If you buy from one of our affiliate partners, we may earn a commission.
Why We Love Saratoga Springs, NY
Located in Saratoga County about three hours north of Manhattan and 45 minutes north of Albany, Saratoga Springs, NY is an exquisite town that embraces the old-style charm of Norman Rockwell’s America. This easy-to-navigate enclave boasts the perfect mix for a weekend away: picturesque natural scenery and a bustling, downtown with shops, restaurants, music venues, and hotels all within walking distance. Must-visit attractions like SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center), Saratoga Race Course, and Skidmore College are all a short drive or Uber ride away.
This hamlet of historic homes, heavyweight horses, and high-class hospitality offers experiences for every season. In the summer, visitors from around the world come to watch the thoroughbreds race under sunny, blue skies. In the winter, the mountains are a picture-perfect wonderland complete with skiing, sledding, and skating. The shoulder seasons are more affordable yet just as magical, with leaf peeping, apple picking, and pumpkin patches in the fall and hiking, boating, and cycling in the spring.
Where to Buy Cannabis in Saratoga Springs, NY
Owned and operated by Certified Nurse Practitioner who’s also a former US Navy combat veteran, Sashie’s Dispensary feels like an extension of the Saratoga’s approachably luxurious vibe. This welcoming space sits on the edge Saratoga Spa State Park, so it’s exactly the place to go whether you want a body high for a soak in the healing waters of the Roosevelt Baths & Spa or a high-energy preroll for a show at SPAC.
High Peaks Canna is located steps off of Saratoga’s main drag, and a 10-minute drive from town, Silver Cannabis Company sells a solid selection of local brands and bigger names you’ll recognize from other states, along with lots of fun extras like clothing, cookbooks, and smoking accessories. The Silver brand was founded by a doctor, and budtenders receive special training on the therapeutic effects of cannabis.
Where to Stay in Saratoga Springs
In addition to well-known brands like Hilton Garden Inn, Embassy Suites, and Courtyard by Marriott, all of which operate locations downtown, Saratoga Springs is home to unique properties that offer all levels of luxury.
Located in a prized position on Broadway, The Adelphi Hotel has been hosting guests for more than 140 years. With an upscale bistro and a farm-to-table steakhouse, this ornate property is still the definitive place to see and be seen during racing season. Bluebird Spa City Motor Lodge is a reimagined roadside motel with fun furnishings, friendly vibes, and fair prices. Saratoga Springs also boasts loads of short-term rentals for groups of all sizes and budgets.
Where to Eat in Saratoga Springs
For the perfect wake-and-bake brunch, make a reservation at Hattie’s, a southern-style eatery with award-winning fried chicken and waffles, sumptuous shrimp and grits, and fresh biscuits and cornbread. This cozy joint has been serving the community since 1938, and all profits go to organizations that fight hunger and food insecurity in the local community. We also love Country Corner Cafe, a classic greasy spoon diner, and Uncommon Grounds, which serves coffee, bagels, pastries, sandwiches, and salads. During the day, Walt Cafe is a laid-back lounge to plug in with your laptop and a latte, while at night the venue transforms into Whitman Brewing Company, with a expansive beer list and pub-food menu. For dinner, you won’t go wrong at Cantina, Boca Bistro, or any of the other popular restaurants that line Broadway, but the town’s true standout is Hamlet & Ghost. This New American eatery shines with an approachable, delectable menu that will make you wish it were socially acceptable to lick the plate in public, along with a matching list of equally impressive cocktails.
Where to Shop in Saratoga Springs, NY
Broadway, aka Saratoga’s main drag, features a mix of upscale, antique, specialty, and souvenir shops where you can pick up everything from gourmet olive oil at Saratoga Olive Oil Co. to chic fashion at Caroline & Main to locally made beauty products at Menges & Curtis Apothecary. In the Beekman Arts District, pop into more than a dozen galleries, studios, and shops to pick up one-of-a-kind pieces made by local artists and artisans.
The Great Outdoors in Saratoga Springs, NY
Saratoga Spa State Park celebrates the powerful, healing mineral springs that give the town its name. In addition to public facilities like tennis courts, picnic areas, and playgrounds, the park highlights several named springs that offer unique healing qualities and unusual (often unappealing) tastes. Pick up a vape pen from High Peaks Canna or a pack of gummies from Silver Cannabis Co., grab a map from the park office, and follow the route to see (and sample) them all.
Saratoga Springs hosted its first thoroughbred horse race in 1863 and has been a destination for world-class racing ever since. The entire town transforms during the 40-day summer racing season at the Saratoga Race Course, which draws spectators and equine enthusiasts from around the world. (Highways Tip: Oklahoma Racetrack across the street is open to the public and features a viewing platform where you can watch the horses and jockeys train.)
If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, Saratoga Springs delivers all year long. When it’s warm, head to Kayak Shak to rent a kayak or paddleboard and spend a few hours on the water. In the winter, Saratoga Spa State Park is the place to go for skating, skiing, snowshoeing, and more.
The Equally Great Indoors in Saratoga Springs, NY
Ask your budtender for CBD-heavy strain and head to the Roosevelt Baths & Spa for a euphoric soak in Saratoga’s healing, mineral-rich water. This sanctuary within Saratoga Spa State Park was founded by President Franklin Roosevelt as a haven for soldiers returning from war, and today visitors can partake in mineral baths, massages, and other wellness rituals designed to help you feel your best.
On the way out of the park, stop into the Saratoga Automobile Museum to learn about the fascinating local history of the other kind of racing. On the other hand, stop by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame on for a deep dive into Saratoga’s rich equine history.
Pop culture gets the royal treatment at The X-Files Preservation Collection, Saratoga’s quirkiest attraction. Owner Jim Thornton has been collecting memorabilia from the show for more than 15 years, and this mini-museum is jam-packed with original props, posters, and set pieces.
Live Music in Saratoga Springs, NY
Saratoga Springs is a well-known destination for outstanding live music. Set within Saratoga Spa State Park, SPAC is one of the most iconic outdoor amphitheaters in the country and hosts concerts and festivals with top-level talent. In town, catch a performance at Caffe Lena, an intimate 110-seat venue where legends like Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie, and Don Mclean have performed since the storied spot opened in 1960. Catch a show at Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College, which hosts a mix of Skidmore students and faculty and visiting musicians.
Saratoga Springs Nightlife
Broadway brims with bars that serve patrons into the wee hours, so if you’re looking for a taste of Saratoga nightlife, you won’t have to go far. Be sure to make your way to Caroline Street, a narrow alley off of the main drag where patrons spill out from bars on either side of the street as music beckons passersby to come inside. Even if you’re not drinking, Caroline Street is the perfect spot to take in the local social scene and get a feel for Saratoga after dark.
How was your trip to Saratoga Springs, NY? Let us know in the comments below.
Leave a Reply