While we’re lucky enough to live about 20 minutes from this pretty city, we don’t get down here nearly as much as we’d like. So, since Tom and I were celebrating the 10th anniversary of our first date (which just so happened to be in Saratoga!), we figured it was a perfect time to get away for a little staycation to check out our old favorite spots as well as see what’s new (hint: SO much!).   

First things first: 24 hours is nowhere near enough time to see and do all that Saratoga has to offer. Even just reaching out to a few people for recommendations gave me a list a mile long of restaurants to try, drinks to sip, and things to do. We could put together a 24 hour Saratoga guide every month and it would look completely different and be just as much fun as the one before (in fact, maybe that’s a good idea…!). That said, read on to find out where we stayed, strolled, and dined during our short but sweet 24 hours in Saratoga, and we’d love to hear your favorites for our next trip!

STAY

Saratoga Arms | A beautifully restored Second Empire brick building AND a perfect location right on Broadway: win-win! We were smitten with the wrap around porch from the moment we arrived - perfect for our morning coffee, afternoon drinks, and of course, people watching! :) Inside, we loved the classic charm mixed with modern touches (especially the wallpaper + plaid duo in our room!). A place where you feel like family from the moment you walk through the door, we ended up having wonderful conversations with staff each time we came and went. 

Don’t miss: the chocolate chip cookies that magically appear in the Guest Pantry around 7pm. The best treat to come back to after dinner, and made with Saratoga Potato Chips! 

STROLL

East Side Historic District | No secret, one of our favorite things to do when we’re exploring a new place is to grab a coffee and stroll the historic neighborhoods. Saratoga is home to some of the most beautiful houses in the area, which will be showcased in this Saturday’s Historic Homes Tour. As luck would have it, we were able to grab a sneak peek into one of the homes on the tour while we were there (150 Phila), and it did not disappoint. We always love seeing people pouring love into old homes now that we live in one ourselves! 
Don’t miss: the tour, of course! If you’re in town, grab your tickets for Saturday’s tour here. 

Broadway and Congress Park | The main street of Saratoga, Broadway is filled with coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, and so much more. You could easily spend an entire morning (or an entire day!) perusing the shops, and when you need a break, wander through Congress Park (designed by the same architect that planned Central Park!) and claim a seat on one of the benches overlooking the pond.
Don't miss: a couple of our favorite shops - Northshire Bookstore (something about being able to walk through a good book store every once in a while!) and Caroline and Main for the cutest clothing from some favorite brands like Joules and Wooden Ships. 

EAT + DRINK

Coffee | Saratoga Coffee Traders | Home of Death Wish Coffee and just a few doors down from Saratoga Arms, this was the perfect spot to grab coffee before a stroll downtown.
Another favorite: Kru Coffee

Breakfast | Saratoga Arms | We both ordered (and happily finished!) the breakfast sampler, and I'm still thinking about those corn cakes. The most delicious spread!
On our list for next time: Sweet Mimi's

Lunch | Farmer's Hardware | A favorite since it opened last year, Farmer's Hardware is our go-to spot for lunch when we're in Saratoga. We were psyched to see that they added the Impossible Burger (a plant based burger) this year, and like everything else on their menu, it did not disappoint! 
Don't leave without: trying the sweet potato tots! Perfect with spicy honey. 

Dinner | Henry Street Taproom | After a pretty big lunch, this was the perfect casual spot for a few appetizers and drinks. We're excited to head back with a bigger appetite, since the Maple Brown Sugar Bread Pudding (with salted maple caramel!) sounds right up my alley. 
On our list for next time: Hamlet & Ghost, Osteria Danny, 15 Church

Looking for more to do in the area? Check out our Glens Falls Travel Guide here!

In my bag this trip: