Saratoga Dreamin....

[boswd]

I like the Inn at Saratoga, across from the Holiday Inn as well.

Lot of fun great little traditions you'll notice at the Spa:

1. The Pink Sheet - It's really more of novelty now but it has many imitators from the Purple sheet to Blue sheet etc. But this is the original. It started back in the beginings of the meet in the late 1800's early 1900's. The woman who worked in shops and boutiques would put their picks for the days cards on the a "pink sheet" and have their advertisements on the back.
The tradition is kept alive by the local paper The Saratogian. It's a little cheesey but the Pink Sheet is as much part of the history and traditions at the Spa and no first time visit should be without one.

2. 17 mins before each Post you will hear a bell chime. This is another tradition still carried out today which means "RIDERS UP" This was used to alert jockey's and horseman to get to the paddock for Riders Up, since back in the day their was no cell phones etc

3. Ohhhhh The Big Red Spring, No first time visitor should go without a visit to the Big Red Spring for a sample of the naturally carbonated water. Hmmm sooo good. This natural phenomanon was one of the early attractions to Saratoga and helped it become one of the country's first true Resort towns.

4. though scratches are announced and are on monitors, You can still visit under the grandstand where they will still post the scratches for the day on a chalk board like they did many decades ago before technology.

I'm sure I'm missing some but If you are a horse racing fan beyond the gambling aspect, this will truely be a fantastic experience for you. The place is a living functional museum. From the Old wooden grandstand that was built in 1864 to the backyard picnic area and all the little shops and such that line up around the jockey's quarters to being able to bring in your own chairs,food, and of course BOOZE. There is really no place like Saratoga, well maybe Suffolk Downs LOL LOL but seriously you are going to be in HEAVEN.

[ARyan]

The Olde Bryan Inn is a nice place too. It has been around for hundreds of years and is supposedly haunted. Good food and atmosphere too!

[estreetposse]

Mmmmm....Big Red Spring Water is the best...I encourage everyone to drink in its goodness...it will leave you thirsting for more!!!

[fpsoxfan]

Originally Posted by estreetposse

Mmmmm....Big Red Spring Water is the best...I encourage everyone to drink in its goodness...it will leave you thirsting for more!!!

No C.J. we aren't talking about 10 dollar Vodka Tonics from the Jim Dandy Bar.

[fpsoxfan]

By the way speaking of the Jim Dandy Bar...it's always been a tradition of ours that whoever has the first decent hit of the day has to buy a round at the Jim Dandy. One of the Bartenders at the Jim Dandy Bar is the legendary Phonsie Lambert. He's been a great friend of mine for many years. (coached against each other) He took over that spot after his father(also known as phonsie) passed away several years ago. But anyway that's just one more reason to love Saratoga.

[Payson Dave]

Originally Posted by estreetposse

Mmmmm....Big Red Spring Water is the best...I encourage everyone to drink in its goodness...it will leave you thirsting for more!!!

You are bad!!!

[blackthroatedwind]

I love the water at the Big Red Spring but I guess it's somewhat of an acquired taste.

[ARyan]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I love the water at the Big Red Spring but I guess it's somewhat of an acquired taste.

It is one of those things people either love or hate.

Personally, I can't stand the stuff, tastes like Stewert's Vichy Water.

[Payson Dave]

Restaurants:
Pennell's on Jefferson St is not far from the track....good dinner
Sergio's north of town on Rt 9 is pretty good
Longfellows out by the lake is decent.
Paul's in Ballston Spa is a bit out of the way but is pretty good

Pubs/Bars
Parting Glass
Siro's after the races
The Waterfront
The Olde Bryan Inn
A bunch of places on or just off Maple Ave between Lake Av and Phila St

The Racing Museum on Union Av is worth a visit...

[blackthroatedwind]

Edible food....

Chez Sophie
Lanci's
Beekman Street Bistro

Bars....

There's only Clancy's....the later the better.

[Payson Dave]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Edible food....

Chez Sophie
Lanci's
Beekman Street Bistro

Bars....

There's only Clancy's....the later the better.

Where is Lanci's

[Payson Dave]

Born and raised in Saratoga...there is better drinking spring water at some of the other springs....to each their own!!