VISITING SARATOGA

[delayjf]

I will be visiting Saratoga for the first time and was wanting some advice on where to stay.
From the looks of it, Saratoga is sold out and too expensive. Does anybody have any knowledge about other town I might stay in or is Albany my best choice.

[George]

Albany is not a bad choice and is about an hours drive. I have stayed in Schenectady several times and that is about a 40 minute drive up highway 50 once you learn the "back way" in. There are several major chains like Holiday Inn in Schenectady. Call some national reservation numbers and get a confirmed reservation.

Once settled in Schenectady, take a drive north of Saratoga to the Glens Falls/Lake George area and you might find a nice small "mom and pop" motel with room available at semi-reasonable rates. Expect to pay $80 up for one of those per night.

Incidentally, if you are driving up take a couple light aluminum lawn chairs to carry in to the track. If flying there are "lawn chair" rentals outside the entrances. A pleasant hassle free way to enjoy the races sitting under the trees. Good seats in the stands are hard to come by and somewhat expensive.

Best parking deal is somebodys yard on the backside. Cheap, no lines and easy track entrance.

Many great restaraunts in Saratoga but best bargain is at the track. Roast corn, broasted chicken, and homemade ice cream for about $10.

Siro's across from track is one of New Yorks great steak places and serves the best rack of lamb in the world.

Enjoy.......hope this helps.

[MikeDee]

When I was there a couple of years ago, they sold tickets for reserved seats for the following day at the holiday inn in downt town I forget the time in the afternoon around 6, you might want to call and see if they still do this. If they do go early and get a good spot in line and you can get some seats. They won't be great, but you can see the race from the grand stand

[Neil]

Several years ago, we stayed in a bed and breakfast in Stillwater, NY (about 20 min drive from the track). I believe the one we stayed in was The River's Edge... here's a page with several choices:
http://www.innsmart.com/newyork/eastern/html/saratoga.html#TOP

It wasn't inexpensive, but it was about $100/night less expensive than similar accomodations in Saratoga. We solved the parking problem last year by parking our truck in town (there was always space), and then rode our bicycles to the track. Saved us at least $5/day. We also carried portable chairs and found a good spot in the paddock area in front of a monitor rather than buy seats trackside. If you're going to be there Travers day, get there early - the crowds are enormous and after everyone's had a few beers, a little testy.

Incidentally, if anyone goes to Saratoga and picks up one of the Jerry Bailey bobblehead dolls that were given away yesterday, we have an extra Jon Court bobblehead for trade.

Have fun in Saratoga - there's really no other place in the US like it for great food, great track experience, great racing - and with plenty of things to keep other family members who aren't crazy about the races occupied.

Neil