# Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is located just south of the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Long a vacation destination for New Yorkers, Saratoga Springs is a pleasant town filled with swanky shops, spas and horse racing. A key battle in the Revolutionary War happened nearby. The city is home to Skidmore College and Empire State College (SUNY).

## Understand

Saratoga is most known for its great horse racing track (oldest in the country) and harness racing track. Victorian visitors came to take the waters at springs. The spring waters are located at different pavilions around the city and surrounds. They vary tremendously in flavor from a light mineral water to frosty and hard. This city of 28,000 people (2020) is a major tourist destination during its summer horse racing season. Yaddo, the famous writers retreat is located near the "flat track" on Union avenue. If you call ahead, you may be able to tour.

## Get in
### By plane

Albany International Airport (ALB) in Albany.

### By car

Saratoga Springs is just off Interstate 87 about 45 min north of Albany and 4 hours from New York City and 3.5 hr south of the Canadian border. Enjoy this tree lined drive along I-87, also called the Adirondack Northway.

### By train

    See also: Rail travel in the United States
* 43.082832-73.8101621 Saratoga Springs station, 26 Station Lane (about a mile west downtown). Local buses are timed to arrive and depart in conjunction with trains. (updated Oct 2023)
** Amtrak, ☏ +1 215-856-7924, toll-free: +1-800-872-7245. Operates trains throughout the United States of America. (updated Dec 2020) Routes stopping at Saratoga Springs:
*** Adirondack operating daily between Montreal and New York City including stops along the way in Saint-Lambert, Rouses Point, Plattsburgh, Westport, Ticonderoga, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Albany (Rensselaer), Hudson, Rhinecliff, Poughkeepsie, Croton-on-Hudson, and Yonkers.
*** Ethan Allen Express operating daily between Burlington and New York City including in Middlebury, Rutland, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Albany (Rensselaer), Hudson, Rhinecliff, Poughkeepsie, Croton-on-Hudson, and Yonkers.

### By bus

* Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) operates local buses in the Albany area. Several routes operate to and within Saratoga Springs, including a Saratoga Visitors Trolley.
* Greyhound, in conjunction with other bus carriers, offers service to Saratoga from both the north and south. Buses that originate in New York City, Albany, and Montreal stop here several times a day.
* Megabus has a service from New York City and Burlington. The bus stops at the Saratoga Raceway Casino, near the Nelson Avenue entrance and CDTA bus stop. Fares from $1.

## Get around

The downtown walking area is centered on Broadway, but you will need to use public transport or a car to reach the world famous Saratoga Race Track, Saratoga Casino, Natural Museum of Dance, Roosevelt Spa, Saratoga SPA State Parkor SPAC. However, there is a lot to see and do in the downtown area of Saratoga Springs.

### Visitor center

* Saratoga Springs Urban Cultural Park Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Phone: +1 518 587-3241. Daily 9AM-4PM (closed Su Dec-Mar).

## See

* 43.0511-73.80311 Saratoga Spa State Park, 19 Roosevelt Dr (I-87 to exit 13N; take Route 9 north for 3 miles to park; or from Downtown, take Route 9 south about 2 miles), ☏ +1 518 584-2535. year round. Dubbed "The Public's Resort", this park has mineral baths, eighteen-hole and nine-hole golf courses, free hardtop and clay tennis courts, and several pool areas with showers, locker rooms, rest rooms and food concessions. Hiking (and cross country/snowshoe) trails and picnic areas complete with grills are available as well. The park encompasses and protects the mineral springs in use at least as far back as the 14th century. This "Queen of Spas" was a 19th-century vacation retreat for the rich and famous. $10/vehicle for some areas of the park. Victoria Pool: adults $8, children $4.
** 43.06609-73.7902642 National Museum of Dance, 99 South Broadway, ☏ +1 518 584-2225. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM. Adults $6.50, students and seniors $5, under 12 $3.
** 43.054-73.8033 Roosevelt Baths and Spa, 37-39 Roosevelt Dr (inside Saratoga Spa State Park), ☏ +1 518 226-4790. Daily 9AM-7PM. Despite the plethora of day spas around the city, this is the only place where you can relax in a natural mineral bath using water drawn straight from the ground. (It's mixed with hot tap water to bring it up to a comfortable temperature, though.) This facility was built in 1935 as part of the development of the park. While the mineral baths are their signature service, they also offer the standard menu of modern spa services: massages, facials, etc. The decor, with its aged porcelain fixtures and linoleum floors, may look a little institutional, but keep in mind any oxidation you see is natural, a result of iron in the spring water. And it's certainly the most authentic Saratoga spa experience you can get.
** 43.0561-73.80144 Saratoga Automobile Museum, 110 Avenue of the Pines, ☏ +1 518 587-1935. (updated Apr 2018)
* 43.0817-73.78195 The Children's Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline Street, ☏ +1 518 584-5540, fax: +1 518 584-6059. Summer: 9:30AM-4:30PM. Winter hours (Labor Day through June): Tu-Sa 9:30AM-4:30PM, Su noon-4:30PM. $5, under age 1 free..
* 43.095-73.78616 Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, 815 N Broadway (at Skidmore College), ☏ +1 518 580-8080, tang@skidmore.edu. Tu W F-Su noon-5PM; Th noon-9PM. Free. Suggested donations: adult $5, children over 12 $3, seniors $2.
* 43.0664-73.78917 National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame, Union and Ludlow Sts, ☏ +1 518 584-0400. M-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM (closed M Tu in Jan and Feb). A place to experience the history of one of Saratoga's most popular attractions, thoroughbred racing. Something for everyone with interactive exhibits, rare memorabilia, and equine art. Adults $7; seniors, students $5; under 6 free.
* 43.0829-73.78138 $^{[formerlydeadlink]}$ New York State Military Museum, 61 Lake Avenue, ☏ +1 518 226-0991. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1-4PM. Voluntary donation..
* 43.0783-73.78419 Saratoga Springs History Museum, 1 E Congress St, ☏ +1 518 584-6920. Canfield Casino Bldg, Congress Park. Summer 10AM-4PM. Other seasons W-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1-4PM. Housed in an 1870 casino. Adults $5, ages 12-17 $3.
* 43.0692-73.757910 Yaddo Gardens, Route 9P, ☏ +1 518 584-0746. Artist community on a 400-acre site.
* 42.9989-73.637511 Saratoga National Historical Park, 648 Route 32, Stillwater, ☏ +1 518 670-2985. Free. (updated Feb 2018)
* 43.200961-73.74576712 Grant Cottage State Historic Site, 1000 Mt McGregor Rd, Wilton, ☏ +1 518-584-4353, info@grantcottage.org. (updated Jan 2021)

## Do

* Adirondack Balloon Flights (4 exits north of Saratoga, exit 19 on I-87), ☏ +1 518 793-6342. Enjoy the gorgeous views of the Adirondack Region and the Green Mountains of Vermont from high in the sky with an experienced ballooning crew.
* 43.8139-73.78361 Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street (second floor, accessible by elevator or stairs), ☏ +1 518 583-0022, toll-free: +1-800-838-3006, sales@caffelena.org. Daily 5-11 PM. Acoustic music in a 110-seat coffeehouse that opened in 1960. The venue enjoys a world-wide reputation for preserving and furthering American musical traditions. Its archives are held at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. The schedule features a mix of established career musicians and nationally touring emerging artists. Emerging artists presented by Caffe Lena have included Bob Dylan, EmmyLou Harris, Don McLean, Arlo Guthrie, Ani DiFranco, G. Love and Sawyer Fredericks. A complete performer list dating back to May 21, 1960 can be viewed on the venue's website. Hospitality for concert-goers includes desserts, light fare, local craft beer, wine, coffees and teas. The venue is operated as a non-profit organization. M W $3 to $5, other days $16 to $60. (updated Feb 2018)
* Saratoga Lake lies 4 miles southeast of Saratoga Springs. This 8½-mile-long lake has a public boat launch at the north end, and several private marinas. Popular activities include bass fishing, sailing, boating, water skiing, and ice fishing.
* 43.0553-73.80582 Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 108 Avenue of the Pines, ☏ +1 518 584-9330. Summer home of the New York City Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra and various concerts such as the Dave Matthews Band.

### Horse racing

The time to come to Saratoga is during the Thoroughbred season, which is five or so weeks in July, August and September. The premier race here is the Travers Stakes, but every day in the season thousands flock from around New York and points behind to the see the ponies. Also, the Belmont Stakes, the final race in American racing's Triple Crown, has temporarily moved to Saratoga due to the ongoing reconstruction of Belmont Park. Saratoga hosted that race in 2024 and will do so again in 2025. That said, if you find yourself in town during other times of the year, check out some of the smaller tracks. Indoor gambling places are available for those who have a gambling urge during the winter months.
* Oklahoma Training Track
* 43.0615-73.77383 Saratoga Casino Hotel (formerly Saratoga Casino and Raceway), 342 Jefferson St, ☏ +1 518-682-8888 (hotel reservations), toll-free: +1-800-727-2990 (main number), info@saratogacasino.com. Harness racing and video gaming. (updated May 2019)
* 43.071611-73.76854 Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Avenue, ☏ +1 518 584-6200. Thoroughbred horse racing from late July to early September. (updated May 2019)

### Golf

* Saratoga Lake Golf Club, 35 Grace Moore Road, ☏ +1 518 581-6616. Eighteen holes with lots of up/down.
* Saratoga National Golf Club, 458 Union Avenue, ☏ +1 518 583-4653 ext 615. Named 2005 "Golf Course of the Year" by National Golf Course Owners Association. Named "One of America's 100 Greatest Public Courses 2005-2006" by Golf Digest.
* Saratoga Spa Golf Course, 60 Roosevelt Drive, ☏ +1 518 584-2008. Towering pines surround this 7,100-yard course.

### Walking

Aside from walking on park trails, one really fun thing to do in good weather is to simply walk up and down Broadway in Downtown. There are lots of beautiful 19th- and early 20th-century buildings lining the street.

### Events

* 43.0847-73.78565 Flurry Festival. Presidents' Day Weekend in February. More than 5000 attendees flock to the city for the annual Flurry Festival, which features folk dance and music, including one of the largest contra dances in the U.S. (updated Jun 2023)

## Learn

* Adirondack Community College, 6 Mountain Ledge Drive, Gansevoort 12831, +1 518 584-3959.
* Empire State College, 111 West Avenue, +1 518 587-2100 ext. 2297.
* Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, +1 518 580-5000. Offering bachelors and/or graduate degrees in over 30 areas of study, as well as the "University Without Walls" degree completion program.

## Buy

Saratoga isn't Manhattan, but it does have plenty of boutiques and shops that cater to that particular crowd. No matter what your style is, Saratoga Springs is full of chic boutiques, trendy antique stores and a wide variety of eclectic shops to satisfy any style. Start on Broadway and find local crafts, haute fashion and other merchandise for that platinum card.
* Celtic Treasures 456 Broadway +1 518 583-9452. Open Daily. This Irish gift shop has only the best from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Pottery, china, jewelry, music, books, posters and prints, sweaters and caps are all available at this charming establishment.
* Crafters Gallery, 427 Broadway, ☏ +1 518 583-2435. Open daily, shipping available. A large selection of Saratoga related paintings and prints, as well as thoroughbred photos. This local favorite is a great place for gifts.
* deJonghe Original Jewelry, 470 Broadway, ☏ +1 518 587-6422. This Gallery/Workshop is where designer and goldsmith Dennis deJonghe creates his one of a kind jewelry out of fine gems and precious metals. It features his equestrian collection, as well as sample wedding bands and other original designs.
* Lifestyles 436 Broadway, +1 518 584-4665. Open Daily. V/MC/AE accepted. This specialty boutique in downtown is known for elegant fine fashions and accessories. Designers include Eileen Fisher, Singrid Olsenand, and Michael Stars.
* Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, ☏ +1 518-682-4200. Su-Th 10AM-7PM, F Sa 10AM-9PM. A family-owned, independent bookstore committed to the future of the book (updated Oct 2016)
* Rockabella's Boutique, 441B Broadway, ☏ +1 518 581-8386. Find the hottest fashions for women and teens. Find trend driven clothing perfect for your style. Designs by Ed Hardy, Sky, Sweetees, Blue Cult, David Kahn, Unyx, Steve Madden and more.
* Saratoga Farmers Market High Rock Park. +1 518 893-2669 Open W 3-6PM, Sa 9AM-1PM. This open air market is home to a variety of homemade goods, crafts, and foods. The market is a must and has been serving the locals for over 25 years.
* Sweetheart’s Dolls, 368 Broadway, ☏ +1 518 584-6362. V/M accepted. This "shop with a heart" has 24 lines of dolls to choose from. Play dolls as well as porcelain and vinyl collectibles are available in a variety of price ranges.
* 43.10221-73.73751 Wilton Mall, 3065 Rt 50, ☏ +1 518-583-2138. (updated Nov 2020)

## Eat

Saratoga has some of the best dining in upstate New York. Chefs from New York City have emigrated northward to ensure that there's food for every palate. Most of the finest restaurants can be found on or near Broadway. Keep in mind that some places aren't open outside of the tourist season.
There's also plenty of choice for those less discriminating taste buds or smaller budgets. Pub grub, American specials and small diners abound. And if you're hungry at 2AM, be sure to ask a local where you can get a doughboy. They're great.
* Bruno's Restaurant, 237 Union Ave, ☏ +1 518 583-3333. Check out the famous wood-fired pizza and homemade soups.
* Char Koon, 388A Broadway, ☏ +1 518 581-9000. M-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-11:30PM, Su and holidays noon-11PM. If you're in the mood for Chinese, look no further than this delicious spot downtown. Good price, great food, and also serves Thai.
* Chez Sophie Bistro, 534 Broadway, ☏ +1 518 583-3538. Upscale French bistro located at The Saratoga.
* Compton's, 457 Broadway, ☏ +1 518 584-9632. M-F 4AM-3PM, Sa Su 3AM-3PM. Early morning breakfast. Opens when the bars close.
* D'Andreas Pizza, 33 Caroline Street, ☏ +1 518-584-3632. Su-W 11AM-11PM, Th 11AM-2AM, F Sa 11AM-4AM.
* $^{[deadlink]}$ Esperanto, 4 Caroline Street, ☏ +1 518 587-4236, info@esperantosaratoga.com. Su M 11AM-midnight, Tu W 11AM-2AM, Th 11AM-3AM, F Sa 11AM-4AM. Pizza and a doughboy and you're ready for anything. Take them out for a stroll.
* Four Seasons Natural Food Store & Cafe, 33 Phila St, ☏ +1 518 584-4670. Cafe: daily 11:30AM-8PM. This vegetarian spot has a variety of soups, salads, and hot en trees. While you are there, check out the retail store which offers a selection of natural foods, teas, supplements, and personal care and organic produce.
* $^{[deadlink]}$ 43 Phila Bistro, 43 Phila Street, ☏ +1 518 584-2720. Premiere dining and wine list.
* Gaffney's Restaurant, 16 Caroline Street, ☏ +1 518 587-7359. Great courtyard dining during track season, indoor and pub dining available.
* Hattie's Restaurant, 45 Phila Street, ☏ +1 518 584-4790. "Hattie" may have long since passed, but her Cajun tastes are still reflected on the menu, which includes her signature fired chicken.
* $^{[formerlydeadlink]}$ Lillian's Restaurant, 408 Broadway, ☏ +1 518 587-7766. Warm rustic steak and seafood place right on the strip. Private parties and banquets upstairs in Diamond Jim's.
* Longfellows Hotel, Restaurant & Conference Center, 500 Union Avenue, ☏ +1 518 587-0108. Good location for weddings, businesses meetings or private gatherings.
* $^{[deadlink]}$ Mare Ristorante, 17 Maple Avenue, ☏ +1 518 583-6955. Trendy Italian restaurant, amazing lounge, seafood pasta and vino. Per morire per!
* The Merry Monk Restaurant and Bar (formerly Tiznow), 84 Henry Street, ☏ +1 518-584-6655. M-Th 4-9PM, F 3-10:30PM, Sa 11AM-10:30PM, Su 11AM-9PM. Classic bistro decor makes this a great spot for cocktails or dinner. Ask for a corner banquette table to enjoy a cozy meal for two and listen to the funky world beat soundtrack.
* Mexican Connection, 41 Nelson Avenue, ☏ +1 518 584-4466. Viva De Mexico, best mex going! Away from downtown but near the track.
* Mouzon House, 1 York Street, ☏ +1 518 226-0014. Located in a renovated Victorian house, this sister restaurant to One Caroline Street Bistro specializes in locally-sourced cuisine with a Cajun flair. Try the Crawfish Beignets!
* The Olde Bryan Inn, 123 Maple Avenue, ☏ +1 518 587-2990. 18th-century inn.
* One Caroline Street Bistro, 1 Caroline St, ☏ +1 518 587-2026. Jazz with dinner, reservations or wait required but worth it.
* Pennell's Restaurant, 284 Jefferson Street. Family-owned Italian restaurant.
* Pizza Works, 88 Henry St., ☏ +1 518-584-6650. 4-9PM. Pizzaworks is a family pizzeria. Their hand-tossed New York-style, thin-crust pizza is based on a traditional Italian family recipe. They also serve a variety of subs, wings, calzones, stromboli, wraps, salads and appetizers including bread sticks and garlic knots.
* PJ's Bar-B-QSA, ☏ +1 518 583-3455. South Broadway (US Route 9). Barbecue chicken and ribs; includes two 20-foot barbecue pits out in the back. Located about one mile from the Northway, open year-round.
* Putnam Market, 435 Broadway, ☏ +1 518 587-3663. Specialty food store and deli.
* Sushi Thai Garden, 44 Phila Street, ☏ +1 518 580-0900. Light eating.
* Saratoga City Tavern, 21 Caroline Street, ☏ +1 518 581-3230. Pub fare.
* Spring Street Deli, 132 Spring St, ☏ +1 518-584-0994. 7AM-9PM. Neighborhood delicatessen, featuring sandwiches named for famous thoroughbred race horses. (updated Oct 2016)
* Uncommon Grounds, 402 Broadway, ☏ +1 518-581-0656. M-Th 6:30AM-10PM, F 6:30AM-11PM, Sa 7AM-11PM, Su 7AM-10PM. Serves coffee, bagels, bagel sandwiches and such. A local favorite.
* Wheatfields Restaurant and Bar, 440 Broadway, ☏ +1 518 587-0534. Pasta, steak and more.

## Drink

Saratoga has no lack of choices if what you desire is a hop-or-two. Fine Irish Pubs to trendy ultra-light-serving watering holes abound. If wine is what makes you feel fine, you will. Mare, 43 Phila, Doc's and, of course, The Wine Bar will be more than happy to help you. Even if they have to run across town to get exactly what you want, literally!
The wineries from New York's Fingerlakes region have been maturing very well and can be found on most lists. The pages of more established varieties from California, Australia, France and Italy sometimes make your head spin before you sip. If you get the chance attend one of the many wine tastings. They are available both for the novice and the Guru of the Grape.
* Desperate Annie's, 10 Caroline Street, contact@desperateannies.com. Daily 4PM-4AM. A Caroline Street institution since who-knows-when.
* The Merry Monk, 84 Henry Street, ☏ +1 518 584-6555. M-F 11:30AM-10PM, Sa 11AM-10:30PM, Su 11:30AM-9PM. Classic bistro decor makes this a great spot for cocktails or dinner.
* The Parting Glass, 40 Lake Ave, ☏ +1 518 583-1916. This local favorite had tons to offer, live music and great food add to the appeal of this one of a kind bar.
* Spa City Tap & Barrel, 13 Caroline Street, ☏ +1 518 229-1949. 4PM-4AM. (updated Jul 2015)
* Tin 'n' Lint, 2 Caroline Street, ☏ +1 518 587-5897. A 1930s-era saloon.
* Trotters, 45 Caroline Street, ☏ +1 518 266-8818. A great place to watch football on Sundays, or start out your night. Inexpensive and the best specials in town.

## Sleep

Saratoga Springs has a number of different accommodation options ranging from budget chain motels to quaint (and often historic) bed and breakfasts.
* Batcheller Mansion Inn, 20 Circular St, ☏ +1 518 584-7012, toll-free: +1-800-616-7012, fax: +1 518 581-7746. A historical bed and breakfast.
* Best Western Plus Saratoga Springs, 3291 South Broadway, ☏ +1 518 584-2350, fax: +1 518 584-2480. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM.
* Comfort Inn & Suites, 17 Old Gick Road, ☏ +1 518-587-6244. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. Free Wi-Fi, indoor pool, pet-friendly, free hot breakfast. $89-399.
* Courtyard Saratoga Springs, 11 Excelsior Av, ☏ +1 518 226-0538, toll-free: +1-866-426-8789, fax: +1 518 226-0542.
* Gideon Putnam Hotel & Conference Center, 24 Gideon Putnam Rd, ☏ +1 518 584-3000, toll-free: +1-800-732-1560, fax: +1 518 584-1354.
* Hampton Inn & Suites, 25 Lake Ave, ☏ +1 518-584-2100. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM.
* Hilton Garden Inn, 125 South Broadway, ☏ +1 518-587-1500. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM.
* Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway, ☏ +1 518 584-4550.
* Inn At Saratoga, 231 Broadway, ☏ +1 518 583-1890.
* Residence Inn Saratoga Springs, 295 Excelsior Av, ☏ +1 518 584-9600, fax: +1 518 584-9692.
* The Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway, toll-free: +1-888-866-3591.
* 43.084036-73.7845761 Saratoga Arms, 497 Broadway, ☏ +1 518-584-1775. 31 rooms. $175-595.
* The Westchester House Bed and Breakfast Inn, 102 Lincoln Avenue, ☏ +1 518 587-7613. 7 rooms. $110-170.

## Connect

Saratoga Springs is in the 518 area code. The ZIP code is 12866.
* 43.0811-73.78321 Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St, ☏ +1 518-584-7860. (updated Nov 2020)

## Cope
### Publications

* Albany Times-Union
* Glens Falls Post-Star
* Saratoga Living, quarterly magazine; also covers nearby Warren and Washington Counties
* The Saratogian, Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County's daily newspaper

### Religious services

* Church of Saint Peter $^{[deadlink]}$, +1 518 584-2375
* St. Clement's Church, +1 518 584-6122
* St. Paul's Lutheran Church, +1 518 584-0904

## Stay safe

Saratoga Springs is relatively safe for a city its size. However, the bars along Caroline Street can get a bit rowdy late in the week and on weekends.

### Hospitals

* 43.086653-73.8013892 Saratoga Hospital, 211 Church Street, ☏ +1 518 587-3222.

## Go next

* Lake George and the Adirondacks