Saratoga Makes CNN’s List of Best New York Hideaways That Aren’t The Hamptons

Those people from Upsate, New York will tell you that Saratoga Springs is one of the best summer spots this side of the Mason Dixon line. It seems that the town is being recognized as a weekend getaway from our fine neighbors in the City.

Saratoga Springs is a little town that most of us probably take for granted. We've grown up around it, and it's always been there. Let's not forget exactly what we have though. Saratoga is still  a great place to escape to from right here in the Albany area.

CNN put Saratoga at number three on their list of five places for New York City residents to escape. That's a pretty good ranking. Right in the middle, no matter how you look at it. So what makes Saratoga so appealing to outsiders? Let us count the ways.

• The Track: We have something that is very unique. Not many areas have a horse racing track, so consider yourself lucky that you can easily drive to one on a nice Sunday afternoon.
• Local Shopping: The streets of Saratoga Springs a loaded with all kinds of local shops filled with local owners producing their own products.
• Restaurants/Bars: If you haven't tasted the great local food that Saratoga has to offer, then you are totally missing out. They have something for everyone, not to mention some great bars to grab a beer (preferably from the Olde Saratoga brewery) and some dynamite pub grub. The night life on Caroline Street is one of a kind. No one throws a party like a Toga party.
• SPAC: Not too many places have a giant outdoor concert venue in their backyard. SPAC tends to get some of the biggest concerts of the summer. Head up for a show, and head downtown to Caroline Street and enjoy the nightlife.

With all this kind of stuff just 40 minutes from downtown Albany, you have to wonder why most of us even bother going away for these sorts of things. Let's not forget about the great city that is right at our door step.