Enjoying Saratoga Springs Throughout the Seasons

Saratoga Springs is beautiful no matter when you decide to visit. Stop by for a quick weekend but make sure you come back soon. When you enter Saratoga you will be greeted with an abundance of old charm and history. This city is extremely easy to navigate (walking, quick cab ride, or a hop on a trolley during the summer months) so virtually everything is within reach.

Spring in Saratoga Springs is absolutely stunning. The air is fresh and the flowers are just starting to bloom. Stop by at the local Saratoga Springs Farmers Market or head over to Congress Park and watch the new baby ducks. When the rain does come take advantage of the Saratoga Auto Museum or check out the new Saratoga YMCA; brand new equipment, flat screen tvs, indoor pool, and a sauna will welcome you. This family friendly YMCA offers family locker rooms and on-site childcare. Stop by Racino, Saratoga Gaming and Raceway for some night time fun. Good old fashion harness racing and slot machines are there to entertain you.

Summer in Saratoga is exciting. Chose from horse racing, polo, outdoor entertainment (live music, outdoor art shows), shopping, dancing, and world class dining. Do you want a break from walking around town at the shops? Then take a moment and explore historic Saratoga Spa State Park. Go golfing at one of the championship courses. Enjoy a night at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center where you will have a chance to see everything from the New York City Ballet to the latest musical act. Summer is a great times to be outdoors. Head over to the park once again, but this time for a swim. Stroll around Broadway to one of the many shops and out door dining choices. Saratoga is full of history so no matter where you end up you will be delighted.

Fall in Saratoga Springs is beautiful. Stunning fall colors cover the city and the nearby Adirondack mountains. The pace has now slowed down a bit from the bustle of the summer travelers; strolling the streets of downtown Saratoga is now a leisurely activity. When the weather turns crisp dip inside for a coffee at Starbucks or catch a nearby movie. Train rides throughout the Adirondacks at this time offer spectacular views of the changing trees. Many activities are also found in nearby towns. The Balloon Festival in nearby Glens Falls is an unforgettable experience.

Winter in Sartoga Springs is refreshing. Fresh snow blankets the streets of Saratoga. The buildings are decorated beautifully with abundant lights and green wreaths. To stop at the top of the street by Congress Park and look down upon Saratoga one would think they have stepped into a Victorian postcard. Holiday shopping is plentiful here. The shops are close and they are sure to offer that something special for everyone on your holiday list. If you are in town during the annual Saratoga Victorian Street walk you are sure to be in for a treat. Broadway (the main road throughout the city) is closed to traffic as patrons flood the street. If you are in town on New Years then First Night is a must see. Its a night of family fun, exhibits, and of course fireworks. If skiing is your thing head over to the State Park. Many trails open and they are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. If you prefer to snowboard or snowmobile check out the local Adirondack mountains. There is something for every skill level.

In the mood to sit back and relax. Check out some of my favorite places to eat right downtown.

Circus Cafe-392 Broadway- http://www.circuscafe.com/

Don't miss it, the circus is in town! Located on historic Broadway the Circus Cafe is a favorite for both the young and old. Try the house favorites such as home style meatloaf, lump crab-cakes with ginger aioli, chicken pot pie, oversized salads and sensational desserts. The children will love the cotton candy that is bigger than their heads. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the fresh popcorn as you await your food. Serving lunch and dinner from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, late night bar, 7 days.

West Side Stadium Café 112 Congress Street http://www.thestadiumcafe.com/

Step inside sports fans. The West Side Stadium Café is home to more than 22 TV's and a huge giant screen TV. This restaurant offers a laid-back family environment accompanied by affordable prices. With tons of appetizers to chose from your biggest decision will be where to start. For appetizers I suggest the calamari or Saratoga Chips. For your main course be sure to try one of their delicious wraps, huge salads, and amazing desserts. Hours of operation are Sunday-Thursday from 11:30am-11:30pm. Friday and Saturday is 11:30am-12:00pm.

Saratoga City Tavern 19 Caroline Street www.saratogacitytavern.com

If you are looking for a quick bite to eat and drink afterward then check out Saratoga City Tavern.Located one block off Broadway, on Caroline Street, this is the only place in Saratoga that offers a rooftop bar. The four floors of the Tavern offer an abundance of space for a private party of any size.On the menu daily is typical tavern fare (chicken, burgers, sandwiches) and a array of delicious drinks. Entertainment changes daily so be sure to check out the most current schedule; available online or in person.

Gaffney's Restaurant 16 Caroline Street www.gaffneysrestaurant.com

Open year-round with nightly live entertainment this is the place to be. Gaffney's is even more alluring during the summer months; dine outside in the fresh garden full of flowers and dance the night away under a starry sky. Amazing cuisine served in a trendy but relaxed atmosphere. Gaffney's Restaurant offers a large selection of food; amazing chicken ceasear salad to the all American cheeseburger. This atmosphere at Gaffney's has said to be trendy yet relaxed. You may chose to eat indoors at the garden bar or at the outdoor patio. This is one stop in Saratoga that you will not want to miss. Sunday brunch 10:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.; Lunch daily from 11:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.; Dinner daily from 5:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.

SIRO'S 168 Lincoln Ave www.sirosrestaurant.com

During racing season try Siro's. Here dress up in your best and take a step back into old Sartoga charm and elegance. Spend the evening dancing to live entertainment after the races are finished. Siro's, one of America's oldest trackside restaurant, serves up not only first class food but an impeccable staff as well.

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway 342 Jefferson Street www.saratogagamingandraceway.com

Besides live harness racing, over 1700 video gaming machines, and Vapor the newest nightclub in the Capital Region; Racino (Saratoga Gaming and Raceway) also offers a diversity of food. The food court offers up a quick bite in a casual setting, the Garden Buffet offers a Vegas inspired eating area which includes a carving station, Italian, Asian, American, and Sushi selections along with a full salad and dessert buffet. During racing seasons try Fortunes, a more class restaurant known for its prime rib. Reservations are a must so be sure to call ahead!

Renting out a private house or condo for a week is not uncommon here in Saratoga. However, if a hotel is more your style than chose from one of my favorites below.

The Saratoga Hilton http://www.thesaratogahotel.com/

534 Broadway

The Saratoga Hilton is located right on Broadway. This new upscale Hilton property has an award winning 4 star restaurant, Chez Sophie, right on site. The menu at Chez Sophie's changes daily based on the availability of fresh ingredients from the local farms. Known for offering over 400 selections of wine, Chez Sophie takes pride in bringing a little bit a France to the Saratoga region. So sit back, relax, and enjoy delicious food prepared with fresh locally grown produce at Chez Sophie.

A listing of some of the superb amenities offered at the Saratoga Hilton

Spacious, oversized guestroom

Comfortable king-sized bed (a limited number of rooms have two double beds instead of one king)

High-speed wireless Internet access

Large picture windows with roman shades

Multi-line telephone

27-inch television, with remote cable

Video check-out available

Coffeemaker coffee and tea service

Alarm clock / radio

Full-length mirrors

Hairdryer

Iron and ironing board

Self-controlled heating / cooling

In-room smoke alarms

Cribs and roll-away beds available

Ideally located along Broadway in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs, New York

Over 46,000 square feet of combined event space with the Saratoga Springs City Center

Just minutes from the Saratoga Race Course

Heated indoor swimming pool

*Nightly rates starting at just $139 during the off season

Hilton Garden Inn www.saratogasprings.hgi.com

125 South Broadway

The older of the two Hilton's located in town, this hotel still offers superb amenities. An indoor pool and hot tub, exercise center, and 24 hour business center are a few of the conveniences offered here. The location cannot be beat. The Hilton Garden Inn is located within a mile of downtown, SPAC, and the race course.

Amenities Offered At This Property

Air conditioning

Indoor Pool

Refrigerator

Microwave

Colored/Cable TV

Private bath

Non-Smoking Rooms

In Room Telephones/Dataport on Telephones

High Speed Internet

Jacuzzi/Hot Tubs

Banquet Room

Full Breakfast

Children Welcome

24 Hour Staffing

Ice/Soda Machine

Workout Room/Fitness Equipment

*Nightly rates starting at just $69 during the off season

Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa www.gideonputnam.com

24 Gideon Putnman Road

In the heart of Saratoga State Park come relax at the Gideon Putnman. Chose from one of the 18 suites or 120 guestrooms. Take advantage of one of the resorts fine eateries; Georgian Room Restaurant (very elegant), Saratoga Grille (casual), or Café in the Park (serving lunch during the summer months).Indulge yourself in the full service salon or simply relax with a walk through the beauty of the park, over 2,000 acres, to one of the sparkling outdoor pools.

Amenities Offered At The Gideon Putnman

- Air Conditioning (In Room)

- Coffee Maker

- In Room Broadband Internet Access

- Iron

- Newspaper (Free)

- Non-Smoking Rooms Available

- Refrigerator (some rooms)

- Television (Cable)

- Concierge Services

- Gift Shop

- Laundry/ Dry Cleaning Service

- Multilingual Staff

- Room Service

- Parking On Site Free

- Golf Course

- Health Club

- Health Spa/Massage

- Pool (Outdoor)

- Tennis Court

*Nightly rates starting at just $84 during the off season