Search Results

A newer bar in Saratoga Springs, Lucy's Bar is gaining attention as one of the best places to go to for a festive time and amazing cocktails (not to mention Insta-worthy decor)! Their tag line is "Come As You Are" creating a welcoming atmosphere as you wander in off of the craziness of Caroline Street. The motto on their website is "Good Vibes, Better Drinks and a Little Thing We Like to Call A Lucy" which tells you everything you need to know about this unique place! On your next visit to Saratoga Springs be sure to pop into to Lucy's to experience it for yourself! Good Vibes Lucy's Bar is cozy and quaint and is the perfect place for a celebration, girl's night out or date night. I previously posted about the amazing Christmas decor they had making it one of the most festive bars in Saratoga. I was at Lucy's recently and they said they were finally taking down the Christmas decor and getting ready to decorate for Valentine's Day. I can't wait to go in and experience that! I heard a rumor that they also intend to decorate for Saint Patrick's Day and Halloween along with other festive events throughout the year. Make sure to keep Lucy's in mind during any of these holidays to go in and check out the decor. If it's anything like the Christmas vibe it will be something to behold! Great Drinks One of the cool things about Lucy's Bar is their signature cocktails created exclusively for Lucy's by their talented bartenders. The cocktail menu changes frequently with new concoctions designed specifically for each season. The most recent menu had delicious holiday/winter themed drinks with fun names like Sweater Weather, Holiday Who-Be What-EE, Mazel Tov (so those celebrating Hannukah don't feel left out), Santa Drinks Fernet, and Miracle on Caroline. I tried Sweater Weather and the Holiday Who-Be What-EE and both were amazing! Sweater Weather Cocktail at Lucy's Holiday Who-Be What-EE Cocktail at Lucy's Beautiful array of cocktails at Lucy's They also offer wine and drinks on tap as well as Spirit-Free drinks for designated drivers or those who don't wish to indulge. So no worries! Everyone in your party can enjoy Lucy's even if they aren't in the mood to drink alcohol. The Lucy As their motto states, Lucy's has a signature special called "The Lucy" which is One Shot and One Beer. As you can see from the menu above, you have a choice of the shot you want and the beer you want to chase it. They also offer merchandise that reflects the Lucy. One of the ladies I was with purchased a Lucy's beanie with an adorable patch of a beer and a shot on the front. It was so cute! Happy Hour, Veteran's Night and Special Events Lucy's has a Happy Hour Sunday-Thursday from 5-7. During Happy Hour drinks are Buy One, Get One for House Cocktails, Draft Beers and Seltzers and House Wine. Additionally, Lucy's has partnered with Operation At Ease and every Tuesday contributes 100% of the profits to support local veterans. Operation At Ease adopts shelter dogs, trains them as service dogs and provides them to veteran's in need. What a great cause! Lucy's also hosts special events. Their next is a Galentine's Day event on February 13 from 6-7:30 where you can make a heart-shaped charcuterie board while you drink two included cocktails. Cost is $80.00 for the evening. Unfortunately it appears this event has sold out, but keep your eye out for future events like this! Lucy's is fast becoming my favorite place to meet up with friends and grab a drink. I love the cozy vibe, the fun drinks and the inviting atmosphere. I think you will love it too so check it out the next time you are in Saratoga!

Saratoga Springs is a foodie haven! There is no shortage of high end restaurants with acclaimed chefs to satisfy those with adventurous palates. But sometimes you just want to have a low-key, casual meal (or you have a picky eater in your group that doesn't want to venture into eclectic cuisine...ahem, that would be me). Luckily Saratoga has plenty of restaurants that are perfect for this kind of meal as well. Here are my three favorite Saratoga eateries perfect for a relaxed night with friends or for picky eaters like me! Cantina If you have been following along with my recent rebrand and relaunch of my website, this choice will come as no surprise to you. I gave away a gift card to this restaurant and went Live from this site to announce the winner. I always recommend Cantina to people looking for a place to eat when visiting Saratoga. Cantina serves fresh, contemporary Mexican and Southwest cuisine and "exceptional margaritas" (which I can personally confirm!). I grew up in Colorado and have had a hard time finding equivalent Mexican food on the East Coast. I finally stumbled on a couple of decent places, but for overall dining experience Cantina takes the prize. Cantina has a large space with lots of tables so even if they are busy, the wait is usually not too long. They also have a great outdoor seating area. If you get lucky enough to snag one of these tables in the peak summer season, you will get an unexpected entertainment bonus with people-watching as horse racing fans walk up and down the main drag. Even if you are seated inside, there is a great energy about the place that makes it a great choice for dinner with friends. If you have to wait for your table, make sure to head up to the rooftop bar to order a drink while you wait. I highly recommend the Coconut Margarita with a sugar rim! But note, they don't serve any food on the rooftop; you can only get drinks. The rooftop is a great spot to chill so rest assured you will not be impatiently waiting for your table! With regard to the food, I can only personally speak to the Chicken Chimichangas because I order the same thing every time I go here. It's that good! (But I switch out the black beans for a second serving of rice so if you order this meal it will have a serving of black beans with it!) All of the people I have taken to Cantina have praised the meal they had, so I think you are good no matter what you order from their menu. Cantina has a LARGE selection of flavored Margaritas including Mango, Peach, Guava, Prickly Pear, Blackberry, Pomegranate, Passion Fruit, Raspberry, Pineapple, Strawberry, Strawberry Rhubarb, Blood Orange, Coconut, Jalapeño, and Watermelon. Again, I usually push the Coconut Margarita and have never had a disappointed customer. If Margaritas are not your thing, Cantina also has a variety of speciality house cocktails, bottled and draft beers and a several styles of Tequila and Mezcal. If you are in the mood for Mexican food, put Cantina at the top of your list! Check out their menu here . Druthers Brewing Company If I'm not feeling Mexican food, Druthers is my next go- to. Again, they have a great outdoor area as well as an indoor dining and bar area. Their menu is varied and they brew their own craft beers. Druthers is well-known for their Mac and Cheese dishes. There is the original Mac and Cheese as well as gourmet flavors like BBQ, Street Corn, Buffalo Mac and Loaded Mac. The perfect comfort dish on those chilly upstate winter nights! They also have delicious wood-fired pizzas, burgers, seasonal salads and a number of unique appetizers for sharing. The food is so filling that I never have room for dessert, but I intend to head there some time for dessert only so I can try their Reeses Peanut Butter Pie or the Reeses Peanut Butter milkshake. Yum! My favorite thing to order when I go to Druthers is a half Strawberry Field salad and a Loaded Grilled Cheese sandwich. The Loaded Grilled Cheese has pulled chicken, bacon bits, muenster cheese, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce and randh dressing grilled on sourdough bread. Certainly not diet-friendly but worth the calorie splurge! The combination of flavors is amazing! As I mentioned, there is a large outdoor patio area that has heaters making the space a year round extension of the restaurant. It is decorated with an abundance of greenery and hand-painted murals creating a vibey space for a fun lunch or dinner. It is a great space for a larger dinner party, but reservations would be necessary. Check out all of the menu and craft beer selections here . Henry Street Tap Room Henry Street Tap Room is located a couple of blocks off the hustle and bustle of Broadway. Because it is off the main drag, it feels more calm and relaxed which is a nice respite from the busy summer in Saratoga. Henry Street Taproom makes all of its menu items from scratch. Check out their menu here . They also have a wide selection of beers and ciders on tap with an everchanging 16 tap selection! You can order a flight of beer if you can't decide. Henry Street Tap Room has a beautiful inside dining room. They also have a nice outdoor setup for those warmer summer months. There is a picture of their quaint dining area at the start of this blog post! I will certainly highlight many more of the amazing restaurants here in the Saratoga area, but if you start with these you will not be disappointed. Let me know your favorite spot in Saratoga and tell me your favorite meal so I can highlight it on a future blog!

Silverado Jewelry Gallery, Saratoga Springs, New York, Shopping I may be a little biased, but Silverado Jewelry Gallery is one of my favorite stores in Saratoga Springs! I have worked part-time at Silverado for a year now so I have an up close and personal view of the store. I love everything about Silverado...the jewelry collections, the store's vibe and most of all the incredibly friendly sales team that mother-daughter owners Robyn Hanst and Whitney DeChene have put together to help people shop for that special jewelry piece. Silverado has a prime location right in the center of Broadway so you can't miss it as you are strolling up and down the main drag. From the moment you enter the store you sense that you are going to have a different shopping experience. The natural wood display cases, the succulent wall displays and the warm wall colors immediately calm and relax you as you browse around. It is definitely a different feel from the traditional jewelry stores most of us are used to. Another difference you will notice right away is that customers are encouraged to try on and play with the jewelry. Even if you are not seriously shopping for a piece of jewelry, the sales team is more than happy to pull out any items that catch your eye. All customers are encouraged to try on and mix and match different pieces. One thing I have realized after working at Silverado is that a piece of jewelry comes to life when it is being worn by the right person. It is fun to watch people try on different things and see when that magic happens. You will know it when it does. The customer experience that Silverado has created makes each guest feel special and attended to. Robyn and Whitney do a great job to curate a selection of jewelry in the store that will please a wide variety of tastes at a wide variety of price points. So if you are visiting Saratoga on a girl's trip, you can visit Silverado and there is something for everyone. They have carefully selected a number of jewelry designers to highlight in their store and each one has their own unique style. Here are some highlights from just a few of my favorite designers. Rene Escobar: I LOVE the bracelets Silverado carries from Rene Escobar. They are made from Sterling Silver and 18K Yellow Gold and Rose Gold. Warning: You will have a hard time stopping at just one! They look beautiful in a stack and they are addicting. Another bonus, they are very durable. You can sleep, sweat, swim, and shower in them without worrying about damaging them. I have learned that I am pretty hard on my jewelry just living my life, but these bracelets "take a licking and keep on ticking"! Jamie Joseph: This designer has one of the most beautiful and colorful cases in the store. Jamie and her husband buy gemstones from all over the world. Her husband cuts the stone in a way to highlight its natural beauty and then Jamie creates one of a kind pieces by setting the stone and designing beautiful rings, earrings, necklaces and bangle bracelets. Silverado has the largest selection of Jamie Joseph jewelry on the East Coast! Maggie Harding Designs: Maggie actually works at Silverado when she is not busy designing and creating unique jewelry pieces. Maggie loves spending time in nature and this is reflected in her creations. The thing I love about Maggie's necklaces is the intricate metal work on the back of the stone setting. She creates a nature scene on reverse side of the stone setting that corresponds to the specific stone used in the piece. I love this very unique aspect to her designs. I also have one of her popular twig bracelets that adds a rustic element to my bracelet stack. So cool that you can actually meet the artist who designed your piece while shopping at Silverado! These are just a few of the unique designers featured at Silverado Jewelry Gallery. They have just launched a beautiful new website where you can check out more of the various designers and easily make a purchase right on line! The link to the website is here . Not all items are available on the site, so if you are in Saratoga Springs make sure to stop in the store to see all the beautiful pieces in person. Also, trying on the jewelry is so fun you won't want to miss out on that experience! Silverado Jewelry Gallery is the perfect spot to buy a unique Saratoga memento for yourself to remember your visit. It is also a great spot to purchase that special gift for someone else. The staff, including myself, absolutely loves to help customers shop around the store and pick out that perfect piece. Make sure to stop by Silverado on your next visit to Saratoga and play with the jewelry!

A short drive south of Saratoga Springs is the charming, historic village of Ballston Spa. Ballston Spa has a walkable downtown area filled with restaurants, coffee shops, antique stores and boutiques. I had heard great things about one store in particular and went to check it out. The store is called Nourish and it sells all types of quality apparel and gift items. Every purchase at Nourish provides funding for meals for kids in need. Their tag line is "Gifts That Give Back". Almost all of the merchandise in the store features hand-drawn mandala designs created by owner Betsy Seplowitz. Each design is an original, hand-drawn design. As explained in an informational brochure, Betsy does not use stencils or sketch out her designs in advance, but lets the patterns develop as she draws. She does not erase or correct, just transforms the lines into patterns and patterns into the mandalas. The designs are unique and beautiful and there are many different designs to choose from. They sell a selection of t-shirts and sweatshirts in adult and children's sizes. You can also find baby clothes with the mandala designs. There is a variety of other gift items including tote bags, water bottles and coffee cups, color in mandalas and other art supplies, and many other gift items all with the Nourish touch. The great thing about buying anything at Nourish is that you can "Nourish Yourself While Nourishing Others". Betsy told me that Nourish works with Regional Food Banks that coordinate programs to provide nourishing meals at home for children ages 5-18 who live in food-insecure households. A "food insecure household" means a home where the kids do not consistently have access to enough nutritionally adequate food. By purchasing product from Nourish, you are supporting the Regional Food Banks efforts to serve even more kids. It lifts your soul to know you are providing help to kids in need. The tag on each items tells you how many meals are being provided with your purchase. For instance, the purchase of this water bottle provided 14 meals for kids in need. There is a sign in the store that keeps a running total of meals provided by the store. The day I was there the tally was 126,600! With Christmas fast approaching, go check out Nourish and help others while finding amazing gifts for all those on your list! You can visit their store or shop on-line at NourishDesigns.com .

About 12 miles away from the bustling Saratoga Springs area, nestled in amongst trees reaching for the sky, is a wonderful little place called Brookledge. I discovered Brookledge after connecting with one of its owners, Helen Christopher, on social media. I started following her on Instagram and was intrigued by the development of this new business she and her husband Ryan were starting. What Is Brookledge? Then... Brookledge is approximately 60 acres of undeveloped property in the small town of Providence, just outside of Saratoga Springs. The property has a storied and interesting history. In the 1800's, German families from NYC headed north to cabins built on the property for a much needed getaway from the crowded City. None of those cabins remain, but there is an old stone fireplace with what is believed to be a monogram of a German family on the mantel that still stands representing this chapter of the property's history. Sometime thereafter, the property was sold and was used as one of the original Camp Fire Girls' camps and then subsequently used by Schenectady Girl's Club (now Girl's Inc) as a girl's summer camp. Many of the original buildings from the property's summer camp days remain standing including original sleeping cabins, bath houses, dressing cabins, the nurse's office, the camp counselor office and the outdoor pavilion. You can still see carvings and artwork done by the girls around the property. Many of the hiking trails on the property were original trails used by the girl's during the camping days. Now... The Christophers' first saw the Brookledge property a decade ago when attending a wedding on the grounds of the now abandoned camp. Something about the property spoke to them and they agreed if it ever went on the market they would buy it. It ultimately was sold to a real estate developer who planned to tear down all the buildings and create an RV park. That deal fell through and the Christophers had their opportunity to buy their dream property. Helen quit her job as a second grade teacher to focus full-time on renovating the property and restoring it to its past glory as a magical nature getaway. They have maintained the original Brookledge name and intend to preserve as much history as they can by utilizing the existing structures and incorporating original items found in the buildings or around the property wherever they can. They also have made it a priority during the renovation to source local materials and labor where possible. They continue that mission in the operation of the camp by sourcing supplies and food from local vendor if they can. You can feel the energy of the property coming back to life when you visit. The vision for Brookledge is to provide a nature retreat that can be used as a wedding venue, event space (corporate events, birthday parties, family reunions or other celebrations), or getaways. They have made great progress and have already completed renovation on a couple of the cabins that were available for booking last summer. But the Christophers have big plans for the property and are working through the winter to make Brookledge even more special in time for next summer and the Saratoga racing season! What Kind of Experience Will You Get at Brookledge? Whether you are looking for a rustic but classy space for a special event or a cozy and comfortable retreat from suburbia or city life, Brookledge has what you are looking for! The natural beauty of the surroundings makes any experience magical. We are not a 5 star luxury hotel, we are a 5 tree happy to be in nature getaway! Spaces for Weddings and Events: The Chapel: Brookledge has already hosted a few weddings at its site and the pictures show what an amazing setting it is for such a special day. There are wedding packages available , but they will also work with brides to help them create the day they have been dreaming of. Generally weddings are held in the open space in front of the stone fireplace (pictured above) in an area they call The Chapel. The plan is to even out the terrain, install permanent benches for guests and build a wooden walkway to the site (so the bride's dresses don't get dirty on the walk down the aisle). They also are able to provide transport to the wedding site to those guests who may have mobility issues. Fireside Pavilion and Raymond's Roost: The Fireside Pavilion and the nearby Raymond's Roost bar pavilion accommodate a large number of people for a wedding reception, family reunion, corporate event or other large gathering. As its name implies, the Fireside Pavilion has a stone fireplace that was original to the structure from the girl's camp days. The smaller Raymond's Roost Pavilion is a few steps away and has bar seating. The Fireside Pavilion can also be used to host children's birthday party events. Brookledge has a daytime birthday party package that includes a guided nature hike, swimming, arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt and campfire s'mores for up to 20 guests! There is also a sleepover package if you want to continue the celebration fun through the night. The sleepover package includes all the activities in the daytime party package plus an outdoor movie in the Pavilion for 6 to 10 guests. You can add on party enhancements such as picnic basket meals, a taco bar, make your own trail mix activity and birthday cakes. Prices for various party packages can be found here . Ice Bucket Pond: On the property, right next to the Pavilions (and in front of the Crook Brook Cabin) is a small pond called the Ice Bucket. The Ice Bucket is a spring fed and is 10 feet deep. The name should give you a hint about the water temp! The Pond can be used during birthday parties and special events or if you are a guest staying on the property. There are canoes and a floating dock which can be used to relax while floating around the pond (although I think kids use it as a moving diving platform!). They are trying to restore the ecosystem in the Ice Bucket Pond so they installed a fountain to discourage algae growth and plan to restock the pond with native fish. Overnight Stays: If you want to extend your stay in nature, Brookledge has several options to accommodate many comfort levels. A recent guest told Helen that Brookledge was the perfect solution for a weekend getaway for her and her husband and he wanted to be out in nature, but she is more of a luxury hotel kind of girl. She found Brookledge to be the perfect compromise because he could be out exploring and communing with nature while she relaxed in the beautifully decorated cabin with her book and a glass of wine! The accommodations may or may not have running water, heat and do not have bathrooms or showers, so you definitely still feel like your are "roughing it" even while enjoying comfortable beds and lodging. If you are interested in reserving any of the available accommodations you can do so on Airbnb or VRBO. Crook Brook Cabin: Crook Brook Cabin is a rustic cabin located right next to the Pavilions and sits up from the Ice Bucket Pond. It comfortably accommodates 4 people with the custom made queen bunk bed. The cabin includes linens, dishes, a sink with hot water, a ceiling fan, a grill, a microwave and a mini fridge. There is a TV that is equipped with a working VCR so you can really experience a time warp and watch some VHS movies. There are no bathrooms or showers in the cabin, but outhouses and bath houses with restored showers from the original camp are a close walking distance. The Crook Brook Cabin has a distinct 70's vibe which was intentionally done to reflect the property's girl's camp history in the 1970s. The VCR/VHS tapes, brown and gold patterned stoneware dishes, art work made by the girls when the camp was operational which was recovered from the cabins, and the childhood favorite boardgames that can be played out on the patio in the evening all contribute to a magical childhood throwback feeling that mixes perfectly with the outdoor environment. The Cottage: While I loved the Crook Brook Cabin, I have to admit the Cottage blew me away. The Cottage is a little more remote making it perfect for a romantic getaway or a solo retreat. It sits high above the babbling Crook Brook Creek on top of large boulders giving it fantastic views from the balcony. The inside has been impeccably renovated and tastefully decorated by Helen. The remote controlled candle lighting provides a relaxing vibe. There is an outhouse right outside the door, but the bath house for showers is a bit of a walk. The stroll down to the bath house is beautiful, so I don't think any one really minds. There is no electricity, but there is a large battery charger that accommodates cell phone chargers and plugs so you won't be stranded. There is a portable heater to keep you warm as the temperatures drop at night. Outside on the balcony there are rocking chairs looking out over the Creek and the forest. Down the steps there is a campfire spot with several chairs. A few steps away, a hammock hangs from two trees right next to the Creek creating a perfect nap spot. I'm not a girl who generally likes to rough it, but I would definitely be excited to stay in this cozy Cottage! Glamping Tents: They weren't ready last summer, but next summer Brookledge will offer a new experience! They have built two platforms for large tents that will provide guests a glamping opportunity. The tents will be available to reserve from April to November. The tents will be located steps from the Ice Bucket Pond in an open area where the girls used to have their camp singalongs. The two tents will be named "Woodstock" and "Snoopy" paying homage to the names of the camp buses used to transport the girls to camp from Schenectady back in the day! Love that! The tents will be placed on wooden platforms lifting them off the ground and I am sure Helen will have them outfitted in perfect "glamping" style when they open next spring. Tree House Lodge: The Tree House Lodge is currently being renovated so I don't have any current pictures, but by next summer it will be available for short term rental or for events. There will be a large living space with a room that will sleep two. There will be stairs up to a loft area (hence the "Tree House" name) that will be geared towards children with books and toys. Once it if finished and available for reserving, the website will contain more information about the specific accommodations. Don't Miss This Hidden Gem! Check out the Brookledge website here for more details about this special place. If you have a special event coming up, I would highly recommend considering this venue. The natural beauty is breathtaking and the care and attention the Christophers are giving to retain the spirit and history of the place makes it even more special. Brookledge is already amazing and they are just getting started. I can't wait to see what else they do with this property and watch their dream come to life! I plan to return in the Spring to see the progress and to update you all on what you can expect if you visit Brookledge next spring/summer

Are you thinking of planning a girl's getaway but aren't sure where you should go? I highly recommend an AMA Waterways Riverboat Cruise! I just got back from one with my friends and it was the "best trip ever" in the words of my friend Christina. We took the Enchanting Rhine wine cruise that started in Basel, Switzerland and ended in Amsterdam. For a whole week we were treated like queens, drinking fine wine and delicious cocktails and eating delicious chef-prepared meals. We felt very spoiled but kept reminding ourselves that we deserved the pampering after caring for so many others for most of our lives. There were other girl's groups on the cruise including a mother-daughter group, sister groups and other friend groups like us. We all got to know each other and had a fabulous time! The Destinations AMA Waterways has a number of cruises all over the world. Check out all of AMA Waterways cruise options here . We had a hard time choosing which cruise to take because they all sounded amazing! Honestly, it came down to which trip worked best with our schedule. As I noted above, we chose to go on the Enchanting Rhine cruise that started in Basel and ended in Amsterdam with several stops along the way. Our cruise stopped at ports in these locations: Breisach, Germany Strasbourg, France Ludwigshafen, Germany Rüdesheim, Germany Lahnstein, Germany Cologne, Germany At each stop we had the opportunity to get off the ship and take part in excursions in the surrounding area. These excursions are included in the price of your cruise and are not additional cost to you. At each stop there are several different types of excursions to choose from. We could determine how we wanted to experience each stop along the way. The Excursions In addition to having several different types of excursions to choose from, there are also different activity levels offered for each excursion. If you want a leisurely slow pace on the walking tour, you can choose the "Gentle Walker" group. If you want to get your heart rate up, go farther and keep a quicker pace, you can choose the "Active" group. Most people on our cruise were looking for something in the middle so they chose the "Moderate" or "Intermediate" group. We mostly signed up for the "Active" group excursions and it was perfect. For an example of the various excursion options offered at each stop on our cruise, check out the AMA itinerary here . Below is a quick summary of each excursion we chose. I will do more detailed blogs on each stop of the cruise soon so if you are planning your own Europe trip you can decide if you want to include any of these locations in your plans. But for now, here is an overview: Riquewihr, France: At the first stop in Breisach, Germany, we took a bus to take a guided walking tour of the town of Riquewihr, France. This actually turned out to be one of my favorite stops on the cruise. The quaint town of Riquewihr is located on the Alsace Wine Route in eastern France. Entering the center of the town is like taking a step back in time. Riquewihr looks essentially like it did during the 16th century. It is one of the few European towns that did not sustain any damage during WWII. Cobblestone streets lined with half-timber houses make you feel you have entered another century. Grape growing and wine making are the main industries in this area and we got the chance to taste some locally made wines. So good! Strasbourg, France: Strasbourg, France is the capital of the Grand Est region and sits on the border with Germany. Strasbourg is the seat of the European Parliament and houses the European Court of Human Rights. It is also an ENESCO World Heritage site with many interesting things to see, including the La Petite France district which is a medieval section of the city with cobblestone streets lined with traditional half-timber houses. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg is an impressive gothic cathedral with amazing stained glass windows and an astronomical clock that puts on a show every hour. Ludwigshafen/Heidelberg: On Day 4 we docked at Ludwigshafen, Germany and took a bus into Heidelberg to visit Schloss Heidelberg (otherwise known as Heidelberg Castle). The Heidelberg Castle is visited by over 1,000,000 people a year. The first mention of the Castle was in relics from 1225! The Castle was attacked and partially destroyed by the French in the late 17th century. The devastation was completed by lightening strikes in 1764. The Heidelberg Castle has sat in ruins since that time. Some relics from the Castle have been preserved including the larger than life wine barrel that holds 58,000 gallons of wine! Walking through the ruins it is possible to imagine the beauty and elegance of this Castle back in the day. It is nestled in the hills high above the Old Town of Heidelberg and the River Neckar. After touring the Castle ruins, we walked around Old Town Heidelberg and stopped in a local brewpub that brews a beer called Vetter 33 with 33% alcohol! I took a taste, but not really my cup of tea...thank goodness. Rüdesheim, Germany: Day 4 was one of those lucky days when we got two excursions in a day. At night, after sailing from Ludwigshafen to Rüdesheim, we went with everyone on the cruise to a local bar to try a Rüdesheim Coffee. Rüdesheim Coffee is a local specialty combining coffee with the local brandy (Asbach Uralt) and sugar cubes and then flambéing the mixture until it is all dissolved. I am not a big coffee drinker, but I enjoyed this specialty from the region. Unfortunately, we didn't have a lot of time to wander around other parts of Rüdesheim, but it looked like a beautiful little town. It is also known for its grape-growing and wine production, so another great place to stop if you are planning your own little wine tour of the Alsace region! We stayed in Rüdesheim overnight so excursions on Day 5 were in the same location. We chose that day to do a bike ride along the Rhine River and up to a local vineyard. The bike ride was 14 miles and had some fairly steep inclines. I love riding my bike, but am not currently in biking shape so it was a bit challenging! Especially when it started raining/sleeting during the last three miles. I was never so happy to see that Riverboat. Despite the challenge, it was a great experience to ride along the river and amongst the vineyards in the area. Rhine Gorge River Cruising In the afternoon after leaving the Rüdesheim port, we cruised through the Rhine River Gorge which was added as a ENESCO World Heritage site because of its beauty as a cultural landscape (29 castles, multiple vineyards, beautiful riverside towns) and due to its importance in historical European transport. Although the timing of our cruise meant that the weather was a little chilly to sit on the deck of the ship and watch the castles go by, it was still a relaxing afternoon to sit at the front of the boat and take in the views. AMA Waterways gives you a handout that identifies each of the castles you sail by and gives a bit of history as you sail along. Cologne, Germany: Day 6 was a stop in Cologne, Germany where we took a walking tour of the city and went to a tasting of the Kölsch style of beer that originated in Cologne. Kölsch beer is a hybrid between an ale and a lager with a light, crisp taste. A beer may only be called a Kölsch if it is brewed within 50 km zone around Cologne. Currently there are only 13 breweries authorized to brew Kölsch beer. We visited one of those authorized brewers, the Früh brewpub, to experience the Kölsch beer for ourselves. If you know me, you know my beer taste (well, my sister might question the use of that word) runs toward barely beer like Coors Light or Michelob Ultra. However, when in Rome...so I tried the local specialty and actually enjoyed it! In addition to strict laws about the brewing and labeling of Kölsch beer, there are traditions and customs for ordering that you should know before you show up to sample the local specialty. When you arrive, the server will ensure you are provided with the specialty glass that Kölsch beer is served in and place a full beer on a coaster. If your glass is empty and sitting on top of the coaster, they will bring you a fresh one without any further communication. If you are done, you must place the coaster on top of your glass to signal "no more". They will keep track of your tab by hash marking your coaster. If you lose your coaster there will be a fee imposed (could be up to 50 euro!). Amsterdam, Netherlands: The last stop on the cruise was Amsterdam. This is where we started our journey so had already spent a little time here. We planned to spend another day in Amsterdam after the cruise in which we scheduled a tour to Keukenhof Gardens which opened for the season while we were sailing. The excursion options in Amsterdam were a canal cruise and the Gardens. Since we were already planning a trip to Keukenhof we opted for the canal cruise. I highly recommend a canal cruise if you visit Amsterdam. It gives a totally different perspective viewing the city from the water vantage point. The tour guide also provided us with some of the history of Amsterdam. The Daily Sip and Sail Every day on the ship there was a daily Sip and Sail right before dinner. At the Sip and Sail, wine, beer and the Drink of the Day are complimentary. The Drink of the Day was usually something fun like a Lemon Drop, Gin Fizz, or Margarita. We never missed a Sip and Sail! We got free drinks, got to socialize with our new friends and find out about the different excursions that others went on. The Cruise Manager would also gives us the run down of the next day and the various excursions that would be offered. Once it was over everyone would head to dinner for the amazing food! The Food The food on the AMA Waterways Riverboat Cruise was amazing! And that is coming from someone who is extremely picky. My friends were in heaven at every meal trying all of the wonderful creations from the ship's chef. I will say I DID go out of my comfort zone and tried several new things (and even liked what I tried most of the time!). The food selection was so delicious I am going to do a separate short blog just on the culinary experience on the ship, but here are a few pictures of some of the delicious meals we got to eat. It was so luxurious to have chefs cooking for us and attentive waiters serving us for a week. The Nightlife Every night after dinner, everyone would gather in the lounge to socialize and dance. It was the time when everyone on the ship really bonded. We had so much fun hanging with all of our new friends. This is where we really connected with the other women who were on girl's trips as well. It was such a nice addition to have the time to socialize with people who you were getting to know better and better as the week went on. This was definitely one of my favorite parts of the Riverboat Cruise experience! Plan That Girl's Trip with AMA Waterways! If you are thinking of planning a girl's getaway anytime soon, I would highly recommend considering an AMA Waterways Riverboat Cruise. It is certainly a week for your and your Girl Gang to be pampered and cared for by the hard-working staff, have amazing experiences exploring the world, taste delicious food and wines and make new friends from all over. While it may seem expensive, if you consider that the price of the cruise includes all meals for a week cooked by a chef, complimentary local wine and beer at all meals along with specialty cocktails at Sip 'n Sail every night, all excursions, nightly entertainment and memories to last a life time, it actually may not be that much more than another trip where you have to pay for all your meals, drinks and entertainment! It was an amazing experience to have with my close friends and was definitely "the best trip ever!".

Ganesh calling before yoga class. Tucked away off the hustle and bustle of Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs, is a peaceful haven of tranquility called Yoga Mandali. Yoga Mandali is a yoga studio providing a wide range of classes, teacher trainings, workshops, kirtans and other special events. It has been voted Best Yoga Studio by The Saratogian, Saratoga Today and Capital Region Living. I can personally say it was instrumental in my healing following my divorce. Yoga Mandali provided me a community, a way to heal my mind and my body and a peaceful retreat to just BREATHE. But you don't need to live in Saratoga Springs to enjoy a class at Yoga Mandali. Drop ins are always welcome! If you want to continue your yoga practice while you are away, or if you just need to decompress after an exciting day at the track, Yoga Mandali is here for you. Peaceful space at Yoga Mandali to practice yoga. The Studio Space: Yoga Mandali is located right on Broadway right smack in the middle of downtown Saratoga Springs. The studio is on the second floor of the Saratoga Marketplace. A sign outside of the door directs you up a set of stairs that take you to a beautiful space above all the activity happening on Broadway below. There are two different rooms where classes occur and a store for all of your yoga and meditation needs. The main yoga room, pictured above, has beautiful arched windows, an abundance of plants and candles and plenty of room to provide the perfect space to find your zen. During the summer, they also offer rooftop classes which is a nice option and is really enjoyable. Yoga Classes, Workshops and Special Events: Yoga Mandali offers a variety of classes and can accommodate all yogis from beginners to more advanced. They also offer classes in different types of yoga so you can expand your practice by incorporating Vinyasa, Kripalu, Yin and Restorative classes. Yoga Mandali provides Pre-Natal and Post-Natal classes for new mothers. Yoga Mandali's website provides a great description of the various types of yoga, recommendations of specific classes based on ability level from beginner to advanced, and a weekly schedule of classes. Check out that information here . I love to incorporate Yin and Restorative Yoga with the traditional Vinyasa practice. Doing these classes on a regular basis has noticeably improved my flexibility and has reduced some of those aches and pains that tend to increase with each birthday. In addition to weekly yoga classes, Yoga Mandali offers a wide variety of special events and workshops. These events are open to the public and are a great addition to a regular yoga practice. Upcoming special events include a Full Spectrum Healing Chakra Series, Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga, Womens's Circle: A Journey to Self Healing and Unwinding Your Fascinating Fascia. There are many other upcoming events in a wide-range of topics. A description of all upcoming events and to register, click here . As mentioned above, Yoga Mandali also offers teacher training for those interested in becoming a yoga teacher. They are constantly offering different certification courses for current or future yoga teachers to complete their training. Information on those trainings can be found on their website . Pricing: Price for a drop in class is $20 ($15 with student ID). Local Saratoga residents get their first class FREE! There are a variety of other pricing plans including 5 and 10 class packages and monthly unlimited passes. They also offer unlimited class yearly memberships which include additional perks like monthly guest passes, discounts on store merchandise and discounts on special events and workshops. If you are visiting from out of town, they also offer an unlimited weekly pass. Check out all the different pricing packages here . Meditative candles for peaceful yoga practice. Yoga Mandali is one of my favorite things about living in Saratoga Springs. If you live nearby, I encourage you to check it out. Your body and mind will thank you! If you are just visiting, be sure to include a class (or two or three) in your itinerary. Again, your body and mind will thank you! I personally recommend a Yin or Restorative class for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Namaste.

Entrance to Historic Congress Park off of Broadway When visiting Saratoga Springs, you should definitely plan to spend a lovely afternoon exploring the Historic Congress Park. It is located right off of Broadway in the middle of the city. There are many ways to enjoy Congress Park and to take it all in will definitely take a few hours. Here are the best ways to spend an afternoon in Congress Park: Have a Picnic! If it is lunch or dinner time, grab some grub and have a picnic in the park! There are many picnics tables throughout the park or bring a blanket to spread out under a tree. If you haven't thought ahead to pack a picnic basket (or if you are visiting from out of town and don't have supplies), you can certainly find plenty of picnic options at the various restaurants and food establishments throughout downtown Saratoga. For delicious sandwiches, I recommend Saratoga Deli, Putnam Market, PDT Market or Mrs. London's. Take Your Daily Walk. If you are trying to reach your daily step count, a stroll around Congress Park is the perfect solution! There are paths that go all over the park. You can take paths with inclines, climb the Katrina Trask Memorial Stairway and take in all of the history of the park by following the self-guided walking tour . Sip Some Water From A Famous Mineral Spring Fountain. There are two springs located in Congress Park. The Columbian Spring is now an inactive mineral spring, but if you are parched after all that walking you can grab some fresh municipal drinking water that now flows from the fountain. The Congress Spring located nearby produced one of Saratoga's best known mineral waters that was bottled and sold all over America and Europe in the 1800s. The Congress Spring is still an active spring, so you have the opportunity to drink some of Saratoga's renowned healing mineral waters during your stroll through the park. Columbian Spring in Congress Park Take a Rest By the Ponds in Congress Park. There are a couple of ponds in the park with benches strategically placed for maximum enjoyment. You can listen to the peaceful water sounds, watch all the people and dogs walking through the park and observe all the wildlife in the park (if you are here in the spring you may be lucky enough to catch mother ducks trying to corral all the baby ducklings). Visit the Saratoga Springs History Museum in the Canfield Casino. In the middle of the park you will see the historic Canfield Casino. The beautiful building that used to house a men's gaming club back in the day, now houses the Saratoga Springs History Museum. The Canfield Casino is often used for special events and weddings, so you may catch bridal parties out and about in the park taking amazing wedding photos. I have never been to a wedding at this venue, but I have heard it is beautiful. I have visited the History Museum and I learned A LOT about the sordid and juicy history of Saratoga Springs and the wealthy people who used to travel here for rest, relaxation and the renowned healing mineral waters (not to mention the casino and the horse racing). There are rumors that the Canfield Casino is haunted, so if that is your vibe you will definitely want to check it out! I had no ghostly sightings when I was there, but maybe you will have better luck! Saratoga Springs History Museum in the Canfield Casino Take a Spin on the Historic Wooden Carousel. For only a dollar, you can take your kids (or your inner child) for a ride on an authentic wooden carousel. The Carousel opened on May 7 for the 2023 season. Until mid-June, it is only open on the weekends, but will be open daily thereafter from 11-6. Check Out All of the Monuments and Statues in the Park. There are a lot of monuments and statues located within the park. Here is what you can see: Spit and Spat Triton Fountain: Italian Garden with statues of Pan and the Meneads Around a Sundial: Spirit of Life Reflecting Pond: War Monuments: Congress Park has war monuments honoring Saratoga Springs veterans from the Civil War and World War II. World War II Monument in Congress Park Enjoy Live Music or an Art Show in the Park: Once track season begins, the City of Saratoga Springs holds weekly concerts, art shows and festivals in the park. Check out the schedule for the free Summer Concert Series here . If you are heading to Saratoga Springs this summer, make sure to make plans to spend a relaxing afternoon in Congress Park enjoying the scenery and learning about the history of Saratoga. It is a beautiful spot you do not want to miss!

At the entrance to Brookledge Last year I posted a blog about a hidden gem right outside of Saratoga Springs called Brookledge. Brookledge is a property with a rich history that was purchased a couple of years ago by my new friend Helen Christopher and her husband. My previous blog post features the beautiful cabins on the property that are available to book for a rustic getaway just a short drive from Saratoga. My original blog also highlights the historic Camp Chapel site used for outdoor weddings and the Fireside Pavilion and Raymond's Roost that can be used for wedding receptions or other events. Click here to read my original blog about the origins of Brookledge and the initial renovations the Christophers did to rejuvenate the property using most of the original buildings from the Campfire Girls Camp that used to occupy the location. The Christophers have been hard at work over the last year making even more improvements and renovations to Brookledge. I figured it was time for me to go check it out and see what they have been up to. I was blown away by all they have accomplished. Here is a peek into the new things you can find at Brookledge: Camp Chapel: Historic fireplace at Camp Chapel at Brookledge In my first blog, I highlighted the Camp Chapel, an area at Brookledge that is used to hold outdoor weddings. The bride and groom typically stand in front of an old stone fireplace that appears to be left over from when the property was used as a country getaway for rich German families who lived in NYC. I first saw the fireplace in late fall when most leaves had fallen from the trees and winter was definitely on its way. This time, I saw the fireplace in its full glory covered with rich green moss highlighting the full forest behind it. It is a stunning place to hold a wedding. There have been several upgrades to the Camp Chapel area including steps down from the newly renovated Treehouse Lodge (where brides typically get ready) and nice wooden benches for wedding guests. If you are looking for a beautiful place to have a rustic, nature-inspired ceremony, you should definitely check out Brookledge! Click here for more information on wedding packages and contact information for Helen Christopher who can help you plan your perfect wedding day! Stairs down to Camp Chapel Treehouse Lodge: Tree House Lodge When I visited Brookledge last fall, they were right in the middle of renovating what is now known as the Tree House Lodge. At that time, Helen told me her vision for the space which was to make it a place where families could come stay with kids. The upstairs room is equipped with bunk beds and it definitely feels like you are in a tree house. An open window looks out on the space below and has a perfect view of the star shaped lights hanging from the living room ceiling. It feels like you are gazing out on a starry night. Star Lights in Tree House Lodge The master bedroom on the first floor of the Tree House Lodge is appropriately decorated in the tree house theme with cuttings from trees on the property. The living room is large and can accommodate a number of people if the Tree House Lodge is used to host a bridal shower, family reunion or other corporate or personal event. Helen came up with the decorating ideas for the Tree House Lodge (using materials from around the property where possible) and I told her I thought she missed her calling because the decor creates the perfect tree house aesthetic and the space is warm and cozy. As mentioned above, the Tree House Lodge is frequently used by brides and her bridal party to get ready for a wedding at Brookledge. The Tree House Lodge also has a large kitchen area that can be used to prepare family meals or to make food and/or organize catered food that is brought in for an event. There are further renovations coming for the kitchen area, but it is still very nice and completely functional in the meantime! Glamping Tents: On my last visit, only the tent platforms existed so I didn't get to see what "glamping" was all about. Brookledge has two glamping tents called "Snoopy" and "Woodstock" (after the bus names used to transport girls during the Campgirls Camp days). There are hand carved statues of Snoopy and Woodstock on the patio of each tent to tell you which is which. The statues were carved by a local artist. Woodstock Glamping Tent Snoopy Glamping Tent In full disclosure, I do not like camping. I have tried over the years, but it is just not my thing. However, after looking at the inside of the glamping tents, I told Helen I would definitely consider camping in one of these. The platform beds looked comfy and there was electricity in the tent! The glamping tents are just steps away from the Ice Bucket pond and just a short distance from the newly renovated bath houses. If I am saying I would consider camping in the glamping tents, you KNOW they must be really nice! Bath House: Brookledge kept the original bath houses used at the Campfire Girls camp. When I visited last fall, the shower of the bath house had been installed, but the bath houses were still fairly rustic. They have been completely renovated and a coin-operated laundry facility has been added. There are several bathroom stalls and a private shower area. Even though you are "roughing it", you still have the convenience of modern indoor plumbing and can even do a load of laundry if there is an unexpected fall in the mud or the Ice Bucket Pond. That sounds like the kind of "roughing it" I can get on board with! Laundry Room at Brookledge Other Fun Additions: The Fireside Pavilion has a few improvements that polished it up a bit, but it still has its rustic charm. There is a revamped fireplace, a new small bar (but Raymond's Roost is just a few steps away with a full bar area) and life-size games like Connect Four. They also added lighting to create ambiance for events that are held there. It is a beautiful space and if you check out the Brookledge Instagram (brookledgeny) you can check out pictures of the various events that have been held there and how the Pavilion has been decorated. I recently saw pictures of the Pavilion being prepared for a wedding reception and it looked absolutely stunning! Fireside Pavilion at Brookledge Ice Bucket Pond is obviously still there and there are kayaks and other equipment that you can use free of charge to enjoy the Pond. What is new is that it has been stocked with fish that you can catch and release or if you are like me you can just enjoy watching them, especially when Helen throws in some fish food and they all go crazy! I thought Brookledge was a unique and amazing place before, but the Christophers have elevated it to a whole new level. If you are looking for a "Fancy Flannel" or "Rustic Elegance" experience, then Brookledge is the place for you. Whether you are just looking for a vacation spot or planning a special event you should consider Brookledge. And if you are planning a wedding and searching for a venue with a natural setting and rustic charm, you should definitely consider Brookledge. Don't forget to also check out my first blog on Brookledge for a complete picture of the various accommodations and amenities at Brookledge. There are now five different accommodations to book depending on what kind of experience you are looking for. You can book any of the accommodations through Airbnb, Booking.com or VRBO, but if you contact Helen directly you can avoid the fees generally charged by these sites. You will need to contact Helen directly to reserve the Pavilion, Raymond's Roost or the Tree House Lodge for a wedding or special event. Helen's contact information can be found here . Brookledge is a one of a kind place. I am so glad I got to know Helen and have been able to watch her and her husband create the space they dreamed of when they first saw this property years ago. You should see it for yourself as I am not sure my words can adequately convey the magic of the place. You may just find it is the perfect spot for you to unwind and relax or to host your special event!

Festive Decorations in Downtown Saratoga Springs Nestled in upstate New York, about a three hour drive from NYC, is the charming little city of Saratoga Springs. At any time of year, Saratoga Spring's charm will sweep you off your feet. But at Christmas time, it legimately feels like you are walking around a Hallmark Christmas movie set. In fact, Saratoga Springs was recently named "The Most Festive Christmas Town in the USA" by the popular magazine House Beautiful. Popular Caroline Street in Downtown Saratoga Springs While I can't promise that you will have your own meet cute that leads to a true Christmas love story, I can promise Saratoga will provide all the remaining ingredients for a magical Christmas holiday. You can come create your own personal Hallmark Christmas celebration even if you are single! Read on for a description of each spot you should visit in Saratoga Springs to create the perfect magical holiday experience. The Setting: A lot of Hallmark Christmas movies center around an old historic Inn where the main characters meet and gather. Saratoga Springs has a lot of charming Inns and Bed and Breakfasts that would fill the bill, but the Adelphi Hotel is a grand historic hotel located right on Broadway in the center of downtown. The Adelphi has been recently been renovated and has been beautifully restored to bring back the 19th century hospitality it was known for, making it the perfect backdrop for your holiday story. Read more about the Adelphi Hotel and make reservations here . Historic Adelphi Hotel The Place for that Perfect Holiday Stroll: The next thing on the agenda of a magical Hallmark holiday experience, is a nice wintertime stroll bundled up with cute matching gloves and hat. Historic Congress Park, located a few steps away from The Adelphi Hotel, is the perfect place to walk, talk and take adorable holiday photos. Wander through the Park past statues, spring water fountains (where you can take a sip of the healing spa waters Saratoga Springs is known for), a large ponds, an old-fashioned carousel and the historic Canfield Casino that is now the Saratoga Springs History Museum. Read my blog about all there is to see and do at Congress Park. The Local Breakfast Spot: After an enjoyable morning stroll in Congress Park, the next scene in your own personal Hallmark holiday movie is enjoying breakfast at a favorite local diner. The Country Corner Cafe is cozy and vintage, the perfect Hallmark movie spot. It opened in 1991 and is located just a block off of Broadway on the corner of Woodlawn and Church Street. The Cafe has a reputation for serving some of the best breakfasts in town. I live close to the Country Corner Cafe and can personally attest that there is always a line of people waiting to get in. I always like to go where you see a crowd because you know that means it is good! Grab something yummy off the menu to energize you for a full day of holiday activities! Holiday Shopping: What is more Hallmark movie-like than shopping for the perfect holiday gifts for loved ones. Broadway and the surrounding streets are lined with boutiques, specialty stores and gift shops which are mostly locally owned. You can purchase locally made products at Saratoga Olive Oil Company , Saratoga Tea and Honey , and Saratoga Chocolate Co . There is also a wide selection of other local stores selling unique holiday gifts to delight your family and friends. Some of my personal favorites are Silverado Jewelry Gallery , Lifestyles , Caroline and Main and Northshire Bookstore . Hot Chocolate and Sweet Treat Stop: After an afternoon of shopping, it is time for a festive hot cocoa and pastry stop. Of course Saratoga Springs has the picture perfect spot for that holiday treat. Mrs. London's Bakery is right on Broadway so it is easy to pop in to give your feet a break from all that strolling. The only difficulty you will have is choosing which decadent dessert you want to try. Insider tip: the Chocolate, Almond and Chocolate-Almond Croissants are all amazing! If you are hungry for lunch by this time, you can also choose a sandwich, quiche, panini or salad. They also have delicious soups, especially their Creamy Tomato with Cheddar Cheese. Yum! Check out all your options here . Tasty Treats at Mrs. London's Bakery Famous Chocolate Croissant and Yummy Hot Cocoa Holiday Cocktails: You can't have a Hallmark holiday experience without the quintessential holiday bar and festive cocktail! Once again, Saratoga Springs can provide the perfect spot for amazing holiday decor and delicious specialty cocktails. Lucy's Bar is just steps from Broadway and is one of my favorite spots to grab a drink with friends. They go above and beyond with their seasonal decor all throughout the year, but Christmas has got to be the best. Lucy's also has an ever-changing drink menu with specialty cocktails crafted by their talented bartenders. The drinks are not only tasty, but they are definitely Insta-worthy concoctions. Lucy's Famous Christmas Decor Festive Finale: Any good Hallmark holiday movie ends with the final scene at the small town's holiday festival. If you time your visit right, Saratoga can provide this ultimate finale for your own Hallmark holiday story. Every year, Saratoga Springs hosts the Victorian Street Walk to kick off the holiday season. The evening includes the Christmas tree lighting, Santa's arrival, strolling Victorian choralers, other live entertainment and a general festive vibe that puts you in a holiday mood. The stores along Broadway generally stay open later that night and often offer yummy treats or even a glass of sparkling wine! All the windows are decorated to the max...some with real people posed in holiday scenes. The (Mostly) Single Ladies Club Enjoying the Festivities! Come to Saratoga Springs to Create Your Own Hallmark Movie Holiday! Whether you bring your own love interest with you or you are looking to create single lady holiday memories with your girl gang, Saratoga has all of the ingredients you need for a wonderful holiday celebration. The 2023 Victorian Street Walk has already happened, but there is still plenty of time to fit in a Saratoga Springs holiday getaway this year! If you come, you just might see me at Lucy's sampling the 2023 Christmas cocktails. Raise your glass and give me a wink! ;) Happy Holidays!

Where Can You Get the Best Ice Cream in Saratoga Springs? If you are an ice cream lover like me, you are always on the look out for a good spot to grab an ice cream cone when you are visiting a new place. In Saratoga Springs, there are a few places to satisfy your cone craving including Ben and Jerry's, Kilwin's and Saratoga Gelato. But if you want to know where the locals usually go to get their ice cream fix, this blog is for you! You may be surprised to discover that the best ice cream in Saratoga Springs can be found at a gas station/convenience store called Stewart's Shops! I should disclose that Stewart's is not a Saratoga specific gem, but Stewart's Shops can only be found in eastern upstate New York and southwestern Vermont. So, if you find yourself in this little corner of the world, you will want to take the opportunity to try Stewart's ice cream. How Stewart's Shops Ice Cream Came to Be: Stewart's Shops are family owned convenience stores (which sometimes also sell gas). In 1917, two brother's teamed up to buy the family dairy farm from their father. From there, they began to sell their dairy products at local markets, but discovered there was a big demand for ice cream. They started making ice cream in 1921 and sold 4,000 gallons in the first year! The rest is history. In addition to the delicious ice cream, Stewart's Shops is also a great place to buy fresh, locally produced milk, butter, cream, eggs and other dairy products. A Giant Ice Cream Cone Beckons You Inside The Stewart's Shops Ice Cream Flavors: Stewart's makes all of its ice cream using fresh milk from local farms. There is no middleman in the distribution process so the freshly made ice cream goes right from production to the stores. The ice cream is as fresh as it can be. And the hand-packed pints and half-gallons sell quickly so you know the ice cream in the case hasn't been there collecting frost. Stewart's has a variety of yummy flavors. Most flavors are available year round. My family's favorites are Peanut Butter Pandamonium, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Death By Chocolate, and, my personal favorite, Mint Cookie Crumble. Death by Chocolate and Mint Cookie Crumble were 1st Place Flavors at the 2023 World Dairy Expo and the NYS Fair. I knew we had good taste! Which Stewart's Ice Cream Flavor to Choose? Award Winning Mint Cookie Crumble! Yum! In addition to the regular flavors, Stewart's frequently introduces Limited Edition Flavors that are only available for a short period of time. It is exciting when you find out there is a new flavor that is right up your alley, but it is sad when it goes away. I just had that happen this Fall when Stewart's offered a Limited Edition flavor called Peanut Butter Pie. I may have made a few extra trips to the Stewart's across the street from me (a dangerous proximity) to get scoops of Peanut Butter Pie when I realized its' time was running out. The current Limited Edition Flavors include Berry Chip, Civility, Daily Grind and Chocolate Marshmellow. Check out the video below for the complete list of Limited Edition Flavors. Click here to see a list of all the flavors currently being scooped up at Stewart's. Oh...and I would be remiss if I didn't mention that you can get FREE rainbow sprinkles on any cone or dish you order! Something my oldest daughter, Madison, especially enjoys! Stewart's Shops Famous Make Your Own Sundae: Stewart's Shops introduced the concept of Make Your Own Sundae in 1948 and it has been a trademark Stewart's experience ever since. You can choose any flavor of ice cream from the menu and then can create your own sundae using any of the sauces or toppings on the counter. Sauces include chocolate, caramel, marshmallow and pineapple and toppings include sprinkles, mini M&Ms and more! Create Your Own Sundae Supplies Stewart's Shops Spirit of Giving: There is one last important thing I want to mention about Stewart's Shops. In addition to serving up delicious ice cream, Stewart's Shops serves up generosity to the local community. Stewart's Shops and the Dake family (who owns Stewart's Shops) have a goal to donate a combined $9 million annually to thousands of local charities. Over the years, Stewart's Shops have also frequently donated ice cream and sundae toppings to various school and community functions that we attended. They are very generous in their community participation and they are a valued local business community member. So there you have it! The best ice cream in Saratoga Springs can be served up while you get gas or grab some milk or eggs. I always enjoy the reactions of friends who come to visit when I offer to take them for some of the best ice cream they will ever have and we pull up to a convenience store. It is a well-known fact that if you want to know the best places to go, look for the locals! Saratoga Springs locals will be at Stewart's. See ya there! Get a Cone and Get Some to Take Home!

Entrance to Adirondack Foot Sanctuary in Saratoga Springs A few months ago I was taking a stroll around Saratoga and noticed something new...a little place called Adirondack Foot Sanctuary. When I got home I looked it up and discovered it is a spa business located in Lake Placid that had opened a new location in Saratoga Springs. I perused the menu of services, and as the name of the business suggests, it provides spa services to pamper your feet! Each foot treatment is called a "ritual" and they promise you will leave their Sanctuary relaxed and rejuvenated. That sounded like something I wanted to experience! I called my friend Kathleen and she was in (she is never one to turn down one of my requests to check out a spa...all for the blog, of course!). Adirondack Foot Sanctuary offers a ritual for two that you can book with your gal pal or as a unique date idea. Kathleen and I booked a side by side experience and made a day of it. After a yummy breakfast at Sweet Mimi's (which is just down the block), we excitedly headed to the Adirondack Foot Sanctuary to get relaxed and rejuventated. We started the experience by drawing an intention card. I drew the "True Offering" card which seemed fitting for me and my situation at the time. We hopped up onto the couch and sat side by side to begin our treatment. As our massage therapist prepared for our foot ritual, she poured us a cup of warm apple cinnamon tea and gave us a warm neck wrap for our neck and shoulders. Intention Cards to set the mood. Ready for relaxation and rejuvenation! Adirondack Foot Sanctuary offers several types of rituals that offer different experiences. You can also add on to the foot rituals with various "Treatment Enhancements" such as paraffin treatments, a scalp treatment, a hydrating face mask with reviving ice globes, hydrating hand treatments and illuminating eye gels. Check out the menu of foot rituals and Treatment Enhancements here . Our specific experience kicked off with an infusion of essential oils. The therapist poured a few drops into our hands and instructed us to take a deep breath. The oil was used throughout the treatment so it was a nice way to start the ritual. Kathleen got a Dead Sea salt exfoliation and then enjoyed an ADK Signature Soak with herbal infused water and hot stones. While she soaked, I got a wonderful foot and lower leg massage with the hot stones. Then I got the exfoliation treatment and soak while Kathleen got her foot and leg massage. Our legs were wrapped in warm towels to soak in all of the luxerious attention they got. Warm towels in a cozy foot wrap. If all of that isn't relaxing enough, we also each got a glorious scalp massage. You don't even know you need a scalp massage until you are getting one. So relaxing! The whole experience ends with a slathering of thick lotion to moisturize your feet and lower legs before you head out. Slathering of lotion after a luxurious foot ritual. We definitely had a great day and left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. We both work part-time at Silverado Jewelry Gallery and spend a lot of time on our feet. It was a nice treat to have a spa experience that focuses solely (pun intended) on the part of your body that bears the brunt of day to day activities! I highly recommend Adirondack Foot Sanctuary to treat yourself or for a unique, fun girl's day out. Wise words and a little foot humor.