Belmont Stakes Saratoga: Best Things to Do While You're Visiting
If you, like so many other horse racing fans, are headed to the Belmont Stakes in Saratoga, you may be looking for other things to do while you're in the Spa City. We've got you covered, with all the Saratoga hotspots and activities that horse racing enthusiasts will love.
Saratoga National Golf Club
Saratoga National Golf Club has earned accolades as one of the nation's best daily fee golf courses since it opened in 2001. The daily guest fee includes a golf car with touch-screen GPS yardage system, and unlimited use of the practice facility for the day.
Saratoga National appeals to players of all skill levels with breathtaking scenery, and large, fast greens. The club places a premium on course conditioning and pace of play in order to provide a world-class golfing experience.
This top notch golf club is open to the public seven days a week. Tee times can be made 31 to 60 days in advance through the advanced booking option all season long (advance booking fee applies).
In addition, indoor and outdoor dining are available at Prime, the club's contemporary American restaurant featuring seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients.
Saratoga National is just a couple of miles from the track, and one mile from Exit 14 off the Northway.
Lifestyles of Saratoga
Located in historic downtown Saratoga Springs, Lifestyles of Saratoga has been dressing women for the races for over four decades. Their incredible stylists can help you put together a head-to-toe look, including track-friendly footwear, easy breezy linens, and top it all off with a must-have track hat.
Top brands they carry include:
- Eileen Fisher
- Frank Lyman
- Habitat
- Alembika
- Nic & Zoe
- Fly London
- And more!
Looking for the perfect hat or fascinator? Stop by their trackside pop-up shop housed in a 1969 vintage Shasta camper. Don't forget to enter NYRA's Belmont Best-Dressed Contest, sponsored by Lifestyles of Saratoga, with prizes worth $1,000, $500, and $250.
Union Hall Supply Company
Don't sweat it, guys! Union Hall Supply Company has got you covered.
Whether you've been to the races before and need a refresher on how to choose your ensemble, or you're a first-timer looking for tips, make sure to plan a stop at the Union Hall Supply Company.
Their top-notch team will have you covered from head to toe, whether you need trousers paired with a collared shirt for the clubhouse, or something to keep you cool and comfy for your picnic table in the paddock.
They carry the following brands:
- Johnnie O
- Faherty
- True Grit
- Florsheim
- Marine Layer
- Paige Denim
- Rails
- Fair Harbor
- Brax Trousers
- Rodd & Gunn
Stop by their pop-up shop housed in a vintage Shasta camper for their one-of-a-kind Belmont branded tees. Collect them all!
Roosevelt Baths & Spa
If you've heard of the Saratoga slogan, "Health, History, Horses," the "health" here refers to the healthful mineral springs and mineral baths we have here in the Spa City.
Healing, rejuvenating mineral baths are offered at the Roosevelt Baths and Spa at the Gideon Putnam, conveniently located in Saratoga Spa State Park.
This ultra unique spa dates back to 1935, and provides naturally healing treatments and private soaks in mineral water captured from underground springs (but warmed up!). They also do massages, facials, and other spa services.
You'll feel transformed after a soak in a Roosevelt Baths & Spa mineral bath. Experience it for yourself!
Carson's Woodside Tavern
Carson's Woodside Tavern has the biggest patio on Saratoga Lake with an amazing view. For outdoor dining after a day at the track, this off-the-beaten-path option can't be beat, and they're only 8.2 miles from the Saratoga Race Course.
Guests love the wide variety of classic American fare from wings to burgers to hot sandwiches, along with the outdoor fire pits, regular live music performances, and of course the spectacular sights of Saratoga Lake.
Their live music schedule during the Belmont Stakes Festival is:
- June 6: West Side Drive
- June 7: Harmony Rocks
- June 8: Sugar Pill
- June 9: 10 Most Wanted
Impressions of Saratoga
Impressions of Saratoga on Broadway will have pints, shot glasses, mugs, stickers, posters, tee-shirts, hats, and official Belmont Glasses available.
More merchandise is expected to get added to the inventory as we get closer to the racing festival, and they have a few special events taking place:
- Friday, June 7: Greg Montgomery, Travers and Belmont Poster Artist, will be at Impressions around 6pm to 8:30pm
- Saturday, June 8 & Sunday, June 9: Kentucky-based artist Melissa Crase will do a pop up art show at Impressions from about 9am to 6pm each day
Dark Horse Mercantile
Dark Horse Mercantile on Broadway is known for their Saratoga- and horse-themed items, and they always have high quality gifts, sportswear, and memorabilia, with top brands like Barbour. On occasion they do have unique, rare Saratoga memorabilia!
The store has a couple of special events going on:
- Friday, June 7: Dark Horse owner and author Maddy Zanetti will be doing a book signing with her two children's books from 6pm to 8:30pm
- Saturday, June 8: Upset the Miniature Dark Horse will be strolling downtown from 11am to 1pm
deJonghe Original Jewelry
deJonghe Original Jewelry is the go-to jewelry shop in Saratoga Springs, and they are pulling out all the stops for their Belmont collection. Explore their collection of beautiful jewelry, perfect for commemorating your visit here.
Options include:
- Exclusive Belmont Saratoga 2024 Horse Racing Charm in 14k gold at $600, or sterling silver at $135
- Jockey Hat Charm in 14k gold at $400, or sterling silver at $115
- Saratoga Springs Silks Charm in 14k gold at $400, or sterling silver at $115
- Complete Belmont Charm Bracelet in 14k at $3,725
They offer many other equestrian-themed pieces as well.
Sweet Mimi's Cafe & Bakery
Owner & Executive Chef of Sweet Mimi's Cafe, Jeanette Liebers, went head to head with Iron Chef Bobby Flay with her famous Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. The beloved Food Network star has been spotted at the cafe when in Saratoga. Her Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are served with fresh blueberry sauce and fresh berries.
As if that wasn't enough to put Sweet Mimi's on your must-do list for when you're in town for the Belmont, patrons can't get enough of the Challah French Toast, seasonal summer specials featuring local farmers, a delicious lunch menu, and a full from-scratch bakery, with options like flaky scones, buttery muffins, pound cakes, and oversized cookies.
Saratoga Candy Co.
Saratoga Candy Co. is a classic neighborhood candy shoppe located on Broadway in Saratoga. This is your go-to place for vintage candy like the famous Peppermint Pig, tasty treats like 18 different flavors of fudge, plus you might find some delicious horse-themed goodies!
Visit their website to see specials and seasonal items. They're open seven days a week for all your candy cravings.
Saratoga Spa State Park & The Mineral Springs
Saratoga Spa State Park, just 1.3 miles from the race track, is home to many of the Spa City’s famed mineral springs in addition to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), the Roosevelt Baths & Spa, the Saratoga Auto Museum, the Children’s Museum at Saratoga, a golf course, walking trails, pools, and more.
Mineral springs in the park include:
- Geyser Spring
- Polaris Spring
- Karista Spring
- Charlie Spring
- Orenda Spring
- Ferndell Spring
- Hathorn Spring No 3
- Hayes Well Spring
- State Seal Spring
- Geyser Island Spouter
- Coesa Spouter
- Big Red Spring
The Big Red Spring is located at the Saratoga Race Course itself.
Saratoga National Historical Park & Saratoga Battlefield
The Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater, between 15 and 20 minutes from the race track, holds significant importance relating to the American Revolutionary War - but you don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate the beauty and meaning of the land.
The Saratoga Battlefield was the site of the crucial Battle of Saratoga, a turning point in the Revolutionary War. The grounds are free to visit and are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Also worth checking out while here: the Visitor Center, the Saratoga Monument, Victory Woods, the Saratoga Surrender Site, and the General Philip Schuyler House, which is about 7 miles north of the park.
Congress Park & Carousel
Congress Park is the other major must-visit park in the Spa City besides the Saratoga Spa State Park. It's home to the Canfield Casino, a vintage Carousel, three mineral springs, walking trails, fountains, and the park’s infamous ducks. (Please don’t feed the ducks.)
The 100+ year-old, hand-carved carousel features horses with real horse hair and is open May through October at only $1 per ride.
The National Museum of Racing
The National Museum of Racing is an obvious must-visit attraction when in town for the Belmont Stakes. Situated directly across the street from the race track, this museum is open 10am to 4pm every day but Monday and Tuesday.
This museum documents the history and excitement of horse racing in Saratoga and the country at large through unique artifacts and memorabilia, presented in galleries and exhibitions.
The Horseshoe Inn
Being just steps away from the race track, it’s no wonder the Horseshoe Inn is a go-to place for after track parties. Great music, drinks, a dance floor, a dining room, and a food truck - this Saratoga eatery checks off all the boxes!
If you’re in town with children, no worries - they are family friendly as well. They offer plenty of outdoor seating, tents, and space for kids to run and play.