The First Saturday in May - It’s the day when you roll out of bed and hit the great outdoors; something just feels so different on this historic day. Everything feels so special. You feel like the grass has never been greener, the flowers have never been prettier and you take a deep breath and reflect on how great it is to be a Kentuckian. It’s an overwhelming sense of pride. I love sharing this time of the year with my friends, family and clients. Many of my clients are moving in from other states and always want to know “how to throw a great Derby party.” The truth of the matter is, it’s pretty simple – eat, drink and play like a true Kentuckian and you will look like Kentucky bred royalty. Even if you were not born here, you can simply play it off with the right tools and must haves for your Kentucky Derby Party.

We are just days away from the Big Day, so let’s get this on track!

Step 1: Decide what kind of Derby party you want to have:

1. Do you want to throw an elegant high society bash where you want to capture the feel of millionaires’ row? Then send out fancy invitations and tell your guests to dress to kill! Serve seafood and other Southern Specialty in your finest china and linens.

2. Or do you want to capture the sprint of the rowdy Derby infield, where the regular folks eat, play and watch the race? If this makes your day rosy, throw a TV onto the deck, BBQ everything southern – ribs, corn, etc.

Step 2: Regardless of your party style, below are MUST HAVES:

1. Stock up on 3 common “must haves”:
• Food
• Liquor
• Gambling

Food Should Include:
Bourbon Balls
Derby Pie
Cheese Grits
Beaten Biscuits and Country Ham
BBQ Pork
Benedictine
Kentucky Beer Cheese
Pecan Pie
Hot Brown
Kentucky Burgoo
Henry Bain Sauce

Drinks Must Haves:
Mint Juleps (the official drink of the Derby)
Kentucky Bourbon (Makers Mark, Woodford Reserve, Blanton’s, etc)
Whiskey
Sweet Tea
Lemonade

Gambling:
Derby Pot or choose to auction off each horse to the highest bidder
Jackpots (place all the Derby horses in an envelope, have a set “buy-in” amount and everyone draws a name out of the pot)
-if you are able, hire a bookie to place bets from party

Other must have items include: Derby hats, anything with Roses such as table centerpieces, Mint Julep cups, betting forms, dry erase board where you can write the names of the Derby horses, anything you can find horse themed. Bottom line: just have fun and make your Twenty 10 Run for the Roses, the most exciting Derby party on the block!

The First Saturday in May is very special, so get ready to party and enjoy this special day!

**Your life is too busy without having to worry about the hassles of a real estate transaction. Focus on your job, family & life while I do my job as your Realtor. From
Horse Farms to Homes, work w/ Lexington's Hometown Agent!**

Wishing you all my best! Reporting live here in Lexington, Kentucky! www.KimSoper.com!

When you think of Lexington KY real estate, think www.KimSoper.com and let's get started today!

It’s the day when you roll out of bed and hit the great outdoors; something just feels so different on the first Saturday in May. Everything feels so special. You feel like the grass has never been greener, the flowers have never been prettier and you take a deep breath and reflect on how great it is to be a Kentuckian. It’s an overwhelming sense of pride. I love sharing this time of the year with my friends, family and clients. Many of my clients are moving in from other states and always want to know “how to throw a great Derby party.” The truth of the matter is, it’s pretty simple – eat, drink and play like a true Kentuckian and you will look like Kentucky bred royalty. Even if you were not born here, you can simply play it off with the right tools and must haves for your Kentucky Derby Party.

We are just days away from the Big Day, so let’s get this on track!

1. Decide what kind of Derby party you want to have:
Do you want to throw an elegant high society bash where you want to capture the feel of millionaires’ row? Then send out fancy invitations and tell your guests to dress to kill! Serve seafood and other Southern Specialty in your finest china and lines.

2. Or do you want to capture the sprint of the rowdy Derby infield, where the regular folks eat, play and watch the race? If this makes your day rosy, throw a TV onto the deck, BBQ everything southern – ribs, corn, etc.

Regardless of your party style, below are MUST HAVES:

1. Stock up on 3 common “must haves”:
• Food
• Liquor
• Gambling

Food Should Include:
Bourbon Balls
Derby Pie
Cheese Grits
Beaten Biscuits and Country Ham
BBQ Pork
Benedictine
Kentucky Beer Cheese
Pecan Pie
Hot Brown
Kentucky Burgoo
Henry Bain Sauce

Drinks
Mint Juleps (the official drink of the Derby)
Kentucky Bourbon (Makers Mark, Woodford Reserve, Blanton’s, etc)
Whiskey
Sweet Tea
Lemonade

Gambling:
Derby Pot or choose to auction off each horse to the highest bidder
Jackpots (place all the Derby horses in an envelope, have a set “buy-in” amount and everyone draws a name out of the pot)
-if you are able, hire a bookie to place bets from party

Other must have items include: Derby hats, anything with Roses such as table centerpieces, Mint Julep cups, betting forms, dry erase board where you can write the names of the Derby horses, anything you can find horse themed. Bottom line: just have fun and make your 2009 Run for the Roses, the most Derby party on the block!

The First Saturday in May is very special, so get ready to party and enjoy this special day!

**Your life is too busy without having to worry about the hassles of a real estate transaction. Focus on your job, family & life while I do my job as your Realtor. From
Horse Farms to Homes, work w/ Lexington's Hometown Agent!**

Autumn is a wonderful time of the year and one that many Lexingtonians agree is the most beautiful season in the Bluegrass state. Lush fall foliage dazzles us with its splendid hues - everything from golden yellows, sage greens, and brilliant reds. With the "Dog Days" of summer now far behind us, Lexingtonians are eager to get out and enjoy the cool, crisp weather and take part in many of the exciting events happening in and around Lexington. I welcome you to explore these top 5 recommendations for this exciting season:

1.) Keeneland Race Track
Lexington’s thoroughbred race track has two meets per year - the Spring and Fall - in addition to several horse sales, attracting high profile celebrities and international royalty seeking to invest in Kentucky’s famed horse racing tradition. During the Spring and Fall Meets, spectators enjoy festive "Sunday Best" attire, gathering to socialize and enjoy the spirit of the races. Don’t forget to arrive early to witness the horses´ morning workouts, enjoy a Keeneland breakfast worthy of a champion, or to tailgate with family and friends under a canopy of lush maple and oak trees. Keeneland is not just locally famous - Hollywood has recently featured the historically-rich race track! Almost all of the scenes in the movie Seabiscuit were shot on location, with many Lexingtonians serving as extras in the film!

2.) Tradition of Kentucky Sporting Events
Kentucky is a HUGE sports-minded state - so much so that it truly is a way of life! The onset of fall brings excitement and energy throughout the Bluegrass state, as die-hard Kentucky fans gear up for another intense season of UK Athletics. The Kentucky football and basketball programs enjoy hundreds of thousands of true-blue fans. Kentucky is a member of the Southeastern Conference, considered to be the most intensive football conference in collegiate athletics. Students, alumni, families, and friends have tailgating down to a science! Beer cheese, fried chicken, barbeque, and an array of Southern-style favorites are found at nearly every tailgating stop outside the stadium. The Kentucky basketball season is marked by the opening of Midnight Madness in mid-October. Kentuckians literally camp out weeks before the event in order to increase their odds at snagging prized tickets to the very first basketball practice of the season. This special event draws over 24,000 screaming fans packed into historic Rupp Arena to root the Wildcats into the start of another highly anticipated National Championship run.

3.) Autumn Festivals around the Bluegrass Region
If you love road trips - and who wouldn’t with Kentucky’s beautiful fall foliage! - and enjoy a true festival experience, Kentucky has everything you could hope for in and around Lexington! From arts and crafts to music, history, and cars you will surely find something to peak your interest! Enjoy the Master Musicians festival or Somernites Cruise in Somerset, Harvest and Wine Festival in Nicholasville, Berea Craft Festival in Berea, Festival of the Bluegrass in Lexington, or even the Woolly Worm Festival in Beattyville - an event where you actually race woolly worms as a highlight of the fall season! Wherever your interests may lie, you’re sure to be pleased with fall in the Bluegrass state!

4.) Lexington Gallery Hops
Lexington takes pride in its rich arts and cultural scene and encourages its patrons and visitors to experience genuine, original works of art by hosting the famed Gallery Hops on five select Friday nights throughout the year. Now in its second decade, the Lexington Gallery Hop is a fun-filled evening of art exploration - touring museums, artist’s studios, and galleries in downtown Lexington - and is perfect for art collectors, connoisseurs, or simply the curious to experience this exquisite and sociable event in Lexington.

5.) Boyd’s Orchards and Kelley’s Corn Maze
A true tie if ever there was one, Boyd´s Orchards and Kelley´s Corn Maze are two Kentucky fall traditions definitely worth experiencing! At Boyd’s pick your own fruits and vegetables while the children are entertained on the large playground. Stop in for a quick snack or delicious dessert at the Apple Blossom cafe or enjoy shopping in the unique gift shop. The children are sure to enjoy the hayrides, animal center, corn maze, and "pick your own" pumpkin patch! Boyd’s is also home of the "Seven Festivals of Fall." At Kelley’s Family Farm, you’re sure to be entertained! From the moment you enter the 8-acre corn maze, you’ll be immersed in history! Each year, the Kelley family selects an important figure in Kentucky’s history to mold the maze after. For the Fall of 2008, former U.S. President and Kentucky-born Abe Lincoln was the feature design of the maze. Kelley’s Farm offers both day and nighttime maze excursions! In addition, you will find pumpkin patches, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lots of other fall favorites and treats! Hayrides, corn hole games, and the new hay pyramids are just several more fun fall adventures waiting for you and your family to explore!

If you would like more details on exciting events and happenings in the Lexington area, I am just a click of the mouse away. Shoot me an email or call me. I will fill you in on my wonderful city! Get out there and enjoy our beautiful state! And as always, I am always here to assist you, a friend or a family member with their Lexington Kentucky real estate needs!

**Your life is too busy without having to worry about the hassles of a real estate transaction. Focus on your job, family & life while I do my job as your Realtor. From Horse Farms to Homes, work w/ Lexington's Hometown Agent!**