Our city has a big Winter Weekend coming up and Saratoga Arms, Saratoga’s luxury hotel is right in the middle of it all! The weekend of February 3-5, 2012 is designed to fend off those winter blahs.

Something’s Brewing at Saratoga Arms, the city’s finest boutique hotel. We are hosting the first of four Ultimate Bed and Brew Weekends beginning Friday, February 3. With the craft beer enthusiast in mind and a nod to beer and food connoisseurs, Saratoga Arms together with the Olde Saratoga Brewing Company and Sperry’s Restaurant, has designed a package that from start to finish will give you a beer experience that you will talk about for a long time to come. Participate in a behind the scenes tour of our local brewery with beer samplings and end with a gourmet beer pairing meal under the direction of Master Chef Dale Miller at renowned Sperry’s Restaurant. This Saratoga Bed and Breakfast has it all planned out just for you. Meet other beer enthusiasts and sample homebrewed or regional craft beers. Take home specially selected souvenirs of the weekend and maybe a six-pack of locally brewed beer.

We have Beer Weekend guests from last year who had such a great time that they are returning this year with friends and neighbors. They plan to make it an annual event.

As an added bonus this same weekend is the 14^th Annual Saratoga Springs Chowderfest and Winter Festival. On February 4^th more than 35 fabulous local restaurants throughout the city will participate in putting forth their very best chowder recipes for you to sample and judge. There will be wine tastings, live music and plenty of photo ops. Post your pics on our facebook page. See what’s in store in the video below:

Come for the chowder and stay for the beer or the other way around…just come. It’s two events wrapped up in a great winter weekend in Saratoga Springs. Saratoga Arms has a room ready for you and of course there is the breakfast…. ah the breakfast, homemade muffins, hot-from-the-kitchen omelets… but that is for another blog for another day.

Photo by Tom Dimopoulos from the PostStar

The famous song Bye, Bye Miss American Pie says bye-bye to Saratoga Springs, NY legend and lore.

For years upon years Saratogians have proudly laid claim to the origins of Don McLean’s famous 1960’s hit song American Pie….go ahead, I’ll wait while you hum along and then try to get that brain worm out of your head.

The story was that Don McLean, after a night of imbibing in local “spirits” had written the lyrics to the song on a napkin in a small Caroline Street bar called the Tin & Lint. So convincing was this tale that the owners of the bar had a plaque made to commemorate the booth…the seat…the very location was it was purported to have happened.

The song was later said to have been first performed at a Small Coffee house, Caffe Lena, owned by a local Saratoga Springs legend in her own right, Lena Spencer. Don McLean did have a soft spot in his heart for Lena Spencer, who had encouraged him early on in his music career, and he went on to perform American Pie and many more songs over the years in that tiny coffee house. But laying claim to the first public performance of the famous song is alas, also not true. According to the legendary performer, the song came to life in Philadelphia, PA; the closest Saratoga Springs can come to that is a one-way street named Phila Street. American Pie was first performed at Temple University and while many still regard Caffe Lena as a Temple of sorts, it must give up that claim to fame.

The American Pie brain worm still lives in the heads of many Saratogians who stubbornly refuse to believe that the seat in the corner of that little bar on Caroline Street in Downtown Saratoga Springs, NY was not where “drove my Chevy to the levee and the levee was dry” sprang to life one not-so-sober night in the 1960’s.

♪♫ Bye, Bye Miss American Pie ♪♫ from all of us here at our Saratoga Springs Hotel in beautiful Saratoga Springs, NY.

Book a stay at our Saratoga NY Hotel and mention this blog and we will send you home with a fresh homemade American (Apple) Pie.

• In 1999, The Preservation Foundation recognized the restoration effort as a positive contribution to the preservation of the historic downtown district.
• In 2002, Amy Smith, the eldest Smith daughter, joined the family business as General Manager.
• In 2005, a new addition that doubled the size of Saratoga Arms to 31 rooms was opened with an executive meeting room and workout facilities, just in time to welcome Skidmore graduation parents and families.
• In 2009, Sheila Smith Sperling, the middle of the three Smith daughters, joined the family business as Group Sales Manager.
• Interspersed over the years, 6 grandchildren have expanded the family, possibly assuring that the family business will continue for a third generation.
• Over 60,000 guests have walked through our doors, some famous, some infamous and many not so famous guests including politicians, celebrities and horse breeders. Those who return year after year are more than just guests, they have become good friends.
• We have seen the changing times from CD players to iPod alarm clocks, old tube television to flat screens, corded high speed internet access to wireless throughout, and a user-friendly interactive website with all the bells and whistles of the digital age.

There are over 50 venues of entertainment, from musicians and singers to magicians and Santa himself, there to delight old and young. Our Saratoga Springs Hotel always has a caroling group on the front steps. And many dress in traditional Victorian outfits for the evening.

The shops stay open and many locations serve free hot beverages and treats. It is a wonderful way to start your holiday season.

Amy and Sheila, the Smith sisters from our Saratoga Springs Bed and Breakfast, dressed as Victorian ladies during last year’s streetwalk. Take a peak at their experience.

We have tabulated our list of the 10 things you might not know about the Saratoga Lip Dub…interesting behind the scenes morsels, a little idea of who these people are, and just a few reasons why Saratoga Springs is a great place to live and a better place to visit. Our list is in chronological order. So as you watch, read our list and follow along.

1. Shauna Sutton, Deputy Mayor of Saratoga Springs, had the “Hey Soul Sister” lyrics taped to her back for anyone behind her to read. She is located at the beginning of the video at the Saratoga Springs City Center, dressed in a blue suit.

2. The folks seen crossing the street from the City Center to the Stewarts Ice Cream cow are actors from the Saratoga Shakespeare Company, a great summer theatre in Congress Park.

3. The porch of Saratoga Arms was filled with many, many, many family members, friends, neighbors, classmates and members of Saratoga Pride.

4. The large wagon filled with garden fresh vegetables (the woman was singing into a zucchini) was from local farms that participate in the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, just voted the 2nd best medium sized farmers market in the country.

5. The Victorian Era dressed people walking across the street participate every year at the Saratoga Springs Victorian Street Walk. The Street Walk will be held this year on Thursday, December 1, 2011.

6. No people or animals were injured during the making of this video. The boy on the stretcher was an actor and we have a wonderful city hospital. :)

7. The white t-shirts and people holding beer steins represent the annual Chowderfest and our citywide Brewfest. And remember, Saratoga Arms offers Ultimate Winter Beer Weekends!!

8. What is the poster of the crazy-haired lady with all of the squigglies? Why, it’s the Saratoga Springs Annual First Night, a New Year’s Eve event with music all over the city…and fireworks at midnight.

9. I have looked but I have never seen a human slot machine or life sized dice at the Saratoga Casino and Raceway.  I’m still looking though.  What would be the return?

10. Over 1,000 people attended the finale in historic Congress Park. What a great way to spend a summer afternoon.

The porch of our Saratoga Springs Hotel was a Lip Dub destination and the 50 volunteers did a great job. Amy and Sheila from Saratoga Arms take you on a behind the scenes view of the day.

The premiere will be held on September 27th, between 6 – 8 pm at the Saratoga Springs City Center. At that time, it will go live on YouTube and other Internet sites. We are looking for over 10 million views. Be sure to keep a look out for Saratoga Lip Dub!

• Michael McDonald
• Dee Dee Bridgewater
• Geroge Wein the Newport All Stars
• Jack DeJohnette Group
• Eliane Elias
• Ben Allison Band
• Lionel Loueke Trio
• Sing the Truth
• A Night in Treme
• Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
• The Bad Plus
• Tia Fuller Quartet
• Pedrito Martinez Group

If you have never been to the festival or maybe want to spot an old friend, have a look at the video below that the folks at SPAC have produced.  Don’t miss out on all the excitement as it’s an unforgettable experience for all!

My 5 year old son Everett, grandson of Saratoga Arms owners Noel and Kathleen Smith, is an avid Little Rascals fan…the original series from the 1920s.  He checks out the old VHS tapes from the Saratoga Springs Public Library on a weekly basis.

About three weeks ago, Kathleen called me from home to say that Dick Moore was staying at the hotel and was in the dining room having breakfast.  Dick Moore played the character “Little Dickie” in the original Our Gang series.  Kathleen told Mr. Moore that her grandson was a huge fan and asked if he would be willing to talk with him.  He graciously obliged and Everett and I headed down to the hotel.

While in the car, I was concerned that Everett was expecting to see “Little Dickie” as a 5 year old boy (See Below).  I told him that he is now a grown up and no longer a kid, now an 85 year old man.  He declared with such confidence, “I know he is older Mom, the shows were in Black and White!!”

We arrive at the hotel and Everett bounds up to the table and introduces himself.  It was his first “celebrity” experience and he was awestruck.  Yet as he became more comfortable he began discussing the various episodes that “Little Dickie” was in.  Mr. Moore remembered those episodes and they both talked about their experiences with such glee.  As I stood there watching them both, I was struck that even though there was 80 years difference between the two, this wonderful common experience washed that 80 years away.

Mr. Moore was a gracious celebrity and took a picture with Everett (See Below) and signed an autograph as well.  Everett was a gracious hotelier’s son and helped Mr. Moore load luggage into his car, earning a dollar for his troubles.

Saratoga Arms in Saratoga Springs, NY is pleased to announce an exciting new package designed for the beer enthusiast and those who want to learn more about the brewing process, Something’s Brewing-An Ultimate Bed and Brew Winter Weekend.  Saratoga Arms is partnering with the Olde Saratoga Brewing Company to offer you a weekend of craft beers, fine dining and just plain fun.

The Olde Saratoga Brewing Company brews several varieties of the freshest craft brewed ales and lagers in the area.  The weekend will include unprecedented access to the brewery and the brewing process.  Following the brewery tour partake in a delicious four-course beer pairing dinner.  A wonderful way to warm your winter bones.

Friday Evening

• Arrive and check in at the hotel
• 8-10pm  Join other beer aficionados for an evening of beer sampling.*  An expert brewer from the Olde Saratoga Brewing Company will be on hand to answer questions and swap stories.

*We encourage you to bring samples of your own brew, craft beer or favorite local lager from you neck of the woods to share.  All enthusiasts are invited to sample from the different offerings.

Saturday

• 8:30-10am  Enjoy a full breakfast at Saratoga Arms
• 10-4pm  Explore the city of Saratoga Springs.  Many unique shops, world class museums and fine restaurants are within walking distance of Saratoga Arms
• 4:15pm  The shuttle will wisk you off to the Olde Saratoga Brewing Company for a private and indepth tour.  While there, we will stop in their tasting room and sample some freshly made beers and ales.
• 6:15pm  The shuttle returns to Saratoga Arms
• 6:30pm  Prepare to feast in our private dining room!  Sit down to a four-course meal with carefully considered beer pairings from the day’s tour. Bob Cohan from the Olde Saratoga Brewing Company will be joining us to talk about the pairing choices.

Sunday

• 8:30-10am  Another scrumptious Saratoga Arms breakfast
• 11am  Checkout time, but feel free to spend some time visiting our local merchants before heading home

Select a weekend below to join us for a great winter beer getaway

January 21-23, 2011     February 25-27, 2011     March 18-20, 2011     April 29-May 1, 2011

Click to Reserve Now!!!

$599 per couple plus tax for the weekend in a KING BED
$569 per couple plus tax for the weekend in a QUEEN BED

We also have rooms with fireplaces and whirlpools for an additional fee.
Inquire at 518-584-1775 or reservations@SaratogaArms.com ]]> http://www.saratogaarms.com/blog/2010/11/calling-all-beer-lovers-something-is-brewing-this-winter/feed/ 0 http://www.saratogaarms.com/blog/2010/11/an-interesting-way-to-travel/ http://www.saratogaarms.com/blog/2010/11/an-interesting-way-to-travel/#comments Mon, 08 Nov 2010 19:59:07 +0000 admin http://www.saratogaarms.com/blog/?p=124 The guests we meet…

In September a gentleman who lives in South Africa checked into Saratoga Arms.  He walked through the front door in full cycling gear and quite sweaty.  He looked as though he had been bicycling all day…when in fact he had.  Here’s his story-

After retirement, he wanted to see the world in new and inventive ways.  He told us he wanted to take a trip from Montreal to New York City….on his bicycle!!  He planned the trip for months.  Bought a custom made bike and trained for stamina (although I’m not sure anyone truly told him about the Adirondack Mountains).

He started in Montreal in the middle of September, cycling each day and putting up for the night in little town after little town.  He told us that he knew that Saratoga Springs was halfway between Montreal and New York City and seemed as though our town was a great place to spend a few days and refuel for the last half of his trip.  He enjoyed the town, enjoyed our breakfasts for the three days he stayed with us and on Saturday September 25th set out for New York City. (see pic below leaving from the Saratoga Arms porch)

We asked that he keep us updated with his success and he sent an email stating that he arrived at Central Park in New York City on Sunday, October 3rd just in time for lunch.  Besides the torrential rains, he had a grand time. He did send a pic in Central Park for proof, see below.

One of the most interesting things about his story is that he wanted to experience this trip with his wife of 30+ years.  She traveled with him the entire way…in a TAXI!

Mr. Lomas bicycling to New York City

Mr. Lomas in Central Park in NYC after a 3 week trip from Montreal to NYC on a bike