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Make Time to Visit the Saratoga Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame When Visiting Saratoga Springs, NY! If you are a horse racing fan, there is no better place to visit than the Saratoga Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, NY. If you will be coming to Saratoga Springs this June for the Belmont Stakes Triple Crown Festival you will want to be sure to schedule some time to check it out. Through May 2024, the Museum's hours are from 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday through Sunday. Check here before you visit for the current hours of operation as they are extended during the busier summer season. The Museum is conveniently located right across the street from the Historic Saratoga Race Course. You will notice it right away from the decorative display of painted jockeys that line the street right in front of the Museum. Painted Jockeys Outside of the Saratoga Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Also outside of the Museum are some amazing statues you will want to snap pictures of before you venture inside, including a memorial to Seabiscuit, the famous American thoroughbred. The Seabiscuit Memorial Is a Great Spot for a Selfie! Statue Capturing the Energy of Horse Racing As soon as you enter the Museum, you are greeted with the sights and sounds of horse racing. The walls are adorned with large photographs of horse racing action. You will be greeted by friendly Museum employees who will sell you a ticket and direct you where to start your experience. For a General Admission price of $20 for adults ($15 for seniors 65+; $10 for kids 6-18/College with ID; kids under 5 are free) you get complete access to the entire Museum including all interactive exhibits and the 360 degree immersive film experience titled What It Takes: The Journey to the Hall of Fame. Please note that there are other discounted and free admissions for special groups. Check out the list here to see if you qualify. The Saratoga Museum of Racing Galleries: History of Horse Racing Galleries: The Museum has several different galleries that follow the history of horse racing from its' colonial start to the present day. As you walk through the various galleries you will see a full size starting gate replica, an antique scale for weighing jockeys and an up close and personal view of the various trophies won over the years. I also found the exhibit on the history of women and minorities in the sport of horse racing extremely interesting. History of Women and Minorities in Horse Racing Children's Exhibit: When we moved to upstate New York back in 2004, we knew that horse racing was a big part of the culture here. To get ourselves more acquainted with the sport, we brought our two daughters to the Saratoga Museum of Racing. We were pleasantly surprised to find a whole children's section that gives kids a chance to try on racing silks and racing goggles and ride around on stick horses like the jockeys. It is a fond memory I have of our transition to a new area. I was happy to see the children's section was just as magical as I remembered it. Triple Crown Gallery: Perhaps of most interest to people coming to visit Saratoga for the Belmont Stakes is the Triple Crown Gallery. This Gallery is devoted to that elite group of special horses and their jockeys who have accomplished the seemingly impossible task of winning all three Triple Crown Races-the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Only 13 horses have ever won the Triple Crown. Sir Barton was the first in 1919 and Justify was the last in 2018. It is an elusive honor and difficult to achieve. Due construction at Belmont Park, the Belmont Stakes is being held at the Historic Saratoga Race Course in 2024 (and possibly 2025). Maybe we will have a chance to see another horse reach this horse racing pinnacle at Saratoga! In the meantime, you can learn about the horses and jockeys who have accomplished this ultimate goal! Triple Crown Trophy Race Day Gallery: The Race Day Gallery highlights all of the elements of the race day experience as well as the equipment that is needed such as racing gear and colorful jockey silks. Three areas of the race day experience are explored-The Paddock, the Track and The Winner's Circle. It is the perfect exhibit to increase excitement before entering into the Hall of Fame movie theater. Colorful Jockey Silks-One of My Favorite Parts Horse Racing Equipment Learn About Different Track Surfaces In addition to the Race Day exhibits, there is an interactive experience called "Call the Race". The experience gives you the opportunity to go into a sound booth and record yourself calling a horse race (don't worry, they provide the script for you). I was nervous, but decided to give it the ole college try. The experience gives you several options of races to call. I chose one of my all time favorite race track memories-when the 3 year old filly Rachel Alexandra beat all the boys to win the 2009 Woodward Stakes. I was there watching that race with my daughters and it was one of the most electric, girl power moments in sports that I have experienced! I will never forget that day, so I was very excited to rewatch and call that race. What I learned from doing the Call the Race experience is that it is NOT easy. I even had a script of the original race call, but it is hard to translate the excitement while also watching the action! I give credit to those announcers as it is definitely a difficult skill. In any event it was fun and I highly recommend trying it out. The Museum will send you a copy of your Call (whether you want it or not-haha) as a keepsake. I will begrudgingly share mine (even though it is a little cringey) so you get the idea of how cool the interactive experience is. Call the Race Soundbooth Hall of Fame: One of the highlights of the Museum is the Hall of Fame which honors the greatest horses, jockeys, and trainers in the history of horse racing. Here, you can learn about legendary horses like Secretariat, Man o' War, and Seabiscuit, as well as iconic jockeys like Willie Shoemaker and Eddie Arcaro. There are interactive boards where you can peruse the various inductees and select which jockeys, trainers or horses you want to learn more about. Interactive Hall of Fame Board Interactive Board to Learn About Hall of Fame Inductees The crowning jewel of the Hall of Fame is the amazing new surround film experience, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame. I loved this movie and the way it was presented. Visitors sit around the perimeter of a large room and there are screens around the top. Horses run laps around the screen as if you are sitting in the middle of the field. There are also two different square screens that come down from the ceiling in the center of the room to highlight different interviews. It was a completely immersive experience and I loved hearing about the various pieces that have to fall into place to reach success and have a chance to be inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame. I thoroughly enjoyed this new experience. Special Exhibits: The Museum also hosts Special Exhibits throughout the year. When I visited they had a Special Exhibit honoring the 50th Anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown win. This Special Exhibit is only showing through March 31, 2024, so if you want to see this one you better get there quick! Gift Store: After you are done learning all about the sport of horse racing and its' superstars, take some time to browse in the gift store. They have a variety of unique products to remember your visit to the Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, the Historic Saratoga Race Course and the Spa City. Conclusion: The Saratoga Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves horse racing. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about the sport, this Museum offers a fascinating look at the history and culture of horse racing in America. So, next time you're in Saratoga Springs, be sure to stop by and experience this unique and educational museum for yourself. Recent Triple Crown Winner Banners.

It's Par-Tee time in Saratoga! If you are a local or a regular visitor to Saratoga Springs, you will be delighted to learn that there is a new hotspot in the downtown area. Or, if you are just discovering Saratoga Springs, you will be delighted to learn about a great new place to kick off your exploration of this vibrant city! On the corner of Broadway and Congress Streets (right across from the Historic Congress Park), a new luxury sports bar has opened offering a place to play a round of indoor golf, watch your favorite sports teams or just hang out with friends enjoying the great atmosphere and the delicious food. The Luxurious Interior of The Bunker in Saratoga Springs. The Bunker Story: According to The Bunker's website, lifelong friends Troy Miller and Burl McCutcheon came up with the concept of The Bunker after their first experience playing indoor golf. The friends brainstormed about what they thought would make the best possible indoor golf experience and from that discussion the idea for The Bunker was born. They opened their first location in Guilderland in October 2019, just a few short months after their brainstorming session. The reception to the initial Bunker location was so positive, they have continued to expand creating additional Bunker locations in North Greenbush, Clifton Park, Mohawk Harbor, New Hartford and, of course, the newest one in Saratoga Springs. I was told they are also opening a new golf simulation location in Latham in partnership with VENT Fitness to provide focused training programs to help golfers bring their game to the next level. From that first discussion after their initial indoor golf experience, Troy and Burl have created a space for a different type of sports bar/sports entertainment business. The guiding principle that has led them to success with their brand is to provide exceptional customer service in a luxury environment using the best technology available (all locations use the foremost golf simulation technology TRACKMAN). The Bunker in Saratoga Springs looks to fill a much needed gap in the Saratoga bar scene where patrons of all ages can come to enjoy a fun evening. Perfect Picture of Everything The Bunker Has to Offer! What Can You Find at The Bunker? The Bunker Vibe: I love the vibe at the Saratoga Bunker location. It is open and bright with TV's everywhere! My first time going to The Bunker was during March Madness and you could catch every game on at least one TV. I am a huge football fan so I look forward to catching some college and NFL games at The Bunker with friends. The Saratoga location has two floors and although each floor has golf bays, each area has a distinct vibe. The downstairs has more of a restaurant feel with lots of tables and plenty of TVs around the space. When the weather is nice the outside walls slide away to create an open air feel. When I went to meet with the Events Coordinator, it was a beautiful day and the restaurant walls were all open. It was amazing! Upstairs has more of a club/party feel. When The Bunker has DJs, this is generally where they play. There are TV's upstairs as well, so you won't miss the game, but you will probably be more occupied with socializing. The wide windows that surround the upstairs space open up to provide fresh air and a wide open view to the surrounding Saratoga area (including beautiful Congress Park). It gave me a Nashville-type vibe. Party Atmosphere on the Second Floor Both spaces are great and I can definitely see myself using both, especially in the summer and during track season. I have a feeling this place will be quite the hotspot. The Bunker Activities: Golf, of course! The Bunker uses the best golf simulation technology (TRACKMAN) to offer customers a wide selection of indoor golf experiences. Not a golfer (like me)? That's ok! You can join your friends in a round of simulated mini golf or play a game of Target Practice. For the more seasoned golf enthusiasts, there are several options to play a round of golf or work on your golf skills. The TRACKMAN technology is the same tool used by golf professionals (including Tiger Woods) to keep them at the top of their game. You can bring your own golf clubs if you prefer, but they do have cl ubs available for people like me that don't have their own. And let's not forget the kids! You can have a family night out playing on the golf simulator and The Bunker has kid's clubs available for use. The Saratoga Bunker location has six bays that can be rented by the hour. You can go with a group and split the hourly rate, but please note if you have more than 8 people in your group you will need to reserve through Event Booking. The price will be the same, but they like to be prepared for larger groups in order to make sure they can provide the high level of customer service that is their guiding principle. For hourly reservation rates click here. In addition to the individual bays, you can also rent the VIP Room for private events or parties. The VIP Room includes one golf simulator bay as well as two electronic dart boards and lots of space to hang out and lounge around. There are different packages that vary according to the number of golf bays you want, how many guests and what food and drink are included. Check the website here to get more information if you are interested in hosting an event at The Bunker. Watch your favorite teams on any one of the many TVs around The Bunker. This place is the perfect spot to round up a group of friends to watch the big game. There is lots of space, lots of TVS and great food and drink to keep you full and hydrated. Lots of TVs and Luxurious Setting to Watch the Big Game! Hang out with friends and listen to music! On Friday and Saturday nights (and maybe more often during track season?) The Bunker has a DJ playing tunes on the second floor. Once in a while they provide live music as well. There does not appear to be an official dance floor, but I wouldn't be surprised if impromptu dance parties break out when the DJ is playing. The Bunker Food and Drink: The Bunker in Saratoga has a full menu of delicious food choices. I was told that the Saratoga menu is a bit different than the other locations offering a wider selection including gourmet paninis, specialty wraps and a variety of salads. I have ordered a flatbread pizza with apples, brie and fig jam both times I have went to The Bunker because it was THAT GOOD. I need to make myself order something different next time I go, but it is going to be hard because I really love that apple, brie and fig jam combination. Click here to see the Saratoga food menu. They also have a kid menu for the little ones in your party. The Bunker has a full bar with lots of options. Their cocktail menu is seasonal and new concoctions will be offered. I was told their Spring cocktail menu is coming in May! In addition to the wide selection of drinks, they also have this unique contraption called The Tower. The Tower holds multiple servings so you can order it for a group or just for yourself if you are planning a crazy night! It can be filled with beer or cocktails. Price obviously depends on your drink of choice. Fun! The Famous Bunker Tower Seasonal Cocktail Menus The Bunker Saratoga Specifics: I am sure you are itching to visit The Bunker in Saratoga Springs after reading about all they have to offer! So here is the important information you need to know: Address: 307 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Parking: There is parking in the rear of the building (off Congress Street) Hours: M-Th 11 am to 11 pm Fri/Sat 9 am to 11pm Sun 9 am to 8 pm NOTE: Check here for hours during the summer and track season as they may be extended. Golf and Dining Reservations: Click here What's New at The Bunker? I was given some inside scoop that The Bunker may soon be offering Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10-2. I am sure this will be a popular option during the summer track season, so you will probably want to make reservations if you want to try it out. The Event Coordinator explained to me that as the Saratoga location is open for a longer period of time there may be additional changes coming. She said that Saratoga is a different type of location so they may have more opportunity to plan fun things. They need to let the dust settle from the opening and see the community and tourist response and then plan events and activities that fit with the crowd and the vibe. So keep your eye on their website (and this blog) for updates on fun new things to check out! In the meantime, go and check out this new Saratoga hotspot! Broadway Entrance to The Bunker

The New Ugly Ice Cream Shop on Brown's Beach! I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! There is nothing better on a warm day than a cold, delicious ice cream. And Saratoga has no shortage of great places to grab a cone. But ice cream fans who find themselves at Brown's Beach on Saratoga Lake this summer are in for a delightful surprise! A new business named Ugly Ice Cream is opening right next to Brown's Beach and will serve soft serve ice cream along with a a variety of other summertime fun snacks like milkshakes, hotdogs, nachos, tater tots, pretzels...you get the idea. I happen to have an inside connection to the owners of this new business, so I have the inside scoop (pun definitely intended) on the Grand Opening (on May 3rd), the menu, the extra special touches and all the fun that Ugly Ice Cream will bring to Saratoga Lake. Read on... They are "Ice Cream Ready" for the Grand Opening on May 3, 2024 The Ugly Ice Cream Story: The Owners of Ugly Ice Cream-Joe, Ariel and John Ugly Ice Cream is owned by three local business men, Ariel Pagan, Joe Starr and John Starr. Joe and John are local brothers who grew up spending summers on Saratoga Lake and currently have a home building business based in Mechanicville. Ariel Pagan is the mastermind behind the "Ugly" brand as he is the owner of the very popular local breakfast diner, The Ugly Rooster Cafe, with locations in Malta and Mechanicville. Ariel noticed that there wasn't a place to get soft serve ice cream right on Saratoga Lake and started toying with the idea of opening a place to fill that niche. Joe and John thought it was a great idea and jumped on board to become part owners of the new business. Because of their local roots, the owners are especially committed to making this business a welcome member of the community. They are using local contractors and purveyors where they can, involving the community in the development and promotion of their business and adding jobs for community members. They also want to make sure they support other local businesses, including other local ice cream shops. There is definitely lots of ice cream love to go around and I, for one, love to spread my ice cream affection to various businesses. My inside connection shared with me that they are thinking of fun, collaborative ways to support and connect all the local ice cream shops. One proposal that is being tossed around is an ice cream punch card. You would get a punch when you visit each of the collaborating ice cream shops and when you get all your punches you get some kind of benefit or prize. That sounds like a "scavenger hunt" I could get behind! The Ugly Ice Cream Experience: Except Ugly Ice Cream Hot Dogs, Of Course! There is one main word to describe the Ugly Ice Cream experience...FUN! Of course the menu selections will be DELICIOUS, but most importantly you will have FUN ordering, eating and hanging out at Ugly Ice Cream. The Ugly Food: Ice Cream is the Main Attraction! Ariel has years of restaurant experience owning and operating The Ugly Rooster Cafe so he has the suppliers, the systems and the quality measures down pat. My source shared that Ariel is a very detail oriented person and has high standards to be met with regard to quality of ingredients, taste of food and the customer experience. One of the best things about Ugly Ice Cream is the commitment to using locally sourced, organic ingredients whenever possible. They strive to support small businesses and farmers in the Saratoga area, ensuring the ice cream and the food are not only delicious, but also sustainable and ethically sourced. As mentioned above, they plan to serve hot dogs, pretzels, pizza, nachos, tater tots, and O'Boys along with the soft serve ice cream and other specialty ice cream treats. One piece of inside information my informant shared with me is they plan to serve a warm cinnamon bun topped with soft serve ice cream. Excuse me....WHAT?!? Sign me up to try that when they open! Creamy ice cream cone with yummy toppings. Delicious chocolate milk shake. The Ugly Experience: The unique twist I started this blog with (and yes, again, soft serve ice cream pun intended) is that when you order your food, you can order it "Ugly". What that means is that instead of it being served to you all pretty and perfect, it will come to you all crazy and messy. For instance, if you order nachos, the preparer will put all the nacho ingredients in a bag, shake it up and dump it in the bowl. A vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles ordered "ugly" will come all smashed up and messy. If you are lucky, the server may even give it to you with an "ugly" expression to complete the Ugly experience! Apparently Ariel's high standards for food preparation and presentation are making it hard for him to think about food going out to the customer this way, so we will see if this fun aspect sticks. The food will be DELICIOUS either way! Once you get your ugly food, there will be a "Feelin' Ugly" mirror set up for that perfect Insta-worthy photo you can share with your friends about your Ugly experience. They will also have an area with games like corn hole so you can relax and have fun with friends while enjoying your Ugly food. The Ugly Brand: In keeping with the mission to support the local community, Ugly Ice Cream has utilized small local artists and content creators to curate and craft their FUN and FUNKY brand. There is an "outdoorsy" feel to the decor that fits the Saratoga Lake setting. There is just a happy vibe that permeates the shop from the logo to the fun touches around the space (like the "Feelin' Ugly" mirror mentioned above). Fun Camper Order Window! Fun Ugly Ice Cream Signage Additionally, they are creating Saratoga Lake merchandise such as stickers, hats, t-shirts, etc. so locals can proudly rep their lake. I don't know about you, but I haven't seen a lot of options for Saratoga Lakians to show their support for their hometown lake. Tourists can also buy merch to rep Saratoga Lake and Ugly Ice Cream to remember the amazing time they had at Brown's Beach, Saratoga Lake and Ugly Ice Cream. The Grand Opening: So now the nitty gritty details you need to know so you can go have your own Ugly Ice Cream experience. OPENING DAY: May 3, 2024 GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION: Memorial Day Weekend OPEN 7 Days a Week (From May-Early October) HOURS: 11-9 (But they will be open until 10 on Friday and Saturday nights) LOCATION: 511 NY-9P (Next to Brown's Beach and Doc Brown's Restaurant) NOTE: Ugly Ice Cream is located at Brown's Beach, but the door to Ugly Ice Cream will not allow direct access to Brown's Beach. Customer's will access Ugly Ice Cream through a door outside of the beach entrance (which allows you to get Ugly Ice Cream even after the beach access is closed!) I have the Opening Day and the Grand Opening Celebration marked on my calendar. I can't wait to get "Ugly" this summer! See ya there! Your ice cream won't end up like this because you will finish it before it has time to melt!

The Country Corner Cafe on Church Street If you are a resident or regular visitor to Saratoga Springs, you know that The Country Corner Cafe is not new to the area. However, it does have (fairly) new owners and they just happen to be friends of mine! Julee and Mark O'Callaghan purchased The Country Corner Cafe from Roseann Hotaling in January 2023 and are picking up where Ms. Hotaling left off by providing a great local spot to grab a delicious breakfast. The Country Corner Cafe and the O'Callaghan's Story: The Country Corner Cafe is located at 25 Church Street (one block off Broadway) and was opened in 1991 by Roseann Hotaling. During her ownership, the Cafe started as a 19 seat diner and eventually expanded its footprint within the building to be able to serve the growing loyal customer base. The Country Corner Cafe become known for its friendly staff and the delicious food. I used to live across the street from the Cafe and would always see a bunch of people waiting to be seated. Whenever I see a crowd gathered like that I know it is a great spot I need to try! While Ms. Hotaling was building The Country Corner Cafe's business, Mark and Julee were living their lives downstate in NYC. Mark and Julee were getting their feet wet in the restaurant business by both working at the upscale Morton's Steakhouse on 5th Avenue. Mark was a server and Julee was a cocktail waitress. Morton's Steakhouse is where they met and fell in love. Soon after, they got married and had triplets. Julee spent 16 years working at Morton's Steakhouse and ultimately became the Assistant GM at a Morton's location in Brooklyn. She eventually left Morton's, but continued to work in the restaurant industry at Nordstroms employed in their restaurant division. She took a brief break from the food industry to work for Apple. During that time, Mark had left the restaurant biz to go back to school to get his degree and began a career in IT. Life was good and the O'Callaghan's loved raising their family in Long Island. But when their triplets went off to college, Mark and Julee started thinking about their future plans as empty-nesters. They had visited the Saratoga Springs area a few times and were enchanted by the charming city. Julee always had a dream to own her own restaurant or bed and breakfast and started looking for opportunities upstate. On one of their exploration trips upstate, they stopped in to The Country Corner Cafe to grab some coffee and chat about their options. Julee recalls that they were seated at Table 14 and that they noticed the groups of waiting customers. She also remembers being impressed by the delicious food and the superior customer service they received. Julee thought the place looked familiar and realized she had seen it offered For Sale on line several months earlier. She inquired and found out it was available. Mark encouraged Julee to buy it to follow her dreams. She did...and the rest is history! Mark and Julee O'Callaghan-Happy New Owners What's New At the Country Corner Cafe? Because Julee and Mark were so impressed by the food and the service at The Country Corner Cafe, they didn't change much when they purchased it. Julee spent time before the sale closed coming up to meet with the staff and see how they did things. As they got to know each other a mutual admiration developed, so the team stayed on after the sale. Julee has a clear intention to honor the good will and great reputation that Roseann Hotaling worked so hard to create and she wants to maintain the familiar experience that Saratoga residents and visitors have come to expect and love. Country Corner Eggs Benedict and French Toast The menu is basically unchanged because there is no need to change something that is already a hit. But the O'Callaghans did decide to bring back an old Country Corner favorite...Ida's Famous Oatmeal Pancakes! Proof that not dramatically changing the menu was a great idea, The Country Corner Cafe was selected as the Best Breakfast in Saratoga for 2024. Country Corner Cafe Best Breakfast in Saratoga 2024! There are also Daily Specials to choose from in addition to the regular menut. Julee did give me some insider information about upcoming specials for Belmont weekend. They plan to offer some breakfast and brunch specials with a "Long Island twist". She wouldn't divulge any more information, so we will just have to go to The Country Corner Cafe to check it out! Here was the Daily Special menu when I visited. Daily Specials at Country Corner Cafe The Country Corner Cafe also has take out service if you would rather enjoy your breakfast at Congress Park or on your own porch! To check out the menu and to order on-line click here . A few other new things from The Country Corner Cafe: There are no reservations taken at The Country Corner Cafe. But now, if you have to wait for a table there is designated waiting area so you don't have to wait outside if the weather isn't nice. During track season, there will be a hostess outside to help manage the customer seating and wait list. AND MOST EXCITING NEW NEWS OF ALL (WHICH IS HOT OFF THE PRESSES!): The Country Corner Cafe will have a cart at the Saratoga Race Course during the regular Saratoga track season! The cart will offer easy grab and go light bites like fruit cups, bagels, yogurt parfaits and iced coffees. You will also be able to purchase the famous Country Corner jams at the track. So, if you find yourself in Saratoga check out The "new" Country Corner Cafe to try the same great food they have been serving since 1991! If you go, say hi to Mark and Julee and tell them Amy sent ya! Enjoy Breakfast or Brunch at The Country Corner Cafe

A new place to grab a drink and a bite to eat has opened in Saratoga Springs! Familiar Creature, a new restaurant opened by the owners of the famous Hamlet & Ghost, is described as "a wine bar for all in Saratoga Springs". The name of the new venue is taken from Shakespeare's Othello (quoted above) and the vibe is inspired by French and Quebecois wine bars. Familiar Creature is located at 42 Phila Street across from local favorite Sweet Mimi's and next to Sushi Thai Garden. The Drinks: White Negroni with Edible Flower Garnish Familiar Creature is a wine bar, so wine is the star here. They have a wide selection of specially curated wines. The wine list features wines from small wineries and passionate winemakers and the wine choices are highlighted by unique and fun categories such as "No Troubles, Just Bubbles", "Old Dogs, New Tricks", "Good Funk", and "The Road Less Traveled". There is also a category of "Chicken Wines" that completely stumped my wine knowledge. When I asked what a Chicken Wine was, I was informed that it was a selection of wines that specifically pairs well with the Roast Chicken served at Familiar Creature. Sometimes the most obvious answer is overlooked. Haha. I am also in a period of my life where I am seeking to reduce my alcohol intake (not eliminate, just reduce) and they had a nice selection of non-alcoholic wines. I tried zero proof German Reisling and a Sparkling Blanc de Blancs, both from Wolffer Estate. They were delicious! They also have a Phony Negroni and non-alcoholic beer if you are seeking non-alcoholic choices like me. Plenty of Non-alcoholic Choices at Familiar Creature If you are not a wine lover, no worries! You can still join your wine loving friends at Familiar Creature. They have a menu of inventive cocktails and signature drinks, including a house version of an Aperol Spritz (with Aperol, Passion Fruit and Cava) that is served on tap! There is also a carefully selected variety of local beers. The Food: The former head chef at Hamlet & Ghost returned (after a few years working elsewhere) to join the H&G owners in opening Familiar Creature. I didn't order food on my visit, but my friends did and gave great reviews. I have heard rave reviews of the House Focaccia from multiple people. Specialty small plate dishes include Parisian Gnocchi made with black pearl mushrooms, Skate Wing Shnitzel, Manila Clams, and Candy Roaster Squash. The sole main plate is a quarter, half or whole Roast Chicken which is 100% antibiotic free and free range. You can order a side of Schmaltzy Potatoes, Broccolini or Cauliflower au Gratin. As noted above, the wine list identifies specific wines that pair well with the Roast Chicken! If you are in the mood for lighter fare, Familiar Creature's menu allows you to build your own Board to share with friends. There is a selection of speciality cheeses, meats and other items to create your own Charcuterie Board to pair with your wine selection. Such a unique and creative idea! The Important Details: Familiar Creature is currently open from Wednesday to Sunday from 4 to close. These days and hours may expand as the weather warms and track season starts. Currently it is walk in only, no reservations are accepted. There is inside seating for around 50 guests. Once the weather warms up, they have an outdoor patio that will seat an additional 30+ guests. The Familiar Creature management has also indicated that as they get established, they hope to have additional offerings such as wine tastings, winemaker dinners and wine classes. I am definitely interested in these kind of events so will keep my eye out for any announcements. Of course, I will be sure to pass the information on to you so keep your eye on my Instagram and this blog!

Amazing Architecture in the Saratoga Spa State Park Just a short distance from the bustling downtown area of Saratoga Springs, is a magical place filled with history, nature, architecture, music and activity. Saratoga Spa State Park is a 2,379 acre state park that is recognized as a National Historical Landmark due to its historical and cultural relevance. It has long been a destination for people seeking the health benefits from Saratoga's healing mineral waters. The Park contains 10 mineral springs, an historic hotel, bath houses and spas, miles of hiking and biking trails, two golf courses, a performance venue, two swimming pools and much, much more. I must admit that the Park holds a special place in my heart. I have made so many memories over the years from times spent in the Park. I cross country skied here when we first moved to upstate New York in 2004, I have attended several concerts and ballet performances at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, I have celebrated high moments and consoled low moments over the years that my younger daughter ran cross country races through the trails in the Park, prom pictures have been taken around the scenic area, and I have attended events at the historic Gideon Putnam Hotel. My oldest daughter worked as a caterer at weddings and events held at the historic Hall of Springs. If you live in the Saratoga area, you can't help but become interconnected with the beautiful Park and all it offers. And those experiences are only the tip of the iceberg! If you are visiting Saratoga Springs, you need to make time to do something in the Park. This blog will give you a ton of options depending on the time of year you are visiting and what your personal interests are! Things to Do In Saratoga Spa State Park: Spa City Farmer's Market. A Farmer's Market takes place at the Park every Sunday from10-2. If the weather is good, it is held outside at the entrance to the Park off of Broadway and Avenue of the Pines. When weather is bad, it is held inside the Lincoln Bath house. If you go to the Farmer's Market, make sure to stop and snap some photos at the entrance to the Park because it is always beautifully decorated with seasonal flowers and plants. The fall decor is renowned and is a perfect place to grab that holiday card family photo! Check out this year's display below. Check Out the Classic Architecture of the Historic Bath Houses. At the center of the park there is a large open area with historic bath houses around the perimeter. It is a great place to spread a blanket for a picnic or a nap and check out the beautiful buildings and plaza. Historic Bath Houses Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Take in a live performance at SPAC. Summer includes a full line up of rock and country concerts, comedy shows, Saratoga Jazz Festival and performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York City Ballet. Beautiful Sunset and Great Music at SPAC Spa Little Theater. An intimate 500-seat theater showcasing Opera Saratoga, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center as well as other vocal ensembles, small theater performances and holiday events. Saratoga Automobile Museum. My dad is a car enthusiast and he loves to visit this Museum whenever he is in town. They have several ongoing exhibits including one about the history of auto racing in New York, as well as rotating special exhibits. The Museum building originally housed the facility that bottled the waters of Saratoga Spa State Park. This facility was owned and operated by the State of New York when the healing properties of the mineral water of Saratoga Springs was all the rage. There is an exhibit in the Museum outlining the bottling history of the building. Find out more about the Museum's exhibit schedules and hours here . Roosevelt Baths and Spas. The Roosevelt Baths and Spas was originally established in 1935 following President Franklin Roosevelt's visionary act to preserve the Saratoga Springs. The mineral water that was abundant in the Saratoga Springs area was believed to have medicinal qualities and people flocked to the area to drink and bathe in the water. Today, you can still receive the benefits of the healing water at the Roosevelt Baths and Spas. They provide hydrotherapy spa treatments including mineral baths, massages, body treatments and facials. Every treatment begins with a soak in Saratoga's naturally effervescent waters. Check out the services offered at the Roosevelt Baths and Spas here . Have a Relaxing Day at Roosevelt Baths and Spa Gideon Putnam Hotel. The Gideon Putnam Hotel is a boutique hotel with historic charm and ambiance that is located in the heart of the Saratoga Spa State Park. The hotel opened in 1935, along with the Roosevelt Baths and Spas, for health and wellness seekers to "take the waters" of Saratoga Springs. It was built by prominent New Yorker Gideon Putnam, hence the name. The Hotel continues operation to this day and is a perfect place to stay if you are in town to take in a show at SPAC (as it is walking distance to the venue). Note that the website states that the Hotel will suspend all food, beverage and lodging operations for the winter season beginning November 14, 2022 and will reopen May 1, 2023. The Roosevelt Baths and Spas will continue to operate 7 days a week through the winter. Check out availability and rates for the Gideon Putnam Hotel hre . Golfing . There are two golf courses located in the Park. There is a championship 18-hole course as well as a challenging 9-hole course. The courses are framed by towering pines creating a picturesque scene. There is also a pro shop and a restaurant for that 19th hole drink! Check out available tee times and fees here . Swimming Pools. There are two swimming pools located within the Saratoga Spa State Park. Peerless Pool is a more family oriented pool with a main pool area with a zero depth entrance, a kiddie pool and a water slide pool. There are showers, locker rooms and concessions available at the Peerless Pools. There is no admission fee for the Peerless Pools but there is the entrance fee to the Park which is $10 per vehicle. Find more information about Peerless Pool here . For a more historic Saratoga Springs experience, you will want to visit the Victoria Pool. Read my blog about this beautiful spot here . The Victoria Pool was built in the 1930's along with the Hotel and Roosevelt Baths and Spas and was used for the health treatments that visitors came seeking in Saratoga. The Victoria Pool is a more low-key pool with less child friendly facilities (although children are welcome). There is an additional fee for entrance to the Victoria Pool of $8 for adults and $4 for children 5-11 (no charge for children under 5). The Stunning Victoria Pool Hiking and Running Trails. There are over twelve miles of hiking and biking trails around the Park, including a certified running course used by high school and collegiate cross country runners (the one I spent several afternoons cheering on my daughter and her friends). The trails are beautiful and have varying levels of difficulty. Here is the link to All Trails with maps to the best hiking trails in the Park. Creekside Classroom. Creekside Classroom is a four-season environmental education center with programs offered year round. They offer guided hikes, tours and snowshoe walks. You can also pick up a brochure that will take you on a self-guided walk passing by all 12 mineral springs located in the Park. Each spring has water with different mineral compositions and different tastes. The Creekside Classroom can provide cups to taste the different healing waters in case you forgot yours! Have a Picnic. There are so many different places to have a picnic in Saratoga Spa State Park! Just pack your picnic basket and head out. Plop yourself down when you find a spot in the Park that you like. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the Park. Some are deeper in the forest, some are located next to a babbling creek, some are located right next to large playgrounds if you need something to occupy the kids. You have several options! If you have a bigger party, you can rent large covered pavilions with grilling stations. There are 10 pavilions of varying size that accommodate 50-250 people. The price ranges from $125-$300 depending on the location and the size. One of the pavilions has a volleyball net right next to it! Find our more information about the pavilions here . Other Activities. In addition to the above, there are other outdoor activities you can enjoy at the Park including Disc Golf, tennis courts, fishing, ice skating and biking. Also, the Hall of Springs is an historic building in the Saratoga Spa State Park that is one of Saratoga Spring's premier wedding and banquet facilities. If you are looking for an amazing spot with a beautiful backdrop for incredible photos, you need to check it out! Information on weddings and banquets at the Hall of Springs can be found here . So as you can see, there is no end the things you can do at the Saratoga Spa State Park. Regardless of the season in which you find yourself in Saratoga, make time to check out the natural beauty and the historical architecture that make this Park the Spa City's Crown Jewel!