Saratoga Track Party - Aug 2025
Some weekends feel like they’re designed purely for joy — for dressing up, laughing with friends, eating well, and soaking in the most charming parts of summer. Our Saratoga Springs Track Party weekend was exactly that: a four-day celebration of horses, elegance, friendship, and birthday festivities wrapped in the magic of Saratoga during racing season.
⭐ Day 1 — Wednesday, July 30
Catherine arrives — weekend begins
Catherine arrived at 5:20 PM, officially kicking off our Saratoga adventure. The evening was relaxed and full of anticipation as we caught up, settled in, and mapped out the fun ahead. There’s something special about that first-night excitement — the feeling that a luxurious long weekend is just beginning.
⭐ Day 2 — Thursday, July 31
Boating, sunshine, friends, and a sandbar evening
We started the weekend the best way possible: boating with the gang on Canandaigua Lake. Warm sun, sparkling water, great conversation, and the easy rhythm that always comes with time spent on the lake.
Later in the evening, we headed to the Sand Bar, where cocktails, live music, and the relaxed, summery vibe set the tone for the days ahead. It was the perfect prelude to our Saratoga getaway.
⭐ Day 3 — Friday, August 1
Road trip to Saratoga & dinner in town
We drove four hours to Saratoga Springs and checked into the Roosevelt Hotel & Spa. This was a major mis-step. I THOUGHT I had reserved a room in the Hotel that is attached the the Roosevelt Spa, which is a historic, elegant space located in the middle of a beautiful park. Nope! I had reserved instead at a not very nice motel of the same name! A disappointing start to the weekend. The good news is that the motel was only a few minutes from the Track and Downtown Saratoga, and also Diane had a spare bedroom for us, so we gave Catherine and Greg the room and Serge and I spent the night at Dianes.
Dinner that first night was at Sushi Thai, where we had a delicious mix of Eastern flavors — fresh, light, and perfect after a day of travel. Afterward, we strolled through Saratoga’s charming downtown, soaking in the energy of racing season.
⭐ Day 4 — Saturday, August 2
Track Day! Cupcakes, couture, horses & birthday celebrations
The big day.
We started the morning by picking up custom cupcakes from The Sweetish Chef at 9:30 AM — a special birthday treat for Diane.
Then came the highlight of the weekend: Saratoga Race Course.
We had a table reserved at The Rail at the 1863 Club, where brunch and lunch were served between 11 AM and 3 PM. Sitting trackside in this gorgeous, exclusive space — with sweeping views, elegant décor, and a lively atmosphere — made the entire day feel luxurious.
The crowd was classic Saratoga:
vibrant dresses and oversized hats
perfectly mixed cocktails
the distant rumble of horses warming up
laughter between races
people-watching at its finest
We cheered, we toasted, we ate, we placed our bets, and we celebrated Diane’s birthday in true bougie fashion. Jen, Andy and baby Margaux came to the track and we strolled around meeting old friends and watching the beautiful people and horses.
Dinner that evening was another celebration — an elegant italian restaurant, packed with revelers, and a birthday meal with Diane. A night in Saratoga would not be complete without a round of cocktails at the local dive bars on Caroline street, capping off a day full of magic and glamour.
⭐ Day 5 — Sunday, August 3
A gentle morning & heading home
On our final morning, we wandered Saratoga, shopping and snacking, enjoying the quiet charm of the town before the day grew warm. We had a leisurely brunch, then packed up and made the drive back to Canandaigua.
The ride home was full of that perfect blend of satisfaction and nostalgia — the kind you feel after a weekend spent doing something special with people you love.
⭐ Reflections
Saratoga Springs really is its own world — a mix of glamour, nostalgia, equestrian elegance, and summer energy. Our weekend had everything: boating, road trips, big hats, cupcakes, brunch at the 1863 Club, birthday celebrations, and the simple joy of being together.
It was bougie and playful and celebratory in all the best ways.
A perfect mid-summer adventure.
