Catch Up on Saratoga Springs News, Exciting Business Announcements, and More
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Stay informed and up-to-date with what's happening in our vibrant region! We've rounded up some of the top Saratoga Springs news, including local business headlines, major event announcements, community updates, and more.
The CPKC Holiday Train Will Light Up the Saratoga Area on November 25th
It's going to be another merry and bright holiday season in the Saratoga Springs area! The beloved CPKC Holiday Train is set to return on November 25, 2024, spreading festive cheer and supporting local banks.
Since 1999, the Holiday Train has raised over $24.3 million and donated more than 5.3 million pounds of food for community food banks in the U.S. and Canada. The train, decked out in thousands of lights, is scheduled to visit Mechanicville and Saratoga Springs at the following locations on November 25:
- Mechanicville (300 Park Avenue, Mechanicville, NY): 6pm-6:30pm
- Saratoga Springs (Amtrak Station, Saratoga Springs, NY): 7:30pm-8pm
At each stop, there will be free live music by the James Barker Band and Cherel. Attendees are encouraged to make a monetary or heart-healthy donation to help those in need in the local community.
As part of its 4-week trip starting November 22, 2024, the CPKC Holiday Train will also stop in Fort Edward and Port Henry on November 26, and then continue its tour through December 17, 2024.
The CPKC Holiday Train is a can't-miss holiday event in our region, and we can't wait for its return. Be sure to mark your calendar today!
Revitalized Coesa Spring House Welcomes Back Visitors
The historic Coesa Spring House in Saratoga Spa State Park welcomes visitors after years of inactivity. On Tuesday morning (August 13), a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the much-anticipated reopening.
The restoration was a collaborative effort between the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and a local nonprofit.
Over the past three years, extensive renovations, including installing the new fountain, have brought the historic site back to life.
This project features a beautifully restored spring house, a new patio area with benches, and a fountain handmade by a local sculptor. Visitors can access the spring house and fountain from Route 50 or the Coesa Pavilion lot.
“I was so excited I woke up at three this morning,” said Helene Brecker, President of Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park. “It’s wonderful to see this project finally come to fruition and to celebrate the hard work of everyone involved.”
Funded through state grants, the project ensures the preservation of this historic site for future generations. The reopening marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the park’s historical landmarks.
Visitors are encouraged to come and try the famous water while enjoying the scenic views. The Coesa Spring House is ready to welcome the community back to this cherished landmark.
Source: News10
Sushi Restaurant Replacing 30 Lake
The owner of the new Omakase Sushi and Grill already has six restaurants under her belt, with this one being the seventh, and an eighth on the horizon!
Briana Lin intentionally chooses spaces that formerly housed restaurants if possible, like this new one that is taking over the 30 Lake space at 30 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs.
Omakase Sushi and Grill is expected to open in October of 2024. "Omakase" means "I'll leave it up to you" in Japanese, and this is reminiscent of how the high end eatery will operate.
The chef will choose the meal based on fresh ingredients they have on hand, and the customer can choose their experience based on a price point of $70, $90, or $110. They also expect to have a la carte sushi, a variety of Asian dishes, and a full bar.
Sources:
- News 10 ABC: New sushi restaurant opening in Saratoga Springs
- Saratoga Living: Restauranteur Briana Lin Brings Omakase to Saratoga Springs
The Holiday Spirit Arrives Early at Malta Drive-In’s Christmas Movie Weekend
As the Malta Drive-In Theatre wraps up its 75th anniversary season, people of all ages are in for a holiday treat. This weekend, November 1st and 2nd, the theater is hosting its first-ever Christmas-themed movie event, bringing seasonal cheer to the big screen under the crisp autumn sky.
The Christmas double feature lineup begins with The Polar Express at 7:15 p.m., inviting viewers on a journey to the North Pole. Afterwards, the holiday fun continues with National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation at 8:40 p.m. The movies will be presented on Screen #1 on both days.
Attendees are encouraged to embrace the holiday spirit by donning their pajamas or favorite "ugly" Christmas sweaters to be eligible to win prizes.
In addition, all guests will receive a golden ticket that can be redeemed in the snack bar for a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. Younger moviegoers (under 12) will also get a special keepsake, a bell from Santa's sleigh.
Please note that Screen #2 will be showing Venom: The Last Dance at 7:20 p.m. and Deadpool & Wolverine at 9:20 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. Arrive early and get ready for this early holiday season celebration in the Saratoga Springs area!
Saratoga Wing Off 2024 Winners: See Who Stole the Show
The 7th Annual Saratoga Wing Off on Saturday, October 19, 2024, was a deliciously fun event where over 30 restaurants and taverns competed to serve up the best chicken wings in town.
With hundreds of attendees flocking to sample a variety of mouthwatering flavors, the Wing Off wasn’t just about satisfying appetites—it also supported a good cause. A portion of the event's proceeds went to the American Cancer Society to raise awareness of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
After a day full of spice, sauce, and smoky flavors, the top honors went to Bentley’s Tavern in Malta and The Mill on Round Lake in Round Lake.
Announcing the Winners
In this year’s hotly contested event, Bentley's Tavern took home the coveted People's Choice Award for their Smokey and The Bandit wings. Meanwhile, The Mill on Round Lake earned the title of Wildest Wing with their bold Bada Bing Vodka Wing.
Some of the other contenders included Hattie's Restaurant with their Good-N-Evil Chicken Wings, The Parting Glass with their Hot Bacon Jam & Jamo Sticky Whiskey Wings, and Brasserie Benelux's Maple Bacon Bourbon Wings.
Congrats to both Bentley's Tavern and The Mill on Round Lake for winning! Whether you're a local or just visiting, make sure to stop by these establishments to try their exceptional chicken wings for yourself.
Sip for Wildlife at Cantina in Saratoga Springs
Cantina in Saratoga Springs is excited to announce they have chosen North Country Wild Care as the beneficiary of their Good Samaritan Margarita! Now through the end of November 2024, $3 from each margarita sold will help wildlife in need.
Enjoy Taco Tuesday with a drink that makes a difference! Stop by Cantina, sip for wildlife, spread the word.
Cantina opened in 2007 and serves fresh, contemporary Mexican and Southwest Food and exceptional margaritas. With a relaxed atmosphere, they are a staple of the vibrant downtown Saratoga Springs area.