Meet Audra, NYSOM’s marketplace director. She has lived in Saratoga Springs for 6 years and finds it to be a charming, walkable and activity-rich community. It’s a small city nestled in a rural agricultural landscape, which quite literally feeds her locavore eating habits — and its location between the Adirondacks and the Catskills allows her to easily partake in her favorite winter activity: skiing.
Step inside Audra’s Saratoga Springs to understand her New York state of mind.
The best resources for learning about Saratoga Springs:
The Saratogian,
Albany Times Union, Steve Barnes’
“Table Hopping” Blog,
Saratoga.com,
Saratoga Wire,
HERLIFE Magazine Capital/Adirondacks edition,
Toga Tattlers.
Your go-to locale for...
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Coffee: French press from Uncommon Grounds, with the best bagel in the region.
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A sandwich: The Karista from Putnam Market, complete with fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers and pesto mayo.
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A night out with friends: The Henry Street Taproom is a great option. Start with their soft-boiled Scotch egg wrapped in chorizo, fried and topped with sweet pepper hollandaise. For the main course, opt for the smoked chicken salad with marinated feta, cherry tomatoes and grilled corn over a bed of greens, OR the wagyu beef burger, the best in Saratoga. It comes with aged cheddar, smoked bacon, organic greens, heirloom tomatoes, caramelized onions, fresh cut fries and a fried egg!
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Date night: Max London’s is great for sharing. My top picks include the Piggyback Dates, Pappardelle (with house-smoked turkey, asparagus, bacon, romesco cream and parmesan) and a speck and arugula pizza.
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A glass of wine or cocktail: 9 Maple has the largest selection of single malt scotches north of NYC, as well as a huge martini menu. No matter what you order, you can’t go wrong.
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Dessert: The Doubleberry Charlotte (a French icebox cake) from Mrs. London’s.
The hotel you always book or recommend to friends, and why:
The Saratoga Arms. Elegant yet homey in the heart of downtown Saratoga with on-site spa services.
The ONE thing visitors must see or do, and why:
Morning workout at the track.
You must make a point to visit Saratoga Springs during the summer to experience the famed
Saratoga Race Course.
Your favorite hidden (or not so anymore) gem, and why:
Kayak rentals at Fish Creek.
Kayaking at
Fish Creek Marina at Saratoga Lake, a TRUE hidden gem.
Number of hours or days required in town for the "full" experience:
2-3 days if you want to enjoy all of the outdoor activities, cultural offerings and the best dining options.
The town is great for what type of visitor:
- CELEBRATE (the host with the most/ladies who lunch)
- EPICURATE (the foodie)
- RECREATE (the adventure-seekers and fitness gurus)
The town is best explored by:
Travel downtown Saratoga Springs by foot. To head to
the Race Course and other destinations, you’ll need a car.
The town is best explored in:
All seasons. Autumn is great for the leaf-peeping, winter for nearby skiing/snowshoeing, spring for hiking, and summer for the horse races.
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