulating a new plan.

But first while we were in Wisconsin we stayed in Racine camp ground recommend by our friends Grace and Tom.  They brought their 5th wheel out and stayed with us.  A very nice camp ground.  They were kind enough to take us into Milwaukee on a river cruise.  Never knew Milwaukee was such a beautiful  city.

Went to a great little bar called Barnacle Buds

 We went for a ride on their Pontoon boat on the river outside their condo.  Had a great time except the water was ice cold.  Thanks Grace and Tom for a great time.