Fun Local Favorites: The Best Things to Do in Ballston Spa & Malta, NY
Looking for the best things to do in Ballston Spa, NY and Malta, NY? From standout dining to unique local gems, these vibrant communities just outside Saratoga Springs are top spots for a fun-filled day.
Satisfy Your Cravings with Local Dining
While you're out exploring the area, you'll definitely want to stop for a bite to eat. There are tons of options, regardless of what kind of meal or cuisine you're looking for.
Dine with a View at Carson’s Woodside Tavern
A popular hotspot overlooking Saratoga Lake in Malta, Carson's Woodside Tavern is ideal for lunch or dinner.
Dine on American fare with Italian, Mexican, German, Cajun, and French influences in their dining room or out on the scenic cliffside patio.
Savor Gourmet Tea at The Whistling Kettle
A beloved café in the heart of Ballston Spa, The Whistling Kettle is highly recommended for comfortable, sociable dining. Enjoy a menu full of hot sandwiches, crepes, soups, salads, quiche, and fresh-baked scones.
Don’t miss their signature customizable Afternoon Tea, featuring over 100 premium loose-leaf blends to choose from.
Relax with Golf Course Views at The Iron’s Edge
Grab a bite at Ballston Spa's best kept secret: The Iron's Edge at the Ballston Spa Country Club.
On their menu, you'll find over 50 options, such as seared Atlantic salmon and a tasty buffalo Rangoon appetizer. With this many selections, there's sure to be something for everyone!
Savor Italian Favorites at Augie’s Restaurant
If you're in the mood for traditional Italian food, you can't go wrong with Augie's. This local favorite offers a huge selection of family-style dishes that are great for sharing around the table or taking home for later.
Experience Fall Fun in Ballston Spa
Crisp air, colorful leaves, and small-town charm make Ballston Spa a top pick for fall fun. Stroll through the quaint downtown shops, pick apples at a nearby orchard, or check out some of the featured seasonal activities below.
Spend the Day Outdoors at Ellms Family Farm
Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa is a hotspot for fall activities that both kids and adults will enjoy. Solve your way through a corn maze, go pumpkin picking, mine for gemstones, visit animals at the petting zoo, take a train ride, and have fun on slides, jump pads, and pedal carts!
Get Spooked at Double M Haunted Hayrides
A fall favorite in Ballston Spa for over 25 years, Double M Haunted Hayrides offers a thrilling ride through dark, haunted woods, followed by a series of spooky walk-through attractions like Blood Moon Farm and Slaughter Swamp.
Recognized as the Capital District’s top haunted attraction, it’s a Halloween tradition you won’t want to miss.
Dive Into the Area's Local History
Although Saratoga Springs may be more famous, Ballston Spa's mineral springs made it a fashionable destination and "watering hole" in its own right in the nineteenth century.
The village is actually the county seat of Saratoga County and was founded several years earlier than the Spa City, in 1771.
Check Out the Brookside Museum & Saratoga County Historical Society
The Brookside Museum began its life as a resort hotel in 1792, hosting many notable figures during the early nineteenth century, such as James Fenimore Cooper.
The building is now home to the Saratoga County Historical Society and documents the history of not only Ballston Spa, but also the surrounding towns and villages. They also feature special temporary exhibits and often host special events.
Visit the National Bottle Museum
Located in downtown Ballston Spa, the National Bottle Museum highlights Saratoga County's role in bottle making, one of America's first major industries.
Visit the museum to view the vast collection of glass bottles in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Exhibits cover mineral water, decorative bottles, glass paperweights, and methods of accurately dating bottles.
Enjoy Some Family-Friendly Fun Around the Region
Bringing the children to Ballston Spa and Malta? There’s plenty for the whole family to do—beyond the museums mentioned above.
Come to the Saratoga County Fair
Held annually in July at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds (162 Prospect Street, Ballston Spa, NY), the Saratoga County Fair is a beloved family-friendly event featuring carnival rides, delicious food, truck, tractor, and lawn mower pulls, live music, demonstrations, and more.
With something for all ages, it’s the perfect place to enjoy classic fair fun in the heart of Saratoga County.
Catch a Flick at the Malta Drive-In Theater
Pack everyone into the car and go see a movie at the Malta Drive-In, which first opened in 1949. The theater's two screens show current releases, with half of them usually being rated PG or under.
There's a full snack bar on site, but you can also bring in your own food for a small fee.
Browse Hidden Gems at Antique Shops and More
Shopping in the Ballston Spa and Malta area offers a fun and unique way to experience the region’s charm and history. From vintage décor to rare collectibles, local shops are filled with character, variety, and plenty of surprises around every corner.
Discover Treasures at Daisy Dry Goods: Antiques & Gifts
Located in the heart of Ballston Spa, Daisy Dry Goods is a charming shop known for its carefully curated antiques, vintage finds, and one-of-a-kind gifts. From Fiestaware and teapots to unique home décor and collectibles, their selection is always changing.
Explore the Past at Ballston Spa Antique Center, Inc.
Ballston Spa has earned a reputation as a haven for antique lovers, and Ballston Spa Antique Center is a big reason why. Located just five miles south of Saratoga Springs, this locally loved spot offers a wide array of vintage furniture, décor, and hidden gems.
The village's Victorian charm adds to the experience, making it a favorite stop for collectors, decorators, and anyone drawn to the timeless appeal of the past.
Sip & Relax at Local Craft Breweries
The craft beer scene around Ballston Spa and Malta is thriving, with breweries offering everything from hop-forward IPAs to smooth, small-batch lagers. Many feature inviting taprooms, rotating seasonal selections, and a strong commitment to local ingredients and creativity.
Grab a Pint at Speckled Pig Brewing Co.
Speckled Pig Brewing Co. in Ballston Spa proudly uses locally grown malts and hops to craft their beers. The welcoming taproom offers a rotating selection of house-brewed ales paired with eclectic wood-fired pizzas.
It's a great place to meet up with friends or unwind with a pint and a slice.
Sip and Savor at Active Ingredient Brewing Company
Active Ingredient Brewing Company in Malta serves up small-batch, science-inspired beers with bold, inventive flavors. Pair your pint with a meal from their full kitchen and enjoy it in the relaxed taproom or out on the spacious patio. Just off Exit 12, it’s an easy and enjoyable stop to keep your craft beer adventure going.
You don’t have to spend the day in Saratoga Springs to enjoy a full itinerary. Ballston Spa and Malta offer plenty of attractions, dining, and hidden gems of their own.
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