Saratoga: A Few of My Favorite Things

Saratoga is my home away from home: I’ve gone to Spa City every year of my life that I can remember (barring 2005, when I was working on a Thoroughbred farm in Australia; the commute from New South Wales to upstate New York was too overwhelming to be considered, unfortunately.) With Opening Day on Friday, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite things to do both at the track and around the town. I know I’m not the only fan of Saratoga in the summer, so if you think I’ve missed something everyone should experience, let us know in the comments!
1. Morning Workouts
Watching horses train in the morning is a joy at any racetrack, but there’s something profoundly magical about the experience at Saratoga. As Thoroughbreds gallop surrounded by cool morning fog that hovers over one of the most legendary racetracks in the world, you’ll want to pinch yourself to make sure that you’re not still dreaming.

You have a lot of options if you’d like to take in training hours at Saratoga: you can go for an official barn tour or take in the action at the Whitney Viewing Stand at the Oklahoma training track. 

Hungry? You can watch workouts and enjoy a delicious trackside breakfast in at the same time!
2. Take in a Show
If you love concerts and the performing arts, Saratoga is going to be your new favorite place. SPAC (aka the Saratoga Performing Arts Center) is not only host to some of summer’s coolest concert lineups, but it’s also one of the most beautiful venues I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. Also, their schedule is incredible: from the National Ballet of China to Brad Paisley, there’s going to be an act you want to see.
3. The Big Red Spring
Saratoga is known as “Spa City” for a reason: back in the day (think 1800s) people flocked to this upstate New York haven to take in the healing waters of the numerous springs in the area. That tradition remains alive, and the city has pavilions aplenty dotting its landscape so visitors can sample the spring water all over town. It’s the Big Red Spring at Saratoga Race Course, though, that’s become a must-visit destination at the track. 

It’s important to note that the water tastes absolutely disgusting, but that’s why it makes my list: it’s a fantastic prank to play on a Saratoga newbie. Just make sure to have your poker face ready if you have to take a gulp to convince your guest to do the same.
4. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
This place is a gem for racing lovers, art aficionados, history buffs and horse enthusiasts alike. Located opposite the racetrack, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is a must-visit destination if you’re in Saratoga. They also have their own backstretch tours in the morning (I’ve even led a few in the past!) and their gift shop is out of this world.
5. Food Food Food!
OK, if you follow me on Twitter or regularly read my blogs then you already know that I really love food, which makes Saratoga my gastronomic paradise. While it’s hard to find a restaurant here that won’t keep you and your stomach happy, here are a few of my favorites:
Hattie’s Fried Chicken: there is a reason that you hear about Hattie’s every time someone mentions Saratoga – it’s because the place is amazing. Loosen your belt and hit up this must-stop spot, either at their in-town location or at the outpost at the racetrack. You won’t be sorry!
Mrs. London’s: Stop for breakfast here and experience some of the most delicious, flaky and buttery pastry of your life.
Sperry’s: Eat some of the best food in town and rub shoulders with the horsey set all in one spot! This place is crazy delicious, plus it’s a go-to dining spot for owners and trainers that are in town to run some horses. As a bonus, their outdoor area is a fantastic after-dinner destination to grab drinks.
Ben and Jerry’s: It’s Ben and Jerry’s. Do I need to say anything else? Go eat some ice cream.
Leon’s Mexican Restaurant (135 Crescent St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; (518) 587-2346): The price is right, the food is delicious and the margaritas work. What more do you need?
Compton’s Diner (457 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; (518) 584-9632): This delicious diner is the place to go after catching morning workouts at the track … or after a long night out. It’s greasy spoon goodness and it only operates from 3 a.m. through 2:45 p.m.  Somehow, that makes me love it all the more, because Compton’s clearly knows and caters to their customer base.
The Wishing Well: This gem is located just outside of town; and while it’s on the pricey side, this steakhouse delivers some of the most delicious nosh in town. Plus, they have the freshest corn I’ve ever tasted. The racing set agrees with me: on any given night you’ll find industry luminaries dining and drinking. Be sure to make a reservation, because this is a majorly popular dining destination.
6. The Nightlife
Saratoga’s Caroline Street  is a haven for the bar-hopping crowd; Q-103 Albany already made a nice list of places to visit, which you can read here.
I have two personal favorite haunts to recommend: The Parting Glass is a low-key Irish pub with darts, shuffleboard, live music and an extensive beer menu as well as plenty of irresistible pub grub to keep you energized for a big night on the town.
Siro’s is another old standby. It’s literally located right next to the racetrack, and people descend there in droves when the racing’s finished for the day. It’s a pricey spot, but the people-watching is second to none and there’s a piano bar inside that plays all of your favorite tunes. They even take requests!
7. Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
If you’re in Saratoga on August 7, you really should attend the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It’s free and open to the public, and you can meet and greet some of the most iconic figures in horse racing as well as watch the speeches of the new inductees. It’s a beautiful ceremony, and don’t forget the Kleenex. I burst into tears at least three times every year at this.

8. Congress Park
Congress Park is nestled just off of Broadway in town, and it’s a relaxing way to spend the morning. Take in the amazing sculptures and gardens, plus the historic carousel as well as the Canfield Casino (sorry, no gambling there, but if you’re an architecture buff you’ll be in heaven.)
9. Lake George
The Adirondack Mountains are in Saratoga’s back yard, and if you have the time on your visit it’s worth a trip up to Lake George to experience the pristine beauty of this bucolic body of water. Rent a boat, go for a swim, check out the antiques shopping or just eat your weight in maple sugar: it’s a fantastic way to spend a day!
10. Fasig-Tipton Sales
If you’re in Saratoga on August 10 or 11, you need to check out the horse sales, which take place in the evenings. One-year-old Thoroughbreds worth millions of dollars (literally) are sold here each year, and you may see a future superstar: after all, Triple Crown winner American Pharoah was offered at this sale two years ago. The spectacle at Fasig-Tipton is unparalleled; from the actual auction to the scene in the back yard area, the horse sales are like a crazy cocktail party with a very equine theme. Just be careful not to raise your hands around the auction ring or you may walk away with a new (and very expensive) pet. Cocktail attire is suggested, and you can also make dinner reservations at the facility. 

Photo by Eclipse SportsWire

11. Old Friends at Cabin Creek
Old Friends is a retirement facility for Thoroughbred racehorses, and you can tour and interact with some of the biggest names in town. Travers winners like Thunder Rumbles and Will’s Way live there, as do horses famed for never giving up in spite of historic losing records (I’m looking at you, Zippy Chippy!). It’s a beautiful spot to visit and you can donate to support the program while you’re feeding carrots to the retirees. What’s not to love?
Side note: if you want to get involved and help retired racehorses plus rub elbows with some of horse racing’s biggest stars, you should check out the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s fundraisers (One on July 27 and one on August 9). You can also check out the Thoroughbreds for All event on August 4 to see if a retired racehorse is perfect for your next mount. (Hint: the answer is yes. Retired racehorses are awesome and can do literally anything you want to do with a horse.)
12. Jockey Karaoke Contest

Ever wanted to see your favorite riders dressed up in full costume belting out classic music? If you’ve never given it much thought before, now don’t you really, really want to see that happen? If so, I have great news for you! On August 3, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund holds its annual fundraiser where you can donate to this very worthy charity and get photos of Julien Leparoux in a pompadour dressed up as Johnny Cash. You know you want to.

Photo via the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund Facebook
13. Polo
OK, it may sound crazy but polo is an amazing post-races activity. The Saratoga Polo Association has matches every Friday and Sunday all summer long (weather permitting, of course!) and you can chill out, bring your own food and cocktails and watch some intense equine athleticism. Trust me – it’s tons of fun!
14. Enjoy Yourself
It’s hard not to do this at Saratoga, but be sure to take the time to really appreciate the experience. When you’re at the racetrack, try to take in as much of it as possible. From the backyard to the finish line, the paddock to the dining areas, there is so much to see while you’re there. The place is horse racing’s mecca for a reason, and I hope you fall in love with it as much as I have.

Have a favorite thing to do in Spa City that I didn’t mention? Please share it in the comments, and thank you as always for reading!