My latest travel group on a trip to Spain! If you love to travel, odds are you have at least thought about taking a group trip. If you haven't, you may after reading this blog! I have now taken a few group trips with different companies (Go Ahead Tours, AMA Waterways and Gate 1) and all were amazing experiences. There are a lot of advantages to signing up for an organized group trip, but there are some disadvantages that you should consider before making your final decision. Based on my experience, here are the things that I love about group travel and those that can be a bit frustrating. Let's start with the positives (which definitely are more numerous). PROS: All you have to do is pay and show up. Each travel company offers a variety of itineraries to locations all over the world. The hardest part will be deciding which triip you want to take. Start by deciding where you want to visit and how long you want to be away. That helps narrow down your choices. But once you land on an itinerary that meets your travel dreams, all you have to do is sign up, pay and show up! The company takes care of everyting else from accommodations, transportation, tours, and some meals. They arrange amazing tours with local tour guides who provide so much history and inside information. A local tour guide giving our group a tour of the historic city of Toledo, Spain. They transport your luggage from place to place! This is a HUGE Pro for me. If you follow me regularly, you know packing is not one of my strengths and I always end up with a fully stuffed large suitcase. It is such a benefit to just show up to my hotel room and my large luggage is already there waiting for me. When I am traveling on my own I struggle and sweat getting that bad boy up and down stairs and to the next location. This Pro alone is almost enough to outweigh any of the Cons I list below! My LARGE suitcase that magically arrives in my room on group trips. You have built in travel companions. If you are single, but are wary about travelling solo (or maybe you want to change it up after a few independent trips), a group trip is a perfect solution for you! This last group trip I went on I was with friends I already knew, but the first group trip I took I was by myself. It was my first "solo" trip and it was great to have people to eat with and explore with. But there is usually a good amount of free time built into the schedules so I could also take some time to myself to relax or do some independent sightseeing. It is a great way to meet new people. Similar to the point above, it is so fun to meet all the different people that sign up for these trips. My travel groups have had people of all ages from different locations with diverse personalities. I have met people traveling with their adult children, friends traveling together, couples and other solo travelers. It is amazing how quickly you can get to know people when you are sharing the adventure of exploring the world. By the end of the trip you realize that you will miss seeing this group of people every day! We expanded our friend group on this trip! You end up seeing locations you may not have considered if you planned your trip yourself. On every single group trip I have taken, we stopped in locations that I would not have thought to include in my itinerary. Many of these places turned out to be my favorite stops! One of my all time favorites was Annecy, France. I had never heard of it before and it was so quaint and beautiful. I loved it so much I have considered temporarily moving there and would have never have discovered it if I hadn't been on the group trip through the Alps. On my most recent trip to Spain on of my favorite spots was Ronda, a small town sitting on the top of a gorge and home to one of the oldest bullfighting rings. Exploring Ronda, a place I didn't know about! Experienced and knowledgable tour guides. The tour guides that lead the trips are multi-lingual eliminating some of the language barriers that can arise when you travel internationally. They are very knowledgable about the areas that you are visiting and provide you with relevant history and facts about each location. I feel like I learn so much more about the areas I am visiting when I go on a group trip than when I am traveling on my own. The guides are also great resources for local hotspots to visit when you have free time to go off on your own for a bit. Additionally, should an emergency arise while you are travelling the guides can assist with getting the resources you need. On my most recent trip one of the passengers cracked her tooth and our guide was able to get her to a local dentist to take care of it with minimal interruption. Our amazing guide, Rui, with the ladies CONS: Less flexibility. One downside to a group trip is that you have less control over your itinerary. While most group trips do build in a decent amount of free time for you to go off and explore on your own, it is still on strict schedule that is part of a larger itinerary. This aspect can be a bit frustrating if you find you don't have enough time to fit in all the things you might want to explore or if the time allotted for "free time" doesn't match up with plans you want to make. Limited food options sometimes. If you are a picky eater, the group trips can be challenging. On group dinners, the whole group usually gets the same dish (a local favorite). As a picky eater, this has been difficult for me. I told myself I must always try what is offered, but often it is not something I really enjoy. This is totally a ME problem and I really wish I was a more adventurous eater eager to try local specialties. Unfortunately that is not the case so I usually end up leaving meals a bit hungry. I always make sure to pack some snacks so I have something to eat when I get back to my room. Potential for unpleasant group dynamics. I have not had this problem in any of the group trips I have done. However, as you don't have control over who is in your travel group, there is always the possibility that personalities in the group don't mesh. Hopefully you will be as lucky as I have been and will enjoy your travel companions. As you can see, the pros of going on a group triip seem to outweigh the cons. However, I would say that the lack of flexibility may be the biggest factor to consider if you have specific ideas of what you want to do on your vacation. I have had amazing experiences on all my group trips and I highly recommend that you give group travel a try. I can personally recommend Go Ahead, AMA Waterways and Gate 1 Travel. Check them out...you will not regret it. A satisfied and happy group traveler

Cheers to Life Lessons Learned Over 60 Years I turned 60 last September. Sixty. The big 6-0. Wow...I remember when 60 sounded ancient. It was the age of grandparents, the ones with hard candy in their purses and stories that began with "Back in my day...". But here I am, 60 years into this life, and surprisingly I don't feel ancient (at least on most days). My mind still feels like I'm in my 30s, until I look in the mirror and a more seasoned face is looking back at me. While there are some difficulties that come with aging, the one thing I love about getting older is I feel like I am definitely getting wiser. Over the past 60 years of trials and tribulations, lessons were learned and wisdom was gained. Some lessons were painful, others just inconvienent, but all resulted in growth and self-reflection. The ups and downs of 60 years have led me to some core principles that I TRY to live by for a more peaceful and happy life. I have by no means mastered the ability to live by these principles 100% of the time, but they provide the guidelines and boundaries for my approach to life. When I find myself veering from these principles I can always tell because I feel less happy, less peaceful. At this point in my life, time is too precious to waste too much of it being upset or stressed. I am sharing these thoughts in the event the wisdom gained from my 60 years may be helpful to anyone else, but also to remind myself of how I want to live the rest of my life. Ride the Waves Waves Can Teach Us How to Live The only constant in life is change. One thing that becomes abuntantly clear as the years go by is that things are always changing and evolving. I used to get so frustrated when something happened that wasn't what I planned (as if I could control the whole universe with my plans). Such disruptions would cause me to stress out and get angry and subject those around me to my frustrations (probably not too enjoyable). Getting into that mental state was usually not helpful to resolve the issue or figure out an alternative plan. It led to a constant pendulum of emotions as we all know that life does not generally run smoothly and annoyances (large or small) impact us everyday. . Accepting that a situation, whether good or bad, is temporary and will not stay the same is an important life lesson. It helps with resilience in getting through a tough period because I realize that 'this too shall pass'. It helps with living in the present because if I am in a good period I know I need to appreciate it and enjoy it because 'this too shall pass'. Learning to adapt to change, both in the way I perceive it and the way I react to it, has lead to growth, resilience and new opportunities. Change has often been the catalyst for personal or professional growth that has occurred in my life. I compare adjusting and adapting to the ups and downs in life to being in the ocean on a boogie board. You paddle out into the water, which can take effort. You find a spot where the water is calm and you hang out there for a bit. As the waves roll in, you just hang on to your board and let it roll by as it lifts you up and then delivers you back down. Then along comes an epic wave that picks you up and takes you on an exhilirating ride toward the shore. You just enjoy the experience, laughing as you ride it as far as you can. Then it is over as quickly as it began and the wave drops you off on the shore as it rolls back out to sea and you paddle back out and wait for the next epic wave. I can see this wave action when I look back over the various stages and periods I have experienced in my life. There were the hard paddling times, the calm almost boring times where life was just uneventfully moving forward, the waves that rolled over me that I just had to ride out, and those amazing epic waves that came with life accomplishments and adventures. Every part of the wave is important in creating the whole experience. Keep Your Balance Balance is Key The key to keeping your balance is knowing when you've lost it. -Anonymous In keeping with the boogie board theme, the next life lesson I have learned over my 60 years is that finding balance is very important. If you are on a boogie board or a surf board and you are not perfectly balanced on the board, you will fall off and miss riding that epic wave. In my life, achieving balance in all things is the ultimate goal. I have always been good at keeping my work life and personal life balanced. I learned this from my father who always stated he worked to live, not lived to work. My dad worked hard when he was at work, but made sure to be home for dinner every night and used his weekends to ski, ride his dirt bike or his bicycle. I found a way to practice law that allowed me to be around for my girls and attend all of their athletic activities. Could I have worked harder and went further in my career? Sure, but I found a balance between my professional career and my home life that allowed me to be proud of my accomplishments in both. I use this approach in other areas of my life as well. Going out or staying home, working out or resting, eating and drinking, the principle always applies. Balance (or you could say moderation) in all things helps me to enjoy things, but not to the exclusion of other things. It is very apparent when I have lost balance because I feel tired, I feel stressed, I feel generally unwell. It is a sign that I need to make adjustments to my choices to regain the balance that brings me peace. Be Curious Staying Curious By Exploring New Places I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious. -Albert Einstein Over the years I've learned the importance of being curious. Being curious helps to stay knowledgable and understand the world around me. By asking questions I engage more deeply which makes learning an ongoing process rather than a finite experience. By remaining curious, I constantly challenge my own perspectives and try to expand my world view. Curiosity also improves creativity. Looking at a situation from multiple angles allows me to consider innovative approaches to resolve an issue (or maybe realize it's not a problem at all!). Curiosity is also helpful to keep the mind sharp. Making myself learn new things (you really can teach an old dog new tricks), keeps the neuro pathways working and hopefully will ward off mental decline as I age. Learning how to create this blog and keep it growing; starting a new job at a jewelry store learning about gemstones, metals and designers; and learning how to play pickleball (especially how to keep score!) have all kept me on my toes as I keep racking up the years. I also watch documentaries on a wide range of topics. Some that I watch are VERY random, but I always learn something new. It is now a joke among my friends and family that I often start a sentence with "I was watching a documentary about *fill in the blank". But perhaps most important, being curious has improved my relationships. Instead of jumping to conclusions or digging into my position, I try to ask more questions and genuinely seek to understand others’ perspectives. I have discovered that when I take the time to be curious it results in deeper connections. It also encourages better conversations which often lead to mutual understanding. Being curious allows me to appreciate diverse viewpoints, even if I may not completely agree. Being curious definitely makes life much more interesting! Keep Your Sense of Humor Keep Laughing and Finding the Humor A sense of humor is a major defense against minor troubles - Mignon McLaughlin Stress is inevitable...whether its a bad day at work, a disagreement with a friend or partner, or simply being stuck in traffic after a long day when you just want to get home. But if you can somehow learn to find the humor in some of these every day complications, it makes things a lot easier. One thing my ex-husband was very good at during our marriage, was getting me to laugh when my stress or anger started to bubble up. It is amazing how quickly difficult emotions diffuse once I give into giggling or divert my attention to something amusing. Not that I am not still frustrated or annoyed, but the laughter takes the emotion level down a few notches so things are easier to deal with. Sometimes the only difference between a crisis and a funny story is time AND the ability to laugh at myself. Once I can zoom out and see that the thing I am stressing over really isn't that big of a deal or is only temporary, it doesn't loom so large. Putting it in perspective usually makes me realize how dramatic I am being and I can make fun of myself for overreacting. So often stories from my past that were so stressful or embarrassing at the time are hilarious (or at least entertaining) now. Laughing at my flaws and screw ups makes life seem less like a challenge and more like a fun-filled adventure. Being able to get back up, maybe a bit bruised and still limping, but with a smile on my face is an act of quiet defiance against the chaos. When I can find something to laugh about, even in my hardest moments, I feel like I regain a little bit of control. Trust Your Gut When I Trusted My Gut Instinct to Buy a House and Miraculously Found the Perfect Lot! Follow your instincts. That's where true wisdom manifests itself. - Oprah Winfrey As I look back on my life and the twists and turns that make up my journey, I can see the importance of trusting my gut instincts. This applies to both positive and negative instincts. It's that quiet voice in my head, often uninvited but always persistent, that says " Something's off" or " This is the right move". It doesn't always speak in words...sometimes it is a tightness in my throat or my chest or a feeling of calm that washes over me when I make a decision. Regardless, I have learned that my gut is powerful and its instincts are rooted in my lived experiences, observations, memories and even deeply buried emotions. Some of the biggest changes in my life have followed an instinct that has led me to major decisions. Strong feelings led me to move to San Diego with friends, apply to law school, move to the East Coast from Colorado, relocate to Saratoga Springs and buy/build a house. When I leaned into these inklings, everything else fell into place relatively easilydes. I never questioned decisions based on my gut instincts and have never regretted them. In fact, they were literally some of the best decisions in my life even though they might have seemed crazy to others at the time. I also learned to trust those gut instincts when they are giving me a clear warning signal of what to avoid. When I feel uneasy about a situation, a person or a vibe, I no longer ignore it. I have learned over the years that experience has allowed me to recognize those red flags waving in the background. I understand that I need to honor my peace and remove myself. My gut is my inner compass signaling that I am not moving in a direction that is true to me. Trusting my instincts isn't just about avoiding danger, but about staying in alignment with myself. Trusting these instincts doesn't mean my gut is always right (but it does have a pretty good track record!), but it does mean it deserves to be heard. People haven't always understood some of my crazier instincts and sometimes question my choices. They may ask for explanations that I can't exactly give. Sometimes " I just know" is enough for me. Intention Matters Living My Intention to See the World Intentional living is about living your best story. - John C. Maxwell As we go through life, it pulls us in a thousand different directions. Between working, raising a family, doing all the things to stay healthy and active, day to day responsibilities, trying to stay in touch with friends and extended family...the list goes on...we can lose focus on how we want to live our life and just go on autopilot getting through each day. I often compare it to that circus trick where the circus performer has a bunch of plates spinning on poles. He gets them all going and as soon as he gets to the last one, others are starting to wobble. As he turns his attention to the wobbling plate and gets it going again, the other plates he wasn't focusing on begin to wobble. It is a never ending task and there is never time to pause to enjoy the accomplishment of getting all the plates spinning, it's just about frantically running from plate to plate to keep them all going. When living this way, life becomes more reactive than reflective. We are doing what we HAVE to do instead of what we necessarily WANT to do. Obviously when you are in the thick of your career and raising kids, this is sometimes just what is required. However, we get so used to living like this, we continue on this path even when things slow down. Unfortunately for me, once things slowed down I was left with a broken marriage, an autoimmune disease, and a lay off from my job despite all my years of hard work. After I picked myself up and brushed myself off (with a smile on my face per my advice above), I realized I needed to be more intentional about my life. I needed to not just go through the motions, but know why I'm doing what I'm doing. Whether deciding how to spend my time, who I choose to spend time with, what things I give my energy to, I needed intention to add purpose to every choice. Not everything deserves my attention, not every invitation is meant for me. I have learned to say no to things that don't align with my intentions for what I want in my life and say yes with full intention to things things that will add value to my life or support those things that are important to me. Living with intention doesn't guarantee a perfect life, but it helps me live a conscious one. I make decisions based on what feels true to me. That generally leads to less regret. I still stumble or occasionally make a decision that I am eventually unhappy with, but I know I chose deliberately and not by default. I try to make sure my choices are guided by questions like " What kind of person do I want to be?" or " What kind of life do I want to create?". These guidelines help me make thoughtful choices that lead me closer to the vision I have for my life journey. Stay In Your Lane Learning to Stay in My Own Lane Once you create your own lane, there's no traffic. - Pitbull One thing I have learned in 60 years of living is that it is exhausting trying to control everyone and everythng around you. In all honesty, I am a control freak at heart and used to spend a lot of time thinking about what everyone else was doing and inserting my opinion about what I thought was the best plan of action. I came to realize that what I really wanted to do was control my own environment and how I was impacted by others' choices. I wanted to maintain my peace. The beauty of that realization is that I can control my own environment! I just can't do it by trying to control others and what they were doing. I can only do it by making choices for myself that are in alignment with my values and reacting to others' actions by making my own choices in response. Worrying about what everyone else is doing is draining and leaves less energy to focus on my own life. Obviously, when my children were younger it was my job to worry about what they were doing and guide them in their decisions as they grew up and learned to be an adult. But even with my children, since they are now adults it is no longer my job (or my right) to dictate what they should or should not be doing in their life. Every person is on their own journey and they are the captain of their own ship. All I need to do is focus on MY journey and MY growth...essentially STAY IN MY OWN LANE. When I stay in my own lane and quit worrying about what others are doing (and whether they are doing it the way I would), my world gets peaceful and quiet. My mind isn't filled with thoughts about what I wish someone else would do or what actions I think they should take. That is not my business. It is essentially the "Let Them" theory that Mel Robbins talks about. I let the people in my life direct their journey to have the experiences they want to have. For example, I was sad when my oldest daughter, Madison, decided to move far away from me to go back to Colorado (where she was born and where my family still lives). But that is a life experience SHE wants to have and I don't get a vote. Just like my parents didn't try to control my decisions when I moved away from Colorado to San Diego and then moved away again years later to New York (this time with their grandchildren in tow). I know they were sad about the distance, but I was given the freedom to take my life where I wanted to. I want to give my children that same gift This practice is not as easy as it seems. It is so easy to jump in when someone is talking and start giving advice (even if it wasn't asked for) because I know what I would do if I was in the same situation. But realizing we are different people, with different priorities, different personalities, different history, and different intentions for our life journeys makes it easier to take a step back and just listen. Sometimes people just want a sounding board as they figure out what they want to do on their own. It is actually a relief to understand that you don't have to solve their problem, you just have to be there for them. Staying in your own lane is addictive once you get used to it! It takes the weight of the world off your shoulders when you realize you don't have to carry the weight of the world! Conclusion As I said, I am still practicing following these lessons that I have learned. Habits developed over 60 years die hard. But when I do follow these principles, I find my life flows easier, it is more peaceful and I am a generally happier person. I am sure the years ahead will give me even more wisdom as I try to age gracefully. Instead of being sad about my loss of youth, I am trying to appreciate the lessons learned, the memories made and the adventures along the way.

A Variety of Winter Cocktails Served Up at Lucy's Bar Whether you are planning a trip to Saratoga Springs to enjoy Saratoga's regular horse racing season or just to experience the charm and history of this quaint little city, you will probably want to know the best places to grab a refreshing beverage while you are here. Saratoga Springs has no shortage of great places to get your drink on. Whether you are looking for a place to let your hair down and get crazy or prefer a more distinguished cocktail sipping experience, we've got you covered. The places to get wild and crazy in Saratoga are pretty obvious...just head to Caroline Street. But if you are looking to try some unique craft cocktails, you need the inside scoop. I have personally checked out a number of local establishments (all for the blog, of course!) and have found my favorite spots for sipping crafted concoctions. Please note each destination offers a good selection of non-alcoholic cocktails for the non-drinkers in your party. So, without further ado, here are my picks for best cocktails in Saratoga Springs, in no particular order: Lucy's Bar (3 Caroline Street): Enjoying a Cocktail at Lucy's Bar...Spy the Spring Decor in the Entry I could not have a list of the best cocktail bars in Saratoga Springs and not include Lucy's Bar! I am a regular patron of Lucy's Bar for a number of reasons. I love the variety of their cocktail menu that changes every season. I love the cozy vibe of the bar and I especially love their amazing Insta-worthy decor that changes each holiday/season. Their Christmas decor is my favorite, but I also love the Spring decor that comes just as you are getting weary of the winter weather. Lucy's motto is "Good Vibes, Better Drinks and a Little Thing We Like to Call 'A Lucy'". That tells you everything you need to know! Lucy's is a great place to meet up for a cocktail before you head out to dinner or out on the town. Lucy's does not serve food so plan to eat before or after stopping in for a drink. Lucy's Bar is small and has limited seating so I recommend meeting up on the early side if you want to snag a table. My favorite drinks so far are the Sweater Weather (Winter Menu) and the Pistachio Martini (last Spring's Menu). I can't wait for next season's new cocktail menu to see what new libations they have come up with! They have a Spirit Free Cocktail menu for the non-drinkers in the group which includes a non-alcoholic Espresso Martini. I have tried it and it is just as good as a fully loaded Espresso Martini! Check out their full drink menu here. Sweater Weather Cocktail..Spy the Christmas Decor on the Ceiling Hamlet and Ghost (24 Caroline Street): Hamlet and Ghost is located in downtown Saratoga Springs in a space that used to be a feed and grain store in the 1870's. It became a hardware store during the Prohibition Era that was an alleged front for an illegal gambling establishment. The current restaurant maintains that historic feel complete with a full menu of interesting craft cocktails. Hamlet and Ghost does serve food as well. In fact, their Hamburger has been rated the best in Saratoga! As far as cocktails go, there are several delicious choices on the menu, but my favorite (and a H&G classic) is the Gin Gin Fizz made with gin, grapefruit, lemon, ginger and foam. Again, Hamlet & Ghost offers a good selection of mocktails as well. If you want to visit Hamlet and Ghost, reservations are necessary. And you need to be a planner because Hamlet and Ghost books up pretty quickly, especially during track season. So, if you know you are going to be in town and want to taste Saratoga's best burger and sip a delicious craft cocktail, be sure to make your reservation as soon as you can. Click here for a link to the reservation system. Morrissey's Lounge and Bistro (365 Broadway): Morrissey's Lounge and Bistro is attached to the historic Adelphi Hotel and has that rich, historic vibe. There are tables to sit at, but the best seats in the house are at the bar! Especially during track season, it is fun to set at the bar and watch as people filter in and out of the bar after a day at the track. Even when it is not track season there is great people watching to be had as people stroll up and down Broadway. Morrissey's offers a wide selection of curated cocktails (and mocktails). You can also order food at Morrissey's. They have a diverse menu that includes salads, seafood, pasta, flatbreads and sushi. Check out all of their food and drink options here. You can make reservations for a table, or order food at your seat at the bar. Morrissey's is definitely the go to spot to see and be seen during track season. It usually dies down around 8 as people leave for dinner reservations at other restaurants. So, if you want the crowd and people watching, go before 8; if you want a quieter spot to grab a drink and some food, better to go after 8ish. Rhea (389 Broadway): Rhea is an Asian inspired restaurant and bar located right on Broadway. You can sit at an outside table (weather permitting), at the bar right in the middle of the restaurant or in a cozy booth if you want a more intimate experience. You can eat dinner or grab appetizers with your drinks at Rhea. Their menu is planned around hand-made ramen noodles, Bao buns and shareable small plate items. Check out the food menu here. Their drink menu describes "wildly inventive" cocktails with creative names like "Why is the Rum Always Gone", "Dunes of the Cape" and "Hot Paradise". They also offer Saké Drafts if you prefer. Check out their drink menu here. Their menu notes that any drink can be made as a mocktail. Yummy Craft Cocktails at Rhea The Misfit Bar and Cocktail Lounge (1 Caroline St.): The Misfit is more of a nightclub scene and they do not serve any food. This is the spot to head to when you are ready to let loose for the night. After a cocktail (or two), you can meander to any of the other happening spots up and down Caroline Street. The Misfit has a long list of standard craft cocktails with hilarious names like "Bougie Bitch", "Naughty Nurse" and "Dazed and Confused". They offer special seasonal cocktails as well. The winter cocktail menu is filled with drinks with names like "Drop It Like It's Hot" and "We Didn't Start the Fire". They also have a delicious Espresso Martini that is one of the best in town (in my personal opinion). SIDE NOTE: Another top contender for best Espresso Martini in Saratoga is 9 Maple, but the reason it is not on my favorite list is that 9 Maple is really small and always so crowded. But if you enjoy Espresso Martinis definitely check it out because they are really good there too. The Best Espresso Martini at The Misfit Cantina (408 Broadway): Cantina is located right on Broadway (Saratoga's main street) and they serve "fresh contemporary Mexican and Southwest food". They have a full cocktail menu with various cocktails, wine, seltzers, beer (including a selection of craft beers), tequila and mezal. But their claim to fame is ther extensive selection of margaritas. Check out the margarita extravaganza here. My personal favorite is the Coconut margarita that has a sugar rim. So delicious and I recommend it to anyone who will listen. Cantina is a great place to grab some food, but you may have to wait for a table during busy season. No worries though, Cantina has an amazing rooftop bar where you can go to grab one of those aforementioned margaritas while you wait for your table. There is no food served on the rooftop, just drinks. Cheers to My Favorite...Cantina's Coconut Margarita Bottom's Up So there you have it. My favorite spots to grab a cocktail. There are many other great places to grab a drink in Saratoga Springs. Just wander around and you will find plenty of spots to wet your whistle. But this list has my favorites as a local, so be sure to try them out. Cheers!

About 12 miles away from the bustling Saratoga Springs area, nestled in amongst trees reaching for the sky, is a wonderful little place called Brookledge. I discovered Brookledge after connecting with one of its owners, Helen Christopher, on social media. I started following her on Instagram and was intrigued by the development of this new business she and her husband Ryan were starting. What Is Brookledge? Then... Brookledge is approximately 60 acres of undeveloped property in the small town of Providence, just outside of Saratoga Springs. The property has a storied and interesting history. In the 1800's, German families from NYC headed north to cabins built on the property for a much needed getaway from the crowded City. None of those cabins remain, but there is an old stone fireplace with what is believed to be a monogram of a German family on the mantel that still stands representing this chapter of the property's history. Sometime thereafter, the property was sold and was used as one of the original Camp Fire Girls' camps and then subsequently used by Schenectady Girl's Club (now Girl's Inc) as a girl's summer camp. Many of the original buildings from the property's summer camp days remain standing including original sleeping cabins, bath houses, dressing cabins, the nurse's office, the camp counselor office and the outdoor pavilion. You can still see carvings and artwork done by the girls around the property. Many of the hiking trails on the property were original trails used by the girl's during the camping days. Now... The Christophers' first saw the Brookledge property a decade ago when attending a wedding on the grounds of the now abandoned camp. Something about the property spoke to them and they agreed if it ever went on the market they would buy it. It ultimately was sold to a real estate developer who planned to tear down all the buildings and create an RV park. That deal fell through and the Christophers had their opportunity to buy their dream property. Helen quit her job as a second grade teacher to focus full-time on renovating the property and restoring it to its past glory as a magical nature getaway. They have maintained the original Brookledge name and intend to preserve as much history as they can by utilizing the existing structures and incorporating original items found in the buildings or around the property wherever they can. They also have made it a priority during the renovation to source local materials and labor where possible. They continue that mission in the operation of the camp by sourcing supplies and food from local vendor if they can. You can feel the energy of the property coming back to life when you visit. The vision for Brookledge is to provide a nature retreat that can be used as a wedding venue, event space (corporate events, birthday parties, family reunions or other celebrations), or getaways. They have made great progress and have already completed renovation on a couple of the cabins that were available for booking last summer. But the Christophers have big plans for the property and are working through the winter to make Brookledge even more special in time for next summer and the Saratoga racing season! What Kind of Experience Will You Get at Brookledge? Whether you are looking for a rustic but classy space for a special event or a cozy and comfortable retreat from suburbia or city life, Brookledge has what you are looking for! The natural beauty of the surroundings makes any experience magical. We are not a 5 star luxury hotel, we are a 5 tree happy to be in nature getaway! Spaces for Weddings and Events: The Chapel: Brookledge has already hosted a few weddings at its site and the pictures show what an amazing setting it is for such a special day. There are wedding packages available , but they will also work with brides to help them create the day they have been dreaming of. Generally weddings are held in the open space in front of the stone fireplace (pictured above) in an area they call The Chapel. The plan is to even out the terrain, install permanent benches for guests and build a wooden walkway to the site (so the bride's dresses don't get dirty on the walk down the aisle). They also are able to provide transport to the wedding site to those guests who may have mobility issues. Fireside Pavilion and Raymond's Roost: The Fireside Pavilion and the nearby Raymond's Roost bar pavilion accommodate a large number of people for a wedding reception, family reunion, corporate event or other large gathering. As its name implies, the Fireside Pavilion has a stone fireplace that was original to the structure from the girl's camp days. The smaller Raymond's Roost Pavilion is a few steps away and has bar seating. The Fireside Pavilion can also be used to host children's birthday party events. Brookledge has a daytime birthday party package that includes a guided nature hike, swimming, arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt and campfire s'mores for up to 20 guests! There is also a sleepover package if you want to continue the celebration fun through the night. The sleepover package includes all the activities in the daytime party package plus an outdoor movie in the Pavilion for 6 to 10 guests. You can add on party enhancements such as picnic basket meals, a taco bar, make your own trail mix activity and birthday cakes. Prices for various party packages can be found here . Ice Bucket Pond: On the property, right next to the Pavilions (and in front of the Crook Brook Cabin) is a small pond called the Ice Bucket. The Ice Bucket is a spring fed and is 10 feet deep. The name should give you a hint about the water temp! The Pond can be used during birthday parties and special events or if you are a guest staying on the property. There are canoes and a floating dock which can be used to relax while floating around the pond (although I think kids use it as a moving diving platform!). They are trying to restore the ecosystem in the Ice Bucket Pond so they installed a fountain to discourage algae growth and plan to restock the pond with native fish. Overnight Stays: If you want to extend your stay in nature, Brookledge has several options to accommodate many comfort levels. A recent guest told Helen that Brookledge was the perfect solution for a weekend getaway for her and her husband and he wanted to be out in nature, but she is more of a luxury hotel kind of girl. She found Brookledge to be the perfect compromise because he could be out exploring and communing with nature while she relaxed in the beautifully decorated cabin with her book and a glass of wine! The accommodations may or may not have running water, heat and do not have bathrooms or showers, so you definitely still feel like your are "roughing it" even while enjoying comfortable beds and lodging. If you are interested in reserving any of the available accommodations you can do so on Airbnb or VRBO. Crook Brook Cabin: Crook Brook Cabin is a rustic cabin located right next to the Pavilions and sits up from the Ice Bucket Pond. It comfortably accommodates 4 people with the custom made queen bunk bed. The cabin includes linens, dishes, a sink with hot water, a ceiling fan, a grill, a microwave and a mini fridge. There is a TV that is equipped with a working VCR so you can really experience a time warp and watch some VHS movies. There are no bathrooms or showers in the cabin, but outhouses and bath houses with restored showers from the original camp are a close walking distance. The Crook Brook Cabin has a distinct 70's vibe which was intentionally done to reflect the property's girl's camp history in the 1970s. The VCR/VHS tapes, brown and gold patterned stoneware dishes, art work made by the girls when the camp was operational which was recovered from the cabins, and the childhood favorite boardgames that can be played out on the patio in the evening all contribute to a magical childhood throwback feeling that mixes perfectly with the outdoor environment. The Cottage: While I loved the Crook Brook Cabin, I have to admit the Cottage blew me away. The Cottage is a little more remote making it perfect for a romantic getaway or a solo retreat. It sits high above the babbling Crook Brook Creek on top of large boulders giving it fantastic views from the balcony. The inside has been impeccably renovated and tastefully decorated by Helen. The remote controlled candle lighting provides a relaxing vibe. There is an outhouse right outside the door, but the bath house for showers is a bit of a walk. The stroll down to the bath house is beautiful, so I don't think any one really minds. There is no electricity, but there is a large battery charger that accommodates cell phone chargers and plugs so you won't be stranded. There is a portable heater to keep you warm as the temperatures drop at night. Outside on the balcony there are rocking chairs looking out over the Creek and the forest. Down the steps there is a campfire spot with several chairs. A few steps away, a hammock hangs from two trees right next to the Creek creating a perfect nap spot. I'm not a girl who generally likes to rough it, but I would definitely be excited to stay in this cozy Cottage! Glamping Tents: They weren't ready last summer, but next summer Brookledge will offer a new experience! They have built two platforms for large tents that will provide guests a glamping opportunity. The tents will be available to reserve from April to November. The tents will be located steps from the Ice Bucket Pond in an open area where the girls used to have their camp singalongs. The two tents will be named "Woodstock" and "Snoopy" paying homage to the names of the camp buses used to transport the girls to camp from Schenectady back in the day! Love that! The tents will be placed on wooden platforms lifting them off the ground and I am sure Helen will have them outfitted in perfect "glamping" style when they open next spring. Tree House Lodge: The Tree House Lodge is currently being renovated so I don't have any current pictures, but by next summer it will be available for short term rental or for events. There will be a large living space with a room that will sleep two. There will be stairs up to a loft area (hence the "Tree House" name) that will be geared towards children with books and toys. Once it if finished and available for reserving, the website will contain more information about the specific accommodations. Don't Miss This Hidden Gem! Check out the Brookledge website here for more details about this special place. If you have a special event coming up, I would highly recommend considering this venue. The natural beauty is breathtaking and the care and attention the Christophers are giving to retain the spirit and history of the place makes it even more special. Brookledge is already amazing and they are just getting started. I can't wait to see what else they do with this property and watch their dream come to life! I plan to return in the Spring to see the progress and to update you all on what you can expect if you visit Brookledge next spring/summer

Are you thinking of planning a girl's getaway but aren't sure where you should go? I highly recommend an AMA Waterways Riverboat Cruise! I just got back from one with my friends and it was the "best trip ever" in the words of my friend Christina. We took the Enchanting Rhine wine cruise that started in Basel, Switzerland and ended in Amsterdam. For a whole week we were treated like queens, drinking fine wine and delicious cocktails and eating delicious chef-prepared meals. We felt very spoiled but kept reminding ourselves that we deserved the pampering after caring for so many others for most of our lives. There were other girl's groups on the cruise including a mother-daughter group, sister groups and other friend groups like us. We all got to know each other and had a fabulous time! The Destinations AMA Waterways has a number of cruises all over the world. Check out all of AMA Waterways cruise options here . We had a hard time choosing which cruise to take because they all sounded amazing! Honestly, it came down to which trip worked best with our schedule. As I noted above, we chose to go on the Enchanting Rhine cruise that started in Basel and ended in Amsterdam with several stops along the way. Our cruise stopped at ports in these locations: Breisach, Germany Strasbourg, France Ludwigshafen, Germany Rüdesheim, Germany Lahnstein, Germany Cologne, Germany At each stop we had the opportunity to get off the ship and take part in excursions in the surrounding area. These excursions are included in the price of your cruise and are not additional cost to you. At each stop there are several different types of excursions to choose from. We could determine how we wanted to experience each stop along the way. The Excursions In addition to having several different types of excursions to choose from, there are also different activity levels offered for each excursion. If you want a leisurely slow pace on the walking tour, you can choose the "Gentle Walker" group. If you want to get your heart rate up, go farther and keep a quicker pace, you can choose the "Active" group. Most people on our cruise were looking for something in the middle so they chose the "Moderate" or "Intermediate" group. We mostly signed up for the "Active" group excursions and it was perfect. For an example of the various excursion options offered at each stop on our cruise, check out the AMA itinerary here . Below is a quick summary of each excursion we chose. I will do more detailed blogs on each stop of the cruise soon so if you are planning your own Europe trip you can decide if you want to include any of these locations in your plans. But for now, here is an overview: Riquewihr, France: At the first stop in Breisach, Germany, we took a bus to take a guided walking tour of the town of Riquewihr, France. This actually turned out to be one of my favorite stops on the cruise. The quaint town of Riquewihr is located on the Alsace Wine Route in eastern France. Entering the center of the town is like taking a step back in time. Riquewihr looks essentially like it did during the 16th century. It is one of the few European towns that did not sustain any damage during WWII. Cobblestone streets lined with half-timber houses make you feel you have entered another century. Grape growing and wine making are the main industries in this area and we got the chance to taste some locally made wines. So good! Strasbourg, France: Strasbourg, France is the capital of the Grand Est region and sits on the border with Germany. Strasbourg is the seat of the European Parliament and houses the European Court of Human Rights. It is also an ENESCO World Heritage site with many interesting things to see, including the La Petite France district which is a medieval section of the city with cobblestone streets lined with traditional half-timber houses. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg is an impressive gothic cathedral with amazing stained glass windows and an astronomical clock that puts on a show every hour. Ludwigshafen/Heidelberg: On Day 4 we docked at Ludwigshafen, Germany and took a bus into Heidelberg to visit Schloss Heidelberg (otherwise known as Heidelberg Castle). The Heidelberg Castle is visited by over 1,000,000 people a year. The first mention of the Castle was in relics from 1225! The Castle was attacked and partially destroyed by the French in the late 17th century. The devastation was completed by lightening strikes in 1764. The Heidelberg Castle has sat in ruins since that time. Some relics from the Castle have been preserved including the larger than life wine barrel that holds 58,000 gallons of wine! Walking through the ruins it is possible to imagine the beauty and elegance of this Castle back in the day. It is nestled in the hills high above the Old Town of Heidelberg and the River Neckar. After touring the Castle ruins, we walked around Old Town Heidelberg and stopped in a local brewpub that brews a beer called Vetter 33 with 33% alcohol! I took a taste, but not really my cup of tea...thank goodness. Rüdesheim, Germany: Day 4 was one of those lucky days when we got two excursions in a day. At night, after sailing from Ludwigshafen to Rüdesheim, we went with everyone on the cruise to a local bar to try a Rüdesheim Coffee. Rüdesheim Coffee is a local specialty combining coffee with the local brandy (Asbach Uralt) and sugar cubes and then flambéing the mixture until it is all dissolved. I am not a big coffee drinker, but I enjoyed this specialty from the region. Unfortunately, we didn't have a lot of time to wander around other parts of Rüdesheim, but it looked like a beautiful little town. It is also known for its grape-growing and wine production, so another great place to stop if you are planning your own little wine tour of the Alsace region! We stayed in Rüdesheim overnight so excursions on Day 5 were in the same location. We chose that day to do a bike ride along the Rhine River and up to a local vineyard. The bike ride was 14 miles and had some fairly steep inclines. I love riding my bike, but am not currently in biking shape so it was a bit challenging! Especially when it started raining/sleeting during the last three miles. I was never so happy to see that Riverboat. Despite the challenge, it was a great experience to ride along the river and amongst the vineyards in the area. Rhine Gorge River Cruising In the afternoon after leaving the Rüdesheim port, we cruised through the Rhine River Gorge which was added as a ENESCO World Heritage site because of its beauty as a cultural landscape (29 castles, multiple vineyards, beautiful riverside towns) and due to its importance in historical European transport. Although the timing of our cruise meant that the weather was a little chilly to sit on the deck of the ship and watch the castles go by, it was still a relaxing afternoon to sit at the front of the boat and take in the views. AMA Waterways gives you a handout that identifies each of the castles you sail by and gives a bit of history as you sail along. Cologne, Germany: Day 6 was a stop in Cologne, Germany where we took a walking tour of the city and went to a tasting of the Kölsch style of beer that originated in Cologne. Kölsch beer is a hybrid between an ale and a lager with a light, crisp taste. A beer may only be called a Kölsch if it is brewed within 50 km zone around Cologne. Currently there are only 13 breweries authorized to brew Kölsch beer. We visited one of those authorized brewers, the Früh brewpub, to experience the Kölsch beer for ourselves. If you know me, you know my beer taste (well, my sister might question the use of that word) runs toward barely beer like Coors Light or Michelob Ultra. However, when in Rome...so I tried the local specialty and actually enjoyed it! In addition to strict laws about the brewing and labeling of Kölsch beer, there are traditions and customs for ordering that you should know before you show up to sample the local specialty. When you arrive, the server will ensure you are provided with the specialty glass that Kölsch beer is served in and place a full beer on a coaster. If your glass is empty and sitting on top of the coaster, they will bring you a fresh one without any further communication. If you are done, you must place the coaster on top of your glass to signal "no more". They will keep track of your tab by hash marking your coaster. If you lose your coaster there will be a fee imposed (could be up to 50 euro!). Amsterdam, Netherlands: The last stop on the cruise was Amsterdam. This is where we started our journey so had already spent a little time here. We planned to spend another day in Amsterdam after the cruise in which we scheduled a tour to Keukenhof Gardens which opened for the season while we were sailing. The excursion options in Amsterdam were a canal cruise and the Gardens. Since we were already planning a trip to Keukenhof we opted for the canal cruise. I highly recommend a canal cruise if you visit Amsterdam. It gives a totally different perspective viewing the city from the water vantage point. The tour guide also provided us with some of the history of Amsterdam. The Daily Sip and Sail Every day on the ship there was a daily Sip and Sail right before dinner. At the Sip and Sail, wine, beer and the Drink of the Day are complimentary. The Drink of the Day was usually something fun like a Lemon Drop, Gin Fizz, or Margarita. We never missed a Sip and Sail! We got free drinks, got to socialize with our new friends and find out about the different excursions that others went on. The Cruise Manager would also gives us the run down of the next day and the various excursions that would be offered. Once it was over everyone would head to dinner for the amazing food! The Food The food on the AMA Waterways Riverboat Cruise was amazing! And that is coming from someone who is extremely picky. My friends were in heaven at every meal trying all of the wonderful creations from the ship's chef. I will say I DID go out of my comfort zone and tried several new things (and even liked what I tried most of the time!). The food selection was so delicious I am going to do a separate short blog just on the culinary experience on the ship, but here are a few pictures of some of the delicious meals we got to eat. It was so luxurious to have chefs cooking for us and attentive waiters serving us for a week. The Nightlife Every night after dinner, everyone would gather in the lounge to socialize and dance. It was the time when everyone on the ship really bonded. We had so much fun hanging with all of our new friends. This is where we really connected with the other women who were on girl's trips as well. It was such a nice addition to have the time to socialize with people who you were getting to know better and better as the week went on. This was definitely one of my favorite parts of the Riverboat Cruise experience! Plan That Girl's Trip with AMA Waterways! If you are thinking of planning a girl's getaway anytime soon, I would highly recommend considering an AMA Waterways Riverboat Cruise. It is certainly a week for your and your Girl Gang to be pampered and cared for by the hard-working staff, have amazing experiences exploring the world, taste delicious food and wines and make new friends from all over. While it may seem expensive, if you consider that the price of the cruise includes all meals for a week cooked by a chef, complimentary local wine and beer at all meals along with specialty cocktails at Sip 'n Sail every night, all excursions, nightly entertainment and memories to last a life time, it actually may not be that much more than another trip where you have to pay for all your meals, drinks and entertainment! It was an amazing experience to have with my close friends and was definitely "the best trip ever!".

Entrance to Historic Congress Park off of Broadway When visiting Saratoga Springs, you should definitely plan to spend a lovely afternoon exploring the Historic Congress Park. It is located right off of Broadway in the middle of the city. There are many ways to enjoy Congress Park and to take it all in will definitely take a few hours. Here are the best ways to spend an afternoon in Congress Park: Have a Picnic! If it is lunch or dinner time, grab some grub and have a picnic in the park! There are many picnics tables throughout the park or bring a blanket to spread out under a tree. If you haven't thought ahead to pack a picnic basket (or if you are visiting from out of town and don't have supplies), you can certainly find plenty of picnic options at the various restaurants and food establishments throughout downtown Saratoga. For delicious sandwiches, I recommend Saratoga Deli, Putnam Market, PDT Market or Mrs. London's. Take Your Daily Walk. If you are trying to reach your daily step count, a stroll around Congress Park is the perfect solution! There are paths that go all over the park. You can take paths with inclines, climb the Katrina Trask Memorial Stairway and take in all of the history of the park by following the self-guided walking tour . Sip Some Water From A Famous Mineral Spring Fountain. There are two springs located in Congress Park. The Columbian Spring is now an inactive mineral spring, but if you are parched after all that walking you can grab some fresh municipal drinking water that now flows from the fountain. The Congress Spring located nearby produced one of Saratoga's best known mineral waters that was bottled and sold all over America and Europe in the 1800s. The Congress Spring is still an active spring, so you have the opportunity to drink some of Saratoga's renowned healing mineral waters during your stroll through the park. Columbian Spring in Congress Park Take a Rest By the Ponds in Congress Park. There are a couple of ponds in the park with benches strategically placed for maximum enjoyment. You can listen to the peaceful water sounds, watch all the people and dogs walking through the park and observe all the wildlife in the park (if you are here in the spring you may be lucky enough to catch mother ducks trying to corral all the baby ducklings). Visit the Saratoga Springs History Museum in the Canfield Casino. In the middle of the park you will see the historic Canfield Casino. The beautiful building that used to house a men's gaming club back in the day, now houses the Saratoga Springs History Museum. The Canfield Casino is often used for special events and weddings, so you may catch bridal parties out and about in the park taking amazing wedding photos. I have never been to a wedding at this venue, but I have heard it is beautiful. I have visited the History Museum and I learned A LOT about the sordid and juicy history of Saratoga Springs and the wealthy people who used to travel here for rest, relaxation and the renowned healing mineral waters (not to mention the casino and the horse racing). There are rumors that the Canfield Casino is haunted, so if that is your vibe you will definitely want to check it out! I had no ghostly sightings when I was there, but maybe you will have better luck! Saratoga Springs History Museum in the Canfield Casino Take a Spin on the Historic Wooden Carousel. For only a dollar, you can take your kids (or your inner child) for a ride on an authentic wooden carousel. The Carousel opened on May 7 for the 2023 season. Until mid-June, it is only open on the weekends, but will be open daily thereafter from 11-6. Check Out All of the Monuments and Statues in the Park. There are a lot of monuments and statues located within the park. Here is what you can see: Spit and Spat Triton Fountain: Italian Garden with statues of Pan and the Meneads Around a Sundial: Spirit of Life Reflecting Pond: War Monuments: Congress Park has war monuments honoring Saratoga Springs veterans from the Civil War and World War II. World War II Monument in Congress Park Enjoy Live Music or an Art Show in the Park: Once track season begins, the City of Saratoga Springs holds weekly concerts, art shows and festivals in the park. Check out the schedule for the free Summer Concert Series here . If you are heading to Saratoga Springs this summer, make sure to make plans to spend a relaxing afternoon in Congress Park enjoying the scenery and learning about the history of Saratoga. It is a beautiful spot you do not want to miss!

At the entrance to Brookledge Last year I posted a blog about a hidden gem right outside of Saratoga Springs called Brookledge. Brookledge is a property with a rich history that was purchased a couple of years ago by my new friend Helen Christopher and her husband. My previous blog post features the beautiful cabins on the property that are available to book for a rustic getaway just a short drive from Saratoga. My original blog also highlights the historic Camp Chapel site used for outdoor weddings and the Fireside Pavilion and Raymond's Roost that can be used for wedding receptions or other events. Click here to read my original blog about the origins of Brookledge and the initial renovations the Christophers did to rejuvenate the property using most of the original buildings from the Campfire Girls Camp that used to occupy the location. The Christophers have been hard at work over the last year making even more improvements and renovations to Brookledge. I figured it was time for me to go check it out and see what they have been up to. I was blown away by all they have accomplished. Here is a peek into the new things you can find at Brookledge: Camp Chapel: Historic fireplace at Camp Chapel at Brookledge In my first blog, I highlighted the Camp Chapel, an area at Brookledge that is used to hold outdoor weddings. The bride and groom typically stand in front of an old stone fireplace that appears to be left over from when the property was used as a country getaway for rich German families who lived in NYC. I first saw the fireplace in late fall when most leaves had fallen from the trees and winter was definitely on its way. This time, I saw the fireplace in its full glory covered with rich green moss highlighting the full forest behind it. It is a stunning place to hold a wedding. There have been several upgrades to the Camp Chapel area including steps down from the newly renovated Treehouse Lodge (where brides typically get ready) and nice wooden benches for wedding guests. If you are looking for a beautiful place to have a rustic, nature-inspired ceremony, you should definitely check out Brookledge! Click here for more information on wedding packages and contact information for Helen Christopher who can help you plan your perfect wedding day! Stairs down to Camp Chapel Treehouse Lodge: Tree House Lodge When I visited Brookledge last fall, they were right in the middle of renovating what is now known as the Tree House Lodge. At that time, Helen told me her vision for the space which was to make it a place where families could come stay with kids. The upstairs room is equipped with bunk beds and it definitely feels like you are in a tree house. An open window looks out on the space below and has a perfect view of the star shaped lights hanging from the living room ceiling. It feels like you are gazing out on a starry night. Star Lights in Tree House Lodge The master bedroom on the first floor of the Tree House Lodge is appropriately decorated in the tree house theme with cuttings from trees on the property. The living room is large and can accommodate a number of people if the Tree House Lodge is used to host a bridal shower, family reunion or other corporate or personal event. Helen came up with the decorating ideas for the Tree House Lodge (using materials from around the property where possible) and I told her I thought she missed her calling because the decor creates the perfect tree house aesthetic and the space is warm and cozy. As mentioned above, the Tree House Lodge is frequently used by brides and her bridal party to get ready for a wedding at Brookledge. The Tree House Lodge also has a large kitchen area that can be used to prepare family meals or to make food and/or organize catered food that is brought in for an event. There are further renovations coming for the kitchen area, but it is still very nice and completely functional in the meantime! Glamping Tents: On my last visit, only the tent platforms existed so I didn't get to see what "glamping" was all about. Brookledge has two glamping tents called "Snoopy" and "Woodstock" (after the bus names used to transport girls during the Campgirls Camp days). There are hand carved statues of Snoopy and Woodstock on the patio of each tent to tell you which is which. The statues were carved by a local artist. Woodstock Glamping Tent Snoopy Glamping Tent In full disclosure, I do not like camping. I have tried over the years, but it is just not my thing. However, after looking at the inside of the glamping tents, I told Helen I would definitely consider camping in one of these. The platform beds looked comfy and there was electricity in the tent! The glamping tents are just steps away from the Ice Bucket pond and just a short distance from the newly renovated bath houses. If I am saying I would consider camping in the glamping tents, you KNOW they must be really nice! Bath House: Brookledge kept the original bath houses used at the Campfire Girls camp. When I visited last fall, the shower of the bath house had been installed, but the bath houses were still fairly rustic. They have been completely renovated and a coin-operated laundry facility has been added. There are several bathroom stalls and a private shower area. Even though you are "roughing it", you still have the convenience of modern indoor plumbing and can even do a load of laundry if there is an unexpected fall in the mud or the Ice Bucket Pond. That sounds like the kind of "roughing it" I can get on board with! Laundry Room at Brookledge Other Fun Additions: The Fireside Pavilion has a few improvements that polished it up a bit, but it still has its rustic charm. There is a revamped fireplace, a new small bar (but Raymond's Roost is just a few steps away with a full bar area) and life-size games like Connect Four. They also added lighting to create ambiance for events that are held there. It is a beautiful space and if you check out the Brookledge Instagram (brookledgeny) you can check out pictures of the various events that have been held there and how the Pavilion has been decorated. I recently saw pictures of the Pavilion being prepared for a wedding reception and it looked absolutely stunning! Fireside Pavilion at Brookledge Ice Bucket Pond is obviously still there and there are kayaks and other equipment that you can use free of charge to enjoy the Pond. What is new is that it has been stocked with fish that you can catch and release or if you are like me you can just enjoy watching them, especially when Helen throws in some fish food and they all go crazy! I thought Brookledge was a unique and amazing place before, but the Christophers have elevated it to a whole new level. If you are looking for a "Fancy Flannel" or "Rustic Elegance" experience, then Brookledge is the place for you. Whether you are just looking for a vacation spot or planning a special event you should consider Brookledge. And if you are planning a wedding and searching for a venue with a natural setting and rustic charm, you should definitely consider Brookledge. Don't forget to also check out my first blog on Brookledge for a complete picture of the various accommodations and amenities at Brookledge. There are now five different accommodations to book depending on what kind of experience you are looking for. You can book any of the accommodations through Airbnb, Booking.com or VRBO, but if you contact Helen directly you can avoid the fees generally charged by these sites. You will need to contact Helen directly to reserve the Pavilion, Raymond's Roost or the Tree House Lodge for a wedding or special event. Helen's contact information can be found here . Brookledge is a one of a kind place. I am so glad I got to know Helen and have been able to watch her and her husband create the space they dreamed of when they first saw this property years ago. You should see it for yourself as I am not sure my words can adequately convey the magic of the place. You may just find it is the perfect spot for you to unwind and relax or to host your special event!

Festive Decorations in Downtown Saratoga Springs Nestled in upstate New York, about a three hour drive from NYC, is the charming little city of Saratoga Springs. At any time of year, Saratoga Spring's charm will sweep you off your feet. But at Christmas time, it legimately feels like you are walking around a Hallmark Christmas movie set. In fact, Saratoga Springs was recently named "The Most Festive Christmas Town in the USA" by the popular magazine House Beautiful. Popular Caroline Street in Downtown Saratoga Springs While I can't promise that you will have your own meet cute that leads to a true Christmas love story, I can promise Saratoga will provide all the remaining ingredients for a magical Christmas holiday. You can come create your own personal Hallmark Christmas celebration even if you are single! Read on for a description of each spot you should visit in Saratoga Springs to create the perfect magical holiday experience. The Setting: A lot of Hallmark Christmas movies center around an old historic Inn where the main characters meet and gather. Saratoga Springs has a lot of charming Inns and Bed and Breakfasts that would fill the bill, but the Adelphi Hotel is a grand historic hotel located right on Broadway in the center of downtown. The Adelphi has been recently been renovated and has been beautifully restored to bring back the 19th century hospitality it was known for, making it the perfect backdrop for your holiday story. Read more about the Adelphi Hotel and make reservations here . Historic Adelphi Hotel The Place for that Perfect Holiday Stroll: The next thing on the agenda of a magical Hallmark holiday experience, is a nice wintertime stroll bundled up with cute matching gloves and hat. Historic Congress Park, located a few steps away from The Adelphi Hotel, is the perfect place to walk, talk and take adorable holiday photos. Wander through the Park past statues, spring water fountains (where you can take a sip of the healing spa waters Saratoga Springs is known for), a large ponds, an old-fashioned carousel and the historic Canfield Casino that is now the Saratoga Springs History Museum. Read my blog about all there is to see and do at Congress Park. The Local Breakfast Spot: After an enjoyable morning stroll in Congress Park, the next scene in your own personal Hallmark holiday movie is enjoying breakfast at a favorite local diner. The Country Corner Cafe is cozy and vintage, the perfect Hallmark movie spot. It opened in 1991 and is located just a block off of Broadway on the corner of Woodlawn and Church Street. The Cafe has a reputation for serving some of the best breakfasts in town. I live close to the Country Corner Cafe and can personally attest that there is always a line of people waiting to get in. I always like to go where you see a crowd because you know that means it is good! Grab something yummy off the menu to energize you for a full day of holiday activities! Holiday Shopping: What is more Hallmark movie-like than shopping for the perfect holiday gifts for loved ones. Broadway and the surrounding streets are lined with boutiques, specialty stores and gift shops which are mostly locally owned. You can purchase locally made products at Saratoga Olive Oil Company , Saratoga Tea and Honey , and Saratoga Chocolate Co . There is also a wide selection of other local stores selling unique holiday gifts to delight your family and friends. Some of my personal favorites are Silverado Jewelry Gallery , Lifestyles , Caroline and Main and Northshire Bookstore . Hot Chocolate and Sweet Treat Stop: After an afternoon of shopping, it is time for a festive hot cocoa and pastry stop. Of course Saratoga Springs has the picture perfect spot for that holiday treat. Mrs. London's Bakery is right on Broadway so it is easy to pop in to give your feet a break from all that strolling. The only difficulty you will have is choosing which decadent dessert you want to try. Insider tip: the Chocolate, Almond and Chocolate-Almond Croissants are all amazing! If you are hungry for lunch by this time, you can also choose a sandwich, quiche, panini or salad. They also have delicious soups, especially their Creamy Tomato with Cheddar Cheese. Yum! Check out all your options here . Tasty Treats at Mrs. London's Bakery Famous Chocolate Croissant and Yummy Hot Cocoa Holiday Cocktails: You can't have a Hallmark holiday experience without the quintessential holiday bar and festive cocktail! Once again, Saratoga Springs can provide the perfect spot for amazing holiday decor and delicious specialty cocktails. Lucy's Bar is just steps from Broadway and is one of my favorite spots to grab a drink with friends. They go above and beyond with their seasonal decor all throughout the year, but Christmas has got to be the best. Lucy's also has an ever-changing drink menu with specialty cocktails crafted by their talented bartenders. The drinks are not only tasty, but they are definitely Insta-worthy concoctions. Lucy's Famous Christmas Decor Festive Finale: Any good Hallmark holiday movie ends with the final scene at the small town's holiday festival. If you time your visit right, Saratoga can provide this ultimate finale for your own Hallmark holiday story. Every year, Saratoga Springs hosts the Victorian Street Walk to kick off the holiday season. The evening includes the Christmas tree lighting, Santa's arrival, strolling Victorian choralers, other live entertainment and a general festive vibe that puts you in a holiday mood. The stores along Broadway generally stay open later that night and often offer yummy treats or even a glass of sparkling wine! All the windows are decorated to the max...some with real people posed in holiday scenes. The (Mostly) Single Ladies Club Enjoying the Festivities! Come to Saratoga Springs to Create Your Own Hallmark Movie Holiday! Whether you bring your own love interest with you or you are looking to create single lady holiday memories with your girl gang, Saratoga has all of the ingredients you need for a wonderful holiday celebration. The 2023 Victorian Street Walk has already happened, but there is still plenty of time to fit in a Saratoga Springs holiday getaway this year! If you come, you just might see me at Lucy's sampling the 2023 Christmas cocktails. Raise your glass and give me a wink! ;) Happy Holidays!

Where Can You Get the Best Ice Cream in Saratoga Springs? If you are an ice cream lover like me, you are always on the look out for a good spot to grab an ice cream cone when you are visiting a new place. In Saratoga Springs, there are a few places to satisfy your cone craving including Ben and Jerry's, Kilwin's and Saratoga Gelato. But if you want to know where the locals usually go to get their ice cream fix, this blog is for you! You may be surprised to discover that the best ice cream in Saratoga Springs can be found at a gas station/convenience store called Stewart's Shops! I should disclose that Stewart's is not a Saratoga specific gem, but Stewart's Shops can only be found in eastern upstate New York and southwestern Vermont. So, if you find yourself in this little corner of the world, you will want to take the opportunity to try Stewart's ice cream. How Stewart's Shops Ice Cream Came to Be: Stewart's Shops are family owned convenience stores (which sometimes also sell gas). In 1917, two brother's teamed up to buy the family dairy farm from their father. From there, they began to sell their dairy products at local markets, but discovered there was a big demand for ice cream. They started making ice cream in 1921 and sold 4,000 gallons in the first year! The rest is history. In addition to the delicious ice cream, Stewart's Shops is also a great place to buy fresh, locally produced milk, butter, cream, eggs and other dairy products. A Giant Ice Cream Cone Beckons You Inside The Stewart's Shops Ice Cream Flavors: Stewart's makes all of its ice cream using fresh milk from local farms. There is no middleman in the distribution process so the freshly made ice cream goes right from production to the stores. The ice cream is as fresh as it can be. And the hand-packed pints and half-gallons sell quickly so you know the ice cream in the case hasn't been there collecting frost. Stewart's has a variety of yummy flavors. Most flavors are available year round. My family's favorites are Peanut Butter Pandamonium, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Death By Chocolate, and, my personal favorite, Mint Cookie Crumble. Death by Chocolate and Mint Cookie Crumble were 1st Place Flavors at the 2023 World Dairy Expo and the NYS Fair. I knew we had good taste! Which Stewart's Ice Cream Flavor to Choose? Award Winning Mint Cookie Crumble! Yum! In addition to the regular flavors, Stewart's frequently introduces Limited Edition Flavors that are only available for a short period of time. It is exciting when you find out there is a new flavor that is right up your alley, but it is sad when it goes away. I just had that happen this Fall when Stewart's offered a Limited Edition flavor called Peanut Butter Pie. I may have made a few extra trips to the Stewart's across the street from me (a dangerous proximity) to get scoops of Peanut Butter Pie when I realized its' time was running out. The current Limited Edition Flavors include Berry Chip, Civility, Daily Grind and Chocolate Marshmellow. Check out the video below for the complete list of Limited Edition Flavors. Click here to see a list of all the flavors currently being scooped up at Stewart's. Oh...and I would be remiss if I didn't mention that you can get FREE rainbow sprinkles on any cone or dish you order! Something my oldest daughter, Madison, especially enjoys! Stewart's Shops Famous Make Your Own Sundae: Stewart's Shops introduced the concept of Make Your Own Sundae in 1948 and it has been a trademark Stewart's experience ever since. You can choose any flavor of ice cream from the menu and then can create your own sundae using any of the sauces or toppings on the counter. Sauces include chocolate, caramel, marshmallow and pineapple and toppings include sprinkles, mini M&Ms and more! Create Your Own Sundae Supplies Stewart's Shops Spirit of Giving: There is one last important thing I want to mention about Stewart's Shops. In addition to serving up delicious ice cream, Stewart's Shops serves up generosity to the local community. Stewart's Shops and the Dake family (who owns Stewart's Shops) have a goal to donate a combined $9 million annually to thousands of local charities. Over the years, Stewart's Shops have also frequently donated ice cream and sundae toppings to various school and community functions that we attended. They are very generous in their community participation and they are a valued local business community member. So there you have it! The best ice cream in Saratoga Springs can be served up while you get gas or grab some milk or eggs. I always enjoy the reactions of friends who come to visit when I offer to take them for some of the best ice cream they will ever have and we pull up to a convenience store. It is a well-known fact that if you want to know the best places to go, look for the locals! Saratoga Springs locals will be at Stewart's. See ya there! Get a Cone and Get Some to Take Home!

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!