In the midst of constant Derby planning, dress finding, hat making and hostess gift buying, there is one place that is oft forgotten as a great resource for Derby shopping. It’s a one-stop shop for all things Derby, and it’s sitting right under our noses:
The Kentucky Derby Museum Gift Shop
Barbaro, a most-beloved horse, greets guests at the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Yes, the place where you took the tour. Yes, the place where you went to that great special event. Yes, the place you pass by on the way to the track and think, “You know, I should go in there.”
You should go in there to shop. The parking is free. You don’t need a ticket. You don’t need to go to the track. It’s easy, and it’s all right there. Plus, they have all of the licensed Kentucky Derby merchandise that’s so difficult to find anywhere else.
We know you have taken a tour of the museum. Now, let’s take a tour of the gift shop.
The entrance to the Finish Line Gift Shop
Here’s just a sampling of what they have to offer:
HATS
The Derby Museum has an excellent selection of hats for both men and women. They have straw hats and fedoras for men and fascinators and hats for women. All are at excellent price points and look great!
Men’s hats retail for $28 to $122.
This young lassie is trying out Derby hats.
VINEYARD VINES
The Kentucky Derby-licensed Vineyard Vines merchandise is definitely a Derby must-have. For all you Vineyard Vines fans, there is merchandise here you won’t see anywhere else.
Vineyard Vines long ties are $85; bow ties are $65
Check out the Vineyard Vines men’s belts for $49.50 each.
Vineyard Vines patchwork clutch for $125
Vineyard Vines ribbon fascinator for $68
HANDBAGS, TOTES AND CLUTCHES
The gift shop has taken all of the track’s size restrictions into account and the guesswork out of the equation in regard to totes and clutches. They have handbags and clutches in the right size and great totes for bringing in all of your other necessary items.
Bits and bridle oilcloth tote for $29.95
Felt clutches with horsebit accents for $89
These totes with accompanying approved-sized clutches for $68 come in gray, teal and orange.
JEWELRY
A variety of jewelry is available in the gift shop, and ranges from the costume level to Rebecca Hook, who sells at only one other boutique in town.
Alex & Ani horseshoe bracelets
Rebecca Hook jewelry ranges from $75 to $285.
HOME DECOR
Arthur Court pewter, glass stemware and items that look like they are from a wedding registry make up the home decor section. You could buy a wedding gift here or a really nice hostess gift.
Pewter oblong tray by Arthur Court for $156
Kentucky Derby official wine glasses for $38 each
Three-horseshoe pewter bowl server for $72
FOR YOUR HOME DERBY PARTY
Knowing locals like to celebrate at home, the gift shop has all the trappings for a great home Derby party, with official Kentucky Derby 2015 paper goods, glasses and even Kentucky-made food items.
Assorted Kentucky-made food products run the gamut.
Official 2015 Kentucky Derby glass (empty, of course) for $6
Official Kentucky Derby paper plates, napkins and cups
Derby-themed paper plates and napkins are available for $6.95 (plates) and $5.25 (napkins).
GOOD GIFTS
For a great Derby- or horse-related gift, peruse the huge selection of prints and memorabilia. There is also a large selection for kids, as well as smaller gifts, such as nice key chains and knickknacks.
Check out the jockey pins of all the winners since 1875.
Ribbon horsebit key chains start at $37.
The assortment of children’s toys includes adorable horse plush animals.
Signed Derby prints are perfect for Derby devotees.
OTHER NECESSITIES (FOR THE TRACK)
Ibuprofen, batteries, ponchos and even a warm shawl are all things you don’t realize you need until it becomes imperative. At that point, it’s time to head to the Derby Museum Gift Store.
Stock up on all emergency items here.
Alpaca shawls in gray, beige and rose for $148 each are available at the gift store.
The Kentucky Derby Museum is located at 704 Central Ave., adjacent to Churchill Downs. Parking is free, and you can shop without buying a ticket to the museum during open hours, which are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at (502) 637-1111 or at www.derbymuseum.org.
When she isn't busy creating monograms or helping customers, Crystal Baker