Pete and I are always on the lookout for walkable towns that pair charm with great food. And we love to seek out those quaint gems that don’t always pop up on the typical top 10 lists. With fall in full swing, Saratoga Springs called to us. It promised all our favorite things and more, offering seasonal flavors, historic landmarks, and time to simply enjoy the crisp autumn air.
Where Is Saratoga Springs, You Ask?
Saratoga Springs is nestled in upstate New York, about a three-hour drive north of New York City. And it’s just over a three-hour drive west of Boston. It’s a convenient escape for travelers in the Northeast. But it is even easier to fly if you’re coming from out-of-state, like us.
Look for direct flights into Albany International Airport, and from there it’s just a quick 30-minute drive to Saratoga Springs. It’s such an ideal destination for anyone wanting a blend of small-town charm and easy no-fuss accessibility.
Savoring Our First Evening in Saratoga Springs
After a day in airports, we couldn’t wait to breathe in some crisp autumn air and stretch our legs. The short drive from the airport had us checking into our charming room at The Springwater Bed and Breakfast in no time. And the best part? After we settled in, dinner in downtown Saratoga Springs was only a 10-minute walk away.
Eager to explore, we strolled down to Seneca Restaurant, where the ambiance was all about elevated coziness. With exposed brick walls, plush blue velvet booths, and an open flame Argentinian grill, the space felt like the perfect mix of rustic and refined.
We kicked things off with some deviled eggs and fall-inspired cocktails that set the tone for the evening. Next up was a delicious coal-roasted beet salad with pistachio butter, black garlic vinaigrette, creamy burrata, and crispy fried kale chips that we shared. Pete loved the grilled half chicken, served with mashed sweet potatoes, a bright pineapple salsa, and caramelized yogurt that tied everything together. And we both couldn’t resist trying the Earl Grey crème brûlée for dessert, with its smooth custard and that subtle, aromatic tea flavor. It was the perfect ending to our first night in Saratoga Springs.
Waking Up In A Cozy Bed + Breakfast
We woke up to the smell of sizzling bacon wafting through the B&B, a sure sign it was going to be a great day. When we went downstairs, we were greeted by Abby, the sweetest little corgi. And after filling our mugs with steaming coffee, we chose to have breakfast outside by the patio fireplace.
Settling in on the covered patio, we started with homemade pumpkin spice muffins topped with cinnamon crumble. And for a main course, Pete opted for a breakfast sandwich made with local eggs and cheeses, while I indulged in the French toast special, piled high with fresh berries and local maple syrup.
A Day Trip to Ballston Spa and The Whistling Kettle
Fueled up, we drove over to nearby Ballston Spa to walk around and explore the small-town charm and also check out The Whistling Kettle. Though the menu was filled with tempting options—crepes, soups, and a “scone-wich”—we decided to keep it simple with a tea flight. We sampled Earl Grey, Cherry Fig, Apple Cider Donut, and Apple Ginger teas, which felt like a tasting tour of fall flavors.
Afterward, we wandered through the local shops, finding everything from antiques to cozy boutiques, and then made our way to Saratoga Spa State Park for a look at the springs that put Saratoga on the map.
Lunch at The Mill on Round Lake: Wing Lovers’ Paradise
By lunchtime, we had worked up an appetite and were ready to try The Mill on Round Lake. Known for its Adirondack charm and award-winning wings, this spot delivered on both fronts. We went straight for the famous Bada Bing Vodka Wings, which recently snagged the 2024 Saratoga Wing Off “Wildest Wing” award. With over 20 flavors of wings to choose from, it was hard to stop at just one!
Exploring History and Nature at Saratoga National Historical Park
With the afternoon still ahead, we drove out to the Saratoga National Historical Park. This park is unique in that it is a beautiful 10-mile drive loop steeped in Revolutionary War history. You can listen to an audio guide in your car while stopping along main points and views of the Hudson River. It’s the perfect mix of scenic and educational. Why are the Battles of Saratoga important? It was the first time in world history that the British Army was taken captive, and the first time other nations began to recognize an independent United States and sign formal alliances.
Dinner with a View at Carson’s Woodside Tavern
As the day wound down, we headed to Carson’s Woodside Tavern for dinner. The restaurant overlooks Saratoga Lake, so we loved taking photos at sunset while enjoying the cozy fire pit before dinner. It was a great place to relax after a full day.
Starting the Day with Breakfast at The Merc
Knowing we’d be headed out for an outdoor adventure, we kicked off our second day with brunch at The Merc, a beloved brunch spot in downtown Saratoga Springs. The Merc’s art deco lights, wood paneling, and large windows set the perfect backdrop for a relaxing morning. Pete ordered the Carnitas Benny, which came with house-smoked pork and a spicy chipotle hollandaise that added just the right kick. I went for their legendary chicken and waffles, drizzled with bourbon maple syrup. And every bite was worth the hype!
A Railbike Adventure Through Adirondack Park
After breakfast, we drove up to Hadley, NY, for a railbike adventure with Revolution Rail Co. through the scenic Adirondack Park. These rail bikes are recumbent-style bikes that glide along the railroad tracks, giving us an easy, relaxing ride through Adirondack Park. At one point, we crossed a rail bridge over the Hudson River, which, I’ll admit, was a little scary. But we were safely buckled in, and the river views were worth it.
Discovering the History Behind the “Adirondack” Name
Along the way, we learned from our guide that “Adirondack” was a name given to the Algonquin by the Iroquois, meaning “bark eaters,” a nod to their less-than-stellar hunting skills. Fun fact: that’s why you might see places named “bark eater” in the region!
Wine Tasting at Adirondack Winery
One of the highlights of our trip was our wine tasting at Adirondack Winery, where they offered well over 20 wines to choose from. We decided on a tasting of seven, and our favorites turned out to be the Lemberger and the Lemberger Rosé. The Lemberger, also known as Blaufränkisch, was a new discovery for us—rich with dark berry flavors and a hint of pepper that made it feel perfect for a cozy fall day. It’s a varietal originally from Austria, but this wine was from a local vineyard in New York.
We paired our tasting with one of their beautifully arranged charcuterie boards, featuring local artisan treats like Nettle Meadow Chevre, sharp New York Cheddar, Saratoga Crackers, Hudson Valley marshmallows, and decadent Barkeater chocolate truffles infused with Adirondack wine. Afterward, we took our glasses outside to the fire pit, savoring their Stargazer wine—a perfect end to an afternoon immersed in local flavors and cozy vibes.
Dinner In A Historic 18th-Century Tavern
After relaxing for a bit at the bed and breakfast, we walked to downtown Saratoga Springs for dinner at the historic Olde Bryan Inn. Stepping inside felt like traveling back in time, with its original stone walls and warm, rustic beams that have been part of the inn since the 1700s. Rumor has it there’s even a ghost on the second floor, adding a little extra charm to the tavern. The menu featured classic pub fare with a local twist, highlighting nearby farms and fresh ingredients.
We went for fish and chips (because, when in a pub!), a fresh salad, and finished with a homemade apple crisp made with apples from the local Saratoga Apple Farm. The whole experience was the perfect ending to a full, satisfying day.
A Sweet Morning at Mimi’s
Our last morning began with breakfast at Sweet Mimi’s Cafe, just a short walk from our B&B on a cozy, tree-lined street dotted with brick buildings and bookstores. Jazz played softly as we stepped inside, where various-height cake stands overflowed with fresh-baked goodies. And there was an eager line of diners already stretched out the door at 8:30 AM. We snagged a perfect spot by the front window, giving us plenty of natural light and prime people-watching. When the locals line up like that, you know you’re in for something special.
A quick glance at the menu told us Sweet Mimi’s is serious about quality. Sourcing everything from fresh eggs from Thomas Poultry Farm to King Brothers Dairy buttermilk, syrup from Mapleland Farm, and even gelato from Saratoga Gelato. Naturally, we had to order the lemon ricotta pancakes (they’re Food Network famous, after all!), and they were every bit as delicious as promised. We also tried the seasonal Apple Pie Baked French Toast. And, thanks to enthusiastic locals giving us recommendations, we left with a box of sweet treats for our flight home too.
Famous Pancakes and Local Flavor
While having breakfast, we were thrilled to meet the owner, Chef Jeanette, who took a quick break from the kitchen to chat with us. She shared the story of how Bobby Flay once dropped by to the restaurant unannounced. She told him people always said she should be on his show, so he made it happen! Her lemon ricotta pancakes won on his show, but Jeanette confessed her personal favorite is actually the Bacon Pancakes with homemade salted caramel sauce, a recipe she later shared on The Talk. We couldn’t have asked for a sweeter send-off from Saratoga Springs.
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Huge thank you to Discover Saratoga for hosting us!
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