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So often we refer to the world of horse racing as an “industry.” Granted, its economic and commercial qualities are industrial by definition, but is this label a hindrance to the growth of the sport?

We recently stumbled upon a Business Day article focusing on a similar issue. 20 years ago, horse racing was the only form of legal gambling in South Africa. Today, it’s an industry unjustly grouped under the same regulations laws as casinos and slot machine operators- something the American horse racing is all too familiar with.

 

"It needs to be taken into consideration that the sport of horse racing employs 24 times more people [per million of gross gambling revenue] than casinos, so there is room to say we need to look at this differently from a mathematical gambling machine."

Rian du Plessis, chief executive of Phumelela, Africa’s largest horse racing betting company. 

We’ve interviewed people in every facet of the sport- owners, drivers, jockeys, announcers, trainers, handicappers, etc. There's a familial quality to horseracing that takes it beyond the label of Industry. And, more often than not, that closeness and intimacy extends to the voracious fanbase. This distinction, we believe, is one of the driving factors behind the passion enthusiasm that makes this sport so great.

Here’s to the Sport of Kings.
 

Looking to take a quick trip to Southwestern Pennsylvania? No? Why not? There's a ton to do! For starters there's a little place called Pittsburgh (a place that essentially built this country!).

But mainly there's the very awesome Meadows Racetrack and Casino! That place is where it's at! Let's check out some great things to do around Meadows in the lovely Washington County, PA!

Kentuck Knob

This landmark can be spotted in any design or architecture textbook. Frank Lloyd Wright's Kentuck Knob is a remarkable piece of structure and aesthetic beauty. Plus your friends will think your much smarter and intellectual after seeing this. Plenty of good FaceBook shots are waiting!

Off The Wall Productions

This quaint theater production company puts on gems all year long. The 66-seat house allows the performance to be that much more alive. Like when in Cats they come out and stand on your chair and stuff? Imagine that but like, the whole show. No but seriously, check the website for the show currently being produced, and call ahead for reservations.

Quail Acres

Quail acres his a great historical shopping center. All shops are locally owned and completely unique. Check out Cattail Coffee & Tea for rare and delicious drinkables! Located right next to the Meadows Racetrack, so it's a sure thing not to miss.

C.T. Miller Vineyards

If you've been keeping up with the blog, you'll notice a recurring theme. And that's wineries. Pennsylvania has a ton of wineries. It's actually pretty awesome. This is a true mom and pop winery (look how nice they look on the site! Awwwww.). Check this place out and sample their variety of white, rose, red, and ice wines!

The Artists' Co-op

Support local artists and pick up some awesome paintings, sculptures, or clothing!

Canonsburg, City of Antiques!

12 shops all within walking distance of eachother makes Canonsburg the place-to-go for you American Pickers! Pick up some old school furniture, toys, and anything else that'll make your house feel like you're on Mad Men!

There you have it folks, six great places to check out in Washington County, Pennsylvania.

Harrah's Chester is located about fifteen minutes outside of Philadelphia. They host world-class harness racing, 10,000-square-foot casino, and nine places to get a delicious meal.

If that's not enough excitement for you- fear not! The lovely Brandywine County has plenty to offer all-year-round! That's right, it doesn't have to be summertime or Christmas to take a vacation! Here are some great places to check out in Brandywine!

Kennett Square

All right, this is one covers a lot, so I'm going to spend some time on it. Shops are varied in Kennet Square: antiques, collectibles, several galleries, gifts, delicious bakeries and specialty food stores, clothing, household items, and even a wine cellar. Restaurants and dining are across the board as well. Standard grille fare, cafes, homemade ice-cream, or even a delicious meal on several historic sites. Food, shopping, and endless fun on a beautiful backdrop. I didn't lie- Kennet Square covers a lot.

Brandywine Valley Wine Trail

I know you cringed when you read 'trail', but I promise you won't be walking miles on foot. These eight distinct wineries are located within a 50-mile radius of each other, so it's recommended you bring a set of wheels. Each winery hosts events and tastings so you can fully appreciate and relish in the flavors Brandywine Valley has to offer. Check the site for events and winery hours of operation!

QVC Studio Tour

Granted, QVC may be one of those channels you pass over to get to whatever drabble it is you normally watch- that doesn't mean this tour isn't amazing and unique. It takes a full-fledged army to keep that channel running smoothly. There is no other company out there like QVC, and this is your chance to see how they work . A view from the observation deck lets you watch live tapings! Fun Fact: Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs used to be a QVC host.

Herr's Factory Tour

This one looks a bit more kid-oriented, but awesome nonetheless. I'm sure they're not stingy with their 'free-samples' if you know what I'm saying! FREE CHIPS! NOM NOM!

Delaware Museum of Natural History

Natural history is cool. You should go here and get learned. Oh, and did I mention this place has the world's largest collection of bird eggs? I once bought an ostrich egg from Reading Terminal and the thing was HUGE!

There are plenty of fun and truly unique experiences to be had in this area. Check out the Brandywine Valley site for more options!

Is all the harness racing at Harrah's making you hungry? Hopefully not for horses. That'd be weird. You probably shouldn't even be at the track....

But anyway- If you're hungry at Harrah's Chester you don't have to go far! Let's start at concession than work our way up to fancy-schmancy.

Club Cappuccino

What better way to start your day than a strong cup of gourmet premium coffee? Callic café fare served up fresh daily!

Winning Streaks

This is a snack bar type of cuisine that is literally a few strides (pun!) away from the track. Hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and plenty of beer wash it all down. Open daily.

Temptations Buffet

Miss the old college cafeteria? Relive your glory days at this buffet style eatery. Chicken finger cheeseburger with chili fries on top? Surely. $15.99 for lunch and $19.99 for dinner.

Mien Noodles

Quick-stop Chinese food in case you're feeling a bit worldly!

Stir

Right smack in the middle of the casino, Stir is a great place to go to unwind after a day at the tracks and before a night in the casino. Well-informed bartenders will surely make your trip to drunkington an enjoyable one.

Copper Mug

Will one of your friends not shut up about his microbrew-only beer pallet? Take him to the copper mug and buy him a Flying Fish or a Dock Street. Then leave him there. He's annoying.

End Zone Sports Bar

Sports fans- plop yourself in front of one of the 15 plasma TV's at End Zone Sports Bar. Grab an appetizer and a brew while you're there as well! Live bands on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 10pm! Check out the full list here. End Zone is a 21+ establishment.

Riverview Terrace

Turn right, and you're looking out on the river. Turn left and your watching the races. Look forward at your spouse- they need attention too. Delicious American cuisine that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Open on Sundays from 12-4pm. This is one place to schedule your trip around!

Cover at the Riverview 

Delicious steak and seafood cuisine will pair wonderfully with your top of the world view! Be sure to check out there Cover Prix Fixe menu for a limited time only! Closed Monday and Tuesday, opens at 5pm for the rest of the week.

There you have it! That's easily enough dining to fill up an entire weekend- without even leaving the place!

No time for a vacation this summer? Me neither. No biggie.

Who wants to deal with airports and all that travel hassle anyway? Bring the vacation to you at Harrah's Chester. Gaming, racing, dining and various other activities will keep you rockin on a budget. Harrah's Racetrack has established itself as a major destination for top riders in the country. All this just 10 minutes past the suckers waiting at Philly International.

When you're not busy betting on horses winning big in the casino, here are some cool places in the area to check out.

PPL PARK

Head over to the brand new PPL Park to support the Philadelphia Union, our city's premier MLS team. Located on the beautiful Delaware Waterfront, this 18.5 thousand seat stadium was built for the sole purpose of soccer, and it shows. Fans are passionate for the team, but newcomers are welcomed in open arms! No vuvuzelas welcomed.

The Deck at Harbor Pointe

Looking to get your swank on after winning big? The Deck at Harbor Pointe is the place to flaunt your nouveau riche. This indoor/outdoor nightclub is nestled up on the Delaware River, providing beautiful backdrop for the nights festivities. Only 10 minutes from the Harrah.

Riddle Ale House

This local staple is the ideal place to go to get your grub on. Their specialty is hand carved roast beef sandwiches. It's a comfortable atmosphere with a bustling bar any day of the week (Happy Hour = $2 and $3 draft specials and $.50 everything else!). A "neat casual" dress code.

Trieste Italian Restaurant

Great for families, but also dates and intimate occasions. This four time "Best of Delco" winner hosts an large dinner and lunch menu; all classic Italian cuisine. Head over to Trieste and "experience what it is like to have a home cooked meal at a true independent and locally owned restaurant."

A Taste of Key West

"It'll be like a mini vacation every time you are here." So while you're on your mini vacation at the track, take a mini-er vacation here (whoa, meta). This laid back bar is also located on the waterfront and hosts an atmosphere that encourages fun and leisure. Their seafood-inspired menu comes with great reviews as well.

Custom Bagels

Bagels as good as the city. A huge selection allows you to start the day your way. Bagels. What's not to love?

The Radnor Hunt Races (May 15) is a steeplechase race, which is a distance race that involves more "natural" obstacle jumps- like ditches and brush. Look it up on Youtube. It's pretty crazy, but A LOT of fun to watch.

You have to get your tickets ahead of time, so go to the website to learn more about how to get yourself there. Look forward to lots of tailgating and good times.

The Devon Horse Show is a landmark event on the East Coast horse show calendar. It's a multi-breed horse show, which means you'll see a cross section equine sports, but in this blogger's humble opinion, what you really want to see are the jumpers. In particular, the Grand Prix on the evening of Thurs, June 3.

If you go Friday evening you can watch a variety of things, but if you're looking for hold-your-breath excitement? Don't miss the Grand Prix.

Grand Prix is the highest level of show jumping, with heights and spreads up to six and a half feet. Sometimes after the event is over, spectators are allowed to walk the course, meaning you can set yourself alongside these jumps go into the ring. Not sure if they'll let you do that here. But it's so much fun.

Again, the Devon Horse Show has all kinds of events, across disciplines. Don't let my opinion talk you out of some of the other fantastic events.

At Ridley Creek State Park there are stables where you can take a nice trail ride through the woods The ride is slow and guided, and they have pony rides for the tots. If you fall in love with it all, you can take lessons, buy your own horse and keep him there, too!