A new chapter in Saratoga’s rich culinary story unfolds with the opening of Familiar Creature, a food focused wine bar located at 42 Phila Street. Inspired by the lively buvettes and bar-à-vin of France and Montreal, Familiar Creature combines approachable sophistication with heartfelt hospitality, offering a space where guests can gather to enjoy French- and Quebecois-inspired small plates, a curated wine selection, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Led by Executive Chef Michele Hunter and Sous Chef Alex Johnson, the menu reflects the team’s shared dedication to ingredient-driven cuisine. Hunter, a Food Network Chopped Champion, brings experience from celebrated establishments like The Adelphi Hotel and Hamlet & Ghost, while Johnson, a SUNY Delhi graduate contributes a refined approach honed over years working with top chefs that include Thomas Keller, Jenner Tomaska and Eric Leveillee.

 Together, they have crafted a dynamic menu featuring standout dishes like Crispy Skate Wing served with a shaved fennel and apple, Dijon mustard and fresh herbs, Braised Pork Belly served with a rich honey-madeira au jus over celery root puree and Parisian Gnocchi made with pate choux pastry dough serve with local black pearl mushrooms, shaved fennel and parmesan. Complementing these creations are the cheese and charcuterie offerings, a celebration of craftsmanship that balances artisanal local selections with renowned European varieties. Anchoring the menu is the signature French-style Roasted Chicken, pasture raised and all natural. This dedication to quality and care reflects Familiar Creature’s commitment to serving dishes that embody hospitality and a deep respect for ingredients.

The Saratoga Automobile Museum’s Spring Auto Show has long marked the opening of the Capital Region’s busy car show season and has grown to be among the largest in the Northeast.  But this year’s event, set for Saturday, May 10, will be even more special.

“Last year’s show brought out over 950 enthusiasts with cars, trucks and motorcycles of every type and vintage,” offered museum executive director Megan Hennessy.  “For 2025, our dedicated volunteers and museum staff have set a goal of 1000 cars on our huge field adjacent to the museum in the Saratoga Spa State Park.  And we would, of course, be thrilled to host even more!”

The show will run from 9 am to 2 pm, with spectators admitted free.  Participants can pre-register online at www.saratogaautomuseum.org before May 9th for $20, with “day of” registrations set at $25.  All registrations will include admission to the auto museum.

The show will conclude with the traditional awards ceremony with MC Ron Hedger interviewing the winning owners in the nine judging categories, highlighted by the prestigious Best in Show award, on center stage.

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce an expanded Pitch-In initiative, a dynamic program aimed at connecting residents with local non-profits. Built on the belief that small acts of kindness lead to big changes, this initiative seeks to make Saratoga County a brighter, stronger, and more connected place to live through volunteerism.

Volunteering plays a vital role in strengthening communities—and now, with Pitch-In, it’s never been easier for residents to get involved. By lending their time and talents, individuals can make a lasting impact while reaping personal rewards along the way.

“As we saw during the Chamber’s Leap of Kindness Day in 2024, when you pitch in and volunteer, you’re not just giving your time – you’re helping to build a community we can all be proud of,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “Volunteering creates ripple effects that benefit everyone, from neighbors in need to the volunteers themselves.”

Why Volunteer?

The benefits of volunteering extend far beyond the good it does for others. It’s also a chance to connect, grow, and make a meaningful impact on the community you love. Here’s how volunteering makes a difference for individuals:

By Paul Post

Major, but short-lived events could have far-reaching impacts that promote tourism for years to come.

Discover Saratoga is doing everything possible to capitalize on them.

The Belmont Stakes is returning to the Spa Oval this summer along with an extended racing season, and numerous activities are planned for America’s 250th birthday celebration next year, in addition to observances for the 1777 Battles of Saratoga, a major turning point in the American Revolution.

“All of the amazing attributes we have in Saratoga County are what people are looking for, but we can never just rely on that,” said Darryl Leggieri, Discover Saratoga president. “We have to keep getting the word out and make sure that people know about us. We don’t want to be the best kept secret in upstate New York.”

“We must always be innovating to stay competitive,” he said. “Our main competition comes from popular destinations in the Northeast. We compete by highlighting Saratoga’s unique attractions, vibrant history, amazing art scene, world class events and leveraging digital marketing partnerships to reach a broader audience.”

The 539-member, non-profit Discover Saratoga’s mission is driving economic growth by promoting Saratoga County as a premier destination for leisure travel, meetings, conventions and events – specifically geared toward tourism and hospitality.

Members have access to sales and marketing opportunities targeting event planners and visitors including guests attending weddings, City Center conventions and exhibits. They can also take part in Discover Saratoga events, digital marketing programs and cross-selling to other members.

By Paul Post

Stewart’s Shops is spending $70 million this year to build new stores and rebrand some of the 45 Jolley convenience stores it recently acquired.

With the acquisition, completed on Dec. 16, the Malta-based company’s footprint now covers a territory from Oswego to Lebanon, N.H., and the Hudson Valley to the Canadian border including its first-ever entry into northern Vermont.

“We’re going to rebrand the stores within the geographic area we currently service first, from Central New York to southern Vermont,” Chief Operating Officer Chad Kiesow said. “Once that’s done, we’ll go north from Rutland into Burlington, St. Albans and northern Vermont.”

There are 48 Jolley stores in Vermont, two in New Hampshire and five in New York including three in Queensbury, one at 777 Upper Glen Street, another on Aviation Road near Northway Exit 19 and a third on Route 9 near Exit 20 across from Lake George Outlets. Albany Business Review has reported that Stewart’s paid $9.6 million for the five New York stores alone.

But under terms of the acquisition, the Federal Trade Commission has required Stewart’s to divest itself of five Jolley stores to prevent unfair competition. This includes the ones on Aviation Road and Route 9, which Stewart’s paid more than $2.9 million and $3.2 million for, respectively.