The area’s premiere new home tour, the 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes, opens its doors this weekend!

Showcase tickets are available now online at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com or at Adirondack Trust branches, Arrow Bank on South Broadway in Saratoga Springs, Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa & Queensbury, Roohan Realty in Saratoga Springs, Rebuilding Together ReShop in Ballston Spa and Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Fort Edward. 

Showcase tickets are always conveniently available at any showcase home during tour hours of 10:00AM – 4:00PM. As in previous years, each showcase ticket holder will receive a FREE commemorative shoe/tote bag at the first home visited, while supplies last!

The 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is being proudly presented over two fall weekends this year on October 4-5 and October 11-12. Tickets are $25 and this year’s edition has 12 locations from 10 award-winning builders in Saratoga County on display.

Participating builders in this year’s event; Abele Homes, Beechwood Homes, Bella Home Builders, Belmonte Builders, DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, Green Springs Companies, Heritage Custom Builders, Kodiak Construction, Urvalek Builders and Witt Construction. To view an interactive map and to scan a QR Code of the home locations, directions and much more, please visit the mobile friendly website.

This year’s showcase will also be featuring a “Boards to Blooms” build exhibition on Saturday, October 4th from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Witt Construction Showcase home #5. 

Local middle school students will be building wooden box planters led by Whitbeck Construction. It’s all part of spotlighting work in the trades by the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition. 

In addition, a CTE Construction Trades/BOCES Adirondack cabin-style “Tiny House” will be on display all four days of the event at the DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders Showcase home #10.

This annual community event has contributed over $1.6 million dollars to our local charities. Proceeds from the Saratoga Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (www.rtsaratoga.org) and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties (www.glensfallshabitat.org)

For more details on the 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. Check us out on Facebook & Instagram and follow all the updates on this year’s event

An explosion on Starks Knob Road in Northumberland sent two people to the hospital — one severely injured enough to require transport to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. 

The explosion occurred the night of Saturday Sept. 27 around 8:41 p.m., according to the Saratoga County Sherriff’s Office. 

The explosion occurred at a bonfire. According to the Sherriff’s Office, a metal drum containing a combustible material exploded causing the injuries. Investigations have thus far shown that the drum and its contents were not known to the hosts of the fire. 

The two victims were driven by personal vehicle to Saratoga Hospital with a subsequent transfer of one victim to the Clark Burn Treatment Center at Upstate University Hospital by EMS. 

The investigation into the explosion is still ongoing. 

The New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA) and Discover Saratoga are proud to announce a new collaborative partnership aimed at bolstering the restaurant and hospitality industries in the county. This strategic initiative will offer dual membership opportunities, making it easier than ever for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and grow. 

As part of this partnership, NYSRA is offering special discounted membership rates for Discover Saratoga hospitality members who are not currently NYSRA members:  

• $90 Membership Rate: Available to Discover Saratoga members who join NYSRA’s Workers’ Compensation Safety Group. To qualify, businesses must allow NYSRA to provide a workers’ compensation insurance quote and, if eligible and the quote is commercially reasonable, switch their policy to NYSRA’s group plan. 

• $250 Membership Rate: For Discover Saratoga members not eligible for the Workers’ Compensation Safety Group, NYSRA is offering a discounted first-year membership rate of $250. Standard annual dues will apply in subsequent years. 

“This partnership represents a significant step toward uniting and strengthening our region’s hospitality community,” said Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association. “As long-time supporters of the Capital Region, we recognize the incredible momentum building in Saratoga’s restaurant, hospitality, and tourism sectors. By lowering the barrier to entry, we hope to provide more businesses with access to essential tools, training, and advocacy that drive long-term success for both of our organizations.” 

“Discover Saratoga is thrilled to partner with the New York State Restaurant Association to support the growth and success of our local hospitality community,” said Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga. “Our organizations complement each other in meaningful ways—NYSRA provides statewide advocacy, training, and cost-saving programs, while Discover Saratoga drives visitation and economic impact here in Saratoga County. By offering these discounted dual memberships, we’re making it easier for restaurants and hospitality businesses to benefit from both networks, maximize their resources, and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.” 

As two organizations dedicated to the success of New York’s tourism and hospitality sectors, this partnership creates an exciting opportunity for local businesses to access expanded resources, cost-saving programs, and a statewide network of support.

On Saturday, October 11th Saratoga International Flavorfeast returns to downtown Saratoga Springs for its 10th Anniversary Year. 

At this event, attendees can travel the streets of downtown Saratoga Springs and experience a feast of flavors from around the globe, while enjoying multicultural street performances throughout the day. International flags along Broadway herald the event’s return each year.

Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Saratoga International Flavorfeast is presented this year by Saratoga Food Fanatic, Network Saratoga LLC, and Discover Saratoga.

Beginning at 11am on October 11th Flavorfeast “passport-maps” displaying a layout of participating restaurants/businesses can be picked up on the north corner of Broadway and Division Street in front of the Bluebird Spa City Motor Lodge. The map will also be available on the www.saratogaflavorfeast.com website to print the night before the event. 

This map will help event-goers plan their day’s itinerary of travel to a variety of local restaurant destinations for $2 food samples from countries of origin such as Ireland, Italy, India, Guatemala, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, Jamaica, and more. Participating restaurants include Ben and Jerry’s, West Avenue Pizza, Maple Valley Farm, Cardona’s Market, Kaleidoscope Café, Boca Bistro, Cantina, Wheatfields Restaurant & Bar, Fillies on Phila, Karavalli, Hattie’s Restaurant, Sushi Thai Garden, The Bread Basket Bakery, and The Parting Glass. Saratoga Olive Oil will be offering free tastings throughout the day. For a full list of participants and what they’re offering, visit www.saratogaflavorfeast.com.

Entertainment including Asian dance, Irish fiddling, German accordion playing, African drumming, Greek dancing, and more will take place at various locations downtown including the Bluebird Spa City Motor Lodge Parking Lot, the Parting Glass Lot, and the Adirondack Trust Drive Thru, as well roaming locations throughout the city streets. A complete list of performances will be posted the week of the event on www.saratogaflavorfeast.com. As the event media sponsor, Tracy Villaume of 99.5 The River Morning Show will be the entertainment emcee at the Bluebird Spa City Motor Lodge.

When you pick up your “passport map,” at the north corner of Division and Broadway, you can enter to win prizes donated by Le Creuset Log Jam Outlet Center and other local prize sponsors including Stewart’s Shops, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, Saratoga Outdoors, and more. All proceeds will go directly to the Food Pantry at the Franklin Community Center. In addition to food samples at various restaurant locations throughout the downtown area, there will be restaurants from outside the center of town set up in the Bluebird Spa City Motor Lodge Parking Lot, on the corner of Broadway and Division Street.

The Saratoga International Flavorfeast was created to bring greater awareness to the richness of our local diversity, while celebrating the worldly culinary styles and people that give this area its unique flair. 

A full list of participating restaurants, menu items, and entertainment will be posted on www.saratogaflavorfeast.com the week of the event. For more information, call 518-365-3459. 

Saratoga 250 and Stewart’s Shops today unveiled a special Henry Knox themed Ice Cream Scoop ahead of the 250th anniversary of Henry Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery. Knox Cannonball Crunch took the victory in an ice cream naming battle that played out over the summer. 

Saratoga 250 Commissioner members, Stewart’s Shops representatives, Saratoga County representatives and 18th Century Reenactors gathered the morning of October 1, 2025, to unveil this commemorative scoop at Stewart’s Shops in Schuylerville. 

Saratoga 250 and Victory Circle Partner Stewart’s Shops commemorated the 250th Anniversary of Henry Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery with a special ice cream naming poll to honor Knox’s remarkable feat—hauling artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston Harbor in the dead of winter (Dec 1775–March 1776)—by creating this limited-edition commemorative scoop. History buffs and ice cream enthusiasts had the option to vote for a variety of names with the top three contenders being Knox Cannons ‘n Cream, Knox Cannonball Crunch, or Knox Sled Tracks. 

Knox Cannonball Crunch is available at more than 40 Stewart’s Shops located along the Knox Trail in New York now through the end of the year. These shops are located in: Ticonderoga, Bolton Landing, Lake George, Queensbury, Fort Edward, Gansevoort, Schuylerville, Stillwater, Mechanicville, Waterford, Cohoes, Watervliet, Rensselaer, East Greenbush, Schodack, Valatie, Kinderhook, Chatham, Claverack, Hudson, Hillsdale.

Knox Cannonball Crunch and select ice cream flavors will be also available on October 11th at Saratoga 250’s Saratoga Siege Weekend event in Schuylerville. This living history event celebrates Saratoga County’s revolutionary history both on and off the battlefield, including perspectives from all sides of the conflict and life in the area. The two-day, free family event takes place October 11th and 12th. 

In December, Saratoga 250 will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the daunting, courageous, and successful winter 1775 journey of Henry Knox & patriots who delivered vital artillery from Ft Ticonderoga to the high ground over Boston Harbor causing the British to leave the city. The regional collaboration between states, counties, and historic sites will include a “cannon relay,” handing off a replica Revolutionary era cannon from place to place on its path from Fort Ticonderoga to the high ground over Boston Harbor in the winter of 1775-1776. Saratoga County will receive the cannon on December 13, 2025. 

These events and the commemorative scoop are part of Saratoga County’s 250th commemoration of the Battles of Saratoga and American Revolution. Learn more at www.saratoga250.com.   

The New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA) and Discover Saratoga are proud to announce a new collaborative partnership aimed at bolstering the restaurant and hospitality industries in the county. This strategic initiative will offer dual membership opportunities, making it easier than ever for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and grow. 

As part of this partnership, NYSRA is offering special discounted membership rates for Discover Saratoga hospitality members who are not currently NYSRA members:  

• $90 Membership Rate: Available to Discover Saratoga members who join NYSRA’s Workers’ Compensation Safety Group. To qualify, businesses must allow NYSRA to provide a workers’ compensation insurance quote and, if eligible and the quote is commercially reasonable, switch their policy to NYSRA’s group plan. 

• $250 Membership Rate: For Discover Saratoga members not eligible for the Workers’ Compensation Safety Group, NYSRA is offering a discounted first-year membership rate of $250. Standard annual dues will apply in subsequent years. 

“This partnership represents a significant step toward uniting and strengthening our region’s hospitality community,” said Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association. “As long-time supporters of the Capital Region, we recognize the incredible momentum building in Saratoga’s restaurant, hospitality, and tourism sectors. By lowering the barrier to entry, we hope to provide more businesses with access to essential tools, training, and advocacy that drive long-term success for both of our organizations.” 

“Discover Saratoga is thrilled to partner with the New York State Restaurant Association to support the growth and success of our local hospitality community,” said Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga. “Our organizations complement each other in meaningful ways—NYSRA provides statewide advocacy, training, and cost-saving programs, while Discover Saratoga drives visitation and economic impact here in Saratoga County. By offering these discounted dual memberships, we’re making it easier for restaurants and hospitality businesses to benefit from both networks, maximize their resources, and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.” 

As two organizations dedicated to the success of New York’s tourism and hospitality sectors, this partnership creates an exciting opportunity for local businesses to access expanded resources, cost-saving programs, and a statewide network of support

The Saratoga County Business Showcase is returning this fall, offering a unique opportunity to highlight the area’s diverse economic landscape.

The event is scheduled for 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Spa State Park and is open to the public. A post-event exhibitor mixer will also take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

This popular expo is the chamber’s premier event for businesses and organizations of all sizes and industries looking to grow, connect, and build their brand throughout Saratoga County’s thriving business network. From startups to seasoned corporations to B2B service providers, this event offers a platform to meet potential clients, collaborators, and fellow professionals.

“This showcase is our largest professional networking event of the year and presents a phenomenal opportunity for anyone looking to cultivate valuable relationships, explore new opportunities and establish impactful connections within our community,” Chamber President Todd Shimkus said. “We anticipate a great turnout of exhibitors and attendees eager to engage within a lively networking environment.” 

The premier sponsors of this year’s Saratoga County Business Showcase are Adirondack Trust Company, AIM Services Inc. and Arnoff Moving and Storage, which will offer convenient on-site assistance to exhibitors moving in displays on the day of the event.

Area professionals are invited to make connections amid a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. Eventgoers will have the chance to interact with exhibitors to grow their network and find potential future partners. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards.

More information about the event is available online at saratoga.org. 

Businesses and organizations interested in being an exhibitor or sponsor are encouraged to reserve booth space by emailing Andrea Mulholland at amulholland@saratoga.org. Limited spaces are available.

For dinners in Saratoga Springs, a familiar favorite has made an appearance in the downtown area. 

Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its most recent location in the Spa City, making it the third restaurant the California based chain has opened in Saratoga County. As of February 2025, the chain has over 3,700 locations with over 300 expected to open by the end of this year. 

The new location opened on Tuesday Sept. 30 and is located at 12 Ballston Ave, at the corner of Ballston Ave and Hamilton Street. It is a block off of Broadway and directly across the street from the Pizza Hut. 

The new location is open from 10:45 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. everyday. The new location is hiring and offers bonuses and education and healthcare benefits. In addition, local organizations are able to fundraise through the restaurant.