Need some info on Saratoga

EpBurns · #1 07-18-2006, 08:57 AM

I am going to go to opening day first time ever at the historical race track just a lil info I will be leaving the Washington Dc area on Tuesday evening I want to get as close to Saratoga as I can that evening I think about 1 hour away from there would be good and at least I might be able to get a hotel room that night which city or area should I be looking to stop in ? and on that Wednesday morning what time do they open the gates for the workouts, is parking a problem at the track? and any other general info I should be aware of for opening day would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

Gander · #2 07-18-2006, 09:05 AM

Coming from DC your best bet would be to get a motel in Albany, NY, which is roughly 40 minutes away from the Saratoga race track. I would probably plan on your trip from DC to Albany taking roughly 6.5 or 7 hours.

Gates for the morning workouts open at 6:45 but dont feel you need to get there at exactly that time. It is seldom crowded for the workouts and you have until 9am to catch the workouts. You can sit anywhere, everything is free, except of course the breakfast, which you dont want anyways. Your much better off stopping somewhere and grabbing coffee and a bagel or a muffin. Your welcomed to bring anything in you want at that time.

Parking isnt a problem, there are NYRA parking lots all over and private yards off of Nelson and the surrounding streets that people usually charge between $5 and $10 for, depending on how close you want to be.

Gander · #3 07-18-2006, 09:13 AM

Since you have some time to kill between 9am and the 1pm post time, you may want to check out one of the nearby parks, Saratoga State Park or Congress Park, both an easy drive from the track. Congress Park is actually walkable from the track, appx 10 minute walk and is situated in downtown Saratoga. The bigger Saratoga State Park is about a 3-4 minute car ride from the track and offers golf, swimming and great places to just lie out.

Or you can just walk from the track to downtown and hang out in one of the many cafes.

You do not have to pay for parking for the workouts, but you wont be able to keep your car parked there all day. You will have to move it and pay for any of the close by lots, or if you dont mind walking a bit, find a spot on one of the side streets or even downtown somewhere. Just pay close attention to the signs, as cars get towed frequently in this town.

EpBurns · #4 07-18-2006, 09:18 AM

Thank you Gander for the insight and info I will print all this out and take advantage of your insight...one other stupid question how far is the foxwoods resort and casino from Saratoga might stop there on the way back home and then hit AC from there making it like a 3 day trip and I dont mind driving at all just wondering if you knew how far of a drive the foxwoods from Saratoga is?

Gander · #5 07-18-2006, 09:25 AM

I have never been there but a friend of mine says it takes 3 hours, give or take a few minutes for traffic. Heard the place is gorgeous, way nicer than most casinos in Vegas.

ninetoone · #6 07-18-2006, 09:25 AM

Ep,

I made the trip up from the DC area a couple of times & I want to say it took about 7 or 8 hours, as Gander mentioned. I stayed at a motel that was only about 10 minutes from the town of Saratoga Springs, and that worked out great. It wasn't even expensive! Can't remember the name of the place, but it was right next door to a BBQ joint. Have fun & good luck...my last experience there was cashing a ticket on Island Fashion in the Alabama. I think Johnny V. had 5 wins that day!

EpBurns · #7 07-18-2006, 09:28 AM

Thanks I have been to the foxwoods and of course it makes AC look sick never been to Las Vegas more of a East Coast guy although I do love Cali but really dont enjoy the flying anymore just not my thing and it amazes me having flown so much when I was playing Football, but of course didnt have to go thru airports just drove the bus on the tarmac and away we went but really dont enjoy the flying anymore having to do with cramped spaces and claustrophic (sp) but thanks for the info and I am sure I will have a great time and hopefully win money.

#8 07-18-2006, 09:52 AM

Saratoga was a must for many many years. However, age has caught up to me and haven't been able to travel for a couple of years.
Arriving on the day before of the meet many of the motels will give you a cheaper rate as their racing season rates sometimes start on the opening day.
As mentioned parking is free for morning workouts but you must move your car. A good place to park is in a yard right beside Siros. In the morning you can wander over to the DRF seminar with Harvey Pack and after the races many hang around and have a couple of beers out of your trunk or slide over to the goings on at Siros. ( tent and Music)
You didn't say how long you were going to stay but regardless going to Foxwoods is about 3 hrs + but an easy drive.
The outing makes me jealous but does bring back many memories. ENJOY

hockey2315 · #9 07-18-2006, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EpBurns

Thanks I have been to the foxwoods and of course it makes AC look sick never been to Las Vegas more of a East Coast guy

I go to school down by the casinos and from what I hear mohegan sun is superior to foxwoods- I'll know in a few years when I turn 21!

I'm planning a trip to toga for the last weekend of the meet with a few of my friends from school. . . we're staying at the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga- I wanna say it's $288/night - which was a lot cheaper than most of the other hotels we looked at

you'll love saratoga- it's probably my favorite place on earth

TheSpyder · #10 07-18-2006, 06:20 PM

Agree, agree, agree. Greatest place on earth, jelous I'm not going, Havey Pack at Siros a must. If you do get up early, and it makes for a long day, go to the morning workouts and get there as early as possible. I think it's Saratoga at its best. Mary Ryan, who will speak from a microphone will amaze you as she knows more about horses that almost anyone. She can spot a horse coming down the stretch, tell you who it is, its trainer, its record etc. etc, etc.

Last find a good spot early. I like to sit down at a little bar that you will find if you follow the path from the paddock to the track. It's adjacent to the dinner room (over priced and confining) and it allows you access to the paddock, finish line, and at least once walk up the steps in front of it and you can stand and watch from the back of the clubhouse seats.

Heaven ahhhhhh yea

Gander · #11 07-18-2006, 06:48 PM

Hockey- Your going to love Gideon Putnam. Its an old style hotel, not very modern, but its location is great, smack in the middle of Saratoga State Park. Less than a 5 minute drive to the track. The hotel probably has a shuttle going to the track.

You not being 21 means nothing in Saratoga. You'll be able to get in most places no problem and if you need someone to buy you beer, email me!

#12 07-18-2006, 06:51 PM

Hockey,

Gideon Take your golf clubs if you are into a diversion!!!

hockey2315 · #13 07-18-2006, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miller

Take your golf clubs if you are into a diversion!!!

I was thinking about doing that

westcoastinvader · #14 07-19-2006, 02:52 AM

Hey, maybe it's just me, but I don't mix my thoroughbred appreciation with gambling in machines or at tables.

To me, a trip to Saratoga is almost like a trip to a National Monument. I would hate to cheapen it with the slot machine sounds of some of the tightest and most overrated casinos in the world.

I do know those casinos are nice, because I've been to both.

But to me, mixing them with what is Saratoga is a no-no.

If it were me, I'd focus on good food, good beverages, and solid Saratoga wagering.

If you want a side trip, check out Cooperstown, or Lake George, or Ticonderoga....

....or for that matter, check out some scenery in nearby Vermont.

anything but a tacky casino.