Last Updated: May 18, 2020
We might not be able to travel or explore Saratoga right now, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy some quality time at home with family. Check out this ever-growing guide to Saratoga activities and things to do at home to help support our local businesses, musicians, museums and more! Listen to some live music, take a yoga class, keep the kids entertained and treat your loved one to a date night to remember.
ARTS & LIVE MUSIC
Caffe Lena
Caffe Lena is offering Stay Home Sessions, a series of performances from their listening room without an audience present. These sessions will broadcast live every night at 8pm for the community to enjoy during this uncertain time of social distancing. Looking for Caffe Lena's YouTube page? You can access their full schedule along with a bunch of other content found here.
Eden Compton Studio
Eden Compton Studio is working Tuesday through Saturday. All of their artwork is available online with free domestic shipping. They are also conducting private art classes online.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios
The Fred Astaire Dance Studios is offering online private and group dance lessons in a variety of styles including Ballroom, Latin, and Social Dancing. They also have a variety of dance workout classes. Private lessons can be scheduled by calling or emailing their studio at (518) 587-0300 or saratogasprings@fredastaire.com. Free group lessons are also available on their online learning platform.
Hyde Collection
The Hyde Collection is now offering a variety of online experiences for the community and art lovers on their website. You should also check out the museum's Facebook and YouTube pages.
Northshire Bookstore
Northshire Live is a weekly virtual community gathering for book lovers. Every Thursday at 5 pm, Northshire event managers Rachel Person & Dafydd Wood will host a wide-ranging conversation about books from their respective homes. Each week will feature one or more author guest stars who will read from and discuss a recent or forthcoming book. More information is available at northshire.com/upcoming-events.
Salem Art Works
It's never too early for Halloween crafts! Here is a step-by-step video of a glass pumpkin being made by Salem Art Works.
Saratoga Paint & Sip
Now you can paint and sip at home! Order your Take 'N Paint To Go Kit from Saratoga Paint & Sip for $25 that includes a canvas, paints and step-by-step instructions. Add a bottle of wine for $15! Reserve your kit now.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
SPAC launched a new Learning Library designed to provide FREE original arts educational content to students, families and educators. The SPAC Learning Library can be accessed at spaclearninglibrary.org and is part of the Center's new "Creative Connection" online campaign.
FITNESS & WELLNESS
Fitness Artist
Here are some moves that you can do without having much gym equipment around the house! Aim for 10-15 reps of each and see how many sets you can get through. If you do not have a band at home, try dumbbells. They would work too!
Hot Yoga Spot
Need a little stretching and relaxation in your life? The Hot Yoga Spot has provided three yoga and two meditation videos. We hope you will take 20 minutes today to unwind and de-stress. Namaste!
Vent Fitness
Vent Fitness is excited to offer a variety of workout options to boost your immunity and improve your overall mood! Check out their simple at-home workout options. Feel free to modify the moves or add your own equipment to change the intensity. Now, make some room and get ready to get sweaty!
HIKING & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The outdoors offers a great escape from the confines of home, and a host of possibilities for walking, hiking, and just enjoying the emergence of spring. Check out these links to learn about some of the many possibilities right in our area!
Saratoga PLAN Parks and Trails
All Trails: Best Trails near Saratoga Springs, NY
Map of Saratoga Spa State Park Trails
Please remember to be responsible. Respect the safety of those around you by practicing social distancing, whether you are on wooded trails or in open fields, and remind your children of these rules as well. Additionally, follow the “garbage in/garbage out” philosophy to keep the trails clean and safe for those who follow you. If you bring it in with you, bring it back out.
Hiking Tips From Ray O'Connor
Ray O'Conor, current Chairman of the Board of Saratoga National Bank and author of She Called Him Raymond – A True Story of Love, Loss, Faith and Healing, is an avid hiker. In this video, Ray offers his basic tips for beginner hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Exercise, such as hiking, helps maintain good physical and mental health during this stressful time. Please remember to practice social distancing and stay close to home.
COOKING AT HOME
Augie's Family Style Restaurant
Born and raised in the Bronx, Augie Vitiello learned the secrets of old fashioned home-style Italian cooking from his Italian parents. Augie ran a very successful restaurant in the New York City suburb of Larchmont, NY, for 13 years before bringing his culinary talents to the Capital Region. Here are a variety of cooking videos you can watch at home.
Chianti Il Ristorante
Join Chef Fabrizio for their first ever "Shared Plates At Home" video as he welcomes us into his kitchen to make his vegetarian "Fake" Meatballs alongside him. Spoiler alert, they're delicious!
THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS
Adirondack Trust Company
Download and print out these beautiful hometown illustrations to color! Sized just right for your at-home printer, and created by the very talented Lauren Childs Creative. Here are the beautiful renderings: bronze doors at the main office and the iconic Broadway facade.
Bodywork Professionals
It's coloring time! Bodywork Professionals used their letterpress to print beautiful Mandalas that you and the kids can color! Mandalas are an ancient art form both spiritual and mathematical in nature. They are usually circular and coloring them is know to be relaxing, even meditative. Click here to get your Mandalas!
Children’s Museum at Saratoga
The Children's Museum at Saratoga is currently posting virtual programs three days a week on their Facebook and YouTube pages. The museum is also adding "At Home Activities" every Sunday. The list of activities can be seen here.
Friends of Ulysses S. Grant Cottage
Looking for a fun activity for your grade schooler? Click here to see what Friends of Ulysses S. Grant Cottage has put together for you and your little ones! For more information please see their Facebook or website here.
Lake George Steamboat Company
Take a ride on the Minne Ha Ha (virtually of course!). The Minne Ha Ha in Lake George, NY, is an authentic paddlewheel steamboat. The kids will enjoy learning about one of the last operating steamboats in America! Watch now.
National Museum of Racing
Each week, the National Museum of Racing releases a new coloring page. This activity is fun for the whole family! Click here to download coloring pages now.
Saratoga Candy Company
Just in time for Easter! In this video, Dawn from Saratoga Candy Company demonstrates how to make chocolate covered peeps. This activity can be fun for the whole family! Clear the dining room table, roll up your selves and get to dippin'!
DATE NIGHT IDEAS
Adirondack Winery
Ever wanted to learn how to make wine? Adirondack Winery shows us how to make their delicious fruit infused wines, award-winning whites and red wines. Watch this video to see their process from start to finish in an informative way. Enjoy!
Artisanal Brew Works
We're bringing the brewery to you! Crack open a beer and enjoy this virtual tour inside Artisanal Brew Works. When you're done, visit Artisanal's taproom from the comfort of your home!
Putnam Market
Ever wondered why some wines are sweet and others are dry? In this video by Putnam Market, William explains how wines get their sweet flavor. Pour yourself and your sweetheart a glass of wine and relax with this educational video.
We do Fondue
Make the best of a challenging situation and indulge in a "fon-due it yourself" at home kit! The kit includes 1/2 lb of Swedish dark chocolate or white chocolate, a dozen strawberries, plus your choice of pretzel rods, marshmallows, bananas, rice krispies or graham crackers for only $29.95 + $10 delivery fee. Or, get the works for $50 + $10 delivery fee! To order, call (518) 376-9462 or email wedofondue@gmail.com.
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
National Museum of Racing
Have you heard about the game-changing transformation the National Museum of Racing will undergo beginning this fall? Their goal is ambitious and bold — to be the greatest sports Hall of Fame in the country. The Hall of Fame Education Experience will open in July of 2020 — a brand new living, breathing Hall of Fame. Watch this video to learn more about he Hall of Fame Education Experience.
Saratoga Springs History Museum
Saratoga Springs is known for "Health, History and Horses," but what about those mineral springs? People would travel from long distances to drink the water as they believed the springs had medicinal properties. In this video, you will learn about the "dipper stick," a long pole with a cup attached to it that dipper boys would use to get samples for visitors.
The Tang Teaching Museum
Feeling creative? Click here to see some art-making activities which you can do from the comfort of your home! The page includes downloadable art projects and coloring pages inspired by Tang exhibitions and Tang collections! The Tang Teaching Museum will also showcase people's creations if they share their work on social media using the hashtag #TangAtHome or by email to the Museum Educator Sunny Ra at sra@skidmore.edu.
