Vernon Downs Racing

Vernon Downs Racing presents itself as a comprehensive entertainment complex, built around its historic harness racing track. Established in 1953, this venue has evolved significantly from its origins, integrating a modern hotel and a vibrant casino to create a multi-faceted tourist destination in Vernon, New York. It aims to provide a complete experience, combining lodging, gaming, dining, and the primary spectacle of horse racing into a single package, making it a candidate for those planning a weekend getaway.

An All-in-One Entertainment Hub

The primary appeal of Vernon Downs lies in its ability to cater to a variety of interests within one property. The synergy between the hotel, casino, and racetrack is its core strength. Guests can book a room, often with a direct view of the racetrack, enjoy casino gaming, have multiple dining options, and watch live races without needing to travel elsewhere. This integrated approach is a significant convenience for visitors. The hotel accommodations receive consistent praise, with guest reviews frequently describing the rooms as spacious, clean, and comfortable. Some rooms offer panoramic views of the historic track, a unique feature that strongly appeals to racing aficionados. This makes the accommodation booking process straightforward for those seeking an immersive racing experience.

The establishment has also positioned itself as a surprisingly viable family vacation spot. While casinos are typically adult-oriented, Vernon Downs incorporates family-friendly amenities. Reports from visitors highlight that children enjoy the indoor heated pool and the simple thrill of watching the horses. During the live race season, the venue has been known to offer attractions like a children's bounce house, further broadening its appeal beyond just gamers and racing fans. This dual appeal allows adults to enjoy the casino and races while ensuring younger family members have enjoyable activities.

The Casino and Racing Experience

The casino floor features over 500 modern gaming machines, including a variety of video lottery terminals and electronic games. While it lacks live table games, the selection is substantial enough to entertain casual and serious slot players. The casino is directly accessible from the hotel, a convenience noted by many patrons. For horse racing enthusiasts, Vernon Downs offers a rich experience. The live harness racing season runs from April to November, featuring prominent events like the Zweig Memorial Trot and the Empire Breeders Classic. For the remainder of the year, the facility provides simulcast wagering, allowing betting on races from across North America daily.

Dining and Live Entertainment

A notable strength is the variety of on-site dining options, which range from casual to more formal. Establishments like Mr. G's Food & Spirits offer steaks and seafood, while the Triple 777 Café provides quick bites like burgers and sandwiches. Other options include The Kitchen Buffet and the Miracle Mile Restaurant, which allows diners to watch races from their table. This array ensures that most tastes and budgets are accommodated. Furthermore, Ring Eyed Pete's Bar, located on the casino floor, often hosts live bands and entertainment, adding another layer to the nightlife and completing the getaway deals package.

Points for Consideration

Despite its many strengths, potential visitors should be aware of certain limitations. One of the most common pieces of feedback from guests is that while Vernon Downs is an excellent destination for a short trip of one or two nights, its appeal may wane for longer stays. The entertainment options, while varied, may not be extensive enough to sustain interest for a full week-long vacation, especially when compared to larger resort destinations. It is ideally suited for a focused weekend getaway rather than an extended holiday.

Another factor is the venue's historical context. Vernon Downs has faced significant financial challenges and periods of closure in its past, particularly in the early 2000s before the addition of the casino and its purchase by new ownership in 2006. While it is currently operational and has seen a renaissance, this history is a reminder of the competitive pressures it faces from nearby, larger Native American casinos like Turning Stone. This competition can impact the scale of its offerings and promotions. Finally, travelers seeking a bustling, 24/7 casino environment should note the operating hours. The facility does not operate around the clock, with earlier closing times on weekdays compared to weekends, which requires some planning for visitors.

Conclusion

Vernon Downs Racing has successfully transformed itself into a robust entertainment venue that offers more than just its storied racetrack. It stands as a strong option for those seeking a comprehensive and convenient vacation package for a short duration. Its key advantages are the seamless integration of a comfortable hotel, a lively casino, and the thrilling action of live harness racing. The added dimension of being family-friendly gives it a broader appeal than many similar establishments. While it may not be the ideal choice for a long vacation and faces stiff regional competition, it excels in its niche as a premier destination for a memorable weekend trip centered on racing and gaming.