It’s Derby Day in the Blue Ridge. In Blue Grass Country, the horses gather in the paddock with aristocratic vanity as if they know they’re worth far more than your house.

You’re mingling on the spring-green lawn at The Lodge, for the second year in a row, THE place to be! The mint of a traditional julip…. One sip, and suddenly the dirt track in Louisville feels like your own backyard, the thunder of hooves, the hats… did we mention the hats?

On the 10ft×17ft LED screen the horses prance, on the lawn the hats seem to do the same as the ladies strive to out-do one another in their derby regalia.

The bugle sounds. A collective hush. For two minutes, we aren't in Georgia. We are simply suspended in the glorious, thundering velocity of hope. In a flash, its over at the track, but not here. Another Mint Julip anyone?

Souvinir Julip Cups available. Our 2nd annual Best Hat Contest. Special Derby Day Snacks and Meals. The party is here!