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Vote for Emerald Downs
USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Best Horse Racing Track
Emerald Downs sits a bit south of Seattle, and like that green place, it's a horse racing track known for the lush greenery that surrounds it, perched in the shadow of Mount Rainier. Opened in 1996, this modern track has it all – a large grandstand, first-class stables and fine dining. The one-mile course hosts thoroughbred racing from May to September, and like the rest of this part of Washington state, it's been known to rain here at times. But that's part of what makes this area so lush and beautiful, so just plan to bring your rain gear and bet on the mudders!
Emerald Downs sits a bit south of Seattle, and like that green place, it's a horse racing track known for the lush greenery that surrounds it, perched in the shadow of Mount Rainier. Opened in 1996, this modern track has it all – a large grandstand, first-class stables and fine dining. The one-mile course hosts thoroughbred racing from May to September, and like the... Read More

Photo courtesy of cmannphoto // Getty Images
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
Candace Dantes
Candace Dantes is a fourth-generation cowgirl and... Read More
Candace Dantes is a fourth-generation cowgirl and award-winning journalist based in the Georgia Black Belt Region. From rural America, she has collaborated with global brands like London's M&C Saatchi and Black Beauty & Hair Magazine. Back home, she serves as an agriculture marketer and media consultant for U.S. Department of Agriculture research grant Black Farmers' Network, Wrangler, Justin Boots, and Visit Fort Worth. Currently, she is the Communications Director of national not-for-profit Outdoor Afro. Her Southern ag story and lifestyle: southernstylesandsteeds.com
Candace Dantes

Candace Dantes is a fourth-generation cowgirl and award-winning journalist based in the Georgia Black Belt Region. From rural America, she has collaborated with global brands like London's M&C Saatchi and Black Beauty & Hair Magazine. Back home, she serves as an agriculture marketer and media consultant for U.S. Department of Agriculture research grant Black Farmers' Network, Wrangler, Justin Boots, and Visit Fort Worth. Currently, she is the Communications Director of national not-for-profit Outdoor Afro. Her Southern ag story and lifestyle: southernstylesandsteeds.com
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.