Preakness Plans?

Are you ready for the weekend?!? Who isn’t these days!

This weekend is especially exciting because Baltimore is hosting the second leg of the Triple Crown… The Preakness Stakes. Maryland has a long history of horse racing and hosting the Preakness is one of Baltimore’s longest running traditions! There are so many ways to join in the fun whether you’re a Baltimore local, traveling in for the event, or watching from afar.

Here are some quick ideas for your weekend prep plans!

FRIDAY

Black Eyed Susan Day is the Friday before the Preakness Stakes and also known as Ladies Day out because this is the day when the fillies race. I’ve been going for the past few years and we usually get a group of friends together to enjoy the day sipping on some Black Eyed Susans and betting on our favorite horses. Friday is always a lot of fun at the track. It’s significantly more affordable for grand stand tickets. {$40 tickets and parking is $15} That’s a pretty good deal for a day at the track, but of course that doesn’t include your drinks, snacks and betting. The mood of the day is also a bit more relaxed over all…don’t get me wrong, people still come out strutting some phenomenal fashion. You never know what your going to see at the track… this is definitely the day to experiment and take a few fashion risks.

SATURDAY

This is the big day! The winner takes all so the pressure is on for sure! Especially for the winner of the Kentucky Derby that has his sights set on the highly coveted Triple Crown title. There are tons of options for your viewing pleasure.

INFIELD FEST

Wild Times to be had here, and if I were to put I wager out there, I might even bet you don’t see a horse because you’re having too much fun listening to the bands, filling up your bottomless beer mug, or taking a little nap from all of the early morning partying! {I highly recommend attending the infield festivities at least once… it’s complete craziness but so much fun!}

GRAND STANDS

A little more refined than the infield, this is where you definitely want to make sure you bring your fashion A-Game! Its all about your head wear here! The bigger, the bolder, the better! Indoor and outdoor seating is available, club level boxes and private viewing rooms too. It just depends on your budget! A lot of local companies rent the private viewing areas or tents to host parties to entertain their clients. And then there is the Preakness Village. Known as the home to the corporate chalets, it is the most desired area to be, but it certainly comes at a steep price. If you are lucky enough to receive an invitation to this area, don’t hesitate, just say YES and figure the rest out later!

VIEWING PARTIES

Viewing Parties can be so much fun! Enjoy the race in the comfort of your, or a friend’s, home. If you’re hosting your own party, you can surely make it just as festive by serving the race day signature cocktail, the Black-Eyed Susan, as well as Maryland inspired food like crab cakes, oysters and burger cookies.

If hosting is not your thing, you could get a group together and participate in a local restaurant’s viewing party to watch the races. My local favorite spot is Mt. Washington Tavern where horse racing is just a way of life. You can tell from their decor that they celebrate Maryland’s horse heritage all year long. During the Triple Crown month, May 5th t0 Jun 9th, they offer a custom Triple Crown menu including each race’s signature cocktails, all with their own special twist using Baltimore’s own Sagamore Rye.