Life in one of the top 10 U.S. college towns
I arrived at Skidmore without a driver’s license — let alone a car; I was worried that I would feel trapped on campus, but with lively and beautiful downtown Saratoga Springs only a short walk away, my fears were quick to fade.
Now, one of my favorite things to do on the weekends is tune into a podcast and walk through the quaint streets of Saratoga. Skidmore is conveniently located on Broadway, which runs through the heart of downtown. The road is lined with Victorian buildings, each more charming than the last. Though the real treasure, of course, is the town’s excess of cute, unique places to eat, shop, relax, study, and explore with friends.
hungry? I know a place.
My first stop is usually Uncommon Grounds, the go-to spot for coffee and bagels. It’s cozy, affordable, and the food is always great. They also play great music — think “Dad Rock.” The only trouble with Uncommon is that it’s always packed.
The Bread Basket Bakery is a cute spot with great vibes and delicious treats. All profits are donated to Business for Good to end food insecurity and hunger.
In times like these, I head over to The Bread Basket Bakery, just a 5-minute walk away. The exterior is a sweet cottage, and the inside is adorable, too. They sell a variety of delicious baked goods but also have a breakfast and lunch menu. The daily soup is always a treat on a cold day, and I like heading over there to cozy up with a good book. Plus, they donate 100% of their profits to local charities!
Congress Park, conveniently located next to a Ben & Jerry's, is the go to spot to take a load off and enjoy the greenery.
Right across the street from the Bakery is Congress Park. Though small, it’s beautiful, and a great place to have a picnic or go for a walk. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who — fun fact! — is the same landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York City. My favorite part of this park, however, is the ducks that live there practically year-round. My friends and I spend the afternoon watching them swim around in the stream.
Books, books, and more books!
After a stroll, I usually find myself itching to browse through a bookstore. The most popular bookstore in town is Northshire. The independent bookstore — one of the largest in the area — has a wide selection of books and a variety of sections catered to every interest.
Stacked to the ceiling with just about every book imaginable, Lyrical Ballad is always equipped with a friendly face ready to help you find what you're looking for.
However, while I love Northshire, another bookstore has my heart: Lyrical Ballad Bookstore. When you enter Lyrical Ballad, the floors creak under your feet and you’re immediately greeted by the scent of old books. The store is a labyrinth of used and antique books. Not only do that have a wonderful, never-ending selection of stories, but they also sell a variety of vintage prints that look great on a dorm room wall. I’ve spent plenty of rainy afternoons browsing through their stacks, and it’s one of my favorite hidden treasures.
Tune in to the local music scene.
Saratoga Springs boasts not only a great literary scene, but a thriving music community as well. My friends and I enjoy visiting Off-Track Records on Broadway, where we sift through their great collections of curated and used vinyl records. The store’s atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, and the staff is always happy to share recommendations and chat about anything music related.
The store happens to be right next to the Saratoga Springs City Center, venue to a variety of conferences and events throughout the year. Among them is the annual Flurry Festival. One of the largest dance and musical attractions in North America, people come from all over to celebrate and take part. There is a diverse range of experiences available to attendees, including concerts, workshops, and plenty of jams. The festival showcases genres such as swing, blues, square dancing, contra, Irish, African, and so much more. There are also instrument workshops, storytelling, group singing, and concerts — plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the music scene.
Every year, it’s a treat to listen and surround myself with all the talented people drawn by the festival. Other popular events at the City Center include the annual Saratoga Reptile Show and Saratoga Comic Con, which takes place every fall and spring.
If you’re craving something sweet...
Step into Saratoga Candy Co. to hear about the origins of the famous Peppermint Pig or grab something tasty for those long study days.
Speaking of treats, Saratoga Candy Co. isn’t far off either. Once you step inside the quaint shop, you’re transported into a world of delicious delights. They specialize in familiar childhood favorites — even the kinds your parents will remember. The store is a world of nostalgia, and there are a variety of familiar favorites for cheap prices. The case in the center of the store also displays a variety of handmade chocolate. All are delicious, but if you’re looking for recommendations, my personal favorite are their dark chocolate orange peels. I always treat myself to a few before I head off to study!
Get your study on.
I love the Lucy Scribner Library on campus, and it’s probably the place I spend most of my time in. However, sometimes a change of scenery is necessary to keep me going in my studies. When I start feeling stuck, I like to walk over to Saratoga Springs Public Library. The walk over helps to clear my head, and the new environment feels like a refreshing start. In moments of academic fatigue, it’s become a helpful resource.
These are just a few of my favorite places, but there’s a whole world to explore in Saratoga Springs, recently named one of the top 10 college towns in the U.S. What will you discover?