Opening Day at Del Mar

Less than a month away from turning thirty and last week I was able to cross the LAST ITEM on my "Thirty Before Thirty" list off. Attending Opening Day at Del Mar. I've lived here through TWO Opening Days and I knew if I didn't go this year, I never would. Over a month ago I requested the day off, the week of I borrowed a rather grand hat (think feathers and height) from a friend, and off we went to the races!

The "thing" to do for OD (listen to me, such a San Diego native!) is to hit up the surrounding restaurants and bars, walk over (yes! walk! in high heels! I brought flats in my handbag) to Del Mar, continue drinking there, and then attend a number of tony "after parties"-- hmmph. We started across the street at the Fish Market (where we slipped out our flask and spiked our sodas with spiced rum like teenagers at prom), walked over in time to see the FAMOUS Fabulous Hats Contest (photos below) and broke open a few bottles of wine we were able to find and watched the races! To be perfectly honest, my SIL and I just didn't have the stamina to head over to the Plaza afterwards so we caught an early dinner at the most AMAZING Italian spot in Encinitas. I was in bed by 10 and quite frankly nursed a mild hangover the entire next day....but it was worth it!

All in all it was HOT and HUMID, incredibly CROWDED, and very FABULOUS. I looked adorable (am I allowed to say that about myself?) in my grand hat with my stylish friends. I'm glad I did it but holy cow, not sure I'll be up for it again next year. It was intense. While my five inch heels added to my look, I easily walked four miles up and down the paddock and around the clubhouse and couldn't be happier to sit down and watch the races. WHEW!

Here are some photos I took of the Fabulous Hats Contest. This was the highlight of the day-- these women looked great in their outrageous head gear.