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A new place to grab a drink and a bite to eat has opened in Saratoga Springs! Familiar Creature, a new restaurant opened by the owners of the famous Hamlet & Ghost, is described as "a wine bar for all in Saratoga Springs". The name of the new venue is taken from Shakespeare's Othello (quoted above) and the vibe is inspired by French and Quebecois wine bars. Familiar Creature is located at 42 Phila Street across from local favorite Sweet Mimi's and next to Sushi Thai Garden. The Drinks: White Negroni with Edible Flower Garnish Familiar Creature is a wine bar, so wine is the star here. They have a wide selection of specially curated wines. The wine list features wines from small wineries and passionate winemakers and the wine choices are highlighted by unique and fun categories such as "No Troubles, Just Bubbles", "Old Dogs, New Tricks", "Good Funk", and "The Road Less Traveled". There is also a category of "Chicken Wines" that completely stumped my wine knowledge. When I asked what a Chicken Wine was, I was informed that it was a selection of wines that specifically pairs well with the Roast Chicken served at Familiar Creature. Sometimes the most obvious answer is overlooked. Haha. I am also in a period of my life where I am seeking to reduce my alcohol intake (not eliminate, just reduce) and they had a nice selection of non-alcoholic wines. I tried zero proof German Reisling and a Sparkling Blanc de Blancs, both from Wolffer Estate. They were delicious! They also have a Phony Negroni and non-alcoholic beer if you are seeking non-alcoholic choices like me. Plenty of Non-alcoholic Choices at Familiar Creature If you are not a wine lover, no worries! You can still join your wine loving friends at Familiar Creature. They have a menu of inventive cocktails and signature drinks, including a house version of an Aperol Spritz (with Aperol, Passion Fruit and Cava) that is served on tap! There is also a carefully selected variety of local beers. The Food: The former head chef at Hamlet & Ghost returned (after a few years working elsewhere) to join the H&G owners in opening Familiar Creature. I didn't order food on my visit, but my friends did and gave great reviews. I have heard rave reviews of the House Focaccia from multiple people. Specialty small plate dishes include Parisian Gnocchi made with black pearl mushrooms, Skate Wing Shnitzel, Manila Clams, and Candy Roaster Squash. The sole main plate is a quarter, half or whole Roast Chicken which is 100% antibiotic free and free range. You can order a side of Schmaltzy Potatoes, Broccolini or Cauliflower au Gratin. As noted above, the wine list identifies specific wines that pair well with the Roast Chicken! If you are in the mood for lighter fare, Familiar Creature's menu allows you to build your own Board to share with friends. There is a selection of speciality cheeses, meats and other items to create your own Charcuterie Board to pair with your wine selection. Such a unique and creative idea! The Important Details: Familiar Creature is currently open from Wednesday to Sunday from 4 to close. These days and hours may expand as the weather warms and track season starts. Currently it is walk in only, no reservations are accepted. There is inside seating for around 50 guests. Once the weather warms up, they have an outdoor patio that will seat an additional 30+ guests. The Familiar Creature management has also indicated that as they get established, they hope to have additional offerings such as wine tastings, winemaker dinners and wine classes. I am definitely interested in these kind of events so will keep my eye out for any announcements. Of course, I will be sure to pass the information on to you so keep your eye on my Instagram and this blog!

Amazing Architecture in the Saratoga Spa State Park Just a short distance from the bustling downtown area of Saratoga Springs, is a magical place filled with history, nature, architecture, music and activity. Saratoga Spa State Park is a 2,379 acre state park that is recognized as a National Historical Landmark due to its historical and cultural relevance. It has long been a destination for people seeking the health benefits from Saratoga's healing mineral waters. The Park contains 10 mineral springs, an historic hotel, bath houses and spas, miles of hiking and biking trails, two golf courses, a performance venue, two swimming pools and much, much more. I must admit that the Park holds a special place in my heart. I have made so many memories over the years from times spent in the Park. I cross country skied here when we first moved to upstate New York in 2004, I have attended several concerts and ballet performances at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, I have celebrated high moments and consoled low moments over the years that my younger daughter ran cross country races through the trails in the Park, prom pictures have been taken around the scenic area, and I have attended events at the historic Gideon Putnam Hotel. My oldest daughter worked as a caterer at weddings and events held at the historic Hall of Springs. If you live in the Saratoga area, you can't help but become interconnected with the beautiful Park and all it offers. And those experiences are only the tip of the iceberg! If you are visiting Saratoga Springs, you need to make time to do something in the Park. This blog will give you a ton of options depending on the time of year you are visiting and what your personal interests are! Things to Do In Saratoga Spa State Park: Spa City Farmer's Market. A Farmer's Market takes place at the Park every Sunday from10-2. If the weather is good, it is held outside at the entrance to the Park off of Broadway and Avenue of the Pines. When weather is bad, it is held inside the Lincoln Bath house. If you go to the Farmer's Market, make sure to stop and snap some photos at the entrance to the Park because it is always beautifully decorated with seasonal flowers and plants. The fall decor is renowned and is a perfect place to grab that holiday card family photo! Check out this year's display below. Check Out the Classic Architecture of the Historic Bath Houses. At the center of the park there is a large open area with historic bath houses around the perimeter. It is a great place to spread a blanket for a picnic or a nap and check out the beautiful buildings and plaza. Historic Bath Houses Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Take in a live performance at SPAC. Summer includes a full line up of rock and country concerts, comedy shows, Saratoga Jazz Festival and performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York City Ballet. Beautiful Sunset and Great Music at SPAC Spa Little Theater. An intimate 500-seat theater showcasing Opera Saratoga, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center as well as other vocal ensembles, small theater performances and holiday events. Saratoga Automobile Museum. My dad is a car enthusiast and he loves to visit this Museum whenever he is in town. They have several ongoing exhibits including one about the history of auto racing in New York, as well as rotating special exhibits. The Museum building originally housed the facility that bottled the waters of Saratoga Spa State Park. This facility was owned and operated by the State of New York when the healing properties of the mineral water of Saratoga Springs was all the rage. There is an exhibit in the Museum outlining the bottling history of the building. Find out more about the Museum's exhibit schedules and hours here . Roosevelt Baths and Spas. The Roosevelt Baths and Spas was originally established in 1935 following President Franklin Roosevelt's visionary act to preserve the Saratoga Springs. The mineral water that was abundant in the Saratoga Springs area was believed to have medicinal qualities and people flocked to the area to drink and bathe in the water. Today, you can still receive the benefits of the healing water at the Roosevelt Baths and Spas. They provide hydrotherapy spa treatments including mineral baths, massages, body treatments and facials. Every treatment begins with a soak in Saratoga's naturally effervescent waters. Check out the services offered at the Roosevelt Baths and Spas here . Have a Relaxing Day at Roosevelt Baths and Spa Gideon Putnam Hotel. The Gideon Putnam Hotel is a boutique hotel with historic charm and ambiance that is located in the heart of the Saratoga Spa State Park. The hotel opened in 1935, along with the Roosevelt Baths and Spas, for health and wellness seekers to "take the waters" of Saratoga Springs. It was built by prominent New Yorker Gideon Putnam, hence the name. The Hotel continues operation to this day and is a perfect place to stay if you are in town to take in a show at SPAC (as it is walking distance to the venue). Note that the website states that the Hotel will suspend all food, beverage and lodging operations for the winter season beginning November 14, 2022 and will reopen May 1, 2023. The Roosevelt Baths and Spas will continue to operate 7 days a week through the winter. Check out availability and rates for the Gideon Putnam Hotel hre . Golfing . There are two golf courses located in the Park. There is a championship 18-hole course as well as a challenging 9-hole course. The courses are framed by towering pines creating a picturesque scene. There is also a pro shop and a restaurant for that 19th hole drink! Check out available tee times and fees here . Swimming Pools. There are two swimming pools located within the Saratoga Spa State Park. Peerless Pool is a more family oriented pool with a main pool area with a zero depth entrance, a kiddie pool and a water slide pool. There are showers, locker rooms and concessions available at the Peerless Pools. There is no admission fee for the Peerless Pools but there is the entrance fee to the Park which is $10 per vehicle. Find more information about Peerless Pool here . For a more historic Saratoga Springs experience, you will want to visit the Victoria Pool. Read my blog about this beautiful spot here . The Victoria Pool was built in the 1930's along with the Hotel and Roosevelt Baths and Spas and was used for the health treatments that visitors came seeking in Saratoga. The Victoria Pool is a more low-key pool with less child friendly facilities (although children are welcome). There is an additional fee for entrance to the Victoria Pool of $8 for adults and $4 for children 5-11 (no charge for children under 5). The Stunning Victoria Pool Hiking and Running Trails. There are over twelve miles of hiking and biking trails around the Park, including a certified running course used by high school and collegiate cross country runners (the one I spent several afternoons cheering on my daughter and her friends). The trails are beautiful and have varying levels of difficulty. Here is the link to All Trails with maps to the best hiking trails in the Park. Creekside Classroom. Creekside Classroom is a four-season environmental education center with programs offered year round. They offer guided hikes, tours and snowshoe walks. You can also pick up a brochure that will take you on a self-guided walk passing by all 12 mineral springs located in the Park. Each spring has water with different mineral compositions and different tastes. The Creekside Classroom can provide cups to taste the different healing waters in case you forgot yours! Have a Picnic. There are so many different places to have a picnic in Saratoga Spa State Park! Just pack your picnic basket and head out. Plop yourself down when you find a spot in the Park that you like. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the Park. Some are deeper in the forest, some are located next to a babbling creek, some are located right next to large playgrounds if you need something to occupy the kids. You have several options! If you have a bigger party, you can rent large covered pavilions with grilling stations. There are 10 pavilions of varying size that accommodate 50-250 people. The price ranges from $125-$300 depending on the location and the size. One of the pavilions has a volleyball net right next to it! Find our more information about the pavilions here . Other Activities. In addition to the above, there are other outdoor activities you can enjoy at the Park including Disc Golf, tennis courts, fishing, ice skating and biking. Also, the Hall of Springs is an historic building in the Saratoga Spa State Park that is one of Saratoga Spring's premier wedding and banquet facilities. If you are looking for an amazing spot with a beautiful backdrop for incredible photos, you need to check it out! Information on weddings and banquets at the Hall of Springs can be found here . So as you can see, there is no end the things you can do at the Saratoga Spa State Park. Regardless of the season in which you find yourself in Saratoga, make time to check out the natural beauty and the historical architecture that make this Park the Spa City's Crown Jewel!