The Preakness - travel tips and info

[Rudeboyelvis]

Haven't been to the Preakness since '88 (geez I'm gettin' old!) but what I remember is that it is nowhere near anyplace you'd want to be either before or afterward. That said, I've spent some time in Baltimore and Mt. Washington is a nice section of town just north and there are some decent eats and pubs there. Not sure about lodging. Probably need to get outside the beltway in Hunt Valley, Timonium, Pikesville, etc.

If you're going the tourist route, as mentioned the Inner Harbor is nice, expensive, but nice. The Aqurimum, Pier 6, Federal Hill, Cross Street Market, and Camden Yards are all within walking distance and it's pretty safe.

To drive from the Inner Harbor to Pimlico will put you through the middle of the set from "The Wire". Scary place. Take the expressway north (I think it's called the JFK or something). DO NOT drive through the inner city.

If you head up towards Timonium, a GREAT rib place is called the Corner Stable. You'll have to google it - I think it is on Cockeysville Rd. Near the Fairgrounds (where they hold the Fasig-Tipton sale). Speaking of which, If you're into it - that sale is usually going on the week before the Preakness and if you've never been to a thoroughbred sale, you owe it to yourself to check it out.

[tanner12oz]

ive got some preakness's under my belt and heres my 2 cents......i have a relative in the area so lodging is never and issue. although if i were to suggest an area i would suggest one thats along the light rail or preakness shuttle line. those 2 methods of transportation are easily the best ways to travel to and from the preakness.....dirt cheap and parking isnt an issue. the only seats ive had are the apron box seats (95 bucks) and i wouldnt wanna be anywhere else. i am literally on the track. the only thing that seperates me from the horses is the rail. feel free is move around cuz security is pretty laid back. bring as much canned beer as you possibly can hold. everything must be brought inside in a clear container (garbage bag, tupperware). the facility itself sucks. last year there was an extreme leak in the bathroom ceiling.....im talking gallons and gallons of who knows what pouring through the ceiling. lines are bad but i imagine not as bad as derby. still you need to give yourself at least 15-20 mins for a bet. the area surrounding the track is questionable at best. wouldnt wanna be stumbling around there drunk by myself. traffic leaving the track is bad. took almost 1.5 hours to go around a mile or 2 to the lightrail last year. dont get me wrong though i have a blast and look forward to going every year.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by tanner12oz

ive got some preakness's under my belt and heres my 2 cents......i have a relative in the area so lodging is never and issue. although if i were to suggest an area i would suggest one thats along the light rail or preakness shuttle line. those 2 methods of transportation are easily the best ways to travel to and from the preakness.....dirt cheap and parking isnt an issue. the only seats ive had are the apron box seats (95 bucks) and i wouldnt wanna be anywhere else. i am literally on the track. the only thing that seperates me from the horses is the rail. feel free is move around cuz security is pretty laid back. bring as much canned beer as you possibly can hold. everything must be brought inside in a clear container (garbage bag, tupperware). the facility itself sucks. last year there was an extreme leak in the bathroom ceiling.....im talking gallons and gallons of who knows what pouring through the ceiling. lines are bad but i imagine not as bad as derby. still you need to give yourself at least 15-20 mins for a bet. the area surrounding the track is questionable at best. wouldnt wanna be stumbling around there drunk by myself. traffic leaving the track is bad. took almost 1.5 hours to go around a mile or 2 to the lightrail last year. dont get me wrong though i have a blast and look forward to going every year.

Charming....

[estreetposse]

Originally Posted by tanner12oz

last year there was an extreme leak in the bathroom ceiling.....im talking gallons and gallons of who knows what pouring through the ceiling. lines are bad but i imagine not as bad as derby. .

Don't worry Sightseek that leak was in the MEN's bathroom, not sure how often you'll be going in there. I remember that waterfall very well, everyone was thanking the Magna Entertainment Corporation for really "cleaning" up the joint, considering the fact that ticket prices go up every year but the quality of the track seems to go down... had people shouting how Frank Stronach was a genius

The Derby is bad for bathrooms in the grandstand, but if you sit in the infield.... no problem, especially around the 6-7th race where any open spot on the lawn or the bushes is designated as "the bathroom"


APRON BOX---- the way to go!

-bt-