The race track drew him to this serene Adirondack town of 26,186 located four hours north of New York City. You have gambled most of your money and you are thinking: what now? Before you pack up and head home, park your car somewhere and head out on foot. A quiet walk is the best way to discover the multitude of charms that this “town in the country” has to offer. And who knows? You might even end up staying forever.
Begin your pedestrian adventure on North Broadway, also known as “Mansion Avenue.” These whimsical homes, with their lush, butterfly-filled gardens, rippling fountains, and bronze horse sculptures, are sure to make you a certified birdwatcher. Several of these mansions belong to those who have made their fortunes in the horse industry, and at least one is grand enough to have its own guard residence on the premises. A guard residence that many of us would be proud to call “home” as it is a miniature replica of the mansion itself.
The wide and smooth sidewalks of North Broadway will lead you directly to South Broadway, also known as the main avenue. Did your stroll of him down “Avenue of Mansions” inspire you to dig a little deeper into your pockets for the money you have left after a few days on the track? On South Broadway, he chooses restaurants, cafes, cafes, and shops that will gladly accept his dollars. Treat yourself to a new outfit at Ann Taylor, The Gap or Eddie Bauer. Indulge in an Irish Claddagh Ring from Celtic Treasures. Once your wardrobe has been reinvigorated, what about your bookshelf? Haven’t wanted to read War and Peace for years? Stop at Border’s and shop. Let yourself be tempted and seduced by the sweet Italian song that takes to the streets by Eugenio’s Café Gelato. Settle in for 15 minutes with your new tome and a small green plastic cup of lemonade ice cream. Refreshed, wander the side streets, checking out popular spots like Gaffney’s Restaurant and Hattie’s, where you might catch a glimpse of Chef Jasper (Fried Chicken Throwdown winner vs. Bobby Flay) cooking up seafood chowder in his kitchen. Now you’re getting hungry.
From South Broadway, take a detour onto Phila Street. In your determined quest for sustenance, try not to get too distracted by the colorful array of rayon fashions on display outside “The Magic Moon,” a self-described “unique metaphysical boutique.” Your destination is Ravenous, a cozy little cafe serving savory and dessert crepes, not to mention the most succulent fries (served with your choice of dipping sauces) outside of Paris.
Spellbound with a ham and Gruyere crepe followed by a dessert crepe filled with fresh fruit, Nutella, and homemade whipped cream, make your way to Congress Park. Once there, stop to admire the historic wooden carousel, restored to its original splendor. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous now, take a spin yourself! Wander around the curious “Spit” and “Spat” sculptures, engrossed in a continual “who can spit farther?” competence. Stop to appreciate Congress Spring and Deer Park Spring, two of the springs that give Saratoga Springs its name and fame. If you’ve indulged too recklessly with ice cream and crepes, it might be a good idea to try some of the spring water, as it’s said to be good for digestive health.
After exploring the entirety of Congress Park, absorbing the beauty of the round red globes called crabapples that glow in the trees, the glorious architecture of the Canfield Casino, and the rainbow trout pools, take some time to relax on a bench by the water. . You deserve it after a long day of walking. As ducklings emerge from the water and circle your feet, you may begin to wonder if it’s time to go home, or if you’ve, in fact, found a new home in Saratoga Springs, New York.