A decision to allow some fans, announced on August 13th, was reversed today in a statement from the track. 

“The Kentucky Derby is a time-honored American tradition which has always been about bringing people together. However, the health and safety of our team, fans and participants is our highest concern. Churchill Downs has worked diligently over the last several months to plan a safe Derby with a limited number of spectators in attendance. We were confident in that plan, but dedicated to remaining flexible using the best and most reliable information available. With the current significant increases in COVID-19 cases in Louisville as well as across the region, we needed to again revisit our planning. We have made the difficult decision to hold this year’s Kentucky Derby on September 5 without fans.” – Churchill Downs Inc.

“As we continue to navigate the balance of both economic and public health, we know the decision to run the 146 Kentucky Derby without spectators has been difficult and evolving. While we were hopeful for any amount of economic relief a reduced capacity Derby would have had for the hospitality industry and its 60,000 pre-pandemic jobs, it is something we have all been preparing for.”, said Karen Williams, President & CEO of Louisville Tourism. “Louisville is fortunate to have America’s longest continuously held sporting event and the brand awareness associated with this grand tradition. Thankfully through today’s technology, fans from around the world can take part in the pageantry of the Kentucky Derby from the safety of their home. We hope they do so with a Mint Julep in hand.  And it is our hope that the spotlight on Louisville converts some of those viewers into future visitors.“

The decision to run without fans includes Kentucky Oaks on Friday, September 4 and all live racing at Churchill Downs. Ticket holders for all Derby week race dates and related programming, including Dawn at the Downs, will be automatically issued a refund.

NBC will televise coverage of the Kentucky Derby and undercard racing on September 5 from 2:30-7:30 p.m. ET. The 146th running of the Kentucky Oaks will be televised Friday, September 4 on NBCSN from 3-6 p.m. ET.

The Kentucky Derby has never been canceled. This marks the second time in the Derby’s 145-year history that it has been delayed from the traditional first Saturday in May. The first time was during World War II, when the race took place in June following Germany’s surrender to the Allied Forces.

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1. E-MTB Safari in Namibia: Pedal across vast plains and seas of sand dunes, along dry streambeds and rocky jeep tracks, and past shipwrecks and surf on the Skeleton Coast on H+I Adventures’ new E-MTB Safari in Namibia. From the saddle of an e-mountain bike, watch for elephants, giraffes, zebras and oryx, and connecting with local communities along the way.

2. Natchez Trace Path: Biking the Natchez Trace is a cyclist’s dream come true, and why Cycle of Life Adventures offers it four times a year. The ancient path through Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi began as a wildlife and Native American trail, and has a rich history of use by explorers, trappers and traders, post men and Civil War soldiers. An e-bike will ease the few days where the mileage may seem overwhelming.

3. Tuscan Countryside: On Tourissimo’s cycling tour of Tuscany, Italy, visit some of the region’s most iconic destinations, from Cortona, the delightful hill town made famous by Frances Mayes in her bestselling novel “Under the Tuscan Sun,” to the abbeys, thermal springs and wineries in the countryside outside Pienza. Upgrade to an e-bike capable of covering 70 miles on a charge to go the distance.

4. Alps by E-MTB: Climb mountain passes and descend to lush valleys on H+I Adventures new E-MTB Tour of Switzerland. Riders will put the country’s seamless transport system to use accessing backcountry singletrack and perfectly built flow trails as they traverse the beautiful Graubünden region by e-mountain bike. Refuel with mid-ride rösti, then unwind with a glass of wine and dinner made with local flavors.

5. Mediterranean Islands Ride: E-bikes are a great option on Ride & Seek Bicycle Adventures epic cycling tour across Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. Split into three week-long stages, the tour explores the Mediterranean islands’ history, food, architecture and traditions, as well as their strikingly rugged interiors, white beaches and emerald waters.

6. Vermont Covered Bridges: Ride through more than a dozen covered bridges on a tour of Vermont with Cycle of Life Adventures. This iconic ride passes through Montpelier, Stowe, Middlebury and Woodstock, climbing from river valleys over the Green Mountains. The optional e-bike rental will help flatten out the roads.

7. E-Bike Taiwan: On Grasshopper Adventures’ Bike Taiwan tour, guests cycle the length of the country from the northern capital, Taipei, to the southern tip. Along the way, they take in the beauty of east Taiwan’s rugged Pacific coast, exotic hot springs and valleys like the stunning Taroko Gorge. Grasshopper is the first tour operator to offer e-bikes to cyclists in Southeast Asia.

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There is so much to see and do as guests wander through KaLIGHToscope, HoliZoo, Frozen Fun, Zoominaria and other areas aglow in the holiday spirit. Venture through Cut Tree Forest to the North Pole where you can visit with Santa and get your picture taken, too!

Special Zoo Lights collectables are available in the Zoo’s gift shops.

Our Wishing Tree embraces the meaning of the holidays. A special Wishing Tree filled with ornaments is located in the Beastro Restaurant. Each ornament will represent one student’s trip to the San Antonio Zoo given by a generous guest like you! For ONLY $10 , guests can sponsor an ornament and help a child’s dream come true.

Admission to Zoo Lights is $10.25 for members; $12.25 for non-members. Tickets are available online. For more information, contact Debbie Rios-Vanskike at drv@sazoo.org or (210) 734-7184 x 1043.

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Make no mistake, North Carolina is exceptionally beautiful all year around, but there’s something particular about its Blue Ridge Mountains during the fall months. Especially when you’re a Floridian who sees nothing of fall unless you wander.

I’ve been taking the North Carolina ‘destination fall’ road trip with my son for years. Not only has it become a tradition, but a necessity. After months of long summer heat, we’re ready for that crisp cool air at autumn first crack. So, like clockwork, every second to third week of October, we pack up and head for the mountains in search of much needed quality time, adventure and of course, those amazing fall colors. Our final destination: Linville Falls, North Carolina to the Linville Falls Trailer Lodge & Campground.

Linville Falls Trailer Lodge & Campground

When you want to get away, unplug and just get yourself a little dirtier than usual, Linville Falls is the place to do it.

We stumbled upon this gem about four years ago on a misadventure from Charleston, SC. It was just one of those things where we decided to head to the mountains late afternoon, no plan in sight. When we came to the mountainside campground we were immediately charmed. Still, we had only one day. So, we vowed to make it back to this perfect little campground, this time with marshmallows in tow. And that’s just what we did.

This time it was mid day. The cool crisp air was met by the bright sun which seemed to make the yellow leaves brighter than usual. Winding mountain roads led us through sleepy mountain towns to the sound of our favorite music. It was a twelve hour drive from the 85 degree heat we left in Florida. The windows were down, the wind blew the dog’s hair back and I thought to myself,

“We’ve arrived to our destination, fall”

We made our way into the campground and met with the owner who patiently sits in the little check-in cabin at the front. This campground is very much like arriving to your favorite aunt’s house. Very laid back with the sense that you belong there.

There were towering trees all boasting a different vibrant fall color. It’s uncanny how beautiful the brights reds, yellows and oranges look against a crystal clear blue sky.

I could hear the leaves crunch beneath my feet as I approached our cabin, the ‘Locust Loft”. While it’s not the most inviting of names, it is by far, one of the most inviting cabins I’ve ever been to.

The Locust Loft is just as it states, a loft. With nothing but a wooden ladder which leads you to a full sized bed. Below there’s a futon (for extra sleeping), a small bathroom with shower and a vanity. A back door leads you to a deck built around an old oak tree, and a tin roof lets you hear the chipmunks as they pass by with their winter bounty.

One of my favorite parts about this cabin is the kitchen which is outdoors. Just in front of the little front porch and barn door the kitchen is built into a double door half-shed. No doubt this is a custom build, complete with sink, microwave and gas stove for all your cooking needs. The campsite is complete with a firepit and picnic table. It’s literally your own perfect little slice of fall.

For kids there’s a small park with basketball, tetherball, and various yard games leaving you plenty to do in the afternoons after you’ve spent the day exploring the Blue Ridge Mountain Region.

Things to do in Linville Falls, NC

Don’t let looks deceive you. There’s plenty to do in Linville Falls which will easily keep you busy all day long. Here are some favorites of mine which have served me well over the years:

• Grandfather Mountain – This state park opens the mountain’s 2,456-acre backcountry to spectacular hiking and backpacking. Home to the mile-high swinging bridge, its terrain is a site and reminds me of the Rockies.
• Linville Falls – The most popular waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a spectacular three-tiered waterfall plunging into Linville Gorge, the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians.” The Gorge is the largest in the Eastern United States.
• Linville Caverns – Courteous and experienced guides take you into the subterranean world, giving you the history of the caverns and allowing you to view the grand work of nature.

Whether you are in need of a city-break away or you just want to get refreshed with the vibrant colors of fall, Linville Falls, NC and the Linville Falls Campground is a perfect way to spend a few days in October.

Tips: Booking in October can fill up quick for the cabins. They are equip for RVs too. It is advised that you book in advance as this is a very popular time of year in the North Carolina Mountains. Weather can be in the 40’s at night at 60’s during the day so plan for light layers and good hiking shoes. You can bring your own food so a trip to the market may be ideal for you. You can get data on your phone at the Locust Loft by the campfire but service is hit or miss. Maybe bring a game of Yahtzee or a deck of cards for campfire nights. For more information about Linville Falls, NC go here.

Special thanks goes to Jim and Dot of Linville Falls Trailer Lodge and Campground. While they sponsored our visit, it in no way shapes my opinion of this trip. I sought them out after having such a wonderful experience the first time.

By Christa Thompson, Senior Travel Writer at The Hotel Guide and Editor in Chief at www.TheFairytaleTraveler.com.

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