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.
New Playground Makes a Splash at Saratoga Springs' Waterfront Park
![group of people pose in front of new playground holding ribbon](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/6/saratoga-chamber-of-commerce.jpg)
There's a new reason for families to visit Saratoga Springs' Waterfront Park – a fantastic new playground! Designed to be inclusive and engaging for children of all ages and abilities, the playground officially opened its doors this spring.
The 4,400-square-foot structure offers a wonderland of fun. Kids can zoom down thrilling slides, navigate challenging bridges, conquer climbing elements, and even take in the breathtaking views of Saratoga Lake through a special binocular viewing area.
"The kids can kind of play while the parents can sit and look at the water," said Saratoga Springs Recreation Department Director John Hirliman. "It's a perfect spot for families to relax and enjoy the fresh air."
This exciting addition to Waterfront Park is part of a larger revitalization effort. Funded by the previous City Council's Capital funds at a cost of $153,434, the playground joins the recently renovated bathrooms and gazebo at the park's lower level.
"It's always the best to see stuff like this, especially when kids are involved," said Mayor John Safford at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighting the importance of projects that directly benefit the community's children.
Source: Saratogian
Bittersweet & Ivy Boutique Debuts New Brick-and-Mortar Location
![Close-up of green Bittersweet & Ivy Sign](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/7/Bittersweet-Ivy-Sign.jpg)
This summer, Bittersweet & Ivy opened up their first official location. The brick-and-mortar shop is located on Broad Street in Schuylerville and is the perfect place to find gifts for loved ones or splurge on something for yourself.
Bittersweet & Ivy offers a large variety of items, from gifts to trinkets and decor. They can even provide custom-made items like junk drawer memory boxes.
The quaint shop's atmosphere, in addition to the care that goes into the products being sold, creates a shopping experience everyone should check out.
See their Facebook page for a look at their products: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559768537749
Mohawk Chevrolet Goes Viral With Mockumentary-Style TikToks
Ballston Spa's Mohawk Chevrolet has been gaining traction on social media after creating its "Office-inspired" comedy series, "The Dealership." The series of skits follows the main character and creator of the series, Grace Kerber, as she hilariously interacts with others at the dealership.
Inspired by a simple rubber duck prank that Kerber decided to post on the internet, the videos have exploded and amassed a large following. The fifth episode in the series, "Lemme Drive the Rado," currently has over 3.1 million views and even caught the attention of the Chevrolet brand itself.
Kerber told a USA Today reporter that social media has become a hugely accepted part of the Mohawk Chevrolet culture where most employees want to get involved. One episode even included a journey to Mohawk Honda's showroom, creating an excellent collab.
To check out the series, head to Mohawk Chevrolet's TikTok account!
Source: USA Today
Local Favorite Saratoga City Tavern Listed for Sale
![large sports bar](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/7/city-tavern.jpg)
A central fixture of downtown Saratoga's nightlife scene, the Saratoga City Tavern at 19-21 Caroline Street is up for sale, as reported by News 10 ABC.
The Saratoga City Tavern has had the same owners since 2002, who helped turn it into a popular spot for food, drinks, and live entertainment. From the second floor sports bar to the rooftop bar with amazing views of the city, this tavern has something for everyone.
The current owners are seeking potential buyers for this gem of a building. With five floors, a private event space, two kitchens, and more, the 7,770-square-foot tavern is worth every penny.
It's listed on Roohan Reality's website for 4.9 million. See details about the property if you are interested.
Source: News10 ABC
New Chipotle to Open in Saratoga Springs
![Chipotle Bowl with rice, beans, lettuce, chicken, and other veggies.](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/8/Chipotle-chicken-Bowl.jpg)
Can't get enough burrito bowls in your life? Craving that fresh, zesty flavor of homemade guacamole and chips? You'll be happy to hear that a new Chipotle location is coming to Saratoga Springs next summer!
This restaurant is being added to the list of 12 Chipotle Mexican Grills currently operating in the Capital Region. The closest one for Spa City residents is in Wilton.
A Chipotle spokesperson has announced that the vacant building at 12 Ballston Ave will be demolished and replaced with the new dining spot. The location will be 2,343 square feet, with 23 parking spaces and a patio. It will be accessible from Ballston Avenue and a new driveway off Hamilton Street.
Mark your calendars for a year from now and look forward to getting your Chipotle fix!
Source: The Daily Gazette
Cardona's Market Commemorates Reopening of Saratoga Springs Location
![man eating a sandwich outdoors by a sign](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/7/Cardona-s-reopening.jpg)
After completing an extensive renovation project, Cardona's Market reopened its Saratoga Springs location on Tuesday, July 9. The reopening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony with appearances from Mayor John Safford and Saratoga live TV personality Richard Migliore, who debuted a sandwich named after him.
Renovated with the addition of a 1,400-square-foot, full-service kitchen, the market now features ready-to-serve hot food, including Italian favorites such as penne alla vodka, chicken meatballs, and more.
Three of the market's popular sandwiches from the Latham location have been renamed to commemorate the local community. One sandwich, named "The Thoroughbred" is an ode to Saratoga's Horse Racing Heritage.
The new renovation has meant big changes for the market, and customers should stop in and check it out for themselves!
Savor Authentic Italian Flavors at Saratoga Lake's Newest Lakeside Restaurant
![dining tables facing window offering a lake view](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/7/buona-sera.jpg)
Love dining on the lake in the summer? Craving Italian food? Then you're in luck! Saratoga Lake's newest restaurant, BuonaSera, combines lakeside dining with delicious Italian cuisine.
The restaurant opened in the space that used to be Nostalgia Ale House and Wine Bar, at 113 Route 9P in Malta.
Owned by Jimmy Hartwyk and his wife Danielle, the couple has been dedicated to restoring the restaurant for guests to enjoy for summer 2024 and beyond. The space now includes a renovated kitchen and bar, new tables and chairs, and updated windows.
Their menu features plenty of Italian classics such as Braised Ossobuco, Grilled Ribeye, Chicken or Veal Parmesan, Bolognese, Fettuccine Alfredo, Penne Alla Vodka, and more. They have a large indoor dining area and tables offering lakefront views.
BuonaSera had their soft opening on July 13, so stop by anytime to see what they're all about! They are open Thursday through Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Source: News 10 ABC
Check Out Saratoga Race Course's New Lineup of Food and Beverages for the 2024 Summer Meet
![Image of bar with people in building with Jim Dandy Bar displayed on the top](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/7/Jim-Dandy-Bar-Toga-race-course.jpg)
Saratoga Race Course's 40-day-long summer meet is heating up with a new food and beverage lineup.
The meet features the newly renovated, horseshoe-shaped Jim Dandy bar presented by Great Jones Distilling Co. This popular bar in the lower Clubhouse will serve two delicious track-themed cocktails (Great Jones Belmont Jewel and Saratoga Sunrise) in commemorative cups you get to keep.
For an extensive list of options, pair the bar with the return of the Finish Line Grill, the newly upgraded Clubhouse Grill, the Frozen in Time stand conversion to the Trifecta Taqueria, or the new Country Corner Cafe pop-up cart!
![Corner shaped food counter service location labeled the Clubhouse Grill](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/7/Clubhouse-Grill-Toga-Race-Course.jpg)
With the Clubhouse Grill serving hot foods for the first time (such as a southern pork tenderloin sandwich), and the Finish Line Grill debuting new signature flatbreads, there is no shortage of good eats for this year's meet.
You also can't have a meal without an ice cold drink to wash it down. To help with that, the Race Course offers a host of new beverages to try, including Surfside canned cocktails, the Superfecta Summer Ale, and wine-by-the-bottle offerings.
Take note that cash will not be accepted for food and beverage purchases during the summer meet, with the exception of the Post Bar, Shake Shack, and Papa Rosso.
While the meet itself is what draws people to the track, the food and drink offerings are going to be what makes it hard to leave. Stop by the track to see what the new menus are all about!
Source: NYRA
Revitalized Coesa Spring House Welcomes Back Visitors
![large group of people smiling for photo in front of newly rebuilt coesa spring house](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/8/coesa-spring-reeopening.jpg)
The historic Coesa Spring House in Saratoga Spa State Park welcomes visitors after years of inactivity. On Tuesday morning (August 13), a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the much-anticipated reopening.
The restoration was a collaborative effort between the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and a local nonprofit.
Over the past three years, extensive renovations, including installing the new fountain, have brought the historic site back to life.
This project features a beautifully restored spring house, a new patio area with benches, and a fountain handmade by a local sculptor. Visitors can access the spring house and fountain from Route 50 or the Coesa Pavilion lot.
“I was so excited I woke up at three this morning,” said Helene Brecker, President of Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park. “It’s wonderful to see this project finally come to fruition and to celebrate the hard work of everyone involved.”
Funded through state grants, the project ensures the preservation of this historic site for future generations. The reopening marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the park’s historical landmarks.
Visitors are encouraged to come and try the famous water while enjoying the scenic views. The Coesa Spring House is ready to welcome the community back to this cherished landmark.
Source: News10
Popular Finger Lakes Vineyard Expands to Saratoga Springs
![Two women holding up bottles of wine in front of a wine rack](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/7/Keuka-Spring-Vineyeard-Opening-image.jpg)
Keuka Spring Vineyard, based in the Finger Lakes Region, has begun its expansion by opening a new bottle shop and wine-tasting room in downtown Saratoga Springs.
The Vineyard is bringing its over 35 years of experience to Broadway, allowing Saratoga residents to try handcrafted wines from the Finger Lakes. Autumn Manning, an individual from Keuka Spring Vineyard, told a reporter from News Channel 13 that the goal is to continue expanding their business.
Customers can visit the shop seven days a week, and tastings are offered there. The business also has a presence at Saratoga Race Course, so keep an eye out while you're there.
Get a taste of the Finger Lakes at the new Keuka Spring 518!
Source: News Channel 13