Pete and I were looking for walkable towns that had both charm and great food. We love finding those antique gems that don’t always appear on typical top 10 lists. As fall approaches, Saratoga Springs beckons. It promises all of our favorite things and more, offering seasonal flavors, historical landmarks, and time to enjoy the crisp fall air.
Where is Saratoga Springs, you ask?
Saratoga Springs is located in upstate New York, about three hours north of New York City. Just over three hours west of Boston. For visitors to the Northeast, it’s a convenient summer escape. But if you’re from out of state like us, it’s easier to fly.
Find direct flights to Albany International Airport, from where it’s just a 30-minute drive to Saratoga Springs. It’s an ideal destination for those who want a blend of small-town charm and ease of transportation.
Enjoying our first night in Saratoga Springs
After a day at the airport, we couldn’t wait to breathe in the fresh fall air and stretch our legs. Just a short drive from the airport, we checked into Springwater Bed and Breakfast soon. The best part? Once you’re settled, it’s a 10-minute walk to your dinner spot in downtown Saratoga Springs.
Eager to explore, we wandered to Seneca Restaurantsthe atmosphere there is very comfortable. With exposed brick walls, plush blue velvet booths, and an open-fire Argentinian grill, the entire space feels like the perfect blend of rustic and sophisticated.
We started it all off with deviled eggs and fall inspired cocktails that set the tone for the evening. Next up was the delicious coal-roasted beet salad we shared, with pistachio butter, black garlic vinaigrette, creamy burrata cheese and crispy fried kale chips. Pete likes to grill half a chicken and serve it with mashed sweet potatoes, bright pineapple salsa and caramelized yogurt that ties everything together. We both couldn’t resist trying the Earl Gray Creme Brulee for dessert, with its smooth custard and subtle aromatic tea flavour. It was the perfect ending to our first night in Saratoga Springs.
Wake up in the comfort of your bed and breakfast
We woke up to the smell of sizzling bacon filling the B&B, a sure sign that it was going to be a great day. As we walked downstairs, we were greeted by Abby, the cutest little corgi. After filling our mugs with steaming coffee, we opted to have breakfast outside on the terrace by the fireplace.
Settling in on the covered patio, we started with homemade pumpkin spice muffins topped with crushed cinnamon. For entrees, Pete chose a breakfast sandwich made with local eggs and cheese, while I indulged in French toast piled high with fresh berries and local maple syrup.
Ballston Hot Springs and Whistling Kettle Day Trip
After refueling, we drove to nearby Ballston Spa to walk around, explore the town’s charms, and take a tour whistling kettle. Although the menu was full of tempting options – crepes, soups and “scone sandwiches” – we decided to keep things simple with a cup of tea. We sampled Earl Gray tea, cherry fig tea, apple cider donuts, and apple ginger tea, and it felt like a flavor tasting of fall.
Afterwards, we browsed the local shops, finding everything from antiques to cozy boutiques, and headed to Saratoga Springs State Park See the springs that made Saratoga famous around the world.
Lunch at Round Lake Mill: a wing lover’s paradise
By lunch time we had worked up an appetite and were ready to try it out round lake mill. Known for its Adirondack charm and award-winning wings, this place excels in both areas. We headed straight to the famous Bada Bing Vodka Wings, which recently won the 2024 Saratoga Wing Off “Wildest Wings” award. There are over 20 flavors of chicken wings to choose from, and you won’t be able to stop eating just one!
Explore history and nature at Saratoga National Historical Park
There was still a little time left in the afternoon, so we drove to Saratoga National Historical Park. What makes this park unique is that it is a beautiful 10-mile drive loop filled with Revolutionary War history. You can listen to the audio guide in your car while stopping along key locations and enjoying views of the Hudson River. It’s the perfect combination of scenery and education. Why was the Battle of Saratoga so important? This was the first time in world history that British troops were captured, and the first time other countries began to recognize the independent United States and sign a formal alliance.
Enjoy dinner with a view at Carson’s Woodside Tavern
As time goes by, we go Carson Woodside Tavern Have dinner. The restaurant overlooks Saratoga Lake, so we loved taking photos at sunset while enjoying the cozy fire pit before dinner. This is a great place to relax after a long day.
Start your day with breakfast at The Merc
Knowing we were going to have an outdoor adventure, we started the second day with brunch Melkis a favorite brunch spot in downtown Saratoga Springs. The Merc’s Art Deco lighting, wood paneling and large windows set the perfect backdrop for relaxing mornings. Pete ordered the carnitas, which came with house-smoked pork and a spicy chipotle hollandaise sauce that was just right. I went for their legendary chicken and waffles, drizzled with bourbon maple syrup. Every bite is worth the hype!
Rail bike adventure through the Adirondack Park
After breakfast, we drove to Hadley, New York, with revolutionary railway co.. Travel through the scenic Adirondack Park. These rail bikes are recumbent bikes that glide along the rails, allowing us to travel through the Adirondack Park with ease. At one point we crossed a railroad bridge over the Hudson River, which, I admit, was a little scary. But we buckled up safely and the view of the river was worth it.
Discover the history behind the name “Adirondack”
Along the way, we learned from our guide that “Adirondack” was the name given to the Algonquian people by the Iroquois, meaning “bark eaters,” a reference to their less than stellar hunting skills recognition. Fun fact: This is why you may see places called “bark eaters” in the area!
Adirondack Wine Tasting
One of the highlights of our trip was when we Adirondack Winerythey offer over 20 wines to choose from. We decided to taste seven, and our favorites turned out to be the Lemberg and Lemberg rosé. Lemberger, also known as Blaufränkisch, is a new discovery for us – rich in dark berry flavors and a hint of pepper, perfect for cozy fall days. This is a grape variety native to Austria, but this wine comes from local New York vineyards.
We paired our tasting with one of their thoughtfully laid out charcuterie boards, which include local artisan favorites like Nettle Meadow Chevy, Sharp New York Cheddar, Saratoga Biscuits, Hudson Valley Marshmallows and Decadent Bucket Chocolate Truffles infused with Adirondack wine. Afterwards, we took our wine glasses outside to the fire pit and sipped on their Stargazer wine – the perfect end to an afternoon soaked in local flavors and cozy atmosphere.
Enjoy dinner in a historic 18th-century tavern
After resting for a while at the B&B, we walked to downtown Saratoga Springs for dinner at a historic restaurant. Old Bryan Inn. Walking into the hotel feels like stepping back in time, with original stone walls and warm, rustic beams that have been part of the hotel since the 1700s. It is said that there are ghosts on the second floor, which adds to the charm of the pub. The menu offers classic pub fare with a local twist, highlighting nearby farms and fresh ingredients.
We had fish and chips (because, while at the bar!), a fresh salad, and ended with homemade apple crisp made with apples from the local Saratoga Apple Farm. The whole experience was the perfect end to a fulfilling and satisfying day.
Sweet morning at Mimi’s house
Our last morning starts with breakfast Sweet Tits CafeJust a short walk from our B&B, on a cozy tree-lined street dotted with brick buildings and bookstores. As we walked in, jazz was playing softly and cake stands of varying heights were filled with freshly baked delicacies. At 8:30 a.m., diners were already lining up at the door. We found a perfect spot by the front window which gave us lots of natural light and the perfect spot for people watching. When the locals line up like this, you know you’re in for something special.
A quick look at the menu tells you that Sweet Mimi’s takes quality seriously. Shop for everything from fresh eggs from Thomas Poultry Farm to buttermilk from King Brothers Dairy, syrup from Mapleland Farm and even ice cream from Saratoga Gelato. Of course, we had to order the lemon ricotta pancakes (they are famous on the Food Network after all!), and they were as delicious as promised. We also tried the seasonal Apple Pie Baked French Toast. And, thanks to a recommendation from a helpful local, we packed a box of desserts for our flight home.
Famous pancakes and local flavors
At breakfast we had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Chef Janet, who took a break from the kitchen to chat with us. She shared a story about how Bobby Flay once dropped by the restaurant unannounced. She told him people always said she should be on his show, so he did! Her lemon ricotta pancakes won on his show, but Janet admitted her personal favorite was actually the bacon pancakes with homemade salted caramel sauce, a recipe she later shared conversation. We couldn’t have asked for a sweeter send-off from Saratoga Springs.
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