The Best Things to Do During Travers Weekend in Saratoga (Besides Racing)
Travers Day on August 23, 2025, will be the highlight of the summer, but there's much more to enjoy throughout the weekend. If you're looking for the best things to do during Travers Weekend in the Saratoga Springs area, you'll find great food, shopping, outdoor adventures, and more to enjoy beyond the grandstand!
Where to Eat During Travers Weekend
A weekend this big deserves great meals to match. From easygoing breakfasts to memorable dinners, Saratoga’s dining scene is full of options worth planning around.
Brunch Spots
Start your morning with a satisfying meal before heading out for the day.
- The Local Pub & Teahouse serves up hearty English breakfasts, breakfast burritos, and craft tea in a welcoming, residential neighborhood atmosphere.
- Country Corner Cafe is a classic Saratoga favorite offering stacked pancakes, giant omelets, and cozy indoor and patio seating.
- Sweet Mimi’s Cafe & Bakery charms guests with fresh-baked pastries and signature lemon ricotta pancakes in a cheerful, Instagram-worthy space.
Make plans for breakfast or brunch >>
Lunch Spots
Midday in Saratoga is the perfect time to grab a casual bite and recharge.
- Harvey’s Restaurant and Bar blends Irish and American flavors with rooftop and street-level seating that’s great for people-watching.
- Dizzy Chicken Barbecue offers BBQ with a twist featuring all natural antibiotic free smoke roasted chicken, black angus beef brisket, St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, paninis on house-made focaccia, and more.
- Saratoga’s Broadway Deli crafts house-smoked meats, fresh sandwiches, and thoughtful vegetarian options, all served with quick, friendly service.
Dinner Spots
Unwind with a flavorful dinner and drinks after a day of exploring.
- Henry Street Taproom features rotating craft beers, seasonal plates, and a cozy, laid-back environment downtown.
- The Brook Tavern offers a refined menu in a converted Victorian house, with standout dishes like scallops, steaks, and inventive pastas.
- Salt & Char delivers an elevated steakhouse experience in the historic Adelphi Hotel, with a curated wine list and polished ambiance.
Shop for Saratoga Finds
From Travers-themed gear to fashionable weekend wear, Saratoga’s shopping district offers a walkable mix of boutiques and specialty stores.
Souvenirs & Local Goods
- Impressions of Saratoga is your go-to for Saratoga-branded gear, horse-themed gifts, and locally made items.
- Dark Horse Mercantile celebrates the underdog spirit with unique apparel and accessories tied to racing lore.
- Saratoga Candy Co. offers a colorful, nostalgic experience with handmade treats, retro candies, and a fun collection of horse-themed sweets that make perfect Travers Weekend gifts.
Fashion & Accessories
- Lifestyles of Saratoga in downtown Saratoga curates timeless women’s fashion with seasonal flair.
- deJonghe Original Jewelry features handcrafted fine jewelry made on-site, ideal for a lasting keepsake. Be sure to browse their summer collection and equestrian designs!
- Caroline and Main is known for fun, fresh fashion pieces perfect for brunch or a night out.
- Union Hall Supply Co. brings a mix of classic menswear, grooming goods, and everyday accessories.
Beverage Stops for the Weekend
Note that no glass is allowed at the racetrack, so it’s smart to plan ahead with portable options. These local shops offer canned cocktails, single-serve spirits, and other cooler-friendly beverages perfect for Travers Weekend.
- Post Time Wine & Spirits features a thoughtful selection of ready-to-drink cocktails and portable spirits, along with staff who can help you find the right fit for your weekend plans.
- Spa City Wine & Spirits specializes in small-batch and regional products, including a variety of can-ready cocktails and mini bottles ideal for on-the-go sipping.
- Purdy’s Discount Wines & Liquors carries one of the largest selections in town, with popular favorites like High Noon and other convenient options that are racetrack-approved.
Enjoy the Water: Lake Days & River Fun
With Travers Weekend drawing thousands to Saratoga, spending time on the water is a great way to balance the buzz of the races. From scenic cruises to high-energy river runs, these options offer a refreshing contrast to the track and add a fun, outdoorsy dimension to your weekend plans.
Saratoga Lake
- Original Tiki Tours offers private group cruises aboard a floating tiki bar — perfect for celebrating the weekend with a relaxed, festive vibe on the water.
- Daleys Adventure Boat Tours lets you customize your lake outing with tubing, cruising, or swimming — a social, sun-soaked option between events.
- Adirondack Cruise & Charter Co. runs peaceful, scenic boat tours with options ranging from coffee cruises to private sunset charters, ideal for taking in the views without the crowds.
Beyond the Lake: River Adventures
- Big Big on the Battenkill in Shushan offers easygoing kayaking and tubing through calm, scenic stretches — great for adding some nature and movement to a race-filled weekend.
- Sacandaga Outdoor Center in Hadley delivers whitewater rafting and tubing trips for those looking to inject some adrenaline into their Saratoga stay.
Spend time on the water at local hotspots >>
Outdoor Adventures to Balance the Weekend
If you’re seeking a quiet moment or something active between events, there are plenty of outdoor escapes in and around Saratoga.
Golf Courses with Character
- Saratoga National Golf Club offers a luxury-level experience with pristine fairways, water features, and full-service amenities.
- Brookhaven Golf Course in Porter Corners is a welcoming option for golfers of all levels, with great scenery and fewer crowds.
- Airway Meadows Golf Club in Gansevoort stands out for its relaxed vibe and countryside views—ideal for a casual round.
Hit the green at more golf courses >>
Parks, Trails & Mineral Springs
- Saratoga Spa State Park features paved and wooded trails, historic architecture, picnic areas, and the region’s famous mineral springs.
- Yaddo Gardens offers a more refined outdoor setting with beautifully maintained gardens and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Wilton Wildlife Preserve provides quiet trails through meadows and pine forests, with native wildflowers in bloom during late summer.
High-Flying Fun
- Adirondack Adventure Center in Lake Luzerne offers whitewater rafting, lazy river tubing, and treetop zipline tours.
- WildPlay Thacher features treetop obstacle courses, ziplines, and rope bridges in a forested park setting near Saratoga—perfect for active families and adventurous couples.
Sign up for more extreme adventures >>
Travers-Themed Events & Traditions
Travers Weekend often includes community celebrations and fundraisers that add even more depth to the racing tradition.
- Travers Soirée: A stylish, wine-focused event held ahead of race day with live entertainment and great food.
- Travers Eve Wine and Cheese Social: A relaxed Friday-night gathering featuring local wines, cheeses, and conversation among fans and locals.
These events and more are typically hosted at unique Saratoga venues and offer a more personal way to enjoy the excitement surrounding the Travers.
Sip & Savor: Evening Fun After the Track
Once the day winds down, take in Saratoga’s vibrant evening scene with cocktails, games, or live entertainment.
- Saratoga Casino Hotel blends gaming, live harness racing, casual dining, and entertainment under one roof.
- The Wine Bar of Saratoga offers an extensive wine list, quiet ambiance, and small plates in an upscale yet unpretentious setting.
- Kindred delivers creative cocktails and seasonal small plates in a sleek, contemporary space ideal for date night.
- Bibulous Saratoga is an intimate, speakeasy-style bar known for its inventive drinks and cozy atmosphere tucked just off Broadway.
Explore the full nightlife scene >>
Sip Local: Craft Beverage Spots for Travers Weekend
Adding a craft beverage stop to your Travers Weekend itinerary is a great way to experience the region’s flavors while stepping outside the racetrack crowds. From hazy IPAs to small-batch wines, these local producers offer relaxed settings and something unique to sip.
- Artisanal Brew Works in Saratoga Springs features hazy IPAs, sours, and other small-batch creations. Meet up with friends before an event or relax after a day downtown.
- Dancing Grain Farm Brewery is located on a working farm in Moreau. This brewery uses grains grown on-site to craft a variety of approachable beers.
- Adirondack Winery in Queensbury is a modern tasting room that offers wine flights, slushies, and cheese boards in a casual, airy setting. Their wines range from dry reds to sweeter blends, all made with New York-grown grapes.
Live Music & Performances All Weekend Long
The weekend includes standout concerts and performances that elevate your stay.
SPAC Highlights
- Back to the Future in Concert – August 23: The Philadelphia Orchestra plays the full film score live alongside a screening of the iconic movie.
- Jonas Brothers – August 24: Pop fans won’t want to miss this high-energy show capping off the weekend.
Caffe Lena Shows
- Jake Shimabukuro – August 22: Known for redefining the ukulele, Shimabukuro’s performances are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.
- Tinsley Ellis – August 23: A powerhouse blues guitarist with decades of road-tested chops.
- Christie Lenée featuring Katie Marie – August 24: Blending singer-songwriter storytelling with intricate guitar work, this show offers an intimate close to the weekend.
Bonus Idea: Take a Day Trip to Lake George
Extending your stay? Lake George offers a refreshing change of pace less than an hour north of Saratoga.
Spend the day cruising the lake, strolling Shepard Park Beach, playing mini-golf, or relaxing over lunch at a lakeside patio. A Lake George day trip an easy, scenic addition to your weekend plans.
Make the Most of Travers Weekend in Saratoga
Travers Weekend is a celebration of summer, racing tradition, and Saratoga’s signature charm. If you're skipping the track or filling in time around it, the city offers everything from lakeside adventures and outdoor relaxation to live music, fine dining, and unforgettable small-town energy.
Need a place to stay? Check out Saratoga lodging today >>
