Catch Up on Saratoga Springs News, Exciting Business Announcements, and More
See What's New in Saratoga
Stay informed and up-to-date with what's happening in our vibrant region! We've rounded up some of the top Saratoga Springs news, including local business headlines, major event announcements, community updates, and more.
The CPKC Holiday Train Will Light Up the Saratoga Area on November 25th
It's going to be another merry and bright holiday season in the Saratoga Springs area! The beloved CPKC Holiday Train is set to return on November 25, 2024, spreading festive cheer and supporting local banks.
Since 1999, the Holiday Train has raised over $24.3 million and donated more than 5.3 million pounds of food for community food banks in the U.S. and Canada. The train, decked out in thousands of lights, is scheduled to visit Mechanicville and Saratoga Springs at the following locations on November 25:
- Mechanicville (300 Park Avenue, Mechanicville, NY): 6pm-6:30pm
- Saratoga Springs (Amtrak Station, Saratoga Springs, NY): 7:30pm-8pm
At each stop, there will be free live music by the James Barker Band and Cherel. Attendees are encouraged to make a monetary or heart-healthy donation to help those in need in the local community.
As part of its 4-week trip starting November 22, 2024, the CPKC Holiday Train will also stop in Fort Edward and Port Henry on November 26, and then continue its tour through December 17, 2024.
The CPKC Holiday Train is a can't-miss holiday event in our region, and we can't wait for its return. Be sure to mark your calendar today!
Historic Victory for Saratoga Springs Girls Soccer Team
The Saratoga Springs girls soccer team the Blue Streaks are celebrating after a significant win! A section title hadn't been won by this team in over 30 years, but the dream team took home a win against Shaker on Monday, November 4.
This winning of the 2 Class AAA championship game was secured through "a solid defense and just enough offense." Senior Keegan Reinhart was called out as the player who helped to provide the team with an early lead.
The soccer team moves on to the regional championship round of the state tournament on Saturday, November 9 in Syracuse.
Sources:
- Daily Gazette: Stellar defense, timely goals propel Saratoga Springs girls' soccer to first Section 2 title in over 30 years
- News 10 ABC: Saratoga Springs girls soccer wins first title in over three decades
Spread Holiday Cheer & Support Franklin Community Center This December
Get ready to celebrate the holidays in Saratoga Springs with a lineup of festive events that will bring the community together while supporting the Franklin Community Center (FCC). These gatherings combine holiday cheer with opportunities to make a positive impact.
Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Winter Welcome Disc Golf – December 7, 2024
Head to Saratoga Spa State Park on Saturday, December 7, for the annual Winter Welcome Disc Golf Charity Tournament. Tee-off begins at 11:45 AM, and participants are asked to bring a donation item or make a cash contribution to join.
All proceeds benefit FCC. This fun outdoor event is a great way to enjoy the season while giving back to the community. Register today! (https://www.discgolfscene.com/tournaments/Winter_Welcome_7_2024)
Support & Social at Samantha Nass Floral – December 11, 2024
On Wednesday, December 11, Samantha Nass Floral & Event Design at 61 Lawrence Street will host a Support & Social event in honor of Franklin Community Center. Shop or make a donation anytime from 10 AM to 8 PM to support vital programs. Plus, every donor and shopper will be entered to win a $250 gift certificate!
SantaCon – December 14, 2024
SantaCon returns to Saratoga Springs on Saturday, December 14! Join the fun from 1 PM to 3 PM by purchasing tickets for $15 online or $20 on the day of the event.
Tickets include drink specials at participating venues such as Soundbar Saratoga and Harvey’s Restaurant. All proceeds directly support FCC’s essential programs. Be sure to dress up in your favorite holiday attire!
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa – December 18, 2024
Wrap up the holiday fun with the 3rd Annual Cookies & Cocoa with Santa at The Saratoga Hilton on December 18, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. This family-friendly event features ornament making, cookie decorating, and a special visit from Santa.
Admission is a new, unwrapped gift, which will support FCC’s Holiday Assistance Program. Sign up in advance to select your donation item and reserve your spot! (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A5AA2EA6F5C25-53215262-cookies#/)
Celebrate the season and support your neighbors by attending one—or all—of these wonderful events! For more details, visit Franklin Community Center’s website.
Hotel Brookmere and the Regent Restaurant & Bar Are Coming Soon to Saratoga
Saratoga Springs will soon welcome an exceptional new destination: Hotel Brookmere. Located on the former site of the Longfellows Hotel & Restaurant on Union Avenue, this 88-room boutique hotel is expected to open later this year, with bookings currently being accepted for January 2025 and beyond.
Hotel Brookmere will offer a blend of boutique comforts, top-notch customer service, and charming amenities.
The hotel will be home to the Regent Restaurant & Bar, helmed by chef Christopher Smith, who brings years of fine-dining experience from the Pacific Northwest.
With a menu that features French-inspired dishes and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the Regent Restaurant aims to create a welcoming space that balances high-quality cuisine with a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.
Diners can look forward to brunch and dinner service daily, and outdoor dining will be available seasonally.
Adding to the allure of the property is the Arbor Spa, which, like the Regent Restaurant & Bar, will be open to the public. This serene spa is set to provide a range of rejuvenating services that enhance the luxurious yet inviting ambiance of Hotel Brookmere.
Stay tuned for updates as this new chapter unfolds in Saratoga Springs!
Sources: Daily Gazette | Hotel Brookmere
Saratoga Wing Off 2024 Winners: See Who Stole the Show
The 7th Annual Saratoga Wing Off on Saturday, October 19, 2024, was a deliciously fun event where over 30 restaurants and taverns competed to serve up the best chicken wings in town.
With hundreds of attendees flocking to sample a variety of mouthwatering flavors, the Wing Off wasn’t just about satisfying appetites—it also supported a good cause. A portion of the event's proceeds went to the American Cancer Society to raise awareness of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
After a day full of spice, sauce, and smoky flavors, the top honors went to Bentley’s Tavern in Malta and The Mill on Round Lake in Round Lake.
Announcing the Winners
In this year’s hotly contested event, Bentley's Tavern took home the coveted People's Choice Award for their Smokey and The Bandit wings. Meanwhile, The Mill on Round Lake earned the title of Wildest Wing with their bold Bada Bing Vodka Wing.
Some of the other contenders included Hattie's Restaurant with their Good-N-Evil Chicken Wings, The Parting Glass with their Hot Bacon Jam & Jamo Sticky Whiskey Wings, and Brasserie Benelux's Maple Bacon Bourbon Wings.
Congrats to both Bentley's Tavern and The Mill on Round Lake for winning! Whether you're a local or just visiting, make sure to stop by these establishments to try their exceptional chicken wings for yourself.
Sip for Wildlife at Cantina in Saratoga Springs
Cantina in Saratoga Springs is excited to announce they have chosen North Country Wild Care as the beneficiary of their Good Samaritan Margarita! Now through the end of November 2024, $3 from each margarita sold will help wildlife in need.
Enjoy Taco Tuesday with a drink that makes a difference! Stop by Cantina, sip for wildlife, spread the word.
Cantina opened in 2007 and serves fresh, contemporary Mexican and Southwest Food and exceptional margaritas. With a relaxed atmosphere, they are a staple of the vibrant downtown Saratoga Springs area.
Sushi Restaurant Replacing 30 Lake
The owner of the new Omakase Sushi and Grill already has six restaurants under her belt, with this one being the seventh, and an eighth on the horizon!
Briana Lin intentionally chooses spaces that formerly housed restaurants if possible, like this new one that is taking over the 30 Lake space at 30 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs.
Omakase Sushi and Grill is expected to open in October of 2024. "Omakase" means "I'll leave it up to you" in Japanese, and this is reminiscent of how the high end eatery will operate.
The chef will choose the meal based on fresh ingredients they have on hand, and the customer can choose their experience based on a price point of $70, $90, or $110. They also expect to have a la carte sushi, a variety of Asian dishes, and a full bar.
Sources:
- News 10 ABC: New sushi restaurant opening in Saratoga Springs
- Saratoga Living: Restauranteur Briana Lin Brings Omakase to Saratoga Springs