18 Ways You Know You're Actually A Saratoga Springs Local

No nonsense from Skidmore students that hang out for the summer, or people that live nearby and visit on the weekends to drink. This is how you know you really live and work in good old Saratoga Springs, NY....

1. You have no idea what any of the Springs taste like compared to others.

Your parents thought it'd be funny to make you try it when you were young, or your friends dared you to once.... and you are now scarred for life. NEVER AGAIN!

2. You admire the painted horse sculptures from afar, and wonder where most of them (along with those ballet shoes) are stored in the winter.

You are aware that they are artistic designs that people spent time creating, and while you may have thought about climbing on one, you have more respect for yourself and the city to actually attempt to ride a fake horse for a photo-op.

3. You are more than aware of all the gorgeous homes in town, but also know they're usually multi-family homes, apartments, businesses, or just WAY out of anyone's price range.

Ok, we all have a favorite, and definitely maybe drive by it sometimes on our way home....

4. The summers are amazing, partly in thanks to the track.

The track is super fun, for those of us who like a little gambling, drinking, and socializing. The trick is to find the best days to go. Hint: it's not opening or closing weekend, Travers weekend... or really any weekend when it's super crowded. But let's not forget the awesome weather, beautiful lake, and great restaurant patios that we also love during the other 2-3 months of summer.

5. When at the track, you've learned how to bet, so you can actually attempt to win, or at least break even, and not just throw a bunch of money down the toilet.

And even if you don't win, at least you're making real bets to hopefully get a real payout. (I also never knew you could bet less than $1)

6. Ok, yeah, we all look out for celebrities too...

7. Caroline Street is pretty awesome. Depending on where you go, what nights and times you go out, who you know, and what type of people are out.

It's a street full of bars. Don't like the crowd at one bar? Just go next door. Chances are you'll find something that you like.

Nothing like finding a chill bar where you can get a drink relatively quickly, the staff knows you, and you feel at home. Caroline Street tends to turn into a zoo on weekend nights in the summer. Us locals tend to retreat to quieter bars on the weekends, at least til crazy season is over.

8. Saratoga City Tavern's rooftop bar definitely has the best view, especially at sunset.

9. We've all fallen victim to late night Dough Boy's from Esperanto's, or pizza from Pizza 7 or D'Andrea's.

Whatever. It happens. Let's just pretend it didn't.... and pretend that we didn't love every second of it.

10. SPAC is an awesome concert venue. You can hear and see from almost anywhere. But you know the best tickets are inside seats, especially for sold out shows.

Unless, of course, you like dealing with underage drunk kids (and sometimes "adults") who just want to start fights on the lawn.

If you are hanging on the lawn, you know your best bet is to hang out at the top of the hill, for easier bathroom, food and drink access.

11. The Victoria Pool is a great place to spend a hot summer day.

Except Tuesdays, when the track is closed and it's filled with tourists, and Sundays when it is just way too packed. Just $8 to hang out at a very clean and well-kept pool...that also has a bar and restaurant attached.

You also know the "No Alcohol Past This Point" rule is really just a suggestion.

12. We have a pretty awesome state park in Saratoga

The Saratoga State Park is home to SPAC and Victoria Pool, along with gorgeous golf courses, a Theatre, museums, and the Gideon Putnam Resort. It's also a pretty cool place to just walk around.

13. You do know what the bars look like in daylight because you actually live here and go outside during the day.

You've actually even visited some places for lunch or happy hour drinks

14. You are a strong supporter of local businesses.

Whether it be a cute little boutique such as Saratoga Sundress, or a locally owned restaurant such as Cantina, you seem to spend a lot of your recreational money towards Saratoga's economy. Most of downtown Saratoga is made up of small businesses so chances are you, or someone you know, works at or owns one of them. And it's no obligation to support them. There's also never any hesitation to check out any new business that comes along.

15. We love football season, and find a favorite bar to watch EVERY SINGLE GAME at!

While I'm sure a Buffalo Wild Wings is a fun place to watch a game, most Saratogians have picked out a local bar to hang out at for the games. No matter what team you support, you can feel welcome just about anywhere, and can guarantee there will be someone there to harmlessly argue about whose team is better. For a real "sports bar" experience, you head to Peabody's, Dango's or Stadium Cafe.

Football season also means the tourists are gone and we get our "quiet" town back!

16. Winter is cold. And there's a lot of snow. Especially the past couple winters.

If you're lucky enough to have a winter hobby, such as skiing or snowboarding, this might be no issue for you. For the rest of us, time to bundle up and find a fireplace or warm bar to hang out at!

17. Saratoga Street Walk and Chowderfest are just fancy excuses for people to get really drunk.

2 events that started out as great family-friendly events to help us get through the winter, have now been ruined by out-of-town-ers and people who can't handle their liquor.

Yes, let's bus people in from out of town for these "family" events. Or everyone just get drunk and throw up all over Caroline Street. Whatever works I guess...

18. You know there are probably 100 other things that make you a "True Saratogian"

And you know one of those things is finding people to complain about Saratoga with.

You can easily identify tourists, Skidmore students, and traveling businessmen. While they all definitely add to the culture of Saratoga Springs, we all know a true local when we see one....and you'll probably see them again, because somehow everyone knows everyone in this town!