The Peabody Papers: AJ and Mrs. P Visit Saratoga Springs

Mrs. P and I are back from a 4 day weekend in Saratoga Springs, NY. It's a great small town for a visit. The architecture is just as I pictured for a small upstate town. Century-old buildings in brick and clapboard, new buildings that fit in, lots of stores to tempt the visitor. We came during the arts season, before the horse racing season when the prices double, so we didn't do any horsey things.

Our hotel was the Saratoga Arms. It is an old brick building with a wraparound front porch for lounging with a glass of wine. The rooms are modern, fully equipped, including a fridge kept stocked with Saratoga water. Fine bedding on a very comfortable bed with a zillion pillows plus strong AC made for nice sleep. Opulent breakfasts and all amenities (except wine) included.

We had a fine time walking the shops, tasting teas, honeys, olive oils, vinegars, salts, and ice cream. Mrs. P went only slightly wild trying on fancy hats. We took a walking tour of the historic Congress Park, tasting several spring waters (delicious if you like iron and sulfur).

There are an abundance of restaurants. We had top-notch meals at 15 Church and Mio Posto, both in the splurge range. At Ravenous we had crepes and crisp French fries. Hattie's Chicken Shack provided superior fried chicken. Sandwiches from Putnam Market. Ice cream at Kilwins. Gained 4 pounds in 4 days. Mmmmmm.

Went to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in their big park twice, once for ballet in the outdoor theater, once for opera at the Little Theater. Both had great sight lines and sound, and the performances were great.

Also picked up local cheeses and vegetables and other stuff including exotic mushrooms at the Farmer's Market to bring home.

All in all, a very nice relaxing vacation jaunt.

Glad to hear you enjoyed our fair city! Just in time, I might add. Track season started today an the town is packed tonight. Side streets are closed off for several bands to play, and people are out enjoying the summer weather. And fancy hats galore!

I will have to add Mio Posto to my try-out list. I'll see the owner of Ravenous tomorrow and tell her you enjoyed the crepes & frites. We certainly do. I told you breakfast at Saratoga Arms was amazing! Chef Mary cooks up a storm.

The Little Theater is one of our local gems. A local troupe puts on 3-4 shows a year and you can get close up seats for

AJPeabody,

I live in not so far away Montreal and while I've passed through Saratoga Springs many times, I've never spent the night. Your post gives me incentive to do so, with such tempting-sounding food options!

Best wishes, Daniel

I love Saratoga springs. Next trip do this for the day. Gives you a great taste of North Creek and the ride is beautiful.
https://www.sncrr.com/about/

Oh, yes. Don't miss Mio Posto. If it weren't a 4.5 hour drive, I'd be there regularly.

I know this is an old thread. We're looking at staying in Saratoga Springs. Would it be easy to make day trips to Adirondak State Park?

One day trip, maybe, but multiple days no.

Technically (from a geology point of view) the final fringes of the Adirondack range extend close to Saratoga, and there are hiking trails and lakes nearby, but the real Adirondacks that people visit are at a minimum 1hr, and really closer to 2 hrs away.

You can get to the southern tip of Lake George in 30-45min, but that’s not representative of the larger park, mountains, and lakes.

If you start a new thread I can help you out with Saratoga and ADK planning. The restaurant scene in Saratoga has changed a lot since the Peabody’s took their trip. Private message is ok too.