Monthly Archives: April 2018

Louisville Crowds on Derby Day? Problem, Solved–Here on Union Ave., in Saratoga.

April 23, 2018 by Brunswick B&B

In just 12 brief days, ‘t’will be the First Saturday in May.

 If you’re a horse racing fan, you know that this means that’s the day when 20 American Thoroughbreds will stuff into their designated stalls at Louisville’s gigantic Churchill Downs, and begin the Run for the Roses–the Kentucky Derby.  

Churchill Downs has the capacity to hold well-over 150,000 screaming fans on Derby Day.  A thought that makes even the strongest of hearts shudder.  (We know, we’ve been there twice. Thankfully, with extraordinary seats both time, so our claustrophobic selves didn’t have to look at that many people–just straight ahead, at the horses.)

If you’re into Big Fun and Big Crowds–Louisville is definitely where you want to be on May 5th.

If you’re NOT into Big Crowds, but still want Big Fun–and to cheer on your favorite Kentucky Derby horse–you can go to the luscious Kentucky Derby bash at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, just four doors down from our serene little inn.

You will not encounter 149,999 other horse racing fans at the Museum’s Derby Day party–thank God, right?  But you will have a rockin’ good time with your friends and new friends–whom you’ll meet over cocktails and mocktails in THE only Thoroughbred racing Hall of Fame.

For information about the event, click the URL, below, or call (518) 584-0400, ext. 109.

OK, so we’ve got you all set with the place to watch and play on Derby Day.  Check.

Now, we need to establish your accommodations for the night after the party.  The soiree ends at 7PM, at which time you may wish to venture forth into downtown Saratoga Springs–a brief walk down Union.  OR you may opt to wander simply five doors from the Museum, and dine with our friends at the Brook.

But however you do it–your ONLY sure bet that day–is that you should stay here, with us, at the end of your winning Kentucky Derby Day.  Whether you check in the night before, Friday, the 4th–sleep in on the 5th before the party–then sleep again on the 6th, OR you reserve only for the night after the Derby–believe us, you will need a place to rest your head that’s within walking distance of both the Museum and downtown.

 Even if that’s only because you danced your face off for three hours before the race, then waddled downtown, wearing stilettos–you’re gonna need a comfy, welcoming bed to crash.  And a gourmet breakfast the next morning.

Whether you’re a local, or coming in for the party, and don’t want to deal with 150,000 strangers–come, party at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.  And spend Derby Day-Night, and maybe the night before–with us.  This mini-vacation will do your soul good–and get you all wired and ready for the upcoming Saratoga race meet.

 Call now to res your room:  (518) 584-6751.   We’ll set you up, so that all you have to worry about on Derby Day is, which hat or bowtie to wear.

🙂

Check out the Derby party info at the Racing Museum’s ‘site:

https://www.racingmuseum.org/event/fourth-annual-derby-party

 

 

Get Out Your Calendar, Reserve Your Room (Here): Saratoga is Open for Fun :)

April 21, 2018 by Brunswick B&B

Too many uninformed folks think that the only time Saratoga is alive is during the frenetic, wild, broiling days of July and August when the Thoroughbreds race across Union Avenue from The Brunswick at Saratoga Bed & Breakfast.

Oh, pish.  This rumor flies directly in the face of Reality:  Saratoga is a year-round destination.  Right now, April, is a fine example:  event listings are pouring in. So many options: it’s possible to become dizzy just from reading about all the opportunities for fun, learning, adventure and the making of new friends.

Not enough space here, to go through every event that’s coming up, and the hundreds of opps to explore our fine city, county and region.  So we’ll give a couple of highlights here, and encourage you to visit other ‘sites where you can explore your options.  (Then, let your boss know that you’re taking time off…) 🙂

 Our calendar starts one week from today, when our own Tom Amello will co-anchor with Mike Veitch at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s annual Countdown to the Triple Crown:  Kentucky Derby Preview Panel in the gorgeous, historic Hall of Fame.  Just four doors down from our B&B, the annual ritual of racing analysis begins at 12Noon on April 28th, and is free to the public.  (Those of you who are wise wagerers will want to spend the night before–and/or the night after–here with us, for that will offer you the rare opportunity to follow Tom back here, and pick his brains / talk horse racing until the wee hours.)  For room reservations, give us a call:  (519) 584-6751, but hurry:  we don’t want you to miss this chance to yak about horses with Tom on our lovely front porch.  🙂

God knows, there are scores of things that will happen here in-between April 28th and June 30th, but here’s the early heads-up about June 30th:

If there’s one thing Saratoga loves, it’s an opportunity to eat and consume beverages.
When it’s for a good cause–even better.

 On June 30, in the parking lot that straddles Caroline Street and Lake Avenue, you are invited to Eat, Drink Saratoga.  Tickets are available, and the very worthy cause is the Saratoga County Children’s Committee.  (You can have an amazing time and feel good, knowing that your $ will make the lives of regional children healthier and happier.)

So many things in-between those two dates–and many will come happen after June 30.  But the one thing that you know you’ll need in order to enjoy Saratoga to the max–whether it’s a concert, food/bev event or historic re-enactment is:  a comfortable, soothing place to lay your weary head at the end of your hectic days and nights. And, being in walking distance of downtown Saratoga, and mere steps from the Saratoga Race Course and Fasig-Tipton–really, booking now with us at The Brunswick at Saratoga Bed & Breakfast–is the only sure bet in this town.

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Check out the websites and fun options, below, then call us to reserve your space at our place:  (518) 584-6751.  🙂

URLs:

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame:

https://www.racingmuseum.org/

Eat Drink Saratoga:

https://www.discoversaratoga.org/event/eat-drink-saratoga/2919/

Discover Saratoga:

https://www.discoversaratoga.org/

Saratoga Performing Arts Center:

https://spac.org/

Saratoga Race Course (NYRA:  New York Racing Association):

https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/

SOME EVENTS WE RECOMMEND:

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS

KT Kids Spring Consignment Sale – Half-Price

Saratoga Mom Prom 2018

Sasha’s Superhero Run 5K & Kids Fun Run

15th Anniversary of Dining Out For Life®

PJ’s BAR-B-QSA Grand Opening of The Filling Station

View All Charities & Fundraisers

FOOD and DRINK FESTIVALS

Saratoga Wine & Chocolate Festival

It’s 5 0’Clock Somewhere Spring Break Patio Party!

New York State Liquor Store Association Sip & Sample

Saratoga Brewfest

View All Food & Drink Festivals

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like the Cavalry before them, West Point Rides in–and Rights a Wrong.

April 17, 2018 by Brunswick B&B

Where would horse racing be, were it not for the magnificent steeds, and their people of truly good heart who make it happen, day-in and day-out?  Those for whom the words, “community” and “decency” mean something?

 Chief among those people who hold decency and community close to their hearts–values that everyone should embrace, of course–tonight, we at The Brunswick at Saratoga must point our gratitude in the direction of Terry Finley and Tom Bellhouse of West Point Thoroughbreds.

You see, Monday, April 16th was the first day for workouts at the Oklahoma Training Track here at Saratoga Race Course for 2018.  Almost as anticipated as Opening Day at the race course across Union Avenue in July–the Oklahoma’s endearing scent of Sweet Timothy brings the nickering of Thoroughbreds and their ponies from far-and-wide. It also brings race fans, media and curiosity-seekers.  This year, it brought rain and grey, as well–but that didn’t dissuade those of us for whom this annual ritual of New Beginnings brings joy.  The horses at Oklahoma are the real harbingers of Spring.

When we bought this place from its previous owners, we inherited the fascinating history, location, reputation–and a lawn jockey.  A B&B on Union Avenue without a lawn jockey would be, why, a sad thing.  So we gratefully took the miniature man as part of our business agreement, and made him our own.

He set up his home cozily on our lovely front porch, and greeted both guests to our establishment, but also citizens and tourists who passed by.

Until.  Until one day when our beloved lawn jockey was stolen–and destroyed.  We won’t spend one more minute thinking about who did it, or why.  That’s negative.

Instead, we’ll tell you about the karmically good thing that happened.  Our Tom was in the Brook one day, and ran into the beloved Tom Bellhouse, COO of West Point Thoroughbreds.  The topic of our trashed lawn jockey came up, and Tom thought that was a travesty.  Tom would not–could not–be an associate of Terry Finley, West Point Thoroughbreds’ President and CEO–were Tom not cut from the same noble fabric as Terry, himself.

One thing led to another, and before we knew it–Terry and Tom made sure that, not only did we have A Lawn Jockey–we became the proud owners of a West Point Thoroughbreds lawn jockey!

He (our jockey) spent his winter in Tom’s office, but yesterday he was taken out, spit-shined and buffed–and put outside again.  Ready to stand guard for another half-year.  Sure, it was raining, and grey.  But it was Opening Day at the Oklahoma–and the horses deserved our very best salute.  A West Point salute, at that.

🙂

 

 

The Brunswick at Saratoga Bed & Breakfast Presents: Christmas in July. And August.

April 12, 2018 by Brunswick B&B

No, no, you didn’t do a Rip Van Winkle, and fall asleep–only to awaken eight months later.

Relax: it’s still April in upstate New York.  Well, and everywhere else on Earth.

But here at The Brunswick at Saratoga, we’ve come up with an early gift for you.  Your (December-holiday-of-your-choice, fill-in-the-blank) gift is (drumroll):

Your last name may not be Vanderbilt.  So you may not have six weeks to spend in Saratoga during our world-renowned horse racing season.

Heck, you may not have three consecutive days to cut out of work and enjoy the ponies.  Any ponies:  Thoroughbred, Standardbred, polo.

But right now, in April, you can look at your calendar, and say to yourself:  “I can steal away to Saratoga for one glorious overnight and a day at…” (Again, fill-in-the-blank–this time, with your preferred fun activity.)

Sigh:  if you can find accommodations for just one night, maybe squeezing out two–it’ll probably be at someplace 35 miles away, on Central Avenue in Albany.  Adding more than an hour, round-trip, to Saratoga and the race tracks/polo grounds/ ballet / hiking/ biking/ shopping/ dining.

The whole reason to come to Saratoga in July and August is to be in Saratoga, right?

 So our December Holiday 2018 gift to you is:  you can be right in the midst of all the Saratoga action–all the horse-sports madness and glory–right here on our magnificent boulevard, Union Avenue.  You can wile away your evening if you choose on our homey porch, right across Union from North America’s oldest sporting venue of any kind–Saratoga Race Course.

And you can do this, one night at a time.  Because, unlike most places in our internationally-beloved tourist Mecca–and most places south and north of Saratoga Springs–here, we welcome you for your one, lovely, stolen-from-real-life getaway night.

You may have only one night to come to Saratoga, all summer.  Or you may have the ability to grab one night, every other week, during racing season.

So your name’s not Vanderbilt.  Neither is ours.  We get it, that one night–mayyyyyyyyybe, two–is all the time you get this summer.

 We’re cool with that.  Whether you stay with us for a month or one glorious Monday night–we’ll give you the most comfortable bed in all of Saratoga, and refresh you in the morning with a singularly-delicious, gourmet breakfast.

We don’t see you as a number.  To us–you’re just, folks who stay with us.  One night at a time.

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For inquiries and to make reservations for your Saratoga Getaway, one night at a time, give us a call:  (518) 584-6751.

 

Saratoga Yearling Sales 2018…One Night, Two or Three…Reserve Now, Race Fans.

April 7, 2018 by Brunswick B&B

 Do you realize that, in less than four months from this very day–the first night of the 2018 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale will happen? 

If you’re a lover of horses and the sport of racing them–you know that the first Monday of every August brings human emotions to a swirling vortex of excitement, right on East Avenue in Saratoga.  Every year, the hopes, anticipation and dreams of millions of horse race fans rest on the young, babyish withers (shoulders) of a couple hundred yearling Thoroughbreds. (Sales 2018:  Monday and Tuesday, August 6th and 7th.)

This one night every year is our personal favorite–it’s like Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving all rolled into one.

 Ah, the sheer excitement!  The gorgeous, 900-pound baby Thoroughbreds, all sleek-coated, and spit-shone.  (One year old in fact is a baby in the world of horses.)  Like debs at their first coming out party, these little ones have found their ways from the farm to the buzz of Saratoga in August–and they are the center of attention!

For those to the manor born–or who haven’t-yet maxed out their AmEx Black–the Fasig-Tipton restaurant is marvelous.  For the rest of us, the best cheeseburgers on Earth are served at the snack bar.  Whatever your pleasure or pocketbook–this is an annual ritual that even non-race fans love, and mark on their calendars every year.

Which brings us to you, a fan who loves the horses and the sport–but either never has experienced the Sales, or who just feels lost figuring out the details.  Well, here’s your solution to the biggest conundrum on the list:  you can stay with us.  The Brunswick at Saratoga Bed & Breakfast happens to have a room or two available, for a single night (say, Sunday, August 5th–Monday, the 6th or Tuesday the 7th)–or for the whole three nights leading up-to the Sales, and following.

You love the Sales.  You assume that–at this late point, in early April–every hostelry is booked, solid. (Chief among your concerns is that, most places during High Racing Season insist on three-night minimum stays.)  But, hey, you’re our guest:  the length of time of our stay is your call.

You can reserve for just one night, and we’re cool with that.  We’d love you to stay for all three, so you can experience Fasig-Tipton as fully as possible–but it’s yours to decide.

 Oh, yes, and one more compelling reason to stay in our comfy, elegant inn:  you can hear the baby horses whinney from our backyard.
Oh, yes, you can.

And that means that you don’t have to drive in circles for 20 hours, jockeying for a parking spot for the sales.

Check in, park your car, walk over to Fasig-Tipton.  (Then, back here, to sleep after your long, fun day and night.)

To reserve your room, or pose questions, call us anytime:  (518) 584-6751.

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Photo Credits:

Amazing grey, 2014:  Glenye Cain Oakford
Hip # 186 $1,000,000:  Fasig-Tipton
Fasig-Tipton:  Times Union

Countdown to the Triple Crown: Our Bed. Our Breakfast. Tom. You. Racing Hall of Fame…Magic.

April 6, 2018 by Brunswick B&B

  News Flash!  A rare opportunity for horse race fans to get their chops up for handicapping the Triple Crown races in advance–from the comfort of the Hall of Fame at the National Museum of Racing and then here, at The Brunswick at Saratoga Bed & Breakfast.  

(Not to mention, a fabulous way to celebrate Spring, and the arrival of horses at the Oklahoma for training.)

Here’s an offer you can’t refuse. But only if you’re a real horseplayer, or wannabe:

Plan to attend the Racing Museum’s Countdown to the Triple Crown on Saturday, April 28th at 12Noon. (See official press release, below.)

 If you’re wise, you’ll check into our lovely B&B the evening before, and start your day with a solid, delicious foundation–Kate’s gourmet breakfast–before going off to the Countdown for 12PM.  (To which you’ll be able to walk, as we’re only a few steps from the Museum.)

 As you’ll read below, our own (too-modest) Tom Amello is one of the two featured analysts who’ll sit on-stage and walk y’all through everything you need to wager wisely–and actually enjoy the experience of learning, and betting.

Then–BONUS!–following the Countdown, come on back to The Brunswick with Tom, where you’ll either wander on over to The Brook for a bite together, or decide to hang with him here in our dining room or (fabulous, Union Avenue) porch–to continue the conversation.  Pick Tom’s brain–he relishes the chance to educate, inform and help others learn the joy of analyzing the ponies.

Stay over on Saturday, as well–your in-depth exploration of horse racing may go into the wee hours, and under the stars.

Return home at the end of the weekend–satisfied.  Happy.  Feeling good about yourself:  you are now ready to wager against all those who weren’t at the Hall of Fame, and at The Brunswick.

You, our Friends, truly  will have the Home Court Advantage.

🙂

For reservations for Friday night, April 27th and/or Saturday, the 28th, just give us a call:  (518) 584-6751.

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 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  w  Contact: Brien Bouyea  /  (518) 584-0400 ext. 133 / nmrmedia@racingmuseum.net

     National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s annual
Countdown to the Triple Crown program scheduled for Saturday, April 28

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will present its annual Countdown to the Triple Crown program on Saturday, April 28 at 12 p.m. in the Museum’s Hall of Fame Gallery. Racing experts Tom Amello and Michael Veitch will be on hand to offer analysis and predictions for the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby and answer questions from the audience about the Triple Crown series. The program is open to the public and free to attend.

Guests will receive a complimentary issue of the Triple Crown preview edition of The BloodHorse, featuring past performances, while supplies last. There will also be Kentucky Derby trivia for gift cards courtesy of EMBRACE THE RACE®, the exclusive provider of The Apparel for the Horse Racing Lifestyle® and The Official Apparel of Horse Racing®.

Amello has produced the “Trackfacts” selection sheet at Saratoga Race Course since 1988. In April of 1992, he began production of a television version of Trackfacts for Capital OTB TV. Amello later developed a second show for Capital OTB, Trackfacts Live. He has also served on numerous panels at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and hosted various racing education seminars.

Veitch covered horse racing for The Saratogian and its racing supplement, The Pink Sheet, from 1979 through 2017. He serves as chairman of the Museum’s Hall of Fame Historic Review Committee. A former host of “Down the Stretch” on Capital OTB, Veitch’s writing has appeared in a variety of media outlets, including Daily Racing Form. He is the author of two books on Saratoga racing history: “Foundations of Fame: Nineteenth Century Thoroughbred Racing in Saratoga Springs” and “Summit of Champions: Thoroughbred Racing in Saratoga Springs 1901-1955.”

Check our Web site at www.racingmuseum.org

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Photo Credits:

Inside, Hall of Fame:  courtesy of U.W. Marx Construction Company.
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame logo, courtesy of same.

The Brunswick at Saratoga’s B.E.S.T. Foot Forward…

April 1, 2018 by Brunswick B&B

It’s one thing to be in a community–to love a city, town or region.
It’s magical, when a location first captures your imagination:  it woos you, and you become compelled to start a business in the town.
You settle in.

Then, it’s like love, when your new business becomes known, and you’re acknowledged on the street.  This acknowledgement feels wonderful, ’cause it’s the sign that not only are you accepted in the community–but now, you’re actually identified with that place.

This is all so grand:  it’a delicious to be in a town that you love, that apparently, loves you back.

Let’s take this relationship just one step further:  while it’s terrif to be in a community, it’s another step forward when you become a contributing part of the community.

 This is what we’re striving to do, at The Brunswick at Saratoga Bed & Breakfast.  Tom has been a member of horse racing media for decades.  Being in Saratoga as a business owner now gives him, Kate and Renee the wonderful opportunity to give of themselves–to share the beauty and bounty of this lovely establishment.  The beginning of our project is this:  we’re turning over our towels, hand towels, washcloths, etc. as we cycle in new ones.  We’re donating our trove of luxe bath linens to B.E.S.T., the Backstretch Employees’ Assistance Program.

B.E.S.T. operates at Aquaduct, Belmont and Saratoga, caring for the people who care for the horses.  All  our donations go to B.E.S.T. Saratoga, to be given to the wonderful people who work so hard, every day, to assure the health and welfare of beautiful Thoroughbreds.

This seems like a good challenge, to toss out to other hostelries in the Saratoga region:  while we will be giving many things during the next several years, B.E.S.T. and the hundreds of people they serve always can use more assistance.  Perhaps other B&Bs, hotels, motels and lodges–may consider doing the same.

Good works always produce positive energy.  When that energy is multiplied in the spirit of cooperation–outstanding things can happen.  Let’s give it a go, Saratoga.  🙂

http://bestbackstretch.org/

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Photo credit:  Boll & Branch

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