Hey, Skidmore students: if you didn’t fly out to the Bahamas this spring break, chances are you’re chilling in your Northwoods or New Scrib apartment, trying to “study” and “get a head start on your thesis,” but we’ve got some distractions for you that aren’t Netflix. Stop wondering what food your roommate won’t notice if you eat and check out these spring break ideas to have a staycation in Saratoga.
Get Literary – Northshire Bookstore Author Talks
Just because you’re on break doesn’t mean you should let your brain turn to jelly. Head to Northshire Bookstore (your new favorite place) to see these two great author talks.
- On Saturday, March 8th at 7 pm hear from Author Ellen Stimson on her book Mud Season, a charming, self-deprecating tale of Ellen’s trials and tribulations moving from St. Louis to Vermont.
- On Saturday, March 15th at 7 pm hear from New York Times Bestselling Author Jennifer McMahon about her new novel, The Winter People.
Get Fed – Cooking School At Pasta Pane
Yes, we know, you only want free food. Pasta Pane is owned by the same folks who run Chianti, Forno Bistro, and Boca Bistro – otherwise known as the places your parents take you during Celebration Weekend.
- Learn authentic Italian cooking techniques to blow away your roommates on Tuesday, March 11 at 6:30 pm.
Get Involved – Meet Sustainable Saratoga
Maybe you’re already involved in the clubs on campus, or maybe you’re looking for something on a larger scale. Either way, meeting Sustainable Saratoga will give you the opportunity to serve the greater Skidmore. Plus, there will be light refreshments (read: free food!)
- Meet Sustainable Saratoga at Empire State College on Tuesday, March 11th at 7 pm
Get Artistic – Saratoga Paint & Sip
The folks at Saratoga Paint & Sip on Henry Street are usually booked up on weekends, so take advantage of the free time during the weeknights to get a group together for some painting and casual drinking (if you’re over 21, of course).
- Paint Solo Cala Lily on Wednesday, March 12 at 7 pm
Get Outside – Moonlight Ski Evening
Whether you need to borrow some skis or dust them of, get some friends together and harness your inner “outing club bros” to try cross-country skiing. You’ll also enjoy free hot drinks and marshmallows around a fire.
- Moonlight Ski on Thursday, March 13th at 7 pm at the Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve.
Get Irish – Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Parties
If you’re over 21, you’re probably dying to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day. You need to be back in class on Monday, which means you’ll have to skip the St. Patrick’s Day events downtown. Don’t worry though, a lot of places are starting early. Check out these pre-St. Patrick’s events.
- Saratoga Winery | St. Paddy’s Bash – Friday, March 14th at 6 pm
Dancing, corned beef & cabbage, and $4 glasses of green wine! - Parting Glass Pub | 4 Day St. Pat’s Celebration – Kicks off Friday night
Celebrate St. Paddy’s early at The Parting Glass. On Friday, hear The McKrells live, then join them on Saturday for Hair of the Dog. - Irish Times | St. Pracktice Day Party – Saturday, March 15th starting at 1 pm
The St. Pracktice Day party gives everybody the chance to warm up for the big day, but this will be your main event. Enjoy Irish Step Dancers, bagpipes, free hats & t-shirts, live music, and everything you need to make it feel like the real St. Patrick’s day. - North Creek Railway | Ales and Rails – Saturday, March 15th from 12:30 – 7 pm
Get your friends together for this min-spring break getaway. Take a two-hour scenic train ride from Saratoga Springs to North Creek while sampling local ales and beers and listening to Irish Music. Spend the day at Gore Mountain tubing, shopping, or snowshoeing, then enjoy more beers and snacks on the way home.
Looking for more? Check out the Saratoga events calendar for plenty of things to do during March break.
