Experience the thrill of thundering hooves as the finest Thoroughbreds in the world compete at the Saratoga Race Course. Saratoga began racing horses in 1863, and the course retains a charm and old-world elegance. Much more than a horse racing venue, an afternoon at the course means being a part of a festival atmosphere that includes great local food, live music, and people-watching opportunities galore as the locals come out in their best outfits.

Walk to Saratoga Arms, a unique historic inn, for some interesting conversation and an after-dinner drink on a porch overlooking Broadway. This family-owned and operated gem offers modern amenities in a classic setting and—with its five-star TripAdvisor rating—it’s a great choice for a home base for this itinerary.

Threaded with Grecian pavilions, Italian gardens, groves of trees surrounding mineral springs, and even a carousel, a walk through Congress Park is a walk through time. After exploring the grounds, head to the Country Corner Café on Church Street for a deliciously simple breakfast. While you’re there, grab a bottle of sparkling Saratoga water bottled from the springs nearby.

Hattie's Restaurant has a storied past dates back to 1938. Known for its fried chicken, this cherished and cozy venue once won the Food Network's Fried Chicken Throwdown with Bobby Flay. Its original time-tested recipes for sides such as collard greens and macaroni and cheese add to the appeal. It's mainly a dinner joint but serves a popular brunch on weekends as well.

Saratoga Automobile Museum: Come here to see some of the greatest cars from around the world, nestled in Saratoga Spa State Park in a repurposed bottling plant.

The National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame: Interested in the history of horse racing? Experience a life-size starting gate with all the sounds and pre-race whinnies of the horses as they load and break and watch a movie about the majesty of Thoroughbreds.

For more than 50 years, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has hosted the world's greatest artists and musicians in its treasured amphitheater. Find the music line-up here and discover SPAC's diverse group of visiting artists from Backstreet Boys to Norah Jones.

Drop by and leisurely enjoy coffee and bagel while you people-watch from the patio of Uncommon Grounds, a locally owned store that serves all kinds of wonderful noshes and morning potables.

A massage and bath at Roosevelt Baths in Saratoga Spa State Park is a must-do on this trip. Make reservations at least two weeks in advance to get a prime Sunday appointment. You’ll be glad you did as you slip into the mineral waters drawn from the ground and your cares bubble away with the natural effervescence.

Named for one of the founders of Saratoga Springs, the Gideon Putnam Hotel offers a lavish brunch spread in a series of four picturesque dining rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Saratoga Spa State Park. Make reservations two weeks in advance for this, too.