A day at Saratoga Race Course is only half the story. The rest of Saratoga County, including horse farms, racing history, craft breweries, and lively towns is what turns a day trip to the track into a full racing season experience. Whether you've got a morning before first post or a whole extra day to fill, here's how to go beyond the grandstand in Saratoga County.
Meet the Horses
The horses' story doesn't end at the finish line. Just a few minutes from the track, you can meet them up close:
- Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tour: NYRA's 3-hour experience pairs a trackside breakfast with a trolley ride out to a rotating local farm, a guided tour, and same-day track admission. The featured farm changes by day of week, so pick a date based on which farm you'd like to visit.
- Old Friends at Cabin Creek (Greenfield Center): This retirement farm for former racehorses is also open to the public. With its own guided tours, it offers a rare chance to meet former winners face to face.
Racing History Beyond the Rail
Saratoga County's history runs deeper than one afternoon at the rail, and here's where to learn about the stories of the sport and the city.
- National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame: Located right across from the track, with Hall of Fame exhibits on the sport's greatest horses, jockeys, and trainers. The museum also runs a guided walking tour of the historic Oklahoma Training Track during racing season.
- Saratoga Springs History Museum: Housed in the historic Canfield Casino in Congress Park, this one broadens the picture beyond racing to include Saratoga's Gilded Age, its gambling history, and the mineral springs that put the city on the map.
Pours After Post Time
Once the last race wraps, some of Saratoga County’s breweries are an easy next stop for winding down the day.
- Druthers Brewing Company: A downtown staple for locally brewed pints and pub fare, an easy walk from the track-day crowd on Broadway.
- Common Roots Brewing Company: A sprawling brewery and taproom in South Glens Falls with over 30 rotating beers on offer.
- Tree House Brewing Company: A Northeast craft beer destination with an easy indoor-outdoor setup, worth the stop for its highly sought-after IPAs alone.
- Mixed Breed Brewing: Now settled into Van Patten Golf Club in Clifton Park, this full-service brewery and restaurant pair a comfort-meets-craft menu with frequent live music, just a short drive south of the track.
- Dancing Grain Farm Brewery: A farm brewery located in Moreau crafting small-batch beers from ingredients grown right on the property. A delicious taste of New York state in a glass!
Nightlife: Downtown and Beyond
When the sun goes down, Saratoga County keeps the energy going, from Caroline Street's late-night bars to neighborhood taverns a short way from downtown.
- Saratoga City Tavern: One of downtown's best rooftop decks, one block off Broadway.
- Lucy's Bar: An intimate Caroline Street spot known for inventive craft cocktails, festive decor, and a lively vibe that runs late.
- Milton Tavern: A neighborhood bar and restaurant located on the west side of Saratoga Springs, with a full draft list and comfort food favorites.
- The Mill on Round Lake: Don’t miss this Adirondack-themed tavern on Round Lake which offers a spacious patio and full menu away from the track-day crowds.
See our full Eat & Drink guide for more nightlife across the county.
From backstretch mornings to museums, craft breweries and exciting nightlife, there's so much to explore beyond the grandstand in Saratoga County. Plan your Saratoga County racing outing before the season closes on Labor Day!
