Make a Family Weekend Out of a Dead Show in Saratoga Springs, NY

Saratoga has a blend of small-town charm with big-city taste

I grew up going to see some of the world’s best musicians at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, or lovingly known as SPAC. It’s at this venue I was first comforted by Phil Collins, dazed by Phish, and rocked by Tom Petty. Some of my most cherished childhood and music-going memories happened at this amphitheater. So, needless to say, Saratoga Springs has a soft spot in my heart.

We recently went for a road trip, and we managed to squeeze in an impressive itinerary in less than 24 hours. Whether you have a few hours, or a few days, here are the best stops to make when visiting the Saratoga area.

1. First up for our family is the Children’s Museum at Saratoga which serves 0-8-year-olds. It recently relocated to the Lincoln Bath building in the State Park. We like to combine a trip to the Museum with a stroll around the park. It makes for a good one-two punch of brain stimulation, and step accumulation. The museum features a series of hands-on “exhibits” — from a doctor’s office to fishing boat to fire truck — that all encourage interactive and imaginary play.
2. The summer concert series is still in full force at SPAC. In summer 2023, you can take your kids back to the 90s and see Dave Matthews Band and The Dead & Co. Lawn passes and tailgate picnics make for fun family outings in the summer.
3. The Northshire Bookstore on Broadway is sister to the flagship store in Manchester, Vermont, which is just 1.5 hours away from Saratoga. Regardless of which location you visit, just make sure you include either on your itinerary. It’s one of the most loved independent bookstores in the country, and it has everything from the hottest books (one of Matty Matheson’s cookbooks caught my eye today) to Melissa & Doug toys. There’s something here for everyone.
4. Churros at Boca Bistro are definitely worth the stop. If this cuisine isn’t for you, there are plenty of other great restaurants on this strip, too.
5. Lake George is 30 mins from Saratoga, and to be fair to this beautiful lake, it probably warrants a stand-alone place on your family’s bucket list, but at a minimum, tack it on to a trip to Saratoga. From its natural beauty to factory outlets to Six Flags Great Escape theme park, this place makes for all of the best summer family memories.
6. Go see horse racing at Saratoga Race Track, which opened in 1863 and is one of the oldest major sporting venues in the country. Pick a horse to finish first then kick back with your family as you take in the stunning mountain vistas. It’s a good time had by all.
7. Just several steps away from the race track is the Brentwood Hotel, which reminds me of a reenergized motel we used to stay at in the hip-enclave outside of Los Angeles called Los Alamos. Brentwood Hotel was designed by Brooklyn-based Studio Tack, which means it’s safe to say that Saratoga may be the next hipster hideout of the east.
8. Last but not least, there’s a winery and plenty of local craft beer to be enjoyed. Check out The Saratoga Winery, which is a tasting room serving homemade wine and local beer in rustic digs with live music and light eats. They do a good brunch if you need somewhere to fuel up before heading home.

Saratoga has a blend of small-town charm with big-city taste. If it’s good enough for Jerry Garcia in the 80s, and now The Dead & Co due to play in 2023, then we trust it can deliver good times for you and your family, too. Who else is joining us on the lounge chairs at SPAC this summer? See you there!