Saratoga Springs, New York
All aboard! I hopped on The Ethan Allen Express from Moynihan Train Hall to head up to Saratoga Springs, New York. I went to visit some friends for track season and saw a lot more! Saratoga Springs is a beautiful town just north of Albany. Today they are best known for their horse track and arts. Years ago, the mineral water that comes from the spring here was considered healing water. It is high in mineral contents, including iron, magnesium, calcium, lithium, iodine, chromium, sodium, zinc, and barium. Today there are still active springs around downtown that you can get fresh water from. For this trip, I was only planning on a weekend but something magical (the porches and people) turned it into a week-long visit!
Bet on Red
Off to the races! The Saratoga Race Course is considered to be the oldest organized sporting event venue in the US. It is like taking a step back in time, with people in suits, hats, cigars, betting, no ac, and more! My friends have a table inside on The Porch near the finish line, which makes the races even more exciting. They have had it for years and it's a great spot to see all the action in person while staying covered (great breeze surprisingly). There is so much to see and do at the racetrack. You can find the Taste NY Pavillion, Cooperstown Distilling, live music, and shopping. So even if betting isn't for you there is still tons to do (I didn't win a single bet).
After the races check out Siro's or the Horseshoe both iconic restaurants/bars across the street!
While I was there, I got to see The Whitney Stakes which started in 1928 and is held every summer. The race is named for the Whitney family, a prominent name in racing, and attracts some of the most well-known Thoroughbreds. Don't forget to wear your best pink in honor of the late Marylou Whitney!
Another interesting horse event I get to see was the Sales done by Fasig-Tipton. The Saratoga sale of selected yearlings is one of the premier horse auctions in the world. It has roots that stretch back to 1917 when Fasig-Tipton formed an alliance with some of the top Kentucky breeders to sell their yearlings during the race meet in upstate New York. Let me tell you these horses don't go cheap. We witness one for $4,000,000 on night two. So, if you have the time to stay Monday or Tuesday after The Whitney Stakes it is worth it and you might even see a celebrity or two (rumor has it The Captain himself Derek Jeter purchased on one Monday night).
Restaurants
Restaurants and bars are one thing not lacking in Saratoga. All over the city, you will find gems, some have been around 40-plus years! I ate at a ton of locations and the ones below are some of my favorites!
Walt & Whitman - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🎵- Live music
🍺- Beer made downstairs
A cafe meets a brewery! For the best breakfast sandwich in Saratoga, get the jalapeno jam. Also, great beer, lunch spot, and work location.
The Mouzon House- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🎵- Live Music on the porch or roof
🍸 - Great Cocktails
This rating is based on drinks, music, atmosphere, and staff (we did not eat)! Sitting outside with a cocktail on their porch laughing with friends and listening to music will cure any soul!
Panza's- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🎵- Live music
Think of a piano bar in a grotto. This place is a fun old-school environment with yummy food!
15 Church- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you're looking for an upscale option where you never know who you might run into then this is the place! Ask for the patio and stay for the Zeppoles.
Cantina- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Large restaurant with great food and an outdoor rooftop! Large menu and great margs.
Shopping
It might not be NYC Broadway, but Boadway in Saratoga is where it's all at! From restaurants and bars to fashion finds. There are tons of cute local shops mixed with name retail. If you're looking for something to wear to the track or a trinket to take home this is the street for you. Below are some of my favorite places on and around Broadway.
PDT Market (Pomme De Terre)- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Looking for a great gift or something different for lunch then this is the place. From fresh flowers to champagne vending machines. Also $25 all-you-can-drink brunch!
Union Hall- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great menswear store! Different causal clothing.
Bobbles and Lace- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Women's wear store with very trendy clothing!
Springs
As I mentioned in the intro for years Saratoga has been known for its magical springs. For many years people believed they were healing water. Most of these are nestled right downtown in Congress Park! This park is the perfect morning stroll or afternoon picnic park. With beautiful statues, water features, a historic wooden carousel, and an 1870s gambling casino (now a museum). I took the time to taste some of the magical spring water (they are mineral springs so be prepared for the taste), roam the gardens, and stayed far away from the devil bench. You heard me correctly at the top of the hill behind The Italian Renaissance Garden sits a bench known to locals as the devil bench (You all can do your own research on that one because I am busy). Do say hi to Spit and Spat though (middle picture below).
Pack your bags and grab your hat for a weekend getaway sure to send you back in time!
NYC is a beach town.
Rockaway Beach, Queens
When you think of NYC the first thing that pops into your mind is not a sandy beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. However, Rockaway Beach changes all that! A quick ferry ride (Rockaway Rocket) from Manhattan on the bottom of Queens lives the largest urban beach in the United States! If you're looking for a day trip to escape the heat of the city this is the place to be.
New this year the NYC Ferry is offering a reserve ticket. This is what our group of four bought. When you arrive it is a separate line that allows you a guaranteed spot of the time you want (Yes, sometimes the ferry is full), it let us get on first allowing all four of us to sit together on the top. A traditional ferry ticket is $4, and this is $10. For times and tickets click here.
Also, note the ferry is the best transportation in NYC. No traffic, amazing views, fresh air, and a bar (alcohol and snacks)/ Plus you can transfer to free within two hours of activating your ticket. If you need me check the ferry first!
Once to the Rockaway Port, the beach is a short walk away (there is also a shuttle bus) up Beach 108th Street. You will pass some cute shops on the way! A few of my favorites are:
The Supply Shop - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Art meets fashion and gifts
Greenhouse Cafe- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
☕Coffee Shop
Boardwalk Bagel & Delicatessen- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🥯Bagel, Deli, Drinks. If you don't want to pack snacks and drinks this is your stop. It is small so there could be a wait.
After you get your essentials go grab a spot at the beach and enjoy your day in the sun (don't forget your sunscreen), because remember NYC is a beach town!
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