Grits are typically associated with the South and considered to be not only the ultimate comfort food, but an integral part of breakfast. What are grits? Grits are made from dried, mature corn kernels that are ground into smaller coarse bits. They are very similar to Italian polenta, but the two are typically made from very different types of corn and the fineness of the grind is also different. Polenta is more coarse. There are four types of grits: 1) Stone-Ground Grits aren’t always easy to find, especially outside of the south, but they seem to be making a comeback. They are pretty much made the way grits were made in the nineteenth century. 2) Hominy Grits- the hull and germ have been r
The signs of Fall are beginning to be noticeable here in the Horse Capital of the World - dropping leaves, heavy dew on the morning grass, Monarchs making their way south - and the most prominent sign of all is Keeneland's September Yearling Sale. The sale will begin September 9 and run through September 22. The significance of this sale is that it is the global marketplace for Thoroughbred yearlings and is the world's most important Thoroughbred sale! It's an adventure unlike any other. 4644 yearlings have been cataloged for the 76th annual Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The sale will have 13 sessions and will be broadcast live at keeneland.com Charred Oaks Inn, a Select Registry b
As owners/innkeepers at Charred Oaks Inn, a premier bed and breakfast, located 13 miles west of downtown Lexington, Kentucky, Richard and I get asked frequently "what makes the area the Horse Capital of the World?" Well, the reasons are numerous, but the over-riding ones are: 1) the water that passes through the massive limestone shelf that lies beneath the nourishing bluegrass pastures feeds the soil and grasses that grow strong horses unlike anywhere else in the world. The high mineral content in the soils of the Bluegrass Region leads to stronger bones and greater durability in the horses ... 2) horse breeding has been an important Bluegrass industry since the area was first settled. Da
James and Jennifer from Newcastle, England included a stopover in the Greater Lexington area while on their honeymoon last week. Throughout their stay at Charred Oaks Inn they enjoyed their large, spacious and uniquely decorated guest room. Each of the four guest rooms at COI are quiet and offer privacy, king size four poster beds, private en suite bathrooms, Nespresso machines, smart TVs for streaming, stocked mini fridges, plush robes, and fine bed linens. A made-to-order breakfast is included and can be enjoyed in the inn's dining room or in bed. James and Jennifer loved sipping their complimentary champagne on the secluded terrace outfitted with umbrella tables in the afternoon and th
What's a Railbird? A Railbird is a horse racing enthusiast known for sticking close to the action, hanging on the rail as each contender comes barreling down the track. Last weekend, the term took on an added meaning with the advent of a brand new music festival held on the grounds of the historic Keeneland Racecourse here in Lexington, Kentucky. Railbird was centered around music, bourbon and equine traditions. Almost 25,000 attended the two-day event. Brandi Carlile, Mavis Staples, The Raconteurs, Hozier and Old Crow Medicine Show were among the favorites. Charred Oaks Inn was teaming with excited visitors from Austin, Texas; Nicholasville, Kentucky; Lansing, Michigan and the D.C. area in
