Off to the Races

This year for Christmas we decided to give our parents a trip to Hot Springs and a day at the races. I grew up around Oaklawn and even worked there as a teenager selling popcorn and ice cream, but this was the first visit for Aaron and my in-laws. 

 Every time we travel to Hot Springs we always have to stop at Burl's Smokehouse.  It has been there as long as I can remember.  We always get some beef jerky and smoked beef sticks.  Disclaimer:  The beef jerky is not as good as Aaron's, but still pretty good.  What I really love about the place is the antiques and Native American artifacts.  The owner has everything from an old photo booth

to a stuffed deer in hunting gear

 

and even an old Arkansas outhouse (unused)!

 

After our quick pit stop we finally made it to Oaklawn in time for the 2nd race.  Most people know that I love to watch the horses run, study the stats, and pick a winner, but I am very cheap when it comes to the actual betting.  So I was more than happy to give everyone my tips and let them make the bets.  Apparently I should not quit my day job to start predicting horse race because I am the only person who did not pick a winner!

 

We watched the majority of the races from the inside seats where it was nice and warm, but I was able to talk them into going outside for the last race.  While everyone else was placing their bets we were able to grab a spot and take some pictures by the Finish Line

 

 

It was worth being out in the cold to get up and close to the race.  I love when they play the bugle for post time and to watch the horse load up into the starting gate.

 

 

The real exciting of the day is when the announcer yells "AND THEY ARE OFF!"  I learned from my mother that is when you are suppose to start jumping up and down and yelling.  According to her it helps make the horses run faster! 

 

 

We finished the night by hitting the casino.  I left with an additional $10 in my pocket and enjoyed all the free diet cokes I wanted while we were there.  I was in heaven!  Of course we could not leave Hot Springs without a stop at our favorite breakfast location on Sunday morning.

 

 

The funny thing is that I did not go to the Pancake Shop much when I lived in Hot Springs, but I always make sure to go when I visit.  Everyone had the blueberry pancakes and we all shared a ham steak.  You are missing out if you have not had one of their ham steaks.  Just remember they only take cash.  You don't want to have to do dishes to pay your bill!

 

 

We had a great time in Hot Springs hanging with family and making memories that will last a lifetime.