How to Spend a Day in Saratoga, According to AI
ChatGPT's jam-packed summertime "itinerary" for Saratoga, and our response. PLUS: Celebs in town, how to make your iced tea boozy and more.
With all the hubbub surrounding what AI can (and can’t) do in recent months, we thought it’d be interesting to see if ChatGPT can do what we believe SLAH can do best: Plan a day in Saratoga.
For those who aren’t up on the latest developments in artificial intelligence, ChatGPT is a chatbot driven by AI technology that can respond to questions and compose written content—in mere seconds. Earlier this year, the world was wondering: Will ChatGPT eventually replace content writers? (We bet you know our opinion.) While we’re not too afraid of losing our jobs, ChatGPT can do some pretty cool things, such as pass an MBA exam, generate a cover letter, debug computer code, explain things in simpler terms, write music and, allegedly, plan trips.
So what’s on the schedule for a day of summer fun in Saratoga? Sit back and enjoy the ride—these robots seem to think we humans can cover a lot in one day, sometimes even insinuating some light time travel. We’ll let ChatGPT take it from here:
“Morning: Start your day with a visit to Saratoga Spa State Park. Enjoy a leisurely walk or jog along the park's scenic trails, and breathe in the fresh air. You can also explore the beautiful gardens and check out the iconic mineral springs.
Afterward, head to downtown Saratoga Springs and grab breakfast at one of the charming local cafes or diners. You'll find plenty of options to suit your taste, from classic American breakfasts to trendy brunch spots.
Mid-Morning: Explore the Saratoga Race Course, known as "The Spa." Even if you're not into horse racing, the historical charm of this venue is worth experiencing. Take a tour of the facility, learn about the sport, and maybe even catch some morning workouts.
Visit the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, located near the Saratoga Race Course. Discover the rich history of horse racing in the United States through fascinating exhibits and interactive displays.
Lunchtime: Grab lunch at one of the local eateries in downtown Saratoga Springs. Whether you're in the mood for a casual burger joint, a trendy farm-to-table restaurant, or international cuisine, you'll find something to satisfy your taste buds.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring the Saratoga Spa State Park further. Take a refreshing dip in the Peerless Pool, a large public swimming pool with mineral water. Alternatively, if you prefer a more active experience, consider renting a bike and cycling through the park's scenic trails.
Visit the Saratoga Automobile Museum, located within the park. Explore the fascinating collection of classic cars and learn about the evolution of the automobile industry.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Head to Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), an outdoor amphitheater located within Saratoga Spa State Park. Check the schedule for any concerts, ballet performances, or other events happening during your visit. Enjoy an evening of live entertainment in a beautiful setting.
End the day with dinner at one of Saratoga Springs' fantastic restaurants. There are numerous options, ranging from upscale dining to casual and cozy bistros. Afterward, take a stroll through downtown Saratoga and explore the unique shops, boutiques, and art galleries.
If you're feeling lucky, consider a visit to the Saratoga Casino Hotel. Try your hand at the gaming tables or enjoy the excitement of slot machines. The casino also offers live entertainment and various dining options.
This itinerary provides a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and culinary delights, allowing you to make the most of your summer day in Saratoga Springs, NY. Enjoy your time exploring the city!”
Watching AI generate create that long itinerary in real time is a sight to see, spitting out one huge activity idea after another, faster than most of us can type. But what about the merits of the actual itinerary?
Well, there’s certainly a lot to say. For one, ChatGPT loves the Spa State Park (who can blame it?). For another, it certainly doesn’t have a good grasp on how long activities take, or at what time they happen. The track before lunch? A SPAC show before dinner? All of this in one day? Get real. And then there’s the fact that the bot didn’t seem to understand that “itinerary” means specifics.
So we made it get specific.
“Mrs. London's - A delightful French bakery known for its croissants, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches.
The Farmers Hardware - A trendy spot with a modern industrial vibe, offering creative and tasty breakfast options.
Iron Roost - A cozy restaurant that specializes in sweet and savory Belgian waffles.
Sweet Mimi's Cafe & Bakery - A charming cafe serving homemade pastries, quiches, and various breakfast dishes.
Four Seasons Natural Foods Cafe - If you're looking for healthier breakfast choices, this vegetarian cafe offers smoothies, acai bowls, and other nutritious options.
The Parting Glass - This Irish pub might not be the traditional breakfast spot, but it serves a hearty Irish breakfast that some patrons enjoy.
Max London's Restaurant & Bar - Known for its contemporary American cuisine, they offer a diverse breakfast menu with delicious options.”
“And for lunch?”
“Hattie's Restaurant: Known for their Southern comfort food, especially their famous fried chicken.
Wheatfields Restaurant and Bar: Offers Italian-inspired dishes and an extensive wine list.
The Local Pub and Teahouse: A cozy spot with a variety of teas, sandwiches, and pub-style fare.
Sweet Mimi's Café & Bakery: Offers delicious sandwiches, salads, and baked goods in a charming setting.
Druthers Brewing Company: A brewpub with a range of craft beers and a menu featuring pub-style food.
Ravenous: If you're in the mood for crepes, this is a great spot offering sweet and savory options.
15 Church: A more upscale option with a focus on contemporary American cuisine.”
“And for dinner?”
“15 Church: A high-end restaurant known for its upscale American cuisine and charming atmosphere. Reservations are recommended.
The Mouzon House: Offers a mix of Southern and Creole cuisine in a historic building with a lovely outdoor patio.
Hattie's Restaurant: Famous for its Southern-style fried chicken and other comfort foods.
Wheatfields: An Italian restaurant with a diverse menu, including pasta, pizza, and seafood dishes.
Olde Bryan Inn: A historic restaurant serving classic American dishes and a warm ambiance.
Forno Bistro: Another Italian gem, featuring wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and rustic Italian dishes.
Druthers Brewing Company: A local brewery with a fantastic selection of craft beers and delicious pub food.
Osteria Danny: A charming spot offering Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients.”
To be fair, ChatGPT did tell us that it only has access to information from September 2021 and before, which would explain the fact that some of these places are closed. All in all, though, it’s not a bad list. And, taken as individual ideas for what to do in town—not as a full-day itinerary—the summer-day schedule has some value.
But if you want to know the unwritten rules of the better of the state park’s two pools, where to get the absolute best view of the race track, and all the insider info on Saratoga’s brand-new speakeasy? Well, SLAH readers, you know where to go.
—Natalie
Quote of the Week
“I can’t believe I’m allowed to have this much fun for $10.”
—Overheard at Saratoga Race Course
It’s Official
Last week, we mentioned the rumors that had been swirling in Phish message boards about the band coming to SPAC to perform two special shows to benefit flood victims in New York and Vermont. Well, Phish fans, your wish has come true: The jam band will be here August 25 and 26. Tickets go on sale today at 10am.
What’s the Tea?
According to CNN, this month is the planet’s hottest in 120,000 years. While we won’t get into the implications of that alarming fact, we will point out one local business that’s making the most of it. The Whistling Kettle, which got its start in Ballston Spa and now distributes across the country, has experienced a 20 percent uptick in iced tea sales in the last month thanks to the heat wave. While you can definitely cool off with a regular glass of iced tea, Whistling Kettle has shared a few recipes for tea-based cocktails that pretty much sound like summer in a cup. Here’s one:
Sparkling Sweet Tea
Needed:
Sparkling Wine
Simple Syrup
Directions:
Brew 3/4 cup of Kettle Blend tea
Add 1/2 cup sparkling wine to chilled tea
Supplement with 1 oz simple syrup
Pour over ice and garnish with a slice of lemon on the edge of the glass
Stars: They’re Just Like Us
When baseball super-star Alex Rodriguez found himself strolling down Broadway and in need of an adult beverage, he popped into The Merc for a quick cocktail. Bartender Nikki Beck says she was “starstruck”—but still got us some scoop on A-Rod and his blond lady friend’s brief happy hour. “They stopped at the bar for just one drink each and sat at the bar,” she says. “I think they had a whiskey ginger [him] and Tito's soda [her]. He said he was just in town visiting. They were both very smiley and seemed happy. We didn't talk much, but they were very nice.”
Review Session
Earlier this year, horse racing fan Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports made the local news when he purchased a home on Fifth Ave in Saratoga. He was in town this past week, and in addition to filing plans with the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals to demolish the house and build anew, he stopped by Whitman Brewing to film one of his uber-popular pizza review videos. His rating? A very solid 7.6, which he said was high for a Detroit-style pie. Click on the above image to watch the video.
From the Mag
Kim and Leigh McConchie: Saratoga Superstars
When Secretariat Lost at Saratoga
Complexions’ New Brunch Is Easy Like Sunday Morning
ICYMI
On Thursday, we published our Vibe Check and party pics from “The Races!” with Acacia Clement at Panza’s.