These aren’t necessarily hidden gems but more like “oh yeah” kinds of places, to get away from the track crowds or to take visitors for a different experience. I know, I know track season is Saratoga’s bread and butter, and I’m sure you’re thinking what does she know, she’s an out of towner herself. Well that’s true, and let me tell you that when I first moved here people told me “track season– just wait– its crazy!!” And they were right. But its crazy in a good way. More people means more money for local businesses and that means more jobs in general. I have nothing against track season, as a matter of fact I think its pretty cool! But some of you might be a little irritated with tourists and might be looking for something to do that well…..maybe they don’t really know about.
Now I’m not claiming to be an expert but since I’m not originally from here I wanted to explore the area and get to know more about it in all aspects. This is a beautiful area and sometimes when you live in place you forget all the fun, quirky and beautiful places that make up your hometown. So here I’ll try to name some that I know about that maybe a reminder to you or maybe you’ve heard about but have never been there. Whichever it is I hope this list will give you some ideas and maybe a break from track madness!!
For history buffs– Saratoga Battlefield Park, Ft. Ticonderoga, Crown Point, tours of Saratoga
The last time we had family visit my husband took two of them to the battlefield. They spent all day soaking in the whole experience. They went from marker to marker and read everything, but they are true history buffs.
Which brings me to Ft Ticonderoga at Lake Champlain. I like history but not as much as some, but I love Lake Champlain and I think that Ft. Ticonderoga is fascinating. So even if you think you’re not a history buff Ft. Ticonderoga might change your mind. Not too far from Ticonderoga is Crown Point. Not really much more than a ruin but was the first fortification in North America, and its close to the Vermont border so you can take the bridge and be in Vermont in a matter of minutes.
You also might to consider taking a tour of Saratoga. I know it sounds touristy but you just might learn something about our town.
Restaurants to try- Leon’s Mexican Restaurant, Fortunate Cup, Stadium Grill, Wings over Saratoga, Corner Pizza (formerly Mom and Pop’s)
I really like Leon’s for Mexican food better than any others around town. The food is better and so are the prices. Even though its close to the track its still worth it.
The Stadium Grill is awesome, there is no other word for it. Its the one place we always take visitors. If you don’t want to brave the crowds downtown, they do have another location on Congress Street. Same great food and atmosphere but with fewer crowds. Don’t forget to try the Saratoga chips and my personal favorite, the steak salad.
If you really want to beat the crowds why not check out some of the restaurants on the west side? A couple of my favorites, The Fortunate Cup for great coffees, teas, salads and sandwiches, along with some of the best biscotti–ever!
Wings Over Saratoga is a great place for lunch. They have buffalo flavors ranging from wimpy (my choice) to after burner– well you get the idea. But the wings also come in other flavors like teriyaki, barbeque and garlic parmesan just to name a few. The wings come with or without bones and for lunch they can’t be beat. You get over a pound of wings with fries and a soda for about $8. Good value and great food.
If you live near Greenfield or Porter Corners there is Corner Pizza, formerly Mom and Pop’s. In my opinion they have the best chef salad and boneless wings around!
Ice Cream– Humpty Dumpty, The Ice Cream Man, Dairy Haus
I know that Northerners love their ice cream, as do I. And I have found that Humpty Dumpty on West Ave is the best. Coming in a close second is the Ice Cream Man in Greenwich and Dairy Haus on Maple Ave. Try all three and then you decide.
Shopping–Wilton Mall, Aviation Mall
Downtown Saratoga during track season is crazy, that’s just a fact so if you want to avoid the crowds, why not try the Wilton Mall or if you don’t mind a short drive then there are a multitude of shops in Queensbury including a super Kmart. There is also Aviation Mall which is loaded with shops, restaurants and a movie theater.
Museums– Canfield Museum, Racing Museum, Automobile Museum, New York Military Museum and the Children’s Museum
Who knew that Saratoga has so many museums? Might be a good chance to check some of them out. The New York Military Museum is free and very interesting. But why not check them all out?
Recreation- Spa State Park, pools, hiking trails, fishing, beaches at the lake, camping, picnic in Spa State park, Yaddo Gardens, Moreau State park, camping, garnet mine.
The Saratoga area is a wealth of recreation opportunities. Spa State Park is a jewel, where you can bring a picnic basket from Putnam Market (located downtown) or even get all the ingredients for a cookout at Price Chopper and then enjoy this spectacular park. Just remember that there is a $6 fee per car. So load up the whole family! And while there you can enjoy one of the many pools, walking/biking trails or play a round of golf.
If you think Spa State Park will be too crowded then try Moreau State park, which is just a little further north on Rte 9 (there is also a $6 fee per car), don’t forget your fishing license and gear.
Looking to go camping, then the Saratoga area has an abundance of campgrounds like those at Sacandaga Lake or Schroon River.
Oh and did you know that there is a garnet mine about 45 minutes from Saratoga– Barton Garnet mine where you can spend a fun afternoon looking for garnets? They also have a gift shop where you can buy ready made jewelry. A fun day for any rock hound.
None of those sound interesting? Then why not visit Yaddo Gardens? A relaxing stroll through the garden might be just what you need.
A Dog Friendly town–
When I first moved here I was astonished at just how much of a dog friendly town Saratoga is. I was pleased since I’m a dog lover myself ( I have 2 doxie children) and can find just about anything for them at Sloppy Kisses downtown or at Paw Lickers on Rte 9 in Greenfield.
Spa Deals during track season–
Okay, so you like Saratoga during track season– its possible. One reason might be all the great deals that can be had at the local spas. So call around you might just find yourself one you can’t pass up!
Lastly
Breakfast at the Track–
Before the maddening crowds gather for the actual races have breakfast at the track. Here you can get up close and personal with the thoroughbreds, take a leisurely stroll through the grounds and have a delicious, relaxing breakfast in a beautiful atmosphere.
Now I know this list barely scratches the surface of the great things available in Saratoga. But like I said, maybe it’s the beginning of a list you can make for yourself of places you’ve meant to see or things you’ve meant to do. And track season might be the perfect time!
