Summertime First Dates in Saratoga Springs, New York

First dates can be exciting yet nerve racking. To eliminate some of the stress you should plan ahead. Saratoga Springs offers unlimited outdoor dating options for every budget. There is no better time than to go on a first date during the summer months in Saratoga.

Congress Park
Cold Stone Creamy or Starbucks
Cost under $30
Price includes picnic lunch, ride on carousel, and a coffee or ice cream.

Grab your date in the early afternoon and head over to Congress Park for an afternoon of relaxation. This is a simple and inexpensive way to get to know your date. Admission to the park is free and right across the street is free parking. During the summer the park is open daily until dusk. Spread out a blanket on the freshly manicured lawn. Bring a picnic lunch along with you. Sandwiches, cheese, crackers, fruit, and drinks are easy options. There are paved paths throughout the park for you and your date to walk through. Stop and feed the ducks or take a moment a throw a penny into one of the many fountains. You can even stop and enjoy one of the fresh mineral springs. Bring a Frisbee and or a ball to play catch. For an added element to the date ride the historic Carousel. The cost is only $.50 per person. Depending on the day, you may even find a craft fair going on in the park. If you feel like a little history on your date head over to Canfield Museum. This museum is located right within the park. Canfield Museum showcases over 15,000 items from earlier Saratoga times (starting as early as the 1800s).

When your day at the park is finished; drop off your picnic basket at your car and walk right up the street to downtown Saratoga. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the town. You can walk around and window show or just enjoy people watching. Stop by Cold Stone Creamery for a one of a kind ice cream or head over to Starbucks for an iced beverage. If you do not want your date to end there, you will find plenty of bars on Caroline Street to keep the night going.

Saratoga Race Track
Gaffney's
Cost $75 to $100
Price includes admission and parking to the race track as well as dinner and drinks at Gaffney's.

Saratoga is all about horse racing during the summer months. Pick up your date and head over to the race track. Dress is usually business casual; think nice polo shirt for the men and a dress for the women. During July, August, and early September the gates open at 11am and on the weekends they open at 10:30am. There is usually promotions going on throughout the day; something along the lines of a free giveaway for the first thousand people. Go for the enjoyment of watching horses or to place a wager. Grab a picnic table and eat a quick snack. If you love horses and being outdoors this makes a great first date. General Admission costs are $3 per person (except for the Travers Day Race), Club House Admission is $5, and gate side parking is $10. There is parking available for only $5, but it is further away from the track. Stay for the entire day of racing or just catch a few.

When you are done head over to Gaffney's for dinner. Gaffney's is this great bar and restaurant right in the heart of downtown Saratoga on Caroline Street. Gaffney's offers superb dining and live entertainment. Gaffney's dinner menu features entrees such as home made soups, spinach salad, fried calamari, and lobster. You can enjoy your food either inside or outside on the patio. During the summer months bands play outside in the garden, every night, from 10pm until 2am.

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway
Fortunes
Vapor
Cost $100 and up
Price includes slot machine play, dinner for two, and drinks at Vapor.

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway is located right on the edge of town. An evening here is jammed packed with fun. First step into the Casino and immerse yourself into an atmosphere of excitement. You will be greeted by flashing lights of the slot machines. There are over 1700 slot machines to choose from; many of them are penny machines. When it is time to eat head upstairs to Fortunes. Fortunes offers amazing dinning; with prime rib and the seafood buffet the more popular choices. You can watch live harness racing right out of your table side window. For your convenience you can place a wager right there while eating. If a race is not going on, you may be able to catch a sports game on one of the flat screen tvs. Make sure you call ahead for reservations since Fortunes is a favorite among many.

After dinner head over to Vapor, it is the night club located right inside Saratoga Gaming and Raceway. You will find yourself immersed in a modern atmosphere where shades of blues and purple set the mood for dancing. Every Friday and Saturday night there is live music. On a warm summer night take advantage of the wrap around patio outside of the club. A booth or table can be reserved ahead of time for a more intimate setting. Sip on specialty drinks and dance the night away.

Sources:

New York Racing Associate
http://www.nyra.com/Saratoga/GeneralInformation/GeneralInformation/GeneralInformation.shtml

Gaffney's
http://www.gaffneysrestaurant.com/

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway
http://www.saratogagamingandraceway.com/Home.aspx