May 2012 Archives

Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, and that means that the Saratoga summer season is started! This summer, Saratoga.com is presenting something new for 2012...

Did you see the new I Love NY video that was just released? It is a clever little clip that shows the heart in I Love NY being replaced by different objects, from a lighthouse to a bicycle to a Saratoga race horse -- these are all of the things to love about NY!

Saratoga was one of only two destinations specifically featured by name in the short, 30-second video clip. Can you guess what the other destination might be? Nope, not NYC!

We have embedded the video here so you can take a look and share with friends...

The New York City Ballet has been performing at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center during the summer season for decades, but rumor has it that the residency may be shortened to just one week for 2013.

In 2009, the NYCB was reduced to a shorter season at SPAC, from three weeks to two, because of increased cost and now the same factor may cause the venue to again reduce the season.

It's that time of year! NYRA recently announced the 2012 job fair dates for summer jobs at the track.

Thanks to a group of concerned citizens, the annual Saratoga Memorial Day parade is officially back on for 2012 and scheduled to take place Monday, May 28.

Last week, the cancellation of the annual parade made national news. After hearing that the parade would be cancelled for 2012 because of funding and participation concerns, Paul Brisson of Milton, NY took action and created a fundraising effort on Facebook.

Remember last summer when Saratoga Springs Food Tours began offering walking tours of the town while enjoying tastings at some of Saratoga's most interesting eateries? The tour will be offered again this summer, and you can win FREE tickets right here on Saratoga.com!

Recently, New York State leaders announced that they will be reorganizing NYRA in order to "reform the association and transform oversight and management of horse racing in New York State." But what does this mean for the Saratoga Race Track?

Love Dancing with the Stars? Then you won't want to miss Val Chemerkovskiy, a dancer on the show, when he performs next month in Saratoga!

The renovations being made to SPAC are underway and the amphitheater is looking great already. The pictures below show the progress that has been made from late February until the first week of May. You can see how the amphitheater's facade has changed and will look for visitors that watch events from the lawn or farther back.

If you are currently in the military or a veteran and plan on taking a train ride this Memorial Day weekend, then you won't have to worry about paying. The Saratoga & North Creek Railway is offering free train rides to all veterans and active military.

Remember last month when we told you that PJ's Bar-B-QSA will start serving their food year round? Well the famous barbecue eatery has made its renovations and is ready for business! PJ's Bar-B-QSA will open today, and will remain open all year!

The restaurant has been working to transform themselves into a year-round establishment. Upgrades in insulation, heating and cooling systems, as well as the ordering system have been implemented. Previously, patrons would order their food at the window outside. This wouldn't work well with a year round restaurant, so the counter has been moved inside. Don't worry, there are still picnic tables outside to eat at when the weather is nice!

Are you going to eat at PJ's any time of year? I love a good pulled pork sandwich, beef brisket, or a rack of ribs; and will definitely be paying PJ's a visit soon.

Keep your eyes peeled for more PJ's Bar-B-QSA locations to pop up in the area. Rumor has it that the restaurant will soon offer franchising opportunities!

There will be some disruption in traffic this week in Saratoga Springs from a few streets being paved. So expect some delays if you travel near the roadwork that is going to be happening in the area.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center President Marcia White announced that the new Patron's Terrace will be named after Former Chairman Bill Dake.

The Patron's Terrace is currently under construction, formerly called the Patron's Tent, and will now be a 2,000 sq. ft. hardscaped, patio area. The Terrace is a hospitality area for SPAC's members at the Patron level and above.

Some of the plans for the 150th anniversary of racing have been announced and it is sure to be an amazing event. Officials have announced there will be concerts, contests, cash giveaways, free trips to Triple Crown races and more.

The country's premiere tribute show to the tropical singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, Changes In Latitudes, are coming to the Parrot Head Festival in June! These guys (and girls) will transform the Saratoga County Fairgrounds into the ultimate beach party!

According to the Times Union, local philanthropist Marylou Whitney and her husband John Hedrickson have decided to call off this year's Whitney Gala, an extravagant event for Saratoga's rich and famous. The two have said that they will concentrate on the racing industry's backstretch community of workers instead. 

Have you tried the food at Duo Modern Japanese Cuisine & Lounge? Here's your chance! Enter to win a $50 gift certificate to Duo and you could be enjoying authentic Japanese cuisine, on us!

Angela Amedio just started a new fitness blog on Saratoga.com. Through Spinterest, she'll share the good, the bad, and the hilarious experiences she's had with fitness over the last few years!

Saratoga Arts announced last Thursday that High Rock Park will be installing a new 9/11 memorial. The new project is going to be called Tempered By Memory. 

Wayne Perras is Saratoga.com's newest blogger, bringing you updates on Saratoga County, Saratoga Springs and why it's worth living in this great area. Perras grew up in Ravena, NY and after brief stints in radio, writing, and publishing, found his passion for dealing real estate.

"Santana a few times, Crosby/Stills/& Nash, Bob Dylan's various incarnations, Fleetwood Mac, Talking Heads, Tom Petty,  Stevie Ray Vaughn, Mahavishnu John MacLaughlin, and Miles Davis on that same stage... and about 80-90 other concerts plus countless Jazz Festivals over the years..."

A local volunteer group is adding a service to the Saratoga Farmer's Market that will make shopping much easier. The Veggie Valet will provide a place for shoppers to drop off their purchases, so they don't have to carry everything around while they continue shopping!

This Saturday, May 5, two annual events converge and create a perfect reason to get out and have a good time with friends and family. The 138th running of the Kentucky Derby goes off on Saturday at about 6:24pm, and will prove to be an exciting first leg of the Triple Crown. Every year on May 5, Americans rally to celebrate the heritage and pride of our Mexican neighbors, always a good time!

A new Price Chopper location is now open on Railroad Place, but this location is different from all the rest. It's being called Price Chopper Limited and it's the first of it's kind.

The space is slightly smaller than the previous location at the corner of Railroad and Church Street and much smaller than your average supermarket.

Price Chopper Limited is said to be modeled after markets you would find in New York City. While the store won't carry a wide variety of goods, it will meet everyday needs and is in walking distance for many who live in Downtown Saratoga.