The Essential Girls Weekend Guide to Saratoga Springs, NY
Saratoga Springs, NY: a cosmopolitan East Coast town perfect for a girls weekend away.
Health, history and horses beckon you and your favorite girl posse in the Upstate New York town of Saratoga Springs, New York. Ultimate sophistication and play awaits you in Saratoga, where the one of the oldest horse tracks in America is located, Saratoga Racetrack.
Saratoga boast beautiful architecture, world-class restaurants, spas, ballet, horse farms and stunning nature, with Lake George (known as the Queen of American Lakes), the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains of Vermont all within an hour of Saratoga.
Known as the King’s sport, thoroughbred horseracing within Saratoga is held from July to the first weekend of September each year. This year, the famous Belmont (one of three Triple Crown races; Kentucky Derby and Preakness making up the other two) showcases some of the best horses in America and will be held for the second year in a row the first weekend of June within Saratoga.
Can’t make the Belmont this year? No worries, the Belmont will return for a least one more year to Saratoga, while the original track is being renovated in Garden City, NY. While you are in horse racing mood, travel back in time with a handmade hat by a local milliner (hat maker) at Hatsationals’ Haberdashery to accessorize with your chic outfit.
S T A Y
Whether you are seeking a historic grand Victorian bed and breakfast with a pool to a chic and storied stay in Downtown Saratoga, these 3 are must-know Saratoga destinations for luxury overnight accommodations.
Union Gables Inn
Saratoga Arms Hotel
The Adelphi
The annual Miss Scarlett Fashion Show during track season at The Racing Museum Hall of Fame.
S H O P
Broadway in Saratoga is the heart of Saratoga, where you can find world class restaurants, boutiques, galleries and more.
Make sure to check out Saratoga Tea and Honey, Saratoga Olive Oil Company, Miss Scarlett Boutique, Lifestyles and Saratoga, Silverwood Home & Gallery which are quintessential Saratoga in their own unique ways.
S P A
Known as the Spa City, conjured by turn of the century mineral bathhouses of the past; Saratoga is a timeless destination for rest and rejuvenation. Situated geographically at the beginning of the Adirondacks and where the Green Mountains of Vermont meet, the landscape is truly spectacular with many health and wellness opportunities.
Situated on an 88 acre horse farm with these mountain views, Sacred Spa + Wellness is your ultimate luxury escape. From a converted stable now spa and an 8,000 square foot Estate with a cozy fire and horse track views, this spa is something special you must experience. Make sure to check out their events page, as they have year round workshops like Flowers and Flow yoga in the Summertime, to health and beauty gatherings.
Sacred Spa + Wellness
Saratoga State Park
S A V O R
Experience some of the best Italian in the United States within Saratoga Springs. Within this city, your palatte has sophisticated choices based on whatever mood you may be in. Ladies who do lunch, enjoy!
Panza’s
Solevo
Osteria Danny
The Wishing Well
Adelphi Restaurant
Putnum Market
Hamlet and Ghost
Sweet Mimi’s
The Merc
Pro tip: Make reservations well in advance, especially during track season July-September and special race days like the Belmont weekend.
S I P
From a private charcuterie and wine tasting on a horse farm overlooking Saratoga Lake to sipping some of the finest champagne in the world, to visiting one of the most popular and highly anticipated debut’s of a newly opened East Coast chain breweries in Saratoga, libations, great coffee and good times flow in Saratoga.
Old Tavern Farm
Bocage Champagne Bar
Lago by Druthers
Thirsty Owl
Uncommon Grounds
Saratoga Bread Basket
P L A Y
Recreation is synomous with Saratoga. From enjoying a concert in one of the most beautiful outdoor amphitheaters in the country, to all things horse racing, endless possibilities await you and your gals.
Watch a concert at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center), visit the Racing Museum Hall of Fam, watch a race and bet at the historic Saratoga Racetrack and the harness track at Saratoga Casino, book a Victorian homes tour with the Preservation Society or a walking tour with one of Saratoga’s historians to learn the fascinating history of the city.
S A M P L E I T I N E R A R Y
Three perfect days in Saratoga:
Day One: After checking into your hotel, head to Bocage for a welcome champagne toast. Peruse the shops Downtown, making sure to stop at Miss Scarlett Boutique to accessorize the perfect racetrack look. Enjoy dinner at Panza’s (pro tip, book the wine cellar for a memorable dinner).
Day Two: Enjoy Breakfast at the Track at Saratoga Racetrack (tickets required) where you will get to watch horses workout before racing begins that day. After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Sacred Spa + Wellness to enjoy a welcome mocktail and a holistic plant based facial before embarking to Old Tavern Farm for a private local wine tasting. Finish the day with a light bite and cocktail at the ultra chic Hamlet and Ghost (one of Bobby Flay’s favorite Saratoga restaurants.
Day Three: Enjoy the most perfect girls brunch at Sweet Mimi’s in Downtown Saratoga before heading to the racetrack for a day of sun, horses and fun (remember your SPF!). End the day with any of the above restaurants and leave full and happy.
Salut!