36 Hours in Saratoga Springs, NY

I've really been itching to get out of the city lately. This winter is totally killing my happiness level and it reached a crazy point a few weeks ago. I asked Tom if he was up for a little getaway, so we did some research and decided to go to Saratoga Springs, NY! I've been wanting to see Dave Matthews at the famous (in my mind?) Saratoga Performing Arts Center foreeeeever, but could never get a group together. I thought it could be fun to go explore the little city and just get out of Boston for a bit.

We left on Sunday morning and the drive was a quick, scenic three hours through the Berkshires. We were hungry when we arrived so we parked on the main road in the city (Broadway) and looked for a place to get lunch. We decided on Cantina, a cute Mexican inspired restaurant.

We started with drinks to celebrate the mini vacation (skinny margarita for me) and chips and salsa.

For our meals I ordered the pulled pork burrito bowl and Tom got the spicy shrimp tacos. It was a nice first meal in Saratoga.

After lunch we headed over to the B&B we'd be spending the night in. The Maple Shade B&B is about 25 minutes outside of Saratoga and absolutely adorable. I was thrilled when we pulled up and saw the big Victorian looking house practically in the middle of nowhere (the owners have 86 acres of land).

Tom and JoAnne (the owners) were so sweet and made us feel right at home. We stayed in the "Blue Room" which is the nicest room in the house, I think.

As soon as we got settled in I decided it was time to pamper myself with a long bath in the glorious jacuzzi tub. It was amazing. I did fall asleep at one point and nearly dropped my kindle in the water...woops!

After relaxing for a bit it was time to get ready and head back into town for dinner. We had done some research beforehand (of course), and knew we wanted to hit up The Merry Monk for the amazing Belgian beer list it offered. We took two seats at the bar and started with a couple of flights. Thanks to the handy new Untappd app that Tom introduced me to, I can remember all of the beers I tried!

Top to bottom: Ovila Abbey Quad with Plums - Sierra Nevada, Piraat - Brouwerij Van Steenberge, Bush de Noël (Scaldis Noël) - Brasserie Dubuisson, Abt 12 - St. Bernardus. The Abt 12 and Ovila Abbey Quad were my favorites.

While we sipped we snacked on some soft pretzels. For entrees, I ordered the burger and Tom ordered some mussels and frites.

When I finished my flight I ordered a single bottle of Maredsous 10° Tripel. I loved it!

After we finished we went to another bar down the street for a final drink or two. I was pretty drunk by the end of the night and even fell asleep on the way home. I'm just a ball of excitement these days! I was thrilled to climb into the huge, comfy king size bed back at the B&B. What I would do for a king bed!!

We had plans for the morning to do something active, but we both really just felt like relaxing and exploring the city a bit more. We woke up around 9 and went downstairs to eat breakfast. I felt rude taking photos, but breakfast was wonderful! We sat at a communal table with the other guests and were given freshly baked muffins, fruit, and omlettes to order with bacon and toast. It was such a nice way to start the morning.

After breakfast we relaxed in the room a bit and then checked out around noon. I was sad to say goodbye to that big bed and tub!

It was so cold out, but we wanted to explore some more of Saratoga before heading back to Boston. We headed into town, parked the car, and went on a search for the mineral springs! A little background on the springs of Saratoga:

"Among the few naturally carbonated springs in the country, Saratoga mineral water is steeped in legend and lore. Drinking and bathing in the waters of Saratoga Springs was regarded as medicine by the Mohawk and Iroquois Indians hundreds of years ago, who celebrated its strong healing and curative properties. Once discovered by settlers, accounts of its healthful benefits caught on in a big way. Even George Washington was an advocate of its restorative powers, and tried unsuccessfully to purchase High Rock Springs in 1783!

Today there are approximately 17 mineral springs in Saratoga, located at various points throughout the city, each one varying slightly in its chemical makeup and flavor. The springs also taste different depending on the season. For all the positive references made regarding the benefits of mineral water, first-time tasters are often a bit surprised. It tastes nothing like what comes out of your tap, and may be a bit disconcerting to the uninitiated! Some describe the odor as being akin to rotten eggs, and the taste, well…unusual."

Unusual is a good way to describe it. Out of the 17 springs we were only able to find 4 or 5. The first we tried was DISGUSTING! It tasted like vinegar and metal mixed together. Tom and I both spit it out. Only one of the springs we tried was "drinkable", but it still had a strange taste.

Our search for the springs took us through Congress Park. It was covered with a beautiful thick layer of snow. Even though it was frigid out it was actually really peaceful exploring the park. I imagine it's packed with people in the summer and spring time.

After the park we warmed up by hopping in and out of various shops. My favorite was the Saratoga Olive Oil Company where we sampled tons of oils and vinegars.

Before we left, we stopped at Max London's for a bite to eat. We ordered the frites to share and two pizzas. It wasn't exactly the healthiest of weekends but it sure was delicious!

And that about finished up our little getaway! We hopped in the car and arrived back in Boston in the late evening. It was a wonderful escape, I just wish it could have been longer!

Side note, there were enormous icicles everywhere in Saratoga. Like far bigger than I've ever seen!! I wish I took more pictures of them, but I only have this one from the B&B.

Crazy!