Saratoga Entrance Sign Off Union Avenue If you haven't spent a summer day at the Saratoga Race Course, you are missing out on one of upstate New York's (and horse racing's) most iconic traditions. Open since 1863, the Saratoga Race Course is where history, horse racing, and high-society flair come together for an experience that is equal parts thrilling and charming. I've spent many summer afternoons enjoying everything that the Saratoga horse racing season has to offer. Ev

The vibe at PDT Maison is bright and springy! Recently a friend and I decided to check out the newest brunch spot in Saratoga...

Best Places To Stay: Adelphi Hotel Saratoga Arms Gideon Putnam Various Bed and Breakfasts on Union Embassy Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs For other lodging options in Saratoga Springs, click here. Best Things To Do: Horse Races at Saratoga Race Track (July 4th Racing Festival (July 3-6) through through Labor Day). Find more information and tickets here. Take a tour of the Historic Saratoga Race Course, paddock or backstretch. Details here. Historic Walking or Trolley Tou

Park City, Utah, may be famous for its world-class skiing and the Sundance Film Festival, but this charming mountain town (just a 30 minute drive from Salt Lake City) is bursting with adventure, beauty, and culture all year round. Whether you're a snow-seeker a warm weather hiker, or someone just looking for an escape with great food and stunning views, Park City has something for everyone. Here's a rundown of the top things to do when you find yourself in this alpine parad

Park City Wine Festival-Sunshine, Wine and Views Last weekend my friends and I went to Park City, Utah to attend the Park City Wine...

My recent trips back home to Colorado to care for my aging parents has made me reflect on how growing up in this place shaped who I am today

A new place to grab a drink and a bite to eat has opened in Saratoga Springs! Familiar Creature, a new restaurant opened by the owners of the famous Hamlet & Ghost, is described as "a wine bar for all in Saratoga Springs". The name of the new venue is taken from Shakespeare's Othello (quoted above) and the vibe is inspired by French and Quebecois wine bars. Familiar Creature is located at 42 Phila Street across from local favorite Sweet Mimi's and next to Sushi Thai Gard

Breeze Through Customs with MPC Long lines at the airport are usually the worst part of traveling, especially after an amazing...

Photo from the Rooftop Bar at Cantina in Downtown Saratoga Springs (A Bonus Spot!) Welcome to the vibrant and picturesque city of Saratoga Springs! I have no doubt that after you visit, you will love this charming city as much as I do. While you are exploring Saratoga Springs, you will definitely want to take some photos that capture the essence of this magical spot to show your friends and to remember your wonderful experience. While there are beautiful things to snap pictu

The Victoria Pool on a Hot Summer Day Tucked away, nestled along the edge of Saratoga Spa State Park, Victoria Pool is a hidden gem that treats visitors to a unique blend of old-world charm and modern-day relaxation. The historic site serves as a timeless reminder of the elegance and relaxation that Saratoga Springs is built upon. I am embarrassed to say that I have lived in Saratoga County for 20 years and I just recently visited this breathtaking spot for the first time!

The Country Corner Cafe on Church Street If you are a resident or regular visitor to Saratoga Springs, you know that The Country Corner...

A fun new ice cream shop is opening right next to Brown's Beach and Doc Brown's! Grand Opening is May 3rd! Come check it out!

Check out The Bunker, Saratoga Spring's newest sports bar/sports entertainment hotspot!

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,...

Where do Saratoga locals go for the best ice cream? Read my latest blog to find out. The answer will surprise you (if you don't live here)

Looking for the perfect place to create your own Hallmark Christmas movie memories? Read my latest blog about Saratoga Springs, NY!

Me standing on an iconic photo spot in Waco. Find out where in this blog! I don't think many people have Waco, Texas on their travel...

Excited to Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Several years ago, I was taking a road trip to visit my sister and her family in Chicago...

Me chilling at Magnolia Market & Garden One thing I LOVE to do is browse home decor stores looking for inspiration to make my own home as...

Entrance to Historic Congress Park off of Broadway When visiting Saratoga Springs, you should definitely plan to spend a lovely afternoon...

Ganesh calling before yoga class. Tucked away off the hustle and bustle of Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs, is a peaceful haven of tranquility called Yoga Mandali. Yoga Mandali is a yoga studio providing a wide range of classes, teacher trainings, workshops, kirtans and other special events. It has been voted Best Yoga Studio by The Saratogian, Saratoga Today and Capital Region Living. I can personally say it was instrumental in my healing following my divorce. Yoga

Hudson is a vibrant small city located between New York City and Albany. It is surrounded by farm country that serves as an agricultural...

Check out this hidden gem just a short drive away from Saratoga Springs. Even if you are not an art aficionado, you will enjoy Mass MoCA!

I am lucky enough to live a short distance from New York City so I like to plan a visit every Christmas to take in the sights and sounds...

Are you a seasoned veteran of NYC and looking for something new to do? Or maybe you are a visitor to NYC looking for something unique and...

When visiting Boston, there is no shortage of museums to explore to get your cultural fix. But if you haven't checked the Isabella...

Rhinebeck is a charming, historic town nestled in New York's scenic Hudson Valley. It is just a short distance from both New York City...

This blog highlights all there is to do and see at the Saratoga Spa State Park, the crown jewel of the Spa City!

Clearly I am a huge fan of travel. I think there are so many benefits to traveling including expanding your mind and exposing yourself...

Ronna Phelps, the owner of Pongo Lifestyle is a lover of Great Apes, especially orangutans. She was a Volunteer Keeper's Assistant for...

When traveling these days, you never know how the day is going to go. If you are lucky (as I have been lately...hope I didn't just jinx...

My First Solo Trip! Getting divorced after 25 years of marriage definitely brings about a lot of changes. One of the most personally...

I may be a little biased, but Silverado Jewelry Gallery is one of my favorite stores in Saratoga Springs! I have worked part-time at Silverado for a year now so I have an up close and personal view of the store. I love everything about Silverado...the jewelry collections, the store's vibe and most of all the incredibly friendly sales team that mother-daughter owners Robyn Hanst and Whitney DeChene have put together to help people shop for that special jewelry piece. Silver

Quaint Seating ARea at Henry Street Taproom Saratoga Springs is a foodie haven! There is no shortage of high end restaurants with acclaimed chefs to satisfy those with adventurous palates. But sometimes you just want to have a low-key, casual meal (or you have a picky eater in your group that doesn't want to venture into eclectic cuisine...ahem, that would be me). Luckily Saratoga has plenty of restaurants that are perfect for this kind of meal as well. Here are my three

Entrance to the Coors Brewery One summer when I was in college (which was, ahem, several years ago), I was lucky enough to land a temporary job working at the Coors Brewery as a greeter/hostess welcoming tourists who wanted to come take a tour of the brewery and learn how the famous Rocky Mountain beer was made. My job was to organize guests into groups of 12 to take the guided tour. Those in the know would come in and ask to take the "short tour" which was basically a fast

Most people have heard of the iconic Red Rock Amphitheatre and have a Bucket List item to see a concert there. But Red Rocks is also nostalgic for me. I grew up in Colorado so I was fortunate enough to go to many concerts there. I took the experience for granted and didn't realize that I was setting the bar so high that any future concert venues would pale in comparison. Since my early concert going days, there have been many changes to the Amphitheatre that have improved

Seattle is an area that is known for its fresh seafood, rich coffee and abundant microbrews. There are seafood restaurants and microbreweries on every corner. Need a cup of coffee? There is a Starbucks every few steps (of course), not to mention a gazillion other gourmet coffee shops every where you turn. But what is a girl to do if she finds herself in Seattle and she doesn't like seafood, microbrews OR coffee?!? Not to worry...I did not starve or go thirsty. Turns out

For a more detailed description of the places referenced in this Quick Guide, check out my Best of Nashville-Ultimate Guide here . Best...

For a more detailed description of the places referenced in this Quick Guide, please check out my blog Best of San Antonio-Ultimate Guide...

For a more detailed description of the places referenced in this Quick Guide, please check out my blog Best of Austin-Ultimate Guide here...

The Iconic Golden Gate Bridge Where To Stay: Chancellor Hotel -Boutique Hotel in Central Downtown right by Union Square Travelodge by...

Where To Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Washington D.C. - Located in Georgetown Hamilton Hotel What To Do: Smithsonian Museums International...

Iconic Gruene Water Tower About half way between Austin and San Antonio (or approximately a 45 minute drive from each) is the Gruene...

Where To Stay: Sonoma- El Pueblo Inn Napa What To Do: Wine Tasting/Tours-Of Course! Hiking Shopping at Sonoma Plaza, downtown Napa or...

Where To Stay: By Pike Place Market. I recommend The State Hotel . By Seattle Center. Hotels in this location would be closer to the...

Where should you make your home base when you visit Nashville? This is the first but most important question you must answer when...

Famous Angel Wings in The Gulch in Nashville, Tennessee There is so much to do in Nashville, you might think that you will not have any...

You will most definitely be doing a lot of drinking in Nashville, so it is important to make sure you are eating enough to absorb that...

Downtown Nashville at Night If you love listening to live music by talented musicians, you need to plan a trip to Nashville, also known...

The Ole Smokey Distillery When you are in Tennessee you have to do like the natives do and drink some Tennessee Moonshine. My friend was...