Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be about stressing and straining to concoct some complicated getaway for you and your significant other. When you live in a region as naturally beautiful as the Capital Region, your weekend of romance could easily take place right in your own backyard (not literally, unless your children have a luxury treehouse). Here are five ideas for how to turn this Hallmark holiday into a real celebration of love—within a short drive of Saratoga Springs.
Round Lake (18 Minutes Away)
This often overlooked village of 600 in Saratoga County is as quaint as they come. Start your day out with the strongest cup of joe in the Capital Region at Round Lake’s own Death Wish Coffee Company (you may have seen the skull-and-crossbones brand for sale at Mrs. London’s), share a pie from Leah’s Cakery on the lakeshore or relax into a multi-course meal at the highly rated Lake Ridge Restaurant.
Lake George (30 Minutes Away)
Couples seeking a quiet getaway in a tiny, outdoorsy town will find everything they hoped for in Lake George. Enjoy a guided snowmobile ride to Prospect Mountain with frozen lake at The Sagamore.
Glens Falls (25 Minutes Away)
Proud of its status as a “small but sophisticated little city,” Glens Falls offers a cozy setting for artsy adventures. Some of these could include, strolling through the Alphonse Mucha exhibit at The Hyde Collection Art Museum and Historic Home; or browsing the eclectic collection of artists’ studios and specialty shops that have re-invigorated the 100-year-old Shirt Factory on the corner of Lawrence and Cooper Streets. For dinner, we suggest a table for two at Morgan & Company.
Schroon Lake (60 Minutes Away)
Located at the edge of the Adirondack Park, Schroon Lake offers the region’s world-famous vistas just an hour’s drive outside of Saratoga. Wake up to the smell of baking bread at the centuries-old Schroon Lake Adirondack Bed & Breakfast, walk along the lake and sneak a kiss at the famously romantic Schroon Lake Gazebo and share a warm, cozy meal at the locally revered Sticks and Stones Fired Wood Bistro and Bar.
Green Mountain National Forest (90 Minutes Away)
OK, so this is a little more than an hour away, but we couldn’t help but include it on our list. Take a cozy, romantic dog sled ride in Green Mountain National Forest, where companies like Green Mountain Mushers supply winter fun options that also include snowshoeing, skiing, tubing and snowmobiling. Just be sure to book a room at the Arlington Inn so you can start your day with a complimentary cooked-to-order country breakfast; and, when the day’s over, wind down by the fire—or in your room’s private two-person jacuzzi.