What's New In Saratoga: Find Local Happenings & News In Saratoga

Coming Soon: Jack Dillon's Farm to Fork Cuisine

2013-06-17T17:31:40Z

Looking for a new restaurant? We know just the place! In a few short weeks, Jack Dillon's Farm to Fork Cuisine will be opening on the southern edge of Saratoga Springs, NY at 3246 South Broadway (Route 9). ]]> Dillon was a part owner of Siro's for thirty years and now he has big plans for his new 7,200 square foot restaurant. He plans to open the restaurant with Sean Sheehan when they receive their liquor license, which is just around the corner!

The tasty menu will include:

local charcuterie and cheese
seafood
lamb chops
crabcakes
lobster tortillas
sole with mango salsa

All of these Dillon's classics will be featured daily and made with products from local North Country Farms.

The renovations of the bar, dining room and banquet hall are underway and will soon be able to seat up to 220 people. Dillon has a five-year lease, and he is confident his new restaurant will succeed.

Dillon developed the idea to use only local ingredients from about 15 to 18 farmers in his many years at Siro's. The main dishes from the menu will be items from the restaurant's wood-burning oven. They will offer numerous fish dishes because Dillon believes that there aren't enough seafood restaurants in Saratoga.

Jack Dillon's Farm to Fork Cuisine will feature affordable dishes with most entrees in the mid-$20s. This is a convenient restaurant in a great location with great food for the price... what could be better than that?

Stay tuned for the official opening date!

Big Apple Triple Sweepstakes

2013-06-13T13:54:21Z

Do you want a chance to win a trip to the Big Apple Triple Showcase? Now is your chance! Enter to win a VIP package to one of New York State's premier racetrack locations.

]]> This offer includes VIP racetrack seating and a two night stay in one of the two paramount racetrack locations: the Finger Lakes and Saratoga. The first leg of the races has already transpired, don't miss out on the last two! Each location offers top-notch accommodations to make your trip that much more enjoyable.

The remaining sweepstakes prizes include:

The New York Derby at Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack on Saturday, July 20, 2013

Two nights' stay at the Best Western Inn & Suites (Saturday, July 20 & Sunday, July 21)
Programs, tip sheets and Daily Racing Forms for each day
$100 gas card
Reserved table in the Paddock Room overlooking the paddock
Guest spot on the pre-race show on the day of the New York Derby
Two buffet vouchers for each day
Tour of the Finger Lakes wineries

The Albany at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Two clubhouse box seats, two clubhouse admissions, two Post Parade programs and one track-side parking credential
$75 gift certificate for lunch in the clubhouse box
Two night accommodations at the Hampton Inn & Suites (Tuesday, August 20 & Wednesday, August 21)
$100 gift card to dine at Maestro's on Broadway
Paddock passes for two and a track tour on August 21
Winner's Circle access for The Albany
$100 gas card

This is your chance to win an opportunity to celebrate 150 years of racing excellence! This is a race only open to New York thoroughbreds so don't miss these horses in action.

Interested in which horses will be racing? The Tuesday before each of the races, horses are entered and then the positions are drawn the next day.

Enter to win here!

Learn more about the Big Apple Triple

First Ever Gluten-Free Burgers and Beers Dinner

2013-06-12T19:44:06Z

The First Ever Gluten-Free Burgers and Beers Dinner is just around the corner. It is set to take place on Tuesday, June 18 at 6 p.m. The dinner will be held at Fifty South restaurant and will feature a four course dinner with a different gluten free beer with every course.

]]> Your ticket will include a deluxe meal with various beers that will make your mouth water. The main course of the dinner will consist of three different burgers all served on a Saratoga Gluten-Free Roll:

Longlesson Farm Beef Burger
Tuna Burger
Gourmet Vegetable Burger

Each course will feature a different 100% Gluten-Free New Planet Beer. As for the dessert- you're in for a treat, literally! It will feature an exclusive tasting of New Planet Beer's brand new Brown Ale, which is brewed with coffee and organic cocoa, yum! This exclusive beer is not on the market yet so you'll try it before the rest of the general public!

Not only will The First Ever Gluten-Free Burgers and Beers Dinner be a fabulous night that will stimulate your senses, but it will also educate you on cross contamination and the gluten-free lifestyle.

There will be a presentation by author of "Cooking Gluten Free with Amy," Amy Rota-Poulin, about key aspects of cross contamination. The presentation is sure to be great since Amy is one of the hosts of the night, along with Glens Falls and Saratoga Celiac Support Group and Fifty South.

Fifty south is dedicated to serving the Gluten-Free community and the restaurant exhibits a delightful atmosphere that will make the night memorable.

Come out to Ballston Spa, NY for 100% gluten-free food, beer and fun! The night is all inclusive for just $45 per person. Make your reservation in advance by calling Fifty South!

Learn more about Gluten Free Burgers and Beers Dinner

Learn more about Fifty South

Historic Spa City Walking Tour? Saratoga High School Makes An App for That

2013-06-12T13:00:00Z

Curious about Saratoga's history? There's an app for that!

Seniors in a new 21st Century Academy class at Saratoga Springs High School have taken history projects to a new level by incorporating modern iPhone technology.

A group of 80 students researched the history of numerous Saratoga Springs sites and joined employees at technology firm Garnet River to use the information they gathered to create a new iPhone walking tour application called 'Tour Through Time.'

]]>

History buffs or walking tour fans may choose from three self-guided tours in Saratoga Springs -- Broadway, Congress Park and the East Side.

An example of a tour stop on the app 'Tour Through Time' is 4 Franklin Square -- originally called Marvin Square -- a large, ornate Greek Revival house built around 1837 that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Alex Robinson, a student at Saratoga Springs High School said, "Using this technology makes me want to create more things and be more involved in this community. It made me want to learn more."

The 21st Century Academy is a new program at Saratoga Springs High School that allows students to gain practical experience by working on group-based projects in the real world. The program was for Saratoga Springs High School Seniors only but will be offered to Juniors next year.

'Tour Through Time' is specifically designed to coincide with this year's 150th anniversary celebration of thoroughbred racing in Saratoga Springs.

Garnet River spokeswoman Colleen Parker McMahon said the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau have promoted the walking tours through social media.

The app offers visitors an interesting way to learn about local history and promotes the Spa City as a tourist destination, but those aren't the only benefits of the program.

'Tour Through Time' can be downloaded for free through the iTunes store.

After 'touring through time' you can create your own Saratoga Itinerary - where will you be going first in our historic town?

CDTA Now Offering SPAC Concert Trolley

2013-06-06T15:48:51Z

The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) now offers shuttle rides to select Saratoga Performing Arts Center events. This partnership will provide cost-effective driving alternatives using the historic summer trolley during SPAC concerts; even more reason to get out this summer and see some shows!

]]> The trolley (Route #875) will operate every 15 minutes from 10:45 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. between SPAC and Congress Park in downtown Saratoga, with each trip costing the standard $1.50 fare.

"Our new trolley service will help facilitate traffic flow, ease parking and give concert goers a safe and stress-free night out by leaving the driving to us," said CDTA Chairman David M. Stackrow. "We also appreciate the support of the Saratoga County Chamber to promote the seasonal trolley service to visitors every year."

Summer SPAC Concert Events with New Trolley Service:

June 16: Rascal Flatts
June 23: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
July 5, 6 & 7: Phish
August 11: Jason Aldean
August 25: Luke Bryan
August 30: John Mayer
August 31: Zac Brown Band

See full list of summer events at SPAC!

Saratoga 150 Kicks off with Disney Channel Star Zendaya

2013-06-05T14:10:07Z

The Saratoga Race Course kicks off its Olympic-sized 150th year of racing with a free performance by Disney Channel star Zendaya, July 14, part of the 150 events scheduled for Saratoga 150, the Saratoga Race Course is offering an A-list celebration this summer. ]]> Zendaya, one of the nation's newest pop singers and recent Dancing with the Stars runner-up, will perform with a full entourage of band members, singers and dancers. She will be performing her debut album, which is set to release this fall.

It's been awhile since the Saratoga Race Course has hosted a live concert, but this year's open house event will be a smash success.

"Hosting a free concert with Zendaya allows us to kick off the season in a grandiose way while staying true to our tradition of affordable family fun during this annual pre-season celebration," said Rodnell Workman, vice president and chief marketing officer for The New York Racing Association, Inc.

Zendaya stars on the Disney Channel series Shake It Up as the character Rocky Blue, a backup dancer for the fictional show Shake It Up Chicago. She's also had several film roles, including the lead role in Frenemies and as the voice of Fern in the Pixie Hollow Games.

Tickets will be available starting at noon this Sunday, June 9 by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or by going to: www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket handling fees have been limited to only $1.50 per ticket.

Have Talent? Saratoga County Fair is Looking for You!

2013-06-05T12:44:57Z

Have You Got Talent? Saratoga County Fair is looking for you!

The Saratoga County Fair is looking for contestants for the amazing Talent Competitions during the 172nd Saratoga County Fair the week of July 16-21, 2013.

]]> The Saratoga County Fair talent show consists of a variety of acts including:

Comedy
Drama & story telling
Vocal & instrumental music
Dance & gymnastics
clown, ventriloquistism & magic

The Saratoga County Fair Talent Competitions feature daily cash prizes & trophies. If you think you've got what it takes to win, enter here by June 29, 2013.

For more information call the Saratoga County Fair office at 885-9701 or Audrey Poitras at 899-2646.

What talent will you be performing or most looking forward to seeing?

Saratoga Tops List of Best Cities for Young Families

2013-06-02T16:09:17Z

Nerdwallet.com names Saratoga Springs the best city in New York for Young families based on the great schools, affordable cost of living and job opportunities!

]]> Saratoga Springs is no stranger to the "best of" lists that pop up everywhere, from Travel and Leisure, the New York Times, and many others.

Nerdwallet.com has just produced a list of the Best Cities in New York for Young Families. They looked for the best cities and towns and assessed the highest-quality schools for their kids, a low cost of living and good jobs.

They used the following metrics to evaluate towns all across the state of New York: school quality (using GreatSchools - a nonprofit that rates schools with standardized-test scores); homes' median values and costs, including mortgage payments, real estate taxes, insurance costs, utilities, fuels and other bills (lower costs led to a higher scores); and assessed the local economy based on median household income and income growth over the last decade.

Saratoga Spring's number one spot was due to a school ranking of 9/10 points, and for the many attractions that we know and love! The Racetrack, the many golf courses and the Springs were all cited as attractions to our beautiful city!

We could have told them that the Children's Museum, the Farmers Market, the proximity to the beautiful Adirondack region and many other things all make Saratoga a great place for families to live and visit!

What do you think makes Saratoga Springs a great city for young families?

'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' Author Signing At SaratogaArtsFest

2013-05-30T18:44:09Z

SaratogaArtsFest, will be held from June 6-9 this year. Events and activities designed to inspire readers, writers, and poetry lovers will be presented. There is sure to be an ample number of opportunities for young people to engage with literature.

Poetry and jazz will be the focus of Saratoga Literary Arts and Music (SLAM) on Saturday, June 8 at 9 p.m. to midnight, at Sperry's Restaurant Patio on Caroline Street in Downtown Saratoga Springs. The evening will offer poetry readings and high-energy jazz performances.

]]> The three featured poets, all from the Albany area, will be Miriam Axel-Lute, Jill Crammond, and elizag. Music performances will be given by two dynamic jazz groups, Donna Singer with the Doug Richards Trio and the famed New Orleans' own Hot 8 Brass Band.

The ArtsFest's literary programming for young readers will offer visits by three celebrated author-illustrators and a short-story contest for high school students. The events will kick off with a presentation and book signing by author and cartoonist Jeff Kinney, creator of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. The seventh, and latest, book in the series, The Third Wheel, had the biggest first printing of any book in 2012, and an eighth volume is expected out this coming fall. I a recent survey of kids, the main character in the story was rated the top favorite!

The youth programming will continue with a presentation and book signing by author-illustrator Annette LeBlanc Cate, who will be at The Hilton Hotel on Sunday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cate will discuss her book Look up! Bird Watching in Your Own Back Yard, an illustrated, humorous introduction to bird watching that encourages kids to get outdoors with a sketchbook and look at the world around them. The event is presented by Northshire Bookstore.Sought-after illustrator Michael Chesworth will work with children at the festival's Kids Do Art program on Sunday, June 9, at Universal Preservation Hall. He will talk about his craft and lead young artists in a brainstorming session on illustrations for a simple, six-page story titled Hank and Sam.

It's Neck And Neck -- Help Saratoga Vets Win The Prize!

2013-05-29T13:14:58Z

Don't Let Us Slip From 3rd Place!

As you may know, Saraoga County RPC -- VETHELP is one of the finalists in The Home Depot Foundation's Aprons In Action contest. The grand prize is $250,000, but there are also prizes for 2nd and 3rd place.

With just a few more days of daily voting left, we are currently in third place, but only a few thousand votes separate us from 4th place.

Third place grant is $100,000. VETHELP plans to use this money toward opening up a thrift shop and providing a place for female veterans to work.

Your vote really matters, so PLEASE VOTE today through Friday at midnight, once per day!

VOTE HERE >>

You can sign up for daily voting reminders here >>

$30M Expansion Planned At Saratoga Casino & Raceway

2013-05-28T18:45:32Z

At this time in 2015, Saratoga Casino and Raceway will look much different than it does today!

There was a press conference at the Saratoga Casino and Raceway today where they announced some big changes in store at their venue. The plans are the most significant expansion ever done at Saratoga Casino and Raceway and are expected to total over $30 million.

]]> Details Of The Expansion Plan At Saratoga Casino The $30 million plan unveiled today includes:

120-room hotel
guest spa
indoor pool
lobby bar
24,000 sq. ft. multipurpose event center
signature fine dining restaurant

Saratoga Casino and Raceway celebrates 10 Years in 2014, which is when construction on the planned expansion will begin. The opening of the expansion project is slated for spring 2015. The venue plans on playing host to concerts, comedy shows, banquets, weddings and more once the project is completed.

The Benefits Of This Expansion

Public figures like Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus, Mayor Scott Johnson, Senator Kathy Marchione, Assemblyman Tony Jordan and others got a chance to speak at today's press conference, mostly noting the benefits this Saratoga Casino expansion brings to the region, including:

job creation
increased tourism
revitalized harness racing
reaffirming the Saratoga brand
Saratoga Casino's commitment to the community and giving back

Saratoga Casino and Raceway employs over 600 team members and had payroll expenditures over $18 million in 2012. The expansion plans include the creation of 260 additional jobs at the facility, and an additional $9 million in annual payroll expenses, bringing the total number of employees to 900 and yearly payroll expenses to $27 million.

"We look forward to undertaking this plan and are pleased to be able to move forward," said Jamie Hartman, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Saratoga Casino and Raceway. "We are also excited to create more than 300 union construction jobs and $21 million in payroll to the Capital District when jobs are so sorely needed by all upstate communities."

Future Table Games?

This announcement comes in the wake of Governor Cuomo's recent announcement that there would be no casinos in the eight northern counties of Upstate New York. This had many of us wondering if perhaps the Racino is positioning themselves to be a more appealing choice for table gaming. Turns out that is not their overt goal, and if they are chosen for table gaming, they would need to expand their plan (but they did say their plan was "expandable" just in case gaming arrives).

Previous Upgrades...

Saratoga Casino and Raceway underwent a $15 million renovation and expansion prior to opening in January 2004. In 2007, $25 million was spent to add 400 slot machines and electronic table games, Vapor Night Club and the Garden Buffet. These new upgrades will be the most significant in the history of the venue.

More Info

Saratoga Casino and Raceway is located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY and currently features over 1,700 slots, electronic table games, Vapor Night Club, two full-service restaurants with buffets, three full-service bars, food court and deli.

Learn more about Saratoga Casino and Raceway >>

Want to Know How to Raise Healthy Kids? Follow the Blog!

2013-05-25T13:30:00Z

Looking for advice from an experienced Mom on how to keep your kids healthy?

As a new mom, I'm always searching for information on the healthiest options for my baby. I was beyond excited to see a new blog on Saratoga.com called Healthy Kids Blog with tips and tricks for keeping your little ones healthy, safe, and natural, as well as beauty tips for Mom.

]]> "I am a mother of three kids who discovered how food can heal when my children were little, riddled with allergies and constantly sick," said blogger Sara Mannix. "I've learned a little bit along the way and hope that this blog can help other moms and kids too."

Sara's first blog post is a helpful list that all parents can use, especially now that the kids are approaching summer break. It's a kid's DIY snacking list that answers the inevitable question, 'Mommy, What Can I Have to Eat?' The snack list offers a comprehensive list of snacks broken down into 3 categories: healthy anytime snacks, sometimes treats, and junk food.

Examples of healthy anytime snacks include:

grilled cheese on Ezekiel bread
tomatoes with sea salt
peanut butter and honey sandwich
chicken/cheese whole-grain quesadillas with guacamole

Sara even includes a free printable for you to customize and use in your own home!

I'm excited to follow this blog and get some ideas on how to keep my family healthy and natural. Will you be checking out Healthy Kids Blog? What healthy and natural tips do you have to share? Share your comments on the blog!

New Poetry Blog: Writing From the Heart!

2013-05-14T18:12:15Z

Saratoga.com announces Writing from the Heart, a new blog by Chrissy O'Reilly, a local poet and teacher!

]]> What can you expect from Chrissy's blog? Weekly postings of new poetry meant to "guide, inspire, and prompt your inner poet to emerge."

While just starting out her new blog, Chrissy has already put out some powerful poetry. From the first line of her first poem, we knew we were in for a gratifying reading experience. "Poetry is the voice of the soul as it travels through the heart." You'll have to visit her blog to read the rest of that one.

For the first time through her new Saratoga.com blog, this local poet shares her words of poetry publicly, hoping to bring comfort to readers by Writing From the Heart, and to inspire others to find the liberation in writing their own poetry!

Chrissy has a unique gift that allows her to express herself with words that are deeply meaningful, beautifully poetic and thoughtfully refreshing. We're thankful she has agreed to share these poetic masterpieces with a public audience... us!

Get to know Chrissy! While we can learn a great deal about someone through their poetry, there is still something to be said about having a little background on that person. Chrissy is an athletic woman who loves the outdoors and a SUNY Albany alumna. Currently a resident of Niskayuna, Chrissy first visited Saratoga Springs NY in 1980 and fell in love with the region. An avid outdoorswoman, Chrissy enjoys hiking, skiing, and traveling.

Subscribe to Chrissy O'Reilly's "Writing from the Heart" blog today!

'Posies to End Polio' Fundraiser Returns to Saratoga Springs

2013-05-13T13:00:00Z

Members of the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs will be once again supporting efforts to eradicate polio throughout the world by hosting their annual 'Posies to End Polio' campaign. The Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs is selling a dozen roses for $20 now through May 29th.

Students at Lake Avenue School and Maple Avenue Middle School will be participating in fundraising efforts as well through the Purple Pinkie Project. They will have the chance to donate $1 toward vaccinations and have their finger colored purple, which replicates the stamp used in other countries when children are immunized. Please encourage your children to participate during their lunch period at Lake Avenue School on May 22 and at Maple Avenue Middle School on May 24.

]]> The Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs acknowledges that polio has declined rapidly since 1985, but the fight isn't over. While polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease, it costs as little as 60 cents to vaccinate a child for life.

"Polio has not been a problem in the United States for many years, but this is not the case in many developing countries," said Robert Sofarelli, Chair of the Rotary International Committee for the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club.

If you are interested in supporting the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs 'Posies to End Polio' you can place an order by contacting Dennis Wilson at (518)526-4630 or . Flowers will be available for pick up on Wednesday, June 5 from 12-3 p.m. at Longfellows Restaurant (500 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs).

Your Favorite Street in Saratoga - The results Are In!

2013-05-10T13:32:29Z

The results are in! We asked our readers to vote for what THEIR favorite street in Saratoga was! Getting over half the votes, Broadway was chosen by Saratoga.com readers as their favorite street!

]]> Broadway, located in downtown Saratoga Springs, is lined with attractions and businesses. Not to mention, the street is packed with character, historic buildings and provides an entry to the beautiful Congress Park. If you want to shop, there are plenty of boutiques offering men's, women's and children's clothing.

If you are looking for dining venues, you can enjoy the various cafes, coffee shops and fine dining restaurants. If you want to grab a drink, choose from many nightlife venues ranging from sports bars to wine bars. As you can see, Broadway really does have something for everyone.

Don't forget about other great Saratoga streets that received plenty of votes as well like Caroline Street, Phila Street, Beekman Street, Henry Street and Maple Street. Each of these streets offers something unique that draws tons of people daily.