{"id":11808,"date":"2021-10-18T16:39:21","date_gmt":"2021-10-18T16:39:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/?p=11808"},"modified":"2021-10-19T17:36:48","modified_gmt":"2021-10-19T17:36:48","slug":"travel-sidebar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/fall-2021\/travel-sidebar\/","title":{"rendered":"TRAVEL SIDEBAR"},"content":{"rendered":"

Saratoga Springs, New York:<\/h3>\n

Where to Go, Stay, Eat<\/h3>\n

Saratoga Springs in upstate New York is one of the best Americana destinations in the U.S. Saratoga has so much to offer the active traveler, from the summer horse racing, concert, and art events to fall and winter. We visited Saratoga Springs recently and have hand-picked our recommendations of where to go, stay and dine during fall and other seasons.<\/p>\n

To get started, see the Healthy Aging\u00ae Magazine full feature article here.<\/a> Fall is a glorious time to visit for festivals, events, leaf peeping, apple picking, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches.<\/p>\n

Resources for Planning Your Trip<\/h3>\n

Discover Saratoga<\/h3>\n

The first stop for planning is to visit the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, Discover Saratog<\/a>a,\u00a0 online or in-person for information on everything you need to know. The center recently reopened after being closed for the pandemic. Their handy guide<\/a> will give you a good overview.<\/p>\n

Saratoga Chamber of Commerce<\/h3>\n

The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce<\/a> also offers loads of information on where to go, dine and stay.<\/p>\n

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(Clockwise from top left): Entrance of National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (Photo: CWorthington); What It Takes: Journey to Hall of Fame presentation, Post Civil War Exhibit (Photos: National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame); Plaque on museum exterior congratulating 2020 and 2021 Hall of Fame Inductees (Photo: CWorthington).<\/p><\/div>\n

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame<\/h3>\n

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, founded in 1951, honors the achievements of American Thoroughbred racehorses, jockeys, and trainers. The museum is a must-stop for any visitor to capture the flavor of Saratoga and the racing scene.<\/p>\n

Not to miss is a knock-your-socks-off, 360-degree cinematic experience, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame. The 6-minute film profiles the build-up to the rare honor given to less than one percent of the sport’s participants.<\/p>\n

Other highlights include Women in Racing; The Trophy, Colonial, Pre- and Post-Civil War, Twentieth Century, Anatomy, and Steeplechase galleries.<\/p>\n

Try your hand a calling a race in the Museum’s “Call the Race: Interactive Exhibit.” Choose from four famous races, watch the video and make the call. Your recording can be emailed to you. Fun!<\/p>\n

Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. For more information about the Museum, including special events and program offerings, call\n(518) 584-0400 or the National Museum of Racing<\/a> website.<\/p>\n

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(Clockwise from top left): Saratoga Racetrack (Photo: Deposit Photos); Racetrack tour, Pony Horse at Track, Picnic Grove at the racetrack. (Photos: C.Worthington<\/p><\/div>\n

Saratoga Racetrack<\/h3>\n

The Saratoga Racetrack<\/a> is one of the oldest in the country and is open in the summer from July through September. There are a variety of ticket options including bringing in your own picnic.<\/p>\n

Breakfast at the Track<\/h4>\n

Get up-close-and-personal with the jockeys exercising their horses before the races while you enjoy breakfast at the track<\/a> on The Porch of the Clubhouse at the Saratoga Race Course. Open race days during the summer, except Travers Day and Labor Day.<\/p>\n

Walking Tours<\/h4>\n

Take a behind-the-scenes tour<\/a> at the track! Learn all about the exciting history of thoroughbred racing from a guide. Tours are held hourly on racing days from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, for only $3 per person or $10 for the whole family.<\/p>\n

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(Clockwise from top left) Scenes from the Saratoga Farmers’ Market: local vegetables, hours sign, local flowers, Goodway Gourmet Bakery rum cake booth. Photos: CWorthington<\/p><\/div>\n

Farmers Markets<\/h3>\n

There is no better way to get to know the locals when you travel than to seek out the farmers’ markets<\/a>. Browse the booths and meet the vendors selling local produce and products like soap, sewing crafts, home-spun wool, and more.<\/p>\n

We enjoyed the made-from-scratch rum cakes baked by Goodway Gourmet Bakery<\/a> based in Troy, NY.<\/p>\n

Pure Madagascar bourbon vanilla, real butter, and authentic Bacardi Rum flavor the cakes. If you can’t make it to the market, the bakery will ship the goodies to you. Yum!<\/p>\n

Saratoga Farmer’s Markets:<\/h3>\n

Saratoga Outdoor Market<\/a> (May \u2013 October), Saturdays 9 AM to 1 PM\nHigh Rock Park, 112 High Rock Avenue, Saratoga Springs<\/p>\n

Clifton Park Market<\/a> (July \u2013 October), Mondays 2 PM to 5 PM\nShenendehowa United Methodist Church, 971 Route 146, Clifton Park<\/p>\n

Saturday Winter Market<\/a> (November to April), Saturdays 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM\nWilton Mall (Food court entrance), Saratoga Springs<\/p>\n

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Entrance to Old Friends. Photo: Courtesy of Old Friends.<\/p><\/div>\n

Visit Retired Racehorses<\/h3>\n

Old Friends at Cabin Creek\u00a0<\/a>\n483 Sand Hill Road\nGreenfield Center, NY\n(518) 698-2377<\/p>\n

Be up close and personal with a former racehorse at Old Friends at Cabin Creek. Retired racehorses take center stage at Saratoga County’s only thoroughbred retirement farm.<\/p>\n

Founded in 2003 by former Boston Globe film critic Michael Blowen, the Old Friends organization<\/a> has grown from a leased paddock in Georgetown, Kentucky, and one horse to a 236-acre farm, a herd of over 200 rescued and retired horses.<\/p>\n

The satellite facility Old Friends at Cabin Creek in Greenfield Center, NY, opened in 2009. Enjoy a unique opportunity to visit a “living museum” of racehorses.<\/p>\n

Open to the public year-round, tours after Labor Day are on Saturdays only, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.<\/p>\n

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Saratoga Spa State Park. Photo: CWorthington<\/p><\/div>\n

Saratoga Spa State Park<\/h3>\n

Saratoga Spa State Park<\/a>\n19 Roosevelt Drive\nSaratoga Springs, NY<\/p>\n

In the early 1900s, Saratoga mineral springs were in such demand that more than 200 private wells tapped into the springs. Eventually, New York State took over and started Saratoga Spa State Park to preserve the natural resource, now deemed a National Historic Landmark.<\/p>\n

In addition to the mineral springs, the park is home to the nationally-known Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Spa Little Theater, the National Museum of Dance, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, the Gideon Putnam Resort, and Roosevelt Baths and Spa.<\/p>\n

The stunning park is a perfect place to bicycle, ride horses, fish, hike, ice skate, snowshoe or cross country ski, swim or play tennis, depending upon the season.<\/p>\n

Congress Park<\/h3>\n

Congress Park<\/a>\nLocated along Broadway, Circular, and Spring Streets.<\/p>\n

Congress Park is another beautiful public park where you can take a picnic, enjoy a walk or admire the foliage. In the summer, you can ride the wooden carousel.<\/a> Enjoy the fountains and taste the mineral waters of Saratoga here.<\/p>\n

The name, Congress Spring, was given in 1792 to commemorate the visit of two members of the new U.S. Congress. Ten years later, Gideon Putnam bought the acre around the spring and built a hotel. Soon, he purchased 130 acres there, which became the beginning of Saratoga Springs.<\/p>\n

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Saratoga Automobile museum. Photo: CWorthington<\/p><\/div>\n

Saratoga Automobile Museum<\/h3>\n

Saratoga Automobile Museum<\/a>\n110 Ave of the Pines, Saratoga Springs<\/p>\n

If you love cars, the Saratoga Automobile Museum will get your heart racing. Housed in the renovated New York State Bottling Plant, circa 1935, the museum is chockful of motor history, automobiles, and artifacts.<\/p>\n

Enjoy the celebration of the automobile through special and ongoing exhibits like “Wheels: Woman & Independence 1900 \u2013 1920,” “East of Detroit,” and “Racing in New York,” in-depth looks in the automobile racing and industry in New York State.<\/p>\n

The Museum is open seven days a week, 10 AM to 5 PM.<\/p>\n

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New York State Military Museum. Photo: CWorthington<\/p><\/div>\n

New York State Military Museum<\/h3>\n

New York State Military Museum\u00a0<\/a>\n61 Lake Avenue\nSaratoga Springs<\/p>\n

Located in a historic armory since 2002, the museum initially began in 1863.<\/p>\n

Open year-round, the museum displays over 25,000 artifacts from the Revolutionary War to today that relate to New York State’s military forces, the state’s military history, and the contributions of New York’s veterans.<\/p>\n

Here you will see uniforms, weapons, battlefield souvenirs and fine art. Many of the items are from the Civil War, World War I and II. The country’s largest collection of state battle flags and the world’s largest collection of Civil War flags are owned by the museum.<\/p>\n

Tuesday \u2013 Saturday\n10:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m.\nClosed Sunday and Monday, and all State and Federal holidays\nNo admission charge<\/p>\n

Where to stay<\/h3>\n
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(Clockwise from top left) Inviting exterior of Brentwood Hotel; Enjoy a cocktail at night or coffee in morning outside of the lobby\/bar; Rooms are classically decorated. Photos 1, 3, 4: courtesy of Brentwood Hotel. 2: C.Worthington<\/p><\/div>\n

Brentwood Hotel<\/h3>\n

Brentwood Hotel<\/a>\n15 Gridley Street, Saratoga Springs, NY<\/p>\n

Off the beaten track! We were thrilled to discover the 12 room, classically elegant hotel as close to the racetrack as one can be. The architectural theme complements the racing atmosphere. The Winston Churchill quote on the Brentwood’s website sets the stage for your stay: “There is nothing so good for the inside of a man, than the outside of a horse.”<\/p>\n

The inviting, L-shaped one-level hotel is reminiscent of a refined, upscale horse stable surrounding a courtyard and defined by a white post and rail fence.<\/p>\n

The cozy rooms have high-gloss pine floors topped with vintage rugs and are decorated with raw brass light fixtures and classic art. The comfy solid pine beds with octagonal posts have been custom designed by David E. Cummings and topped with hand-dyed French linen blankets by Brooklyn’s Sharktooth.<\/p>\n

To my delight, you can watch the exercise riders walk past on the street heading to their morning workout during the racing season. The racetrack main gate is just down the road and the center of town a mere 7-minute bike ride (depending upon your speed, of course). Bikes are available at the hotel.<\/p>\n

The black bathrooms boast edgeless walk-in rain showers and complimentary C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries bath accessories.<\/p>\n

The lobby\/bar is inviting for a morning coffee or evening nightcap. Especially inviting is the firepit just outside of the lobby\/bar.<\/p>\n

Whether you are a horse lover or someone looking for a unique getaway spot, Brentwood is a perfect choice.<\/p>\n

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Anne’s Washington Inn. Photo: Courtesy of the inn<\/p><\/div>\n

Anne’s Washington Inn<\/h3>\n

Anne’s Washington Inn<\/a>\n111 South Broadway<\/p>\n

True Saratoga Springs style and charm sum up Anne’s Washington Inn. With all of the perks of a luxury hotel, Anne’s has the comfy feel and gracious hospitality of an owner-operated country inn.<\/p>\n

Three generations have lovingly welcomed guests to their Victorian white shingled with green trim inn. Since 1943, visitors have chosen Anne’s for relaxing stays, parties, receptions and weddings.<\/p>\n

The bright, cheery rooms are decorated with antiques, and tapestries. The expansive porch with rocking chairs, a porch swing, and wicker furniture is a perfect spot to have a coffee or become immersed in your latest book choice.<\/p>\n

Where to Eat<\/h3>\n

Solevo Kitchen + Social<\/a>\n55 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY\n518-450-7094<\/p>\n

Another family operation, Solevo Kitchen + Social, is owned and operated by fourth-generation restauranteurs Giovannina Solevo and her brother, chef Ronald Solevo.<\/p>\n

The restaurant boasts made from scratch cooking incorporating local and organic ingredients. The menu is an ever-changing “collection of peasant-style family recipes, authentic regional Italian cuisine, and Chef Ronnie’s contemporary takes on Italian-American red-sauce classics. Of particular note are their specially curated list of classic cocktails, local brews, and small production wines.<\/p>\n

Siros<\/h3>\n

Siros<\/a>\n168 Lincoln Ave,\nSaratoga Springs, NY\nPhone: +1 518 584 4030<\/p>\n

Jimmy Siro, a ma\u00eetre d’ at the world-famous Waldorf Astoria in New York City, came to Saratoga in 1945. He first owned The Maranase, followed by Siro’s, now a Saratoga mainstay for almost 90 years.<\/p>\n

A celebrity hot spot and a go-to place for racing fans, Siro’s is open only when Saratoga Race Course is open, which was 40 days this past summer.<\/p>\n

Inside, the sophisticated dining room boasts white linens, tuxedoed servers, a classic piano bar, and cuisine. At one time, the Rockefellers, Whitneys, and Astors once had their own private dining areas. This is a great spot to end your day of racing. Enjoy one of their outdoor bars before your reservation.<\/p>\n

Enjoy sophisticated appetizer choices like Saratoga Truffle Chips and Dip (Pressed truffle carpaccio, tossed with sea salt served with sour cream and chive dip.), Deviled Eggs (Quail eggs filled with foie gras, and black truffle, topped with black caviar). Main dishes range from Tomahawk Ribeye For Two (44-ounce prime long-bone ribeye, grilled to order, topped with garlic herb butter) and Chicken Confit (Half a chicken, with kumquats and green olives) to Steakhouse Carbonara (Fresh Fettuccine, tossed with pancetta, peas, and egg, topped with parmesan Reggiano).<\/p>\n

Nothing should stop you now. Why wait for summer? Plan a fall or winter getaway to a slice of Americana. Enjoy!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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