LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Churchill Downs visitors got to check out the racetrack and got a glimpse of derby and oaks horses this week ahead of the big races.

Hundreds started their mornings early this week to catch horses practicing and visit the Kentucky Derby Museum.  

A popular buy from the store is the collectible mint julep glass, but you can even get all the ingredients needed to make the famous Derby drink at home. 

They stock the store with Derby hats, apparel and gifts from local boutiques to offer unique pieces of the Derby that will last long after the race is over. 

That’s where Phyllis Scott of Branson, Missouri, found her hat—but it was no simple task. 

“I don’t wear hats so it was a lot of pressure trying to find the right outfit,” says Scott. “The shop here had just the perfect hat, actually.”

She got help from her friend, Sally Galla, who’s a Louisville native.

“She’s a great tutor and mentor on how to do the Derby because she does it right,” says Scott. 

Phyllis and her husband Clay met Sally and her husband Pat five years while vacationing in St. Thomas.

“For year after year we would meet them in St. Thomas and finally we said we’re going to come and join them [at] Derby and here we are,” says Clay. 

The Gallas have attended more than a dozen Derbies, but it’s the first Run for the Roses for the Scotts. 

“We’re excited to be here,” Clay said. “We’re looking forward to a great week. This is a new experience for us being at the track.”

St. Thomas brought the couples together with a shared interest and love for traveling that keeps their bond strong. 

“We just love each other. We see each other several times a year and we just have a lot in common and we like to get together when we can,” says Sally. 

The Scotts aren’t sure where their next adventure will take them, but they hope this won’t be the last Derby they attend. 

The museum is open Wednesday, closes on Thursday for private events and will reopen on Sunday.