Scrumptious Saratoga

{From the 2023 Christmas Newsprint Magazine}

Written by Megin Potter  |  Photos Provided

Feel the flavor of your destination with Saratoga food and brew tours.

Learn about the region’s rich food culture and make foodie holiday dreams come true on a downtown walking tour with Joe Haedrich, Fun in Saratoga’s founder and tour guide since 2010. 

“We want to introduce people to the culture, the architecture, the history, and all the other aspects of life in Saratoga– it’s all so fascinating!” said Joe.

Take a Bite Out of Saratoga

Appreciate a curated local food culture experience that expands your palate while maximizing your time in town. 

From May through October, embark at noon on Saturdays from one of the city’s oldest structures, the Olde Bryan Inn on Maple Avenue, where you’ll hear history and tales of ghostly sightings while enjoying simmering chicken and parmesan bruschetta served over grilled garlic toast. 

Then, it’s on to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market in High Rock Park, and the “Medicine Spring of the Great Spirit” (one of Saratoga Springs’ most infamous natural springs). Here, the group samples goods from local makers including Argyle Cheese Farmer, Saratoga Crackers, and Saratoga Peanut Butter, among others. 

Another popular stop on the 2.5-hour tour is the 1902 building of Walt & Whitman, a café, lounge, taproom, and brewery. Hear from owner Kathy Crager while munching on satisfyingly fluffy Detroit-style pizza and enjoying the award-winning clean, clear refreshment of the Dick Murphy lager (named after her father-in-law). 

Other stops on the tour also include Saratoga Tea & Honey, Brasserie Beneleux, and Saratoga Olive Oil, where visitors learn from producers while supporting small and family-owned businesses.  

Grab a Glass of the Good Stuff

Tour groups and bridal parties are getting in on the fun of a pub crawl with Saratoga Craft Beer Tours. 

“Saratoga is becoming the bachelorette capital of America,” said Joe, who will be expanding to offer the 3-hour hops, barley, and history tours at 4pm every Saturday from May to October in 2024. 

Enjoy drafts at the Parting Glass, the comical history of the Tin & Lint, and brews from local favorites including the Henry Street Taproom, and the Saratoga City Tavern. 

Joe, also the author of Haunted Saratoga (2019) and the Insider’s Guide to the Saratoga Race Course (2018), hosts Ghost Tours, Thoroughbred Experience, and electric Bicycle Tours, as well. 

“I’m so lucky to live in such a wonderful city and to be able to represent it to the people who come here who want to explore the city in a variety of ways,” said Joe. 

“We acquire so many things in life, but actually, what makes our lives richer is not what we own, but the experiences we have.”

• To buy tour gift certificates, go to www.etsy.com/shop/funinsaratoga

For more information, visit funinsaratoga.com