Tucked between the Capital Region and our beautiful Adirondack Mountains, there's a small city in Upstate New York that's so quaint and full of charm, it's often mistaken for being a small town. With a population of just over 26,000 residents, Saratoga Springs has long been recognized as being one of America's best small cities. With so much to do and so much to see within such a small area of the Empire State, it's not hard to see why this city is one of the best ones you'll ever visit in our country.
From a high quality of life to a grand mixture of history and entertainment, the city of Saratoga Springs has it all.
Conducted by a group of experts over at Wallethub, research showed that Saratoga Springs is one of America's best small cities. Looking at things such as affordability, economic health, education, safety and quality of life, it was Saratoga's high ranking for quality of life that landed it so high on the list.
So, what is there to do in this city? One of the main attractions that draws people in is Saratoga Spa State Park!
One of our favorite and most entertaining state parks to visit in New York, Saratoga Spa State Park has lots to offer. Within the state park you'll find the Saratoga Performing Arts Center aka SPAC, where you can enjoy outdoor concerts during our warmers seasons. You can also find unbelievable natural wonders like the majority of Saratoga's eighteen natural springs that are scattered across the city, with one of the most notable being the Geyser Island Spouter.
Other notable attractions within the state park? You'll be able to find playgrounds, picnic tables and a variety of nature trails. Seasonal fun that can be enjoyed includes activities like cooling off in the swimming pool and taking advantage of the golf course. With winter knocking on our front door as we speak, our residents will soon be able to enjoy two of the park's skating rinks that can be found at the Victoria Pool and also near Avenue of Pines.
Another reason you'll find this city filled with visitors? The Saratoga Race Course.
One of the oldest race courses you'll find in our country, opening up back in 1863! Now, the track brings in an incredible amount of visitors from all over New York and out of state to soak up the sun and enjoy a day at the races.
If you're looking to continue the fun and wondering where you should stay, there's always Saratoga Casino and Raceway.
This city has it all! Stay at the Saratoga Casino Hotel to treat yourself to an unforgettable getaway in Upstate New York. The luxurious hotel is just one of the many fantastic places where you'll be able to stay in Saratoga, featuring the casino, an indoor pool and every other amenity you would dream of.
All throughout the year you'll find fantastic festivals taking place, with some of our favorites like Winterfest and Chowderfest quickly approaching!
From beautiful balloon festivals that will steal your breath away to the scrumptious Chowderfest that will never send you home with an empty stomach, there's so many festivals taking place all year long that will give you the perfect excuse to visit Saratoga Springs. This year's Chowderfest will take place on February 4th from 11AM until 4PM, where you'll get to try chowder from eighty different local restaurants. Yum! Do you have a favorite festival that you come to check out every year?
Relax and enjoy one of the best parts of Saratoga by taking a stroll down Broadway!
While there are plenty of great places to go shopping in this city, it's right along Broadway where you'll find our favorite shops and restaurants. Recognized by USA Today as being one of America's best main streets, the nearly one-mile long stretch of road is lined with charming little boutiques, cafes and restaurants that will all grab your attention and keep you entertained. You'll even be able to stop into the Saratoga Marketplace that features fourteen locally owned businesses that you'll love!
Feeling hungry and don't know where to eat? We've got you covered!
Just off of Broadway on Church Street you'll find one of Saratoga's many recognized restaurants, the Country Corner Cafe. The delicious dining establishment has received praise from the Food Network, naming it one of the best Mom and Pop restaurants that you'll find in America! If you're unsure of what to try here then we suggest getting their PBJ Cristo, a mouthwatering dish that features Country Corner Cafe's very own homemade strawberry jam.
Other favorite places you'll want to check out when you're feeling hungry in Saratoga? A few places that have won over my heart include but are certainly not limited to, Uncommon Grounds, Circus Cafe and Hattie's!
Amazing food doesn't end once you leave Saratoga's restaurants! All year long you can visit the Farmer's Market at the Lincoln Mineral Baths.
Open Saturday's from 9AM until 1PM, the Farmer's Market is something our local residents look forward to each and every week. From November through April the market can be found indoors, for further information click here.
Another thing you'll want to mark down on your calendars? Saratoga's County Winter Restaurant Week will kick off this year on December 2nd, running through until December 8th! The 12th annual event is the perfect way to explore the city and to try dishes from restaurants you've yet to visit.
Want to plan a trip to Saratoga Springs sometime soon? Then come visit for the city's Victorian Stroll and Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 1st!
Like I said, there's always something going on in the city of Saratoga. You'll never find yourself bored! Just one of the many exciting upcoming events, the Victorian Stroll is a great way to treat yourself and your loved ones to some annual holiday cheer. Beginning at 6PM, the event will start off with the lighting of the tree in front of Putnam Market on Broadway and lasts until 10PM. Visitors will get to see Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by a horse drawn carriage, see plenty of Victorian costumes, venues and even real reindeer! To find out more information about this wonderful stroll, click here.
Have you ever taken the time to explore the city of Saratoga Springs? To discover another area that's filled with tons of charm, plan a trip to One Of America's Coziest Mountain Towns Thats Unbelievably Dreamy... And Right Here In New York!
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