A Historic Saratoga Hotel Reopens, Summer Jazz Festival News & More

We have some exciting Saratoga area news to share this week. The Gideon Putnam has reopened for lodging guests, dates have been announced for Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival and Opera Saratoga, and there are a number of events worth checking out too.

The Historic Gideon Putnam Is Ready to Welcome Back Guests

outside large hotel and scenic lawn

After temporarily closing, The Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Spa State Park has officially restarted their lodging operations as of May 5. The hotel will be open for stays on Thursday – Saturday nights in May before opening 7 days a week beginning May 31. If you’re in need of a vacation this year, then plan a spring or summer getaway to this historic hotel. Reservations are being accepted for 2021.

Get Jazzed Up About the Return of Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival

Although the 2020 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, music lovers have a reason to get jazzed up this year – the 2021 festival is set to return to Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on June 26-27.

The 2021 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival will look different as SPAC adheres to all New York State COVID-19 safety guidelines, and ticket availability will be limited. However, SPAC is looking forward to welcoming back fans to the festival and presenting a fantastic lineup of artists. Stay tuned for more info on the concerts and tickets.

Enjoy an Apple Cider Donuts Drive-Thru Event at Ellms Family Farm

cider donuts on a tray

Due to the success of last year’s event, Ellms Family Farm will once again host an Apple Cider Donuts Drive-Thru and Scavenger Hunt. The two-day event is scheduled for this weekend, May 8-9, and you can select either a dozen donuts, a dozen donuts with a gallon of cider, or a dozen donuts with a gallon of cider and kettle corn, along with a half-hour time slot in which you would like to pick up your treats.

After you arrive, you can pick up your tasty donuts at the drive-thru station and head home, or participate in a scavenger hunt on the farm from the comfort and safety of your vehicle. There are limited time slots available, so plan ahead today and bring the whole family along for the ride.

Opera Saratoga Announces 2021 Summer Festival

Opera Saratoga will return to the stage for its 60th anniversary this year for a season of performances inspired by the iconic novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. SPAC, Saratoga Spa State Park, and Pitney Meadows Community Farm will serve as unique performance spaces for audiences to safely enjoy two fully staged productions (Don Quichotte at Camacho’s Wedding and Man of La Mancha) and a special concert (Quixotic Opera). Visit SPAC’s website for more details on each performance.

Visit the Final Home of Ulysses S. Grant

a historic yellow cottage by trees

Attention history buffs! As of last weekend, the U.S. Grant Cottage State Historic Site in Wilton is open for its 2021 season. Reservations are required for tours of the cottage, but during normal hours of operation, all visitors are free to walk the grounds and visit the overlook to enjoy the stunning views.

Town of Clifton Park Prepares for New Park Project

The Town of Clifton Park recently announced plans for a new 37-acre public park with a network of trails that will connect Maxwell Drive and Moe Road. According to the Times Union, this park will feature a 50-car parking lot, a walkway over a wetland area, and a space for picnics and other gatherings.

Development is expected to take a few years, but the town is prepared to begin phase 1, which includes ensuring the park will comply with New York State’s stormwater regulations.