South Florida is a relatively young part of the country. While other cities boast taverns where our founding fathers drank ale while writing the Constitution, our history is fairly new. But that doesn't mean we don't have some grand dames to admire.
Take, for example, Gulfstream Park, which celebrates its 75th anniversary of the first thoroughbred race ever run there on Saturday, February 1 with races, a costume contest, and 75 cent cocktails and food!
Starting at 11 a.m., guests can register to win betting vouchers, snag free posters by equine cartoonist Peb, and watch some exciting racing action. Post time for the first race is 12:40 p.m., and featured races on Saturday include the 61st running of the $150,000 Hutcheson Stakes for 3-year-olds and the $75,000 Gulfstream Turf Sprint Championship.
Dress in your best 1930's and 40's-era garb and you may get gifted with a betting voucher by a "mystery judge" who will be walking the crowd.
By now all this betting and partying will have made you thirsty and hungry. Snag a couple of 75 cent hot dogs at the Silks concession (two dogs per customer, please) and wash them down with a 75 cent cocktail from the special drink menu of classic libations including the Side Car, Gin Sour, Whiskey Sour, Mint Julep, Gibson, Champagne Cocktail and Sazerac.
Add in free parking, and whether or not you actually bet on Seabiscuit to win in the third, your day will be lucky, indeed.
Follow Laine Doss on Twitter @LaineDoss and Facebook.
Follow @CleanPlateBPB
