Testing, testing. Anyone reading this? It may be the most overdue post in history, but here we are.

It’s been three years since I’ve created content for Back Down South. After moving to Houston it became apparent that if I continued with the format, this would become a Texas blog. And, though I love Texas dearly, I know the majority of my readers were spread all over the Southeast and would likely not find interest in a Texas – particularly Houston – focus. My hope was to always represent as many cities as I could, which was a blast when we were traveling around the Southeast on the regular.

It’s also obvious that Back Down South became very cocktail heavy towards the end. Which again, I clearly love, but didn’t feel like I wanted this to become solely that. So, I just took an indefinite break. I refused to force content for content’s sake, and as the break went on, it was pretty evident to me that it was time to move on.

I’m really proud of the work made here and so thankful for all of the connections it brought to us both personally and professionally. I literally made life long friends thanks to this platform and was able to launch an editorial career because of it, which in the beginning felt like a pipe dream of goal. I plan to keep this website active for two reasons. One, like I said, I’m proud of it and all the folks we celebrated here, and I want that to continue to exist. And two, well…you never know. I may come back?

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What a weekend in Louisville! It was most of our first visits to the city, other than Will (leading us around in the first photo below) who was raised there. His family welcomed our group in and treated us like royalty. We arrived on Thursday night and played tourists until Saturday when we crushed Kentucky Derby 142. It was everything we dreamed of and more. Here are some highlights from our epic and unforgettable weekend with some of the best people in the world.

First stop, Butchertown Grocery for cocktails. Recommended: Between a Pawn and a Chapel – their twist on an Old Fashioned, and the Heart Attack & Vine – their twist on a Negroni. Three words to sell you on that one…bacon-washed Campari. I regret not ordering three.

Will has made me an “Old Fo” fan because of his love for it. I had to snap him in front of this painted wall we walked past on our way to dinner at Mussel & Burger.

Mark and Tig on the Big Four bridge to Indiana.

Mark was a kid in a candy shop at the Louisville Slugger Museum. Here, he’s holding one of Jeff Bagwell’s bat because Go ‘Stros.

Will’s family cooked us a massive feast on Friday evening complete with killer Mint Juleps.

Surprise “Swag Bags” gifted to us by Will’s mom. Mini Woodford Reserve bottles and bourbon balls, pristine Kentucky Derby 142 glasses, Weisenberger’s cornbread mix, Bauer’s Modjeskas, and the cutest Mint Julep recipe towels. Mom goals!

KENTUCKY DERBY 142! Go time. 

The boys after fueling up for Derby with brunch at Louisville Country Club. 

Even better than expected.

Mark’s Derby attire: Montecristi Panama hat, Ray-Ban sunglasses, SuitSupply suit, TRIO shirt, Bows & Ties knit tie, Tie Bar pocket square, Allen Edmond wingtips.

Caroline’s Derby attire: Fascinator found at Lakewood 400 Antiques Market, Endless Rose dress, Vince Camuto wedges.

Will requests all portraits of him are in black & white, to which I always oblige.

Will’s Derby attire: Ray-Ban sunglasses, Brooks Brothers jacket, tie, pocket square, shirt and pants. He’s a simple man.

Sarah’s Derby attire: Aniwon Sinamay fascinator, Gap dress, J. Crew necklace, Me Too wedges.

Matt’s Derby attire: Ralph Lauren bow tie, $4.25 thrifted blazer, J.Crew shirt, Old Navy pants, Johnston & Murphy loafers.

The hat that Matt wore in the afternoon was given to him by his customer Marjorie whose late husband wore it to the Derby 30 years ago. I love that.

And of course, snaps to Snapchat for all the fun filters. 

What a day in a crowd of 167,277 – the second largest in Churchill Downs history. Nothing like crossing things off the Bucket List.

Happy Masters Sunday! To celebrate this glorious afternoon in golf, I dug up some photos from our first (and only) visit to Augusta National back in 2011. I sure wish I was walking barefoot on the softest grass in the world drinking a cheap beer right about now…

On the first weekend of February, Mark and I headed to Charleston for a quick winter getaway. We arrived before dinner on Friday night and left early Sunday morning, making it our quickest trip there to date. Regardless, we enjoyed every minute, as one tends to do in the Holy City.

We stayed at the beautiful Belmond Charleston Place in one of their newly renovated rooms. We didn’t leave the place the night we got there. We spent a few hours at The Thoroughbread Club followed by one of the best food experiences of our lives at the Charleston Grill. Whiskey, champagne, wine, crab cakes, beef tartar, scallops, and lamb racks with a live jazz soundtrack. It’s no wonder this place is recognized as one of the best restaurants in the nation.

On Saturday, we did what any normal person visiting Charleston does: ate, and then passed the time until we could eat again. We started with cappuccinos at the newly opened Saint Alban, then walked next door to Leon’s for one of the best fried chicken sandwiches we’ve ever had.

We then drove around the neighborhoods, got some sun on our faces, then headed up to The Citadel so House of Cards obsessed Mark could see the campus for the first time. When we arrived we stumbled upon a UNC vs Citadel Rugby match and enjoyed the free entertainment (Citadel won).

Our last meal was at Edmund’s Oast, recommended by the wonderful Mickey Baskt, manager of Charleston Grill. This place was fantastic! Cured charcuterie, braised lamb meatballs (our favorite item of the night), bacon egg & cheeseburger, all paired with in house IPA’s for Mark and awesome cocktails for me. We rolled out of there fully satisfied and quick to recommend it and return.