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My Local Loves: Where I Actually Go Around Saratoga County, NY
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items These are the places I come back to again and again — the cozy shops, family-friendly spots, favorite eats, and hidden gems that make Saratoga County feel like home. Whether you're a local looking for new favorites or just passing through, these are ...
Sections
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🍽️ Tried-and-True Restaurants
Where I Actually Shop Local
Charming Spots You Might Miss (But Shouldn’t)
🍽️ Tried-and-True Restaurants
These are our favorite local spots — from casual weeknight takeout to cozy brunches and special treats. If it’s on this list, we’ve eaten there (more than once) and keep coming back for a reason. Good food, good vibes, and locally loved.
Not fancy, just really good. This spot is all about hearty breakfasts, friendly service, and that perfect “local diner with personality” feel. The menu has all the classics (hello, stuffed French toast), plus daily specials that keep regulars coming ...
The Ugly Rooster Cafe
Why I Love It:
This place is fall magic — cider donuts, a cozy country store, and a laid-back vibe that makes you want to linger. We come for the donuts (obviously), but also the homey feel, the seasonal produce, and the perfect little gifts in the s...
Lakeside Farms
The coffee’s great, but the energy is the best part.
It’s a staple for a reason. Whether you’re grabbing a bagel, working on something creative, or people-watching downtown, this is one of those places that always hits right. Local, buzzing, and welc...
Uncommon Grounds | Quality Coffee for Saratoga, Albany & Clifton Park
Soup, bread, and a quiet corner — sometimes that’s all you need.
Perfect for a low-key lunch, a warm-up on a cold day, or a solo moment with a good book (and a baguette). The pick-two combo is a go-to, the staff’s always friendly, and there’s usually...
Panerabread App | Panera Bread
Laid-back lake vibes, great food, and the perfect patio brunch.
Tucked away at the Saratoga Lake Golf Club, The Hideaway feels like — well — a total hideaway. It’s relaxed, scenic, and consistently delicious (especially for brunch or dinner on the de...
Dinner Restaurant, Event Venue | Saratoga Springs, NY | The Hideaway
Good food, great views, and a go-to for date nights or dinners with friends.
Perched on a hill with a view of Saratoga Lake, Carson’s hits that perfect mix of casual and classy. The menu is solid (steaks, seafood, burgers — all the hits), and the ser...
Welcome to Carson's Woodside Tavern | Malta NY
Great food, great patio, and great energy year-round.
The Mill is our go-to for casual bites, live music, and outdoor dining when the sun’s out. The menu hits all the comfort-food cravings (burgers, wings, wraps), and the vibe is always upbeat withou...
The Mill on Round Lake | Round Lake, NY
Comfort food, chill vibes, and a menu that always hits the spot.
Bentley’s is one of those places that feels like a local secret — casual, comfortable, and reliably delicious. The wings are a standout, the beer selection is solid, and the cozy pub fe...
Bentley's Tavern | Malta, NY
Your go-to for pizza, pasta, and seriously good garlic knots.
Pizzaworks is one of those places that’s always a good idea — whether you’re grabbing takeout on a busy night or sitting down for a cozy family dinner. The pizza’s great (try the white!), ...
Pizzaworks Italian Kitchen
Where I Actually Shop Local
These are the boutiques, markets, and small stores (some bigger than others)I love to browse — for gifts, home goods, or just a little local retail therapy. Supporting small businesses and finding cool stuff? Yes, please.
I came for toothpaste. I left with a throw blanket, snacks, and a new mug.
It’s Target — but this location is clean, well-stocked, and the layout just flows. Great seasonal sections, a solid grocery area, and a Starbucks right up front (aka fuel for ...
Target Clifton Park Store, Clifton Park, NY
I swear am here everyday! Small enough to be stress-free, big enough to have what I need.
This is our low-fuss, in-and-out grocery stop — clean, friendly, and rarely chaotic. Great produce, good local selections, and a layout that actually makes se...
Visit Hannaford Malta Grocery & Pharmacy
Even if you're not outdoorsy, it's still a good time.
Yes, it’s technically for fishing, camping, and hunting — but let’s be honest: it’s also part theme park. Giant aquariums, rustic lodge vibes, and more gear than you knew existed. Great for browsi...
Bass Pro Shops Clifton Park, NY
Part farm store, part life-saver, part “wait, they have that too?”
It’s not just for people with chickens (though they’ve got that covered too). We go here for everything from work gloves and storage bins to cute seasonal finds, pet supplies, and eve...
For Life Out Here | Tractor Supply Co.
That rare store where helpful humans still exist.
This isn’t your average big-box hardware stop — Allerdice is local, reliable, and the kind of place where someone will actually help you find the weird part you need. Great for tools, paint, hardware,...
Allerdice Hardware-Saratoga in Saratoga Springs | Hardware Store in Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
More than lumber — it’s where projects actually start to come together.
Curtis is a go-to for serious supplies and real help. Whether you're fixing a fence, building a deck, or just trying to figure out what kind of screws you actually need, they’ve ...
Curtis Lumber Co Inc – Ballston Spa, NY
Charming Spots You Might Miss (But Shouldn’t)
Parks, farms, seasonal favorites, random roadside magic — this section is for the places that make our area feel special. They’re not all flashy, but they’re the kind of spots that make a Saturday feel like something more.
Local meat, peaceful views, and barnyard vibes.
This working farm has a beautiful little market with pasture-raised meats, homemade goods, and fresh eggs. They host seasonal events and the setting is chef’s kiss — open fields, wooden fences, and a bi...
Local Sustainable Farm near Saratoga, Albany & The Capital Region
A maze of treasures — and yes, you will find something you didn’t know you needed. This place is part gift shop, part wonderland. From seasonal decor to jewelry, baby gifts, candles, kitchen gadgets, and cozy accessories, it’s the kind of shop where ...
Wit's End
Quiet paths, dreamy roses, and a little touch of magic.
Tucked away behind the gates of the historic Yaddo estate, these gardens feel like stepping into another world. It’s peaceful, beautifully maintained, and never too crowded. Whether you’re here ...
Yaddo Gardens
History, horses, and a summer tradition that never gets old.
Whether you’re here for the big races, the family fun, or just the people-watching, a day at the track is a Saratoga summer essential. There’s something about the mix of old-school charm, p...
Saratoga Race Course | Official Guide
Live music under the trees? Yes, please.
From orchestra nights to big-name concerts and ballet under the stars, SPAC is one of those places that feels magical no matter who's on stage. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and enjoy a summer evening surroun...
Saratoga Performing Arts Center | Saratoga Performing Arts Center
History you can walk through — with views that make you slow down.
This park blends Revolutionary War history with scenic trails, peaceful fields, and that wide-open Upstate feel. Great for a reflective walk, a family outing, or just breathing in som...
Saratoga National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)