10 Places In Kentucky Where You're Most Likely To Spot A Celebrity
By Jenn Shockley|Published August 19, 2015
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Kentucky has been the birthplace of many celebrities, like Johnny Depp, Muhammad Ali, George Clooney, and Jennifer Lawrence. They tend to move away, but often times will return to visit family, attend events, or enjoy some of the Bluegrass amenities. There aren’t a lot of good places to spot them in the “wild” but here are some that offer a little better chance.
Here are 10 places in Kentucky you might see a celebrity:
Muhammad Ali was born in and still lives in Louisville with his family. He's occasionally seen dining at Captain’s Quarters, at 5700 Captains Quarters Road in Prospect during the summer months.
Spendthrift Farm is owned by billionaire Bradley Hughs, and has been home to a variety of Triple Crown winners over the years, including 9 Derby winners.
Winstar Farm is owned by one of the biggest billionaires in the horse racing industry, Kenny Troutt. He breeds and sells winners and is known throughout the racing circuit. Ashford Stud Farm is another stable that billionaires, like Bobby Flay of Iron Chef, tend to buy and visit their horses.
George Clooney was born in Lexington, but his family moved around a bit, settling in Augusta. You might find him and wife visiting family in Augusta, or the stables in Lexington. .
This Lexington track has been ranked #1 by the Horseplayer’s Association of North America. It's used for both racing and sales, and is renowned for both.
Johnny Depp, who was the best of friends with Hunter Thompson, has attended this festival in Louisville, which honors Thompson and his Gonzo journalism. Several other celebrity friends of Thompsons have been seen in attendance also. https://www.gonzofestlou.com/about-gonzofest/
This race is held at Churchill Downs the day before the actual Derby, and many celebrities come in town a day or two early. They tend to stay in places like Sealbach Inn, Galt House, and the Brown Hotel.
The first Saturday in May, Churchill Downs is packed full of celebrities gambling and having a great time. This is Kentucky’s version of the Oscars, as celebrities of all ages come out and watch this renowned event.
This is the most extravagant and incredible party in Louisville, held the night before the Kentucky Derby. It's hosted at the home of one of the original "DoubleMint Gum Twins" in the Highlands on Spring. The Barnstable Brown mansion is a welcome get away for celebrities of all types. Invitation only, celebs from around the globe come out to have drinks, dance, have fun, and discuss who they think will win the big race on Saturday. All proceeds benefits Diabetes research at University of Kentucky.
It has been said over the years that Kentucky has a vortex, sucking people back in when they move away. Not everyone returns, but most people, even celebrities, come back every now and then. Research shows the northern and north eastern parts of our beautiful state are the primary areas celebrities tend to visit. Realistically, the Kentucky Derby is the primary draw, other than pre-organized concerts and events. If you are familiar with other celebrity draws in our beautiful state, please share in the comments.
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