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Where to grab Kentucky Derby hats in Tahoe

Autumn Whitney
awhitney@tahoedailytribune.com
During the Dubai World Cup, this girl is wearing a beautiful Sakura inspired hat.
Getty Images/iStockphoto | iStockphoto

Where to Watch

The Kentucky Derby is broadcast on NBC, which means most places you visit will have the race on at least one screen.

For a unique spin on the event, head to Hard Rock Café Lake Tahoe (located inside Harveys Casino) at noon on Saturday, May 6, for the opportunity to make your very own derby hat. Prices begin at $20, and include the hat, supplies and a complimentary Mint Julep for maximum enjoyment.

Over at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Lake Tahoe, you get a free commemorative glass for your Mint Juleps when you place a bet on the race that is at least $20.

It’s time once again for the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports: On Saturday, May 6, thousands of people will flock to Churchill Downs dressed in their best attire to attend the 143rd annual Kentucky Derby, which this year will see current top contender Classic Empire compete against frontrunners like McCracken and Always Dreaming for the gold cup.

But apart from the thoroughbreds, the event is often synonymous with fancy outfits and extravagant hats — a tradition that dates back to the start of the event itself. In the 1870s Derby creator Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. decided to create a new look for American racetracks — which until that point were not family-friendly scenes — and invited women to Churchill Downs for the first Kentucky Derby.

Dressed in their Sunday best, women ventured to the track to picnic with one another and watch the horses race. As extravagant outfits were the custom during this time, hats became more notable in the 1960s when they were no longer required attire. But the headgear has stuck, and now is a huge component of the Kentucky Derby.



In honor of the event this weekend, it’s time to get into the Derby spirit and grab your floppy hat at one of Tahoe’s many boutiques before you cheer on your favorite horse.

Sidestreet Boutique



One of the longer-standing boutiques in South Lake Tahoe, family-owned Sidestreet opened in 1972 and has notched the title of Best Clothing Store on the South Shore. The shop carries a variety of designer clothing and accessories for men, women and children, making it a great place to grab your derby hats.

Sidestreet Boutique is found at 4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd. #19. Check out http://www.sidestreetboutique.com for more.

Savvy Lake Tahoe

This shop has a wide variety of accessories to choose from, and as summer is now just around the corner, they’re busting out the floppy hats. From brands like Free People and Lucky to Frye and Jeffrey Campbell, this boutique will have something that fits your style. Ladies, look no further.

Savvy Lake Tahoe is located at 4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd. #14. Learn more online at http://www.savvylaketahoe.com.

Tipsy Gypsy Boutique

Located in Tahoe City, this small shop brings out the hipster in us all. While their hats may not be decorated with the flowers often associated with those of the derby, the floppy style will allow you to fit right in, as long as you have your Mint Julep in hand.

Visit the shop at 475 N. Lake Blvd., or learn more at http://www.tipsygypsytahoe.com.


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