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Message |
    
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 318
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 4:18 pm: |     |
We're headed up to Saratoga Springs for a quick, anniversary weekend get-away. Anyone know a child-friendly place where we can have a nice meal? |
exwoodgirl
Citizen
Username: Exwoodgirl
Post Number: 55
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 4:43 pm: | |
There are many restaurants along the main street in Saratoga that have provided us with good food and are child friendly. Unfortunately, I can't remember the names of any of them! We've just walked in and been happily fed. Enjoy....it's one of my favorite places to visit. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 778
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 4:52 pm: | |
The great thing about Saratoga is that almost everything is casual dining, so you have lots of choices.
This link might help
http://www.saratoga.org/dine/index.asp
Some suggestions of places I've been to:
Hatties - http://www.hattiesrestaurant.com/ (Southern cooking). Definitely a relaxed atmosphere - kids are fine there. They have everything from spicy jambalaya to catfish sticks and fried chicken, so you can get kid-friendly food.
Lillians is also good - standard fare and casual dining.
If you want to sit on the lake, the Waterfront Restaurant is decent - limited selection I think though.
Also be sure to stroll over to Congress park and let the kids ride the refurbished and beautiful carousel - it's really nice (and Ben & Jerry's is right near there too if the kids want ice cream - not sure how old they are...)
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Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 319
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 8:18 am: | |
Thanks guys.
exwood -- we've never been there before, but from all I've read, your experience is exactly what we were expecting.
LilLB -- Thanks for the recommendations. The carousel and ice cream sound like a perfect Friday night activity. Our kids are 3 and 6 and loved the Watch Hill (RI) carousel last year. So I'm sure this will be a hit.
Also, the county fair is this week, so we're planning on spending Saturday enjoying the country atmosphere. I'm envisioning the fair scene from Charlotte's Web ... |
something witty
Citizen
Username: Buckneja
Post Number: 54
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, July 14, 2005 - 2:41 am: | |
I'm going to be waiting for a report back from you! I graduated from Skidmore College more than 10 years ago (Yikes)-- the campus is at the northern end of Saratoga Springs. I LOVED being there. It is a wonderul summer trip; if the race track is open it might be worth it to walk the grounds, even if there is no race. Truly an experience. If you're looking for another suggestion, you could hunt for one of the natural springs locations. Be sure to visit a natural spring--even if you don't "taste the water" from one of these (it's not a bottle-able kind of spring). Also, a nice place to unwind is in Spa State Park. I took many an afternoon picnic there near the performing arts center (SPAC). Finally, a very pretty place to take the kids is the Yaddo, an historic mansion where artists (still?) come to retreat. see http://www.yaddo.org for more info.
Are you staying in a B&B?
You're in for a treat! |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 320
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, July 14, 2005 - 8:46 am: | |
witty -- Thanks for the info. We are staying at the Westchester House on Lincoln. I'll post a follow-up when we get back.
Your suggestions sound great, I just wish we had more time to explore. We'll meander around town Friday night before dinner. After dinner my wife is off to the ballet and the kids and I will do the carousel/ice cream thing. Most of Saturday we'll be at the fair (that's a must for the kids, especially since my daughter loves Charlotte's Web and has already asked if there will be a pig named Wilbur and a rat that comes out at night to eat all the left-overs). We plan to get back to town mid-afternoon, so we'll have some time to explore then. Do you know of a close-by spring we could check out?
We also plan to be back up in the area for Labor Day, although we're looking to rent a cottage on one of the nearby lakes for that trip. Any suggestions?
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LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 779
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 14, 2005 - 1:51 pm: | |
The one in Spa Park is the best I think - I believe as you enter you drive down a bit and make a right into that area. There are 4 spouts in the same area there(bring empty gallon water jugs with you to fill up and bring home). Be careful that you don't get the mineral water (from 2 of those spouts) - they're the ones that smell like sulfer.... My parents live in Saratoga and swear by this spring (I've tasted it and like it too).
If you're not there during the racing season, you can bring the kids to watch them on the practice track. My parents bring the grandkids there when they visit. The practice track runs along Fifth street, I believe. I'm sure someone at the Westchester House can tell you where/when they practice.
Oh - when you walk through Congress Park, you can show the kids "Spit" and "Spat", which is just a fountain there - I forget the history, but they might like it. |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 1890
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 14, 2005 - 2:07 pm: | |
Congress park is very fun. Carosel, duck pond, and of course Ben & Jerry's close by.
If it rains you can check out their children's museum. Nothing spectacular but it is pretty cute and great for little ones.
Also you can drive around (maybe at naptime for your 3 year old) and check out the lovely victorians. If you drive through town away from the highway you will see them, you can just meander around. Same area as Skidmore.
My friend near Saratoga likes the Old Bryan Inn.
http://www.saratoga.com/ShowLink.cfm?BusinessID=784
Looks like pretty standard fare to me, but she's a pretty standard gal. The building is cool though. I've also heard good things about Longfellows. http://www.saratoga.com/ShowLink.cfm?BusinessID=368
Have fun. It is really lovely up there. |
Brett Weir
Citizen
Username: Brett_weir
Post Number: 757
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 14, 2005 - 5:02 pm: | |
Hattie's is the best- great southern-fried chicken, jambalaya and dirty rice. And a kick-••• mojito.
Old Saratoga Brew Pub on Phila Street is great eclectic menu and pleasant atmosphere. And their home brews are top-notch.
The Parting Glass has good food, good entertainment and a large dart room in the back.
Gaffney's has great food and a great patio bar, but crowded on Fri-Sat nights. |
something witty
Citizen
Username: Buckneja
Post Number: 58
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, July 14, 2005 - 11:49 pm: | |
All of these suggestions are perfect. You are making me "home sick" for Saratoga! Have a blast, Yossarian and family!
Anyone who has been there in the snow season would tell you the winter season is another fun time to go to Saratoga.
I think the suggestion of checking out congress park's "Spit" and "Spat" is wonderful...and if you don't get to the Parting Glass this time, you HAVE to go next time. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 780
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 15, 2005 - 10:40 am: | |
For what it's worth - I agree with Brett that Hatties is definitely my favorite pick too. |
Lisa Ebert
Citizen
Username: Boomie
Post Number: 14
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2005 - 4:45 pm: | |
We are going cabin camping in Saratoga Springs next weekend. It is a campground called Adirondack Adventures and it looks beautiful. We plan on fishing, hiking and using the water park on the premises. If we could bring our pooch, I'd be even happier. I hope we can find the drive-in movie theater up there - hoping to catch Charlie at a drive in. |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 322
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 10:17 am: | |
Thanks to everyone for your recommendations. The weekend was great! The Westchester Inn was very nice, and the owner, Bob, a welcoming host. We had a good meal at the Old Bryan Inn. The kids loved the fair, the carousel and the various springs.
A great summer weekend and at just over 3 hours away, close enough to visit more often. It really is a beautiful part of the country.
Lisa -- Charlie is playing at the drive in, which is just outside of town. We didn't go, but it looked pretty cool.
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Lisa Ebert
Citizen
Username: Boomie
Post Number: 20
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 10:39 am: | |
Yossarian you kust MADE MY DAY!!!! Thanks so much! |
Lisa Ebert
Citizen
Username: Boomie
Post Number: 21
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 10:39 am: | |
Yossarian you just MADE MY DAY!!!! Thanks so much! |
Dego Diva
Citizen
Username: Fmingione
Post Number: 540
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 12:22 pm: | |
I just confirmed my reservations for the end of this month at The Gideon Putnam, so thanks everyone for the suggestions. I'm not going with kids though, so if you have any romantic suggestions, keep 'em comin'!
Is there anywhere visitors can go to soak in the mineral springs? |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 1915
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 1:08 pm: | |
Dego,
There are two places that I know of where you can do a mineral bath. I have been to both. This article pretty much sums it up:
http://spas.about.com/cs/usresortspasny/l/aa081003.htm
Basically the Roosevelt spas are OLD. Big echoing tiled rooms, huge original cast iron tubs. Pretty cool, but don't go if you are expecting spotless modern facilites. Do go if you appreciate the atmosphere and don't mind a bit of run down charm. I went there once and had a nice bath and massage.
I have gone to the Crystal Spa about 8 times (we go up every year). They have a plethora of treatments which so far have all been at least nice to wonderfully decadent. Friends and I do call it the "stepford wives spa" because of the lovely ladies at the front desk, musak playing and generally hush hush feeling about the place. Note: they don't take credit cards so bring cash.
One last point. I did a bath about 4 years in a row feeling obligated since I was in Saratoga. I finally learned that I get really bored and uncomfortable laying there for 30 min naked in someone else's bathtub. And I'm not a shy gal. It is not a whirlpool type bath, just a calm, relaxing, slightly effervescent (sp) water bath. I think it is definitely worth the experience but I spend my time now on massages and scrubs and the like.
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Brett Weir
Citizen
Username: Brett_weir
Post Number: 768
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 4:27 pm: | |
I generally "take a bath" at the Racetrack, yet I still come back for more. |
something witty
Citizen
Username: Buckneja
Post Number: 68
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 10:21 pm: | |
Yossarian, so glad to hear the trip went well.
Dego, the Gideon-Putman is wonderful. I would second the vote for the Roosevelt spas. And for a romantic shaded afternoon walk, do try the Yaddo (the rose garden area is lovely), or try a hike in the North Woods, just north of Skidmore College campus. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 782
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 9:26 am: | |
Dego,
I've only been to Crystal spa, and loved it. Definitely a great place and reasonably priced (compared to NJ/NYC). I actually fell asleep while taking a soak in a mineral bath there...
For dinner recommendations for a couple, I would recommend Siro's http://www.sirosrestaurant.com/ (they're only open during the summer racing season, which is coming up in the next week or so I think) -- excellent place.
Another place I like is Springwater Bistro. It used to be an Inn. I've been there several times and the food is great. http://www.springwaterbistro.com/
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Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 324
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 10:27 am: | |
According to the sign at the track, racing season starts on July 27th. |
Dego Diva
Citizen
Username: Fmingione
Post Number: 543
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 10:51 am: | |
Oh, these sound great! Thanks for all the suggestions - we haven't had a weekend away in a while, and have been dealing with a lot of stress from work and family issues, so I'm really looking forward to some pampering. I'll let you all know how it goes!
DD |
Dego Diva
Citizen
Username: Fmingione
Post Number: 552
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 2:18 pm: | |
Just wanted to thank everyone again for all the great suggestions - we had a WONDERFUL time!
Sunday we spent time in Spa Park and then had dinner at Hattie's - delicious! Best biscuits I've ever had.
Monday we spent a lovely afternoon at the races, strolled downtown, and had dinner at a great place called Eartha's. They serve lots of eclectic, interesting tapas, and we had about a dozen small plates. One of the most "fun" meals I've had in a long time, and I would imagine that it would be a great place for kids.
Tuesday, after breakfast, we took a tour of Saratoga, and strolled through Yaddo, which was AMAZING! Then we each had a mineral bath and massage at Roosevelt Baths before heading home.
The Gideon was a gorgeous hotel - so old and full of history. It reminded me of the hotel from Dirty Dancing, or, as my husband said, The Shining. The weather in the daytime was perfect. In the evening, around dusk, we would get some light rain, and then the mist would rise up off the roads that run through Spa Park, making it look like an enchanted forest.
Again, we had a wonderful, romantic time, and I would really recommend Saratoga to anyone looking for a quick getaway. |
Brett Weir
Citizen
Username: Brett_weir
Post Number: 801
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 4:46 pm: | |
It's also much more reasonably priced if you go in the Thoroughbred "off-season" (Labor Day through late July). I unfortunately continue to polish my incredible skills for finding the World's Slowest Horses. Heading north later this month! Mojitos at Hattie's for everybody! |
Lisa Ebert
Citizen
Username: Boomie
Post Number: 93
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 4:49 pm: | |
We were there a few weeks back and we went to the Drive in Theater in Saratoga. It was a double feature, Charlie and the Choc Factory AND Fantastic Four. For myself and my husband and my two kids to watch BOTH these first run movies it cost $18.00 which is $13.00 LESS than what it would cost for us to see ONE of them here! Add in the nostaligia factor, a real live drive in People! And you have a great evening. Picked up some A&W burgers and floats and we had a 50's night that I will remember forever. It was awesome. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 793
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 4, 2005 - 9:09 am: | |
Dego - glad that all worked out!
Brett - we're headed up in a few weeks for Travers, where I too will be drawn to picking the losers...I don't think I've won more than a few dollars in the past few years... Well, it's fun anyway.
Have a Mojito for me! We were at Hatties a couple of months ago, so we're headed to Springwater Bistro instead this time. Love, love, love Hatties though! |
something witty
Citizen
Username: Buckneja
Post Number: 136
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, August 4, 2005 - 10:58 am: | |
Goodness I think I'm going to have to get up there soon. Thanks for all the details everyone. Brings it all back... it's been about 5 or so years since I've been to Saratoga.
Lisa, how were the grounds at the drive-in? DId the speakers work well? A few times we were stuck w/ static in our box... they've probably made vast improvements since I was there last. |
Lisa Ebert
Citizen
Username: Boomie
Post Number: 103
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Friday, August 5, 2005 - 2:05 pm: | |
SW there were no problems with the speaker system that I could tell. The grounds were large and all appeared fine. |
Brett Weir
Citizen
Username: Brett_weir
Post Number: 810
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - 9:33 am: | |
Worked fine this weekend. The Mojitos at Hattie's were outstanding and we got a tour of the kitchen by the chef, who answered the age-old question "Is the fried chicked deep-fried or skillet-fried?". It is deep-fried but in small batches.
Great Whitney weekend and we all won money, which never happens.
Sunday night dinner and bar time at the Horseshoe Inn, on Nelson St. behind the track. Kind of a Bar-A setup with live band, open-air patio and great food. More earthy than Lillian's or Gaffney's.
Can't wait till next year! |
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