Tailgate Party 101
It helps to be prepared for extremes in weather, so get updated forecasts, and remember that layering is the best bet. Country casual covers a wide variety of fashion, and rural styles bring sophisticated practicality to your sartorial splendor. Plan on waterproof and warm outer layers and several light layers that are easy to remove. Pack along extra socks and wear waterproof boots that protect you from puddles, mud, snow. Don’t forget gloves, scarves, neck-warmers. Hats are more than a fashion statement: wearing one prevents the loss of 50 percent of your body heat. Even if you’re not a shopaholic, be sure to stop by Rappahannock Hunt’s tent and check out the sporting selection of apparel with distinctive running fox logo.
Your tailgate picnic, fancy or casual, is up to you. If you’re attending general admission and you don’t feel like carrying a picnic basket or cooler, food trucks and vendors will be on site. If you reserve a tailgate parking space, it’s easy to put on the ritz or keep it simple. If you’re a guest at someone’s tailgate, it’s nice to offer to bring something, but some enthusiasts are serious DIYers — just go and have a good time. Hosting? Keep a list of who and what: bouillon, coffee, wings, ribs, fried chicken, various salads, deviled eggs, ham biscuits, brownies—everyone has a favorite dish to share. If you bring adult beverages, please remember to designate a driver so that your fun day at the races doesn’t end with flashing lights.
The Hill, situated on Durantes Curve (Rt. 522) in Boston, is extremely well named, offering sensational views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Driving through The Hill to the new course is like going back in time: all you can see is natural countryside and distant mountains that span the horizon like slumbering dragons. Post time is 1 p.m. for the program of timber and flat races. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. You don’t have to know horses to enjoy an exciting day of racing over fences amidst breathtaking views and spacious skies… like scenes from Downton Abbey, but live.
RappahannockHunt.com — hover your cursor anywhere on the digital poster to get to where you’ll find everything you need to secure your tailgate parking space, general admission tickets. The full schedule of races and much more can be found at CentralEntryOffice.com