Welcome to Cashville: A Winning Weekend at The Mint
- Leigh Roach
- Jun 21
- 6 min read
One of my favorite parts of what we do at Kentucky Taste Buds is that every trip—whether it's for work or fun—is a chance to discover someplace new. This time, our adventure took us to Franklin, Kentucky—or as some people like to call it, "Cashville." It didn't take long to understand why. Between The Mint Gaming Hall, the excitement of Circa Sportsbook, and the legendary Kentucky Downs Racetrack, there's an energy here that's hard to miss.
Our show, Live from Chevy Chase, sent me to Franklin for a live broadcast from Circa Sportsbook to talk about the FIFA World Cup, but I knew I didn't want to simply drive down, do my live shots, and head home. It didn't take much to convince my husband, Stevie J., to come along. We love discovering new places together, and since we both enjoy a little gaming—responsibly, of course—it was the perfect excuse to turn a work assignment into a fun overnight getaway and see what "Cashville" was all about.
Franklin is just about two and a half hours from Lexington, making it an easy road trip. What started as a visit to cover the World Cup quickly turned into so much more—a beautiful hotel, an incredible steak dinner, a lively sportsbook, a unique horse racing venue, and some of the warmest hospitality we've experienced in a long time.
If you're looking for something different to do this summer—whether it's a date night, a couples getaway, a weekend with friends, or just a reason to hit the road—here's why Franklin deserves a spot on your list.
First Stop: SpringHill Suites
One of the first things I noticed was how convenient everything was. The SpringHill Suites, a Marriott Brand, is connected directly to The Mint, so once you check in, you can leave your car parked and easily walk to the restaurants, sportsbook, gaming floor, and entertainment.
The hotel itself was spotless, and if you know me, you know that's a big deal. I'm a bit of a clean freak, and this place passed my test with flying colors. Seriously...I think I could have eaten dinner off the bathroom floor! Everything—from the room to the hallways and common areas—was impeccably clean, and that's something I always notice when I travel.
The room itself was spacious, cozy, and welcoming, with soft, comfortable linens that made it easy to settle in after the drive. I appreciated having plenty of storage space, a comfortable sitting area to relax, and a writing desk where I could catch up on a little work before the next day's live broadcast. The modern bathroom was bright, well-lit, and thoughtfully designed, making it easy to get ready the next morning. Altogether, the room had a warm, comfortable feel that made it easy to unwind and feel at home.
Our room overlooked the beautiful Kentucky Downs racetrack, and I have to say, waking up to that view was pretty special. I've stayed in a lot of hotels over the years, but I've never had a room overlooking one of the country's most unique turf courses. It gave the whole stay a true Kentucky feel. Beyond the beautiful scenery, I was immediately struck by the hospitality. Everyone I met was genuinely friendly and welcoming, making the stay feel comfortable from the moment I arrived.
Since they knew I was visiting, the team had even left a few thoughtful treats in my room—a handwritten welcome note, bottled water, and some delicious cookies. It was such a kind gesture and a reflection of the warm hospitality I experienced throughout my stay.
The hotel also has a stylish lounge that's perfect for grabbing a cocktail after a day of exploring, a complimentary breakfast to start your morning, and a beautiful outdoor pool. My only regret is that I didn't have enough time to jump in! There's also a wonderful outdoor patio with cozy fire pits, making it a great place to relax with friends or unwind after dinner before calling it a night.
Then I Started Exploring...
After getting settled into the hotel, Steve and I headed over to The Mint to see what all the excitement was about.
The Mint Gaming Hall is the largest gaming hall in Kentucky and features more than 1,300 historical racing machines. Even if gaming isn't the main reason for your visit, it's worth walking through just to take in the energy. One thing that really surprised me was learning that The Mint pays out millions of dollars in jackpots every month. Hearing that definitely caught my attention!
Steve and I decided to try our luck for a while. We won a little, lost a little—but that's all part of the fun! Then, as if to prove those jackpot stories were real, we stepped into the elevator with a woman who had just won $8,500 on one of the machines that night. She was absolutely beaming, and it was hard not to get excited right along with her.
After trying our luck on the gaming floor, it was time for the reason we had made the trip in the first place—the FIFA World Cup at Circa Sportsbook. If you're a sports fan, this place is incredible.
The first thing that catches your eye is the massive 80-foot-wide LED screen, made up of multiple screens so you can follow several games and sporting events all at once. Whether it's World Cup soccer, football, basketball, baseball, horse racing, or another big match-up, there's always something happening.
With comfortable seating, great sightlines, and an energetic atmosphere, it's easy to settle in and spend the afternoon or evening cheering on your favorite teams.
We decided to place a World Cup parlay just to make the match even more interesting...and believe it or not, we actually won! Cheers to Cashville!
I also learned a couple of things I didn't know before. First, Circa Sports is the same company behind the famous sportsbook at Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas, bringing that same big-game experience to Kentucky. Second, you don't even have to be at the sportsbook to get in on the action. By downloading the Circa Sports Kentucky app, you can place sports wagers from anywhere in Kentucky where sports betting is permitted.
Whether you're a serious sports fan, enjoy a little friendly gaming, or simply like the excitement of watching a big game with a crowd, The Mint and Circa Sportsbook offer a fun night out. As always, if you choose to gamble, make it part of the entertainment and play responsibly.
Dinner Was the Surprise of the Trip
I'll be honest...I wasn't expecting dinner to become my favorite part of the evening. Irons Steakhouse completely exceeded my expectations.
The restaurant strikes that perfect balance between upscale and comfortable. It feels elegant enough for a special night out, but relaxed enough that you can simply sit back, enjoy a great meal, and take your time. It's the kind of place where you immediately know you're in for a good dining experience.
We started with the tiger shrimp and warm, fresh rolls (trust me, you'll want more than one), then moved on to a perfectly cooked filet mignon with creamy mashed potatoes and their delicious corn casserole. Every bite was outstanding. And don't even get me started on the cocktails! They were just as impressive as the food. Paired with attentive, friendly service, the entire dining experience was one of the highlights of our trip.
Cap the Evening at Midnight Bourbon
Before calling it a night, we stopped into Midnight Bourbon. If you appreciate a good bourbon or handcrafted cocktail, you'll enjoy this space. On weekends, they also feature live music, giving the property another layer of entertainment after dinner. It was the perfect way to end the night.
Photo courtesy https://themintkentuckydowns.com Don't Overlook the Racetrack
The next morning, before my live shots, I spent some time learning more about Kentucky Downs. Unlike most racetracks, Kentucky Downs only hosts live racing for a short meet each year in late August and early September. Because there are only a handful of race days, the purses are among the richest in North America, attracting many of the sport's biggest names. The course itself is beautiful and unique, featuring a European-style turf layout unlike any other track in Kentucky. Even if you're not a horse racing fan, it's worth seeing.
What Stood Out Most
The food was excellent. The hotel was beautiful. The sportsbook and gaming hall were exciting.
But what I'll remember most is the hospitality. Every employee I met was welcoming, friendly, and genuinely seemed happy to have guests there. I had the opportunity to meet several members of the management team, and they couldn't have been nicer. They even surprised me with a great Mint swag bag before I headed home.
If you're looking for something different—a place where you can enjoy great food, watch your favorite team, experience Kentucky horse racing, relax at a beautiful hotel, listen to live music, or simply enjoy a fun overnight escape—The Mint at Kentucky Downs is worth adding to your summer travel list.
So...welcome to "Cashville." You might come for the gaming, but don't be surprised if it's the food, the people, the sports, and the overall experience that keep you talking long after the trip is over.
Comments