Saratoga Trip
 

I am going to be making my first trip to Saratoga this year, probably the 1st weekend of August. I live in Florida, what is the best airport to fly into? I dont mind flying in to a place and driving 30-60 minutes If I can get a better rate that way.

Also, any advice on where to stay in Toga? Where to hang out?:D

You'll want to fly into the Albany Airport which is about 20 miles south of Saratoga. No advice on where to stay in Saratoga although you could probably save some money by staying in Albany and getting a rental car (assuming you aren't planning on drinking a lot in Saratoga). There are tons of places to hang out around the Caroline St/Main St area. I'd recommend trying as many out as you have time for.

fly into Albany....and hang out at the track...all day...morning works...then the races. After the races...hitch a ride to the Saratoga Harness facility...they have simulcast. They have wonderful food and adult beverages offered there as well. The draft beer is generally warmer than the pizza

Hitch a ride? It's not that far to walk!

LOL, Thanks! I was thinking maybe some saratoga night life after a full day at the ponies may be a wlecome change, but the harness track is a close 2nd!!

well...the guy was going that way anyways...he was kind enough to offer:o

true...getting sh*tfaced at The Wine Bar is a close 2nd:D

In the Paddock section there is a thread "Saratoga Area Dining" which may be helpful.

Also, if shopping is your thing, make sure you hit every gift shop on Broadway...they rock! :) (especially Impressions of Saratoga)

Actually I am more into the all day gambling and drinking, then off to the bars for some more drinking and company of beautiful ladies! How are the ladies in Toga on a routine weekend?

I can shop at home, but thanks....all suggestions are welcomed!

Lazy butt! Just kidding
Everyone in my office thinks it's insane to actually use the free parking or to park on Fifth Street because to them, the walk is soooo long. :rolleyes:

I'll have to step down and let the guys answer this! :D
(Siro's is a must after the track stop though. :) )

um....honestly....if your gonna be drinking, are you really gonna give a sh*t what the ladies look like?? They will all be beautiful after drinking all day:eek:

Yep, and if you still care, just double bag em. :D

Um....Yeah I still care......would you rather be in a place where there are good looking ladies or a place where they look like they are related to rosie odonell?

there are plenty of easily accessed hotels in town...although the rates double during racing:(
one caveat....BOOK EARLY...the first weekend in August will be hard to get a room if you wait since the yearling sale starts on the 6th...between the consigners and the buyers getting rooms are in high demand.

Rosie is ugly???:eek: :eek:

That is such a great weekend though between the sales and hall of fame day. (plus some OK stakes races)

FLbred, Closing weekend is probably the best bet for fair pricing. With the long holiday and the Woodward now being on the Monday you get a lot of racing action...although this year it was already cool fast.

If money isn't an issue, stay for the week of Travers. Every night there is something going on, but I'd book now. :)

Saratoga allows cans to be brought in (I'm talkin 30 pack cases). Ladies at the TRACK are incredible. It's more of a concert crowd than the average racetrack crowd and alhough some will surely argue, Siro's just outside the track had more post-race eye candy than any club here in Chicago.That's where you can find me opening w/e with a bunch of others here.
PS I had awesome b-bque inside the track at a place called Carolna B-b-que. Hope it's still there this summer.

On the other hand, if money is an issue - or you'd just like more gambing money - there's an inexpensive Econolodge in Latham, just north of the airport in Albany.

If you can stay for the Hall of Fame ceremonies, by all means do so. If you can stay Tuesday for the sales in the evening, it's kinda fun. Where else can you find yourself looking over a yearling while standing beside a Hall of Fame trainer? Leave yourself time to visit the National Museum of Racing.

I generally do day trips to Saratoga with my husband, grown children, or friends, so know little about the nightlife, and prefer to not even try to comment on the comliness of the women. I do try, at least once a year, to just stroll down Broadway on a Friday or Saturday evening, just for the enjoyment of it.

I always try to use the free parking down behind the police station, off Lake, when I'm going downtown. Always use the free parking at the track. It can be a trudge, but I find it rather fun. (The shuttle buses are a kind of funhouse ride.)

The crowds there are, well, crowds, but generally good natured.

I find it well worthwhile to do the $2 clubhouse upgrade. I generally carry in a folding chair and rarely have a reserved seat, so I find the best viewing is in the clubhouse area, both on the rail, or up above the seats.

If that is what you are looking for then definitely hit up Siro's after the track and then head on to Gaffney's on Caroline St later.

If anybody would be interested in renting a small house for any weekend of Saratoga track season this year, let me know. I have a freind at work looking to rent his place for weekends.

Those DT'ers looking to come up this year should really think about pitching in and getting his place.

I will have price information if you want it.

Gander, can you PM me with the info? Thanks.

Yes. I just spoke to him, he is a very good friend of mine.
The price will depend on who it is renting it. I was thinking that it would be perfect for like yourself, Scavs, Curt and anyone else thinking they were coming up here opening weekend. Its not huge, but it will work.

The best is the location...very close to the track. 5 minute walk at most. Maybe even less than that.

Awesome... thanks for the info.

I will need you guys to collaborate and get me a head count of whos in and whos not. He has other people interested and needs some sort of commitment within the next month.

I cant stress enough how hard it is to get hotels near the track. Virtually impossible unless you want to pay $350-400 a night. Most people opt to stay somewhere within driving distance but to get the full experience, if you can stay at a place where you dont have to drive at all its huge.

Again, the price will depend on how many are staying.

Where is Kev staying? I mean, who all is for sure going? If we're talking about opening weekend, that's when I'm going.

From what I know, its Kev, Scavs and Curt for sure. Maybe Dell, but he would probably be staying with his buddies from Chicago in a hotel like last year. Kev stayed with me but my place is very small and I will leave it up to him on whether he might want to stay in this house instead.

I live about a 10 min walk from the track and this place is half that distance.

But yes, it is opening weekend for sure. I would assume you would want this place at least Friday & Saturday night. That would work out fine.

From what I know right now, Dell might be able to help me on the hotel situation, but I'll keep you posted.

If money is no problem, then book Saratoga, if you want to save some cash, stay in Latham. Only 20 minutes to the track, if you leave real early, or expect to wait on the Northway, and Broadway. Siro's is must stop, if you never been there, but over rated in my opinion. Cans only, no glass. If you want a table, get the at 6:30, put a cover on it, then you can leave and come back, nobody will mess with your table.

See ya in August

:D

Saratoga Places
 

The Parting Glass is a decent Irish Pub that a few of the Jockey's, Trainers, & Exercise Riders frequent in the evenings during the meet.
On Nelson Ave right across from the track is a place to get a decent breakfast after the morning works...not sure but I think the name is The Horseshoe.
In and Around the The Jim Dandy Bar in the clubhouse there are frequently fine two legged filllys with very nice conformation...
Just outside the Jim Dandy is a big sceen monitor that many of the trainers and jockey agents watch the races and replays from...

I am not certain on what weekend yet, so don't include me on the head count on the house rental. Also, as long as her health is ok, I am going to bring my Grandmother along. She saw Toga during the ESPN broadcast and made it a point to tell me she wanted to go sometime soon.

I am not certain on what weekend yet, so don't include me on the head count on the house rental. Also, as long as her health is ok, I am going to bring my Grandmother along. She saw Toga during the ESPN broadcast and made it a point to tell me she wanted to go sometime soon.

His place would be perfect for you and your Grandma. You wouldnt have to drive anywhere all weekend once you get to his place. I dont think anyone realizes how hard it is to find hotels here, so I wouldnt wait too long. Hard to get gamblers to want to spend money on anything besides vouchers, I know that!

Yea we're going for sure and will be staying in a hotel though the house sounds great. Some other DTers will be with us but heck it will be one big party at the track and afterwards.

A full-blooded Irishman might fly in from Dublin for this one....

Been frequenting Saratoga since I was a kid. Virginia in winters. Saratoga for the summer. You might google motels in South Glens Falls. The Horse Shoe bar on Nelson Ave. is another great get-together place after the races. Good food, decent prices, great music, and a young crowd.

Fine Mexican Food with Extra Flair
 

Just a couple of minutes walk from the track is Leon's Mexican Restaurant owned by Jockey Filiberto Leon. Awesome Margaritas and great food.
Lots of Jocks frequent as well, Met a few last year as well as local legend "BOB M." ( Filiberto's father in law) whom I had great conversations with while enjoying a smoke and a drink out in front watching the fillies go by.
Enjoy, be there opening day with the FP Crew!!!
www.leonsmexicanrestaurant.com

you forgot to mention his awesome wife!!!

Am I invited???

Of Course Hoffy!! You just have wheel my cooler back to the lot!!
It's a long walk with a chair, cooler and the form back to the lot.

Horseplayers LEAVE restaurants when jockeys come in....we certainly don't go looking for them.