Saratoga Springs: A Weekend Getaway Reachable by Train

If you're looking for a last-minute getaway, less than 4 hours from New York City by train, Saratoga Springs may be your answer. Embrace the chilly weather at the annual Winterfest, taking place from January 30 - February 8, 2015. There are plenty of activities for families and couples who want a weekend away from New York City. One of the most convenient ways to get to Saratoga is taking an Amtrak train from Penn Station.

Amtrak is running a promotion that allows customers to purchase a $90 round-trip ticket that they can use between any two Adirondack line stations, including Saratoga Springs. For details about the offer, go to Amtrak.com. With this great promotion, there's no better time to escape the city. 

If you only stay in beautiful Saratoga Springs for a weekend, Winterfest offers a wide array of activities to keep people of all ages entertained. The weekend kicks off with the Beer and Wine Tasting on January 30. The next day, eat your way through Saratoga at Chowderfest. At $1 a cup, you are free to eat as many bowls as you can and vote for your favorite. Other Winterfest opening weekend activities include the CANdlelight Ski & Snowshoe, Winterfest 5K Race, Limoncello's Taste of Italy and Winterfest at Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness. 

Photo courtesy of Saratoga Convention  and Tourism Bureau

Hockey fans can participate in or cheer at the Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic Pond Hockey Tournament on February 6-8. Whether you want to join in the excitement or sit back and sip cocoa from the sidelines, the event is a classic winter activity that draws tons of fans every year. On this final weekend of Winterfest, you can also attend the Bartender's Ball or take the kids to Wilton Wildlife: WinterFest Snowshoe Event at Camp Saratoga. 

Saratoga Springs is the perfect winter destination for New York City residents without a car because Amtrak takes you right to the city. From the Saratoga Springs Amtrak station you can take a cab for generally $10 or less to your choice of downtown hotels. The Pavilion Grand Hotel has a special Amtrak rate and is offering a free room upgrade upon availability for Winterfest visitors. Call the hotel at 518-583-2727 for details. The Pavilion Grand Hotel is a brand new boutique hotel that offers tons of amenities for the traveler looking for a comfy weekend in Saratoga. After a day spent walking around the city and chowing down on chowder, guests can enjoy the spa at The Pavilion Grand Hotel for ultimate relaxation. This hotel is central to most

Photo courtesy of Pavilion Grand Hotel

of the Winterfest activities as well as the clubs and restaurants that bring tourists back to Saratoga time after time. 

In downtown Saratoga, don't miss one of the most renowned and popular music venues, Cafe Lena; Bob Dylan and Arlo Guthrie are among the many famous musicians who have performed at this coffeehouse. You'll also find plenty of dancing, pubs and every kind of cuisine or restaurant you can imagine downtown. The Pavilion Grand Hotel's restaurant, Mingle on the Avenue, offers an eclectic menu featuring Korean-fusion and American comfort food. The restaurant uses local food and produce, guaranteeing fresh and delicious cuisine. 

By choosing to spend a weekend in Saratoga this winter, you'll be able to celebrate the season with locals and tourists. With Amtrak's $90 round-trip promotion, you can sit back and relax before arriving for a fun weekend in Saratoga, which will surely have you wanting to return. For more details about the promotion and other destinations accessible by train, see NewYorkByRail.com.

A Winter Weekend in Montreal

As temperatures go south, leave New York City and head north for a fun winter weekend. Amtrak is running a promotion that allows customers to buy a $90 round-trip ticket between any two Adirondack stations, even going as far as Montreal, Canada. This promotion is valid through April 27, 2015. For more details about this offer, check out Amtrak's website.

From Penn Station in New York, the trip to Montreal takes about 10 hours. While it may seem long, the trip is 10 hours of relaxation, wifi access, comfy seats, dining services and beautiful Hudson River scenery. The train brings you right to downtown Montreal, where you can check in to The Queen Elizabeth hotel, which has direct access to the Amtrak station. As soon as your arrive, Montreal will charm you with its combination of old and new: beautiful Victorian buildings alongside modern skyscrapers, which cannot be taller than Montreal's Mount Royal, to maintain the city's natural
beauty.

If you're looking to celebrate the winter, MONTREAL EN LUMIERE is one of the world's largest winter festivals, held from February 19 to March 1, 2015. Prepare yourself for an abundance of delicious foods, performances and tons of free activities for adults and kids. If the cold weather has you longing for the indoors, you can spend your time in the RESO, Montreal's underground city, which spans over 20 miles. The underground city is a huge tourist destination because of its shopping, hotels and museums, via street and metro access.

MONTREAL EN LUMIERE festival.
Photo credit: Kristina Servant

One of the best parts about taking Amtrak is that you step off the train and are in the heart of downtown Montreal. You don't need a car for your weekend in this beautiful city because of the Montreal Metro. All of that lends itself to a relaxing and fun weekend in one of Canada's most vibrant and exciting cities.

If you don't want to head as far north as Montreal, consider using your $90 round-trip Amtrak ticket to visit Saratoga Springs or Lake Placid this winter. In Saratoga Springs, you can warm up in the cold at the Saratoga Chowderfest on January 31st during Saratoga's Winterfest Week. If you get off at the Westport stop, you can take the Amtrak Thruway bus service to Lake Placid, the village known for the 1980 winter Olympic games and its small town charm; here you can play winter sports to your heart's content or enjoy restaurants and boutique shopping.

If you need a break from New York City this winter, use Amtrak as your means to get away. You may not escape the cold in Montreal, but you will get a change in atmosphere and a fun weekend in an amazing city, with no hassle on an Amtrak train. For more information on Amtrak Adirondack route destinations, visit New York By Rail.