Here is another one of my PERSONAL SELECTIONS of special, exceptional unique "jewel" type towns on my list.
grdnrman>MY JEWEL TOWN SELECTIONS>>
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866 - Pop. 29,500 approx.
Saratoga Springs seems to have found the secret for a small city's downtown to be active, vibrant, interesting, and successful. The downtown area is attractive with unique/eclectic shops, clothing/shoe/accessories stores, various types of restaurants/bistros/cafes, delis, coffee shops, bakeries, wine shops, bookstores, handcrafted collectibles, art galleries, and more.
You will even find a few FREE parking lots (plus pay-for lots); search-out the free ones if you like.
There are numerous bars/taverns/clubs that provide good nightlife opportunities to socialize and spend a night out on the town.
Downtown Saratoga Springs is well maintained with attractive buildings, sitting benches, pocket flower gardens & flower-plant containers, and nice landscaping along the sidewalks. And wait until you see the many Horse Statues around downtown painted in colorful patterns/designs; in honor of the horse racing which has long been a part of this city including nowdays.
Away from downtown, you will see "painted-lady" Victorian style buildings currently being used as private homes, art galleries, and business offices.
Besides horse racing, Saratoga Springs is home to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center which features performances by the New York City Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra, big-name bands, famous singers, and rock-n-roll groups.
So whether you are looking for a nice enjoyable interesting small city for a weekend visit, a longer vacation, or as a new city to relocate to and call "home", Saratoga Springs NY could be the exact place you are looking for.
Saratoga Springs is 60-some miles north of Albany NY on the way northward to the majestic Adirondack Mountains/Lakes.
SARATOGA SPRINGS GENERAL INFORMATIOM>>
www.saratoga.com/hotspot_downtownsaratoga.cfm
http://www.smalltowngems.com/browset...springsny.html
SARATOGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER>>
www.saratoga.com/hotspot_spac.cfm
SARATOGA HORSE RACE TRACK>>
www.saratoga.com/hotspot_saratogaracetrack.cfm
PHOTOS AROUND THE CITY>>
http://www.smalltowngems.com/browset...snyphotos.html
http://www.smalltowngems.com/browset...nyphotos2.html
http://www.smalltowngems.com/browset...nyphotos3.html
http://www.smalltowngems.com/browset...nyphotos4.html
http://www.smalltowngems.com/browset...nyphotos5.html
http://www.smalltowngems.com/browset...nyphotos6.html
Click to "GET MAP">>
www.mapblast.com/
grdnrman