(image courtesy: Jeff Kubina)

Hunter Thompson once called the Kentucky Derby “Decadent and Depraved“. A Kentucky native himself, Thompson was all too familiar with The Derby when asked to cover it for Scanlan’s Monthly. We highly suggest reading Thompson’s coverage of the event, as it is a brilliant and accurate picture of just what the Kentucky Derby is really about. We also suggest taking one step further: get yourself a last-minute flight to Louisville, Kentucky and experience The Derby for yourself. This is one of those unique sporting events that every American should experience at least once before they die.

Thompson described two different sides of the Kentucky Derby, the classic rich/poor class perspectives from which this great race is viewed. In the upper Grandstand, the aristocracy sips fine, craft whiskey in comfortable air conditioning. In the infield, a “lewd, drunken mass” parties through the event with riotous celebration. If Thompson’s report holds true today, we suggest doing both. Spend half of the event with some fine, Kentucky Bourbon in the Grandstand before heading to the infield for the main event.

The Derby starts tomorrow, May 3rd.  You can learn more about the Kentucky Derby from their website, and can plan your trip with help from Kayak.com. Enjoy, GearCravers. If you’ve been to a Derby before or will make it this year, leave us a note in the comments and tell us about your trip!