Day 1: Winston Salem to Louisville, KY

AND WE'RE OFF! The commencement of the 2016 Grand Western Tour went without a hitch! As families shared one last hug, an aura of adventure filled the Brookstown Inn parking lot. I'm not sure who was more excited, the travelers or the parents with envy! A big thanks to everyone that has made this trip of a lifetime possible. We can't wait to experience all that this amazing country has to offer!

After a smooth a steady drive through parts of North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, we finally made it to Kentucky. The group stopped for a picnic lunch and arrived at Churchill Downs in the early afternoon. 

Everyone enjoyed a tour of the Churchill Downs Racetrack and a visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum. The museum had a special exhibit for the most recent Triple Crown winner, American Pharaoh, and showcased the 2016 champ, Nyquist. 

Testing out their jockey skills!

Waiting for the Kentucky Derby's 360 degree media experience, The Greatest Race.  

Churchill Downs has a capacity of 120,000 spectators! 

Looking fancy in those hats!

After settling into the hotel in Indiana, the group had a tasty meal at Joe Huber's Family Farm Restaurant of chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes and soft rolls. Yum!

All in all, the Grand Western Tour had a exceptional first day and are looking forward to all of the exciting things to come!