Yaddo, an artist’s retreat

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Founded in 1900 by the financier Spencer Trask and his wife Katrina, herself a poet, Yaddo is an artists’ community located on a 400-acre estate in Saratoga. Its mission is to nurture the creative process by providing an opportunity for artists to work without interruption in a supportive environment. Walking through these beautiful gardens in spring, summer, and fall is such a treat! It offers a private, professional estate for artists, but is public enough to allow the beauty of the grounds to be appreciated by locals and tourists.  We took a stroll around the grounds earlier this week, and what a peaceful, lovely atmosphere! The statues and ironwork are exquisite, and the roses bloom all season!  It is not difficult to imagine how the atmosphere provides inspiration for artists ranging from playwrites to choreographers.   If you’re in Saratoga for the races, Yaddo is just a a little ways down Union from the track. Enjoy!

Evening Races & Wine

Two of our lovely guests enjoy wine on the front porch before they catch a taxi to the Saratoga Harness Track this evening. First Post is at 7:20.  You can catch a race almost every hour of the day here in Saratoga! Check out the Saratoga Casino & Raceway’s Website! http://saratogacasino.com/Home.aspx

Tea… and Concerts!

What a beautiful Sunday morning on the porch! Perfect for a cup of tea.

Tonight, at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Philadelphia Orchestra gets a break as Live Nation Concerts takes over the venue with a great concert line up: The Goo Goo Dolls, Barenaked Ladies, Michelle Branch, and Parachute! Although summer seems to be speeding by so fast this year, there is still so much to come at SPAC this season:

Sunday, August 7 6:00PM
O.A.R.

Tuesday, August 9 7:00PM
TRAIN AND MAROON 5 WITH SPECIAL GUEST GAVIN DEGRAW

Friday, August 19 6:00PM
GODSMACK

Saturday, August 20 7:30PM
KINGS OF LEON

Thursday, August 25 7:30PM
BARRY MANILOW

Tuesday, August 30 8:00PM
STEVIE NICKS

Thursday, September 1 7:30PM
INCUBUS

Friday, September 2 7:30PM
JOURNEY

Sunday, September 4 8:00PM
ELTON JOHN

Thursday, September 8 7:30PM
TOBY KEITH

Friday, September 16 7:00PM
BLINK 182

We’re right next to the Avenue of Pines, so only a few blocks and you’re right at SPAC! With all of these great shows still to come, we hope you’ll come visit!

Downtown Saratoga

Today was the perfect day for a sunny Saturday stroll down Broadway.

Betty’s Cakes recently moved to a new location right on Broadway. The 50s diner atmosphere is super cute!

Saratoga Race Course banners decorate Broadway.

Frozen Yogurt at Plum Dandy is to die for! With new flavors all the time, it never gets boring!

Broadway Kettle Korn is a local favorite. Get it hot and salty sweet!

Equestrian art is a great way to bring some Saratoga to your home from Crafters Gallery!

Afternoon at the Track

What a beautiful Thursday afternoon at the Race Course! Beautiful horses, hats and flowers! I picked a long shot to win, but unfortunately didn’t bet, and sure enough it won! What a great way to spend a summer afternoon in Saratoga!

Watch us on YouTube!

We’re finally on YouTube! We’ll be uploading a lot of videos this summer, but for now be sure to check out our “Room Tour” video!

Today marks the beginning of the first full week of the 2011 Saratoga Race Course season! Come spend some time here in Saratoga at the Washington Inn!

2nd Annual Old Friends Equine Fund Raiser

Old Friends are good friends!

At the Inn last night, as the temperature cooled a bit, the 2nd annual fund raiser for Old Friends Equine was held. Michael and Diane Blowen, founders and operators of Old Friends and longtime guests and great friends of The Washington Inn, hosted this exciting event. Under the tent and inside the dining room were great food, catered by Lily & the Rose;

silent auction items from various local businesses and donated equine paraphernalia;

and best of all, passionate and supportive attendees, including world-renowned jockey, Angel Cordero (below with Michael Blowen).

Under the tent, alongside the Olde Saratoga Brewing Co. booth, live music was provided by a guitarist.

Author, Kimberly Gatto, was also under the tent signing books.

Michael Blowen wrote the forward to her newest book, Saratoga Race Course: The August Place to Be. In it, he recounts the origin of his “Old Friends.” Guess where it was thought up? On the front porch of The Washington Inn! As Michael says, he told inn owner, Joe Bokan, of his dream of a retired race horse farm, and he writes that Joe told him to just do it then!

Late in the evening, Michael made a speech to the guests about “Old Friends,” describing it as “senior housing for horses.” Unlike us, they don’t get social security, though, so they need our generous help! On another note, he said, “This is the first day I think I’ve been in Saratoga and didn’t get to see one damn race!”

Please check out the Old Friends Website and Facebook Page!

And They’re Off!

The 143rd season of thoroughbred horse racing opened today at Saratoga Race Course. It was a clear, hot, hot day….but the sunshine and a mild, prevailing wind made for a wonderful opening day! Quite a change from last year’s opening soaker. According to NYRA, both attendance and handle were up quite a bit. It’s a great night for the Hats Off celebrations downtown!

Summer in Saratoga

Summer is in full swing at the Washington Inn!  A beautifully clear Fourth of July saw a night topped off by the perfect patriotic fireworks display in Congress Park.  The New York City Ballet began their summer residency that week and delighted and inspired crowds at Saratoga Performing Arts Center with 14 beautiful performances over two weeks.  Balanchine and Robbins classics, such as Apollo, Agon, and Dances at a Gathering were performed under the stars. The Gatsby-themed gala attracted elegantly dressed patrons and fun-loving flappers who danced and dined on SPAC’s gracious lawns. The program was jazzy, high-lighted by the romantic, guilty pleasure ballet, Thou Swell. 

As the ballet takes a bow, Saratoga looks forward to the upcoming season of thoroughbred horse racing at historic Saratoga Racecourse, and music under the stars with the Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC.