Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – Discover Saratoga is excited to announce that Saratoga Springs has been nominated for "Best Small College Town" in USA TODAY's 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This exciting national recognition celebrates the dynamic blend of higher education, culture, and community pride that makes Saratoga Springs and the surrounding county a unique and vibrant destination. Additionally, Saratoga Springs recently placed 8th in the contest for Best Small Town Arts Scene.
Saratoga Springs was the only New York State destination to make the Top 10 for Best Small Town Arts Scene. This is a testament to the thriving arts scene in Saratoga, which brings together artists and art lovers from diverse backgrounds. The full list can be found here: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-small-town-arts-scene/
Voting for Best Small College Town is now open to the public. Voting runs through 11:59 AM EDT on March 30, 2026. Readers can vote once per day per device to help Saratoga Springs secure a spot in the top 10. Winners will be announced on April 8 at noon EDT.
“We are honored to receive our second nomination in a row for Best Small College Town,” said Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga. “Saratoga’s continued recognition by USA Today speaks to what makes our community so special. With the influence of institutions like Skidmore College and Empire State University, Saratoga offers an environment where learning, creativity, and community come together. We are proud to build a community where creatives and academics can thrive.”
Saratoga is well known for its thriving academic and arts scene. The town is home to Empire State University and Skidmore College, as well as numerous art galleries, museums, and performing arts venues. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center, in particular, hosts performances in one of America’s most prestigious outdoor amphitheaters.
This is the second nomination for Best Small College Town that Saratoga has received in two years, highlighting the town’s role in fostering an environment where both students and arts enthusiasts can flourish. Saratoga placed No. 7 for Best Small College Town in 2025 and was the only New York town to make the list.
To vote for Saratoga as the Best Small College Town, readers can visit https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-small-college-town/ to vote daily.
For more information about the 10Best Awards and to see the full list of winners across multiple categories, please visit www.10best.com.
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About Discover Saratoga: Discover Saratoga, also known as the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau, serves as the official Tourism Promotion Agency for Saratoga County and is a key economic development engine for the region. Its mission is to contribute a positive impact on the local economy by promoting and marketing Saratoga County as a world-class destination for leisure travel, meetings, and events. For more information about Discover Saratoga, please visit www.DiscoverSaratoga.org.
