- Get up early. We mean really early. Head to the backside to watch morning training and then watch some works from the frontside after the break. Make sure you grab your coffee and copy of the Saratoga Special newspaper at the Morning Line. It’s even money you’ll see the West Point team and Partners.
- Attend a concert or show at SPAC – there’s a great lineup this year, including Rod Stewart, Dave Matthews Band, Shania Twain, Def Leppard, Jerry Seinfeld, Phish, Goo Goo Dolls, Little Big Town, Outlaw Music Festival, Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, etc.
- Watch a race with the West Point team at the “big screen” then have drinks at the famous Paddock Bar. Grab fries and a shake from Shake Shack while you’re at it.
- Tour the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
- Take the scenic drive to Manchester, Vermont, and enjoy outlet shopping, hiking, and fly fishing. Be sure to check out the Orvis Store.
- Play a round of golf at Saratoga National.
- Have a delicious Italian dinner at Pennell’s, Solevo, Nove, or Taverna Novo.
- Attend the Fasig-Tipton Select Yearling Sale held on August 4 and 5. This is a must-do if you’re in town then — it’s the social event of the summer.
- Visit Lake George. Hike Buck Mountain and enjoy a beautiful view of the lake and the Adirondacks.
- Get an after-dinner ice cream cone at Dairy Haus. It’s homemade and the best! Good chance you’ll see Jason Blewitt there!
- Attend the races on giveaway days.
- Explore downtown Saratoga with a stroll down Broadway. Pick up a hat at Hatstional. Walk through Saratoga State Park or Congress Park.
- Rent a boat and spend a Tuesday afternoon on Saratoga Lake.
- Walk along the path from the winner’s circle to the jocks room after a race to hear the most insane excuses jockeys give to trainers and trainers give to owners. Have one of the jocks sign your program. Get a pair of dirty goggles for the kiddos.
- Arrive at the track early on Thursdays and watch the steeplechase races to get your heart pumping out of your chest.
- Enjoy a casual day at the track in the backyard picnic area. Wear shorts and a T-shirt, and bring your cooler, lawn chair, and picnic basket.
- Join the track announcer in exclaiming, “And they’re off at Saratoga” on Thursday, July 10. This tradition was started by the one and only Tom Durkin.
- Watch a race from the backstretch. Seven-furlong races are really cool because you’ll see the horses break just feet from the rail.
- Book a trip to go white water rafting.
- Visit Saratoga’s famous mineral springs. Bathe in the mineral water at Roosevelt Baths. Get a massage while you’re there, too.
- I had to add one more. Visit Old Friends Cabin Creek and spend time with some really cool retired Thoroughbreds, including our beloved King Congie.
- Enjoy some drinks at Bocage Champagne Bar.
- Have drinks overlooking the lake at Lago by Duther’s.
- Order the lemon ricotta pancakes at Sweet Mimi’s. WPT Partner Lamarr Tsufura is a fixture at this famous spot.
- Visit the Saratoga Battlefield outside of town.
- Shop the Saratoga Farmer’s Market Downtown.
- Check out a new brewery just outside of town.
How Much Does It Cost to Own A Racehorse With West Point Thoroughbreds?
