When life hands you lemons, head on up to Saratoga Springs! This town is famous for its natural springs, horse racing track, and wonderful cultural scene. It just so happens it’s also one of the friendliest towns in New York. We all have periods where we’re just not feeling at our best: maybe work or family problems have you worried. Next time you’re feeling a little down, take a day trip in New York to this small city for a great pick-me-up.

First off, the city is absolutely gorgeous.

Peter/Flickr

A stroll through the historic streets and city parks will have you feeling better in no time.

Doug Kerr/Flickr

Stop by Congress Park and check out the beautiful antique carousel. Let’s be real, you’re never too old to ride a carousel, so hop on for some good old-fashioned fun.

Keith Ewing/Flickr Carved by famed carousel maker Marcus Charles Illions, the merry-go-round is quite stunning. It is open annually from May through November. 32 Spring St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

Visit the Saratoga Farmers Market for fresh fruits and veggies. Not only do they taste great, but you may find that the vitamins and minerals will help your health and mood!

Tristan in Ottawa/Flickr Find out more information about the Saratoga Farmers Market on its website. Saratoga Springs Farmer’s Market, Saratoga Spa State Park, Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

The scent (and taste) of freshly-brewed coffee is sure to cheer you up, so make a stop by Uncommon Grounds. This locally-owned cafe has several branches throughout the state, and we love the Saratoga Springs location.

Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagel/Google Maps Get more information about this artisan coffee roaster via its website. Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagels, 402 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

Hamlet and Ghost is a great local restaurant that has excellent food and a fun cocktail bar. It’s a great spot to chat with locals in a fun environment.

Hamlet & Ghost/Google Maps Find out more about this former feed and grain store from its website. Hamlet & Ghost, 24 Caroline St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

There’s tons to do at Saratoga Springs State Park, including several museums. The park is also home to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, which features tons of concerts and festivals throughout the year.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center/Google Maps Stop by for one of the world-class performances hosted here and you’ll feel your spirits lift instantly. You can see a calendar of upcoming events at the SPAC website. Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

All in all, between the excellent food, friendly people, natural beauty, and wonderful culture scene, it’s just about impossible to feel sad in Saratoga Springs!

Barry Winiker/Stockbrite/Getty Images

Do you have another nominee for “friendliest town in New York?” Share your thoughts in the comments!

When life hands you lemons, head on up to Saratoga Springs! This town is famous for its natural springs, horse racing track, and wonderful cultural scene. It just so happens it’s also one of the friendliest towns in New York. We all have periods where we’re just not feeling at our best: maybe work or family problems have you worried. Next time you’re feeling a little down, take a day trip in New York to this small city for a great pick-me-up.

Peter/Flickr

Doug Kerr/Flickr

Keith Ewing/Flickr

Carved by famed carousel maker Marcus Charles Illions, the merry-go-round is quite stunning. It is open annually from May through November.

32 Spring St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

Tristan in Ottawa/Flickr

Find out more information about the Saratoga Farmers Market on its website.

Saratoga Springs Farmer’s Market, Saratoga Spa State Park, Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagel/Google Maps

Get more information about this artisan coffee roaster via its website.

Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagels, 402 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

Hamlet & Ghost/Google Maps

Find out more about this former feed and grain store from its website.

Hamlet & Ghost, 24 Caroline St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

Saratoga Performing Arts Center/Google Maps

Stop by for one of the world-class performances hosted here and you’ll feel your spirits lift instantly. You can see a calendar of upcoming events at the SPAC website.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

Barry Winiker/Stockbrite/Getty Images

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Address: Saratoga Springs, NY, USA