Saratoga Springs, New York and onto The Queen of American Lakes

Saratoga Springs, New York
Home of fabulous horse racing at the harness and flat tracks, world famous
mineral springs, Victorian architecture along with a fabulous performing arts
center.  The downtown is lined with a great deal of specialty shops!  Anything to do
with horses can be purchased in this town.  From key rings to gorgeous pocketbooks
and lovely hats for the Traverse Stakes...it's all at your fingertips in Saratoga Springs.



All things HOT at the
Saratoga Salsa & Spice Company
http://www.saratogasalsaandspice.com/
398 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY
A Mexican night will be in the works
using all of the hot sauces, salsas and chips
purchased at this shop!  We highly recommend
you stop here while in town.  Oh, the samplings get you hooked!



We enjoyed shopping at the Pink Paddock,
a Lilly Pulitzer Via Shop.
358 Broadway, Suite 101
Saratoga Springs, NY
wwwpinkpaddock.com



Saratoga is a great town!  There are wonderful shops, places to eat 
and let's not forget the races!  This is a horsey town for sure!



Next on our stop was the historic hotel called the Sagamore.
Situated in Bolton Landing on the shores of Lake George, it's
called the QUEEN OF AMERICAN LAKES!!
How lovely is that?



Tennis anyone!! The Sagamore has it all!
Golf, boating, water sports and horse drawn
carriage rides are offered at this grand hotel. 




               

A 1-1/2 hour trip on the Morgan
takes you all around this gorgeous lake.
Enjoy the sights and light fare as you cruise
by beautiful Adirondack style homes with
matching boathouses.  Hotel guests should
make reservations upon your arrival.  It fills up fast.



The days and nights were spectacular at   
the Sagamore overlooking Lake George.



In May of 1791, Thomas Jefferson, then Secretary of State and James Madison jogged northward up
the Hudson Valley and through Lake George on a fishing trip which they referred to as a "Botanizing Expedition."
Jefferson who always delighted in doing out of the ordinary, wrote letters to his daughters on the bark of the paper birch tree.  They are known as the"Birchbark Letters."  In the above, you will see how he extols the beauty of Lake George.



The SAGAMORE
110 Sagamore Road
Bolton Landing, New York 12814
http://www.thesagamore.com/





The golf course is just two miles away!
It has great views of the lake along with a
challenging course, cocktails and dinner!
Reservations are recommended for all restaurants.

Of course we'd find an ice-cream place
with a pink roof.  The Pink Roof can be found in the
town of Lake George!



A Day Trip To Little Ole Rhode Island!

Schartner Farms established in 1902 was our main

destination.  This fabulous farm stand with bakery,

products made in the "Ocean State", nursery, gift shop

and more make this destination in Exeter worth the trip! 

                                                
http://www.schartnerfarms.com/

Rt 2 & 1 Arnold Place, Exeter, RI
401.294.2044



Everything is picture perfect at Schartner Farms!

Imagine making salsa with these peppers!

The jewels of the garden are found here!



Schartner Farms grows their own popcorn!



Sunflowers set the August stage!

Onto the town of Wickford and its marina!

A beautiful day of sightseeing, shopping lunch
which included Rhode Island's famous Clam Cakes!



Blue Hydrangea Shop at 2 Main Street
Wickford has lovely gifts for you and the home.
  Donna Trottier, Proprietor is shown with Nancy. 



 http://www.295blue.com/









Blueberries for the Picking!




This blueberry farm is a MUST!  Six acres of fabulous blueberries for a total of 5,000 perfectly pruned bushes make this a  tradition waiting to happen.  Off of Route 31 N in Spencer, Massachusetts take a left onto Browning Pond Road just past the Black & White Restaurant.Continue on that road as it turns into the town of Oakham. After several miles, you will see the above sign on your right.  Follow the dirt road to the end.  There will be a glorious sight.  Picking will be taking place for another 2 weeks.  Closed on Mondays but you can call 508.882.5591 to confirm the picking schedule. 

 



You will be given a pristine white pail with a plastic liner and brought to your

bush.  A white chair, for comfort awaits you!  How great is that picking

blueberries while sitting down!  While in this peaceful atmosphere, you will 

here people speaking about blueberry recipes.   







Blueberries are weighed on your way out!  Fortunately, there were no

ex ray machines...our bellies were full.





Two Sisters Hit the "Big Apple"

Juniors

Upon our arrival at Grand Central Terminal, we stop at Juniors for the best Reuben's, corned beef and hot pastrami in the city!  The Grand Central Terminal Dining Concourse has everything you want.  There's no better way to start the day off by eating New York style food when just getting off the train.  Juniors pickled beets and half sours set the stage for the upcoming meal.  Don't forget to top off your lunch or dinner with their famous cheesecake, voted #1 by New York Magazine!



  



Shopping at Lord & Taylor...Nancy and I visit our personal Chanel gal, Alexis at the Chanel counter on Fifth Avenue!  There's nothing like having someone like Alexis looking after your beauty needs! 



Brooks Brothers on Madison Avenue is another favorite place especially when we're greeted by Ricky, Brooks Brothers' Ambassador!  He  was our personal escort and took us from one department to another!  What a way to shop!!  From men's ties onto trousers, polo shirts with the Golden Fleece emblem and into the ladies shop along with getting a tour of many wonderful added features of Brooks Brothers itself, we were given the VIP treatment and signed Ricky's guest book!  Ricky ensures everyone is made to feel special at BB.  On your next trip to BB on Madison Avenue ask for Ricky and tell  him the Two Sisters, Kathy and Nancy sent you!

Nancy and I were overwhelmed by the service and product line.  Madison Avenue is the place to be when you're buying men's and ladies clothing!  The children's line was out of this world with classic clothes that would make any parent proud and every child happy to be in these wonderful garments!  The days of classis beauty for all ages and genders is alive and well at Brooks Brothers.

We stay at the University Club on 54th and Fifth!  This private club is a stones throw from St. Patrick's Cathedral across the street from the Red Door, the Museum of Modern Art, Saks, Tiffany, Cartier and so much more!  Rockefeller Center is a few blocks away.   Great location for a great vacation!  It's our home when in New York.

Smilers has gorgeous flowers!  Whether your craving beautiful flowers or a fruit salad  to go...give this place a try.  There are several all around the city!  If you were a native New Yorker, you'd be stopping by Smilers to and from work.