When the starting gates open to unleash to most talented 3-year-olds on June 7, all eyes will be on Saratoga Race Course as it hosts the Belmont Stakes for a second year in the row. The historical gem nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains will once again pinch hit for Belmont Park due to ongoing renovations.

Make no mistake — Saratoga may be considerably smaller in size compared to the areas surrounding Elmont, N.Y., but there is a laundry list of things to do and places to go that you won’t want to miss.

Morning Workouts

Morning workouts at Saratoga. (Eclipse Sportswire)

Many fans live for the thrill of cashing a bet in the heat of a Saratoga summer afternoon, but there’s something uniquely special about watching the horses stretch their legs first thing in the morning. The serene sunrises boast a peaceful environment where the only sounds that break the silence are those of horses breathing and camera shutters.

It’s not unusual to see fans come out in the morning with a coffee or breakfast sandwich in hand. After all, to be up that early can take some caffeine encouragement. Some of the most popular places for all of the above include the Trackside Grill, Stewart’s Shops, and Uncommon Grounds. The iconic gigantic bagels from the latter are local favorites.

The Lakes … Pick One or All

While Upstate New York won’t be vying for Finland’s nickname of “The Land of a Thousand Lakes” anytime soon, the area is home to many attractive freshwater lakes with Saratoga Lake and Lake George garnering the most attention.

Saratoga Lake is due east of the racetrack and home to plenty of lakeside food and beverage establishments. Some of the top grub include Lagos by Druthers (formerly 550 Waterfront), Doc Brown’s, and Carson’s Woodside Tavern just to name a few. Given how crowded Downtown Saratoga can get after the races, getting out of the madness for a couple hours during dinnertime is a solid bet on the weekend.

Trek about 30 minutes north of Saratoga to visit Lake George, affectionately known as the “Queen of American Lakes.” You’ll know you’re going the right way when you see a handful of the cars taking I-87 northbound sporting the ever so familiar decal of the 32-mile long lake. Honestly, you could turn it into a game of how many Lake George stickers you’ll see.

The village of Lake George sits at the southern tip of the lake. Many of their attractions cater to families so this is a great spot to bring the kids after a day at the races. A tourist’s favorite nighttime attraction is taking an evening cruise with the Lake George Steamboat Company.

While at the Races

Now that we’ve covered all the things to do outside of the races, let’s talk about the things you’ve gotta check out during race day.

This may be a controversial one, but it’s a rite of passage — The Big Red Spring. Recent social media trends sprung Saratoga water onto a new level of international attention. However, the iconic cobalt blue glass bottles contain water that doesn’t quite taste like the water from the city’s springs. Plastic cups are available for fans to try water from the Big Red Spring but given its sulfur scent, you may only be good for a sip or two.

Be sure to check out the horses in the paddock. (Eclipse Sportswire)

Some of the best handicapping can be done without looking at a racing form. Instead, find a spot somewhere around the perimeter of the paddock to feast your eyes on some of the most highly regarded racehorses in training. Trust your gut when betting the ponies. It just might pay off at the window.

Lastly, one of the most thrilling places to watch a race is under the Clubhouse outside of the Jim Dandy Bar. I know what you’re thinking. “But you can’t even see the track from there!” That’s true. But the atmosphere is electric. Hearing the booming roar of the fans echo while watching the race in real time on the mounted televisions is that heart-pounding exhilaration that’ll hook you on the racetrack for life. Several trainers watch their races from this spot as well, including the late Christophe Clement.

Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or new to horse racing, Saratoga during the Belmont Stakes offers the perfect blend of world-class racing with small-town charm. With all that Saratoga has to offer, don’t be surprised if you’re already planning your return before the last race goes official.