The days are longer, the birds are returning, and the trees are beginning to bud...it's time to start thinking spring! With the gradual return of the nicer weather and warmer temps, we begin to focus our attention on all that Saratoga County has to offer, allowing us to fully enjoy the spring season.
Outdoor Activities
If you're looking for outdoor activities offering fresh air and exercise, Saratoga has no shortage of options. Before heading out, be sure you have the right gear by checking out Saratoga Outdoors, Saratoga's premier outdoor clothing and footwear store. If you're a runner, you'll want to stop by iRun Local where their expert team will recommend the best footwear, apparel, and gear to help you achieve your goals. Or, if the outdoors really aren't your thing but fashion is, check out Lucia or Union Hall Supply Company to get styled for spring!
Then head on over to the Saratoga Spa State Park where you'll find miles of nature trails that are ideal for walking, running, and biking, as well as various mineral springs and picnic areas. The Saratoga Regional YMCA offers an exciting Outdoor Center, featuring a low and high ropes course, a climbing wall, zipline and more. Refer to their website to learn when the Outdoor Center is open to the public. Spend the day at Camp Hudson Pines, a wooded 40-acre getaway located on the pristine waters of the upper Hudson River inside the blueline of the Adirondack Park.
If you're a history buff, the Saratoga National Historical Park offers both walking and driving tours, allowing visitors to learn about the Battles of Saratoga during the American Revolution. Check out their website for additional information and hours of operation. Spend an afternoon at Pitney Meadows Community Farm, a community farm offering gardening and composting classes for adults. They also have nature trails for walking, biking, and birding. The Saratoga Farmers' Market takes place on Saturdays in the Wilton Mall food court throughout April. Starting in May, the farmers' market will move to their outdoor location on High Rock Avenue (Saturdays and Wednesdays), offering a variety of locally grown produce, plants, crafts and live music!
Photo courtesy of Pitney Meadows Community Farm
Golfers are always especially eager for the snow to disappear, and Saratoga is proud to boast a plethora of beautiful, award-winning golf courses that provide challenging and beautifully maintained fairways for every level of ability. Check out Airway Meadows Golf Club, Fairways of Halfmoon, McGregor Links Country Club, Saratoga Lake Golf Club, Saratoga National Golf Club, Saratoga Spa Golf Course, and Van Patten Golf Club.
If you're looking to head out on the water, the Kayak Shak rents kayaks and paddleboards, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Fish Creek. Or contact Adirondack Cruise and Charter and charter a private cruise around beautiful Saratoga Lake beginning in April. In May, book a spot on one of their leisurely afternoon, sunset, or coffee cruises! Check their calendar for availability. Daleys Adventure Boats and Salvi Aquatic Boat Rentals also offer water sports and boat rentals. Looking to feel a little bit tropical? Tiki Tours Saratoga offers 75-minute tours of Saratoga Lake on their thatch-covered floating tiki boat. Tours begin in May, but you can reserve your spot now on their website.
If you're interested in heading a little bit north, hop aboard the Saratoga Corinth and Hudson Railway, and enjoy a 90-minute vintage train ride as you view the beauty of spring in the Southern Adirondacks.
Photo courtesy of Saratoga Corinth and Hudson Railway
Indoor Activities
As much as we would love never-ending sunshine, it is spring and with the spring comes the rain. No worries. Saratoga has you covered! We have several interesting and informative museums. To learn about our local history, head to the Saratoga Springs History Museum located in the beautiful Canfield Casino. Check out the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and experience all aspects of the thrilling sport of thoroughbred horse racing. The Saratoga Automobile Museum is currently featuring the exhibit "Enzo Ferrari: An Obsession with Speed." Looking for something fun and educational for the kids? You won't want to miss a visit to the Children's Museum of Saratoga.
If you're feeling creative, head to Saratoga Clay Arts Center for their wheel throwing and hand-building clay classes for youth and adults, or sign up for a cookie decorating class at LadyLily's Place or Indulgence Bakery. Do you enjoy bowling? If so, the Saratoga Strike Zone is where you want to be. The Saratoga Casino Hotel is the place for fun! With jackpots hitting every day, your next big win could be just a spin away.
If you just want to relax over a drink with friends, Saratoga has plenty of great options! Stop by the tasting room at the Saratoga Winery, Thirsty Owl Bistro, Artisanal Brew Works, Druthers Brewing Company, or Whitman Brewing Company and enjoy handcrafted wines and local beers. For specialty drinks and craft cocktails check out Bocage Champagne Bar, Hamlet & Ghost, Max London's Restaurant, Morrissey's Lounge & Bistro, Spa City Tap & Barrel, The Bourbon Room, The Misfit, or The Night Owl.
Photo courtesy of Whitman Brewing
The Arts Scene
Spend a beautiful springtime afternoon walking around our downtown and exploring the thriving Saratoga arts scene. Be sure to stroll through the Beekman Street Arts District, which includes the Eden Compton Studio, Green Tree Fiber Arts, and The Cottage of Art and Design, along with numerous other galleries, studios, and restaurants. Two additional must-see galleries include Saratoga Arts located right on Broadway and the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center offers spring programing like Pintxos: A Taste of Spain's Basque Country – meet award-winning author and Basque transplant Marti Buckley and taste a variety of these small bites as well as a variety of dance, vocal and theater classes.
.
Photo courtesy of Beekman Street Arts District
Upcoming Events
There's no shortage of events to check out during the spring in Saratoga. Here are just a few; be sure to check out our events calendar for many more!
- A Conversation with The Lacks Family - SaratogaREADS! and Skidmore College welcomes two members of the Lacks family to Saratoga for a conversation about Henrietta's legacy. March 23 from 2pm-3pm at the Saratoga Springs Public Library.
- Carnival - Ring in spring at the hottest party of 2023 at Vapor on April 6, proceeds benefit AIM Services.
- Mind, Body, Soul Expo - Explore health, wellness and holistic products and services during! At the Saratoga Springs City Center, April 21 from 10am-6pm.
- Healthy Saratoga Weekend - Discover the vibrant health and wellness scene of Saratoga County April 19-21!
- 2024 Saratoga Tattoo Expo - Come and browse or get tattooed or pierced from artists all over the US. At the Saratoga Springs City Center, April 5-7.
- Night at the Brewseum - The Saratoga Lions Club is hosting their 11th annual Night at the Brewseum at the Canfield Casino. Sample craft beers, wines and spirits. April 12 from 6:30pm-9:00pm
- 2024 Kentucky Derby Party - Celebrate the Derby in style! Held at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. May 4 from 4:00pm-7:30pm.
- 2024 Spring Auto Show - Saratoga Automobile Museum's annual event held in the Saratoga Spa State Park on May 11 from 9am-2pm.
- Summer SPACtacular - Celebrate the kick-off of Saratoga Performing Arts Center's summer season with the Summer SPACtacular, held at SPAC on May 31 at 7pm.
- 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival - The 156th Belmont Stakes will take place at Saratoga Race Course from June 6 through June 9. Discover Saratoga is the official go-to resource for community generated Belmont Stakes Racing Festival events and promotions! See official event calendar here.
