It’s here! It’s here! Derby week has officially arrived! We are bursting with excitement, buzzing with preparations, and more than a little homesick for our old Kentucky home. For those of you not lucky enough to be Louisvillians, this whole horse racing madness can seem a bit overwhelming, maybe even verging on crazy. But we here at Zelda and Scout are prepared to help. Let us be your Derby Spirit Guides. From stuff we wrote ourselves to favorite articles from around the internet, this is your class in all things Derby. From what to drink to how to bet, apparel to Zelda’s secret pie recipe and everything in between, this will have you celebrating with the best of them. Raise your julep cup high and listen for the call to the post. We’re almost home.

The Gist:

The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Infographics: A Visual Guide to Derby (Derby LLC)

The Fastest Two Weeks in Sports: Scout’s Thoughts on Derby Season

Next Year at Churchill: Scout on Oaks Day

Just Folks: Louisvillians on Derby

The Origin of Your Favorite Kentucky Derby Traditions (U.S. News)

My Old Kentucky Home (Official Kentucky Derby Website)

Director’s Cut: “The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved,” by Hunter S. Thompson (Grantland)

When the Sun Goes Down in the South: Zelda’s Thoughts on Downs After Dark (or, Horse Racing Doesn’t Just Happen in May)

Louisville:

Going to Derby? What to do in Louisville, Ky. (The New York Times, featuring a familiar face as their resident Ville expert!)

Beyond the Derby: Your Guide to Louisville, Kentucky (Travel and Leisure)

36 Hours in Louisville (The New York Times)

Betting and Horses:

How to Bet the Kentucky Derby (Garden and Gun)

Meet the 2016 Derby Field (The Courier-Journal)

Expert Picks: 2016 Oaks and Derby Favorites (Kentucky Derby Official Website)

Kentucky Derby Winner Hoping He Won’t Have To Repeat What Was Easily Most Traumatic Experience Of Life (The Onion)

Party:

Party Like a Louisvillian: The Ultimate Z&S Derby Party Hosting Guide

April 2015 Playlist: For Our Old Kentucky Home (or, Songs to Derby Party By)

Free Kentucky Derby Party Printables (Hostess with the Mostess)

Cocktails:

Bless Your Heart, New York. You Tried to Make a Mint Julep.  Love, Zelda

Our Talent Really Lies in Drinking: Scout’s Derby Cocktail Guide

Why We Drink Mint Juleps at the Kentucky Derby (PBS)

6 Southern Cocktails for Your Kentucky Derby Party (Town and Country)

Recipe: Maple Bacon Old Fashioned (Back Down South)

Recipe: Mint Julep Granita (Bluegrass Bites)

Recipe: Sweet Tea Bourbon Cocktails (Joy the Baker)

Food:

Chocolate Pecan Bourbony Goodness: How to Make Zelda’s Famous Pie

What’s Inside A ‘Derby Pie’? Maybe A Lawsuit Waiting To Happen (NPR)

Made in Louisville: Flavors Only Found in Derby City (USA Today)

Recipe: Kentucky Derby Pie Milkshake (Camille Styles)

Recipe: Fudgy Bourbon Balls (Smitten Kitchen)

Recipe: Baby Hot Browns (Southern Living)

Style:

Head-to-Toe Kentucky Derby Fashion Guide (Southern Living)

15 Derby Hats That Will Have You Ready to Run for the Roses: Zelda’s Picks from Fascinators to Floppy Straw

A Fashion Show on Fourth — All in the Name of Derby and Debauchery (Insider Louisville)

Kentucky Derby Dresses (Lou What Wear)

The World’s Most Epic Kentucky Fried Derby Hat (Kentucky for Kentucky)

When You’re Far Away:

Party Like It’s 1875! Our Guide to New York Derby Celebrations

Derby Day Beyond Churchill Downs (Garden and Gun)

I Miss Kentucky, Always. (The Bitter Southerner)