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Buzz on Caffeine: A Guide to Saratoga Cafés

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Skidmore chapter.

How did you celebrate National Coffee Day?
 
September 29 marked the nationwide celebration of the wondrous coffee bean. Whether you enjoy a no-fuss Cup O’ Joe or prefer to indulge in an iced mocha macchiato, you can continue to pay homage to your beverage of choice in our own Saratoga Springs. Each of the city’s cafés offers a unique experience for collegiettes™ seeking a place to do homework, relax with friends, or have a cute and cozy date. Check out some of Her Campus’ favorite coffee stops (in no particular order):
 

1. Uncommon Grounds. Tired of dorm room desks and library carrels? This café is a down-to-earth study and hangout destination for those who appreciate the comfort of a large leather armchair and the smell of espresso. Enjoy their popular flavored lattes and homemade bagels (you can design the bagel sandwich of your dreams!) while taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi and home-y ambiance. Just in time for fall: pumpkin spice lattes and hot apple cider! (SkidCards not accepted)
 

2. Saratoga Coffee Traders. As a coffee shop, Panini paradise, art gallery, and sweets shop, we ask: What doesn’t SCT have to offer? Signature beverages (sizes: Jib, Jab, Jolt, and Jumbo) include the iced chai, the Frozzini, and the fall-friendly Apple Crisp Latte. For you collegiettes™nursing a sweet tooth, you’ll love the café’s Wonka-like candy room. You can even request specific goodies on their website if you don’t find your favorite guilty pleasure! (SkidCards accepted; 10% student discount upon request)
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3. Mrs.London’s Bakery and Café. Do you dream of scribbling poetry on napkins inside a Parisian café? Mrs. London’s can help (although we suggest notebooks over napkins). While the bakery is inspired by 19th century America, the wall of fresh breads and the array of European pastries lend the space a romantic and Old World atmosphere. The coffee is classic and delicious, especially paired with a croque, a chocolate croissant, or one of many irresistible tartlettes. (SkidCards accepted)
 

4. Virgil’s House. Both quirky and intimate, Virgil’s House makes for a cozy retreat from hectic campus life. Nestle into a velvety winged armchair with your textbook in hand—but don’t bring your laptop or an overactive Blackberry, because Virgil’s is an electronic-free zone. Instead, bring a friend and play one of the cafés many board games while you sip on a latte (flavors ideal for braving the fall weather include Cinnamon Bun, Pumpkin Pie Raspberry, and Peanut Butter Cup). Tuesday nights are Scrabble Nights! (SkidCards not accepted; 5% student discount upon request)
 
This list is by no means all-inclusive; there are a number of cafés throughout Saratoga Springs that are worthy of your patronage! Take the time to explore and find the coffees and atmospheres that best suit you (and your taste buds). Come next National Coffee Day, you’ll know exactly where to celebrate!

Kate is the Associate Editor of Her Campus. Before joining the staff full-time, Kate was the Campus Correspondent for the HC Skidmore College chapter as well as an editorial intern, Love editor, and national contributing writer for HC. In addition to her work with Her Campus, Kate has been a Sex & Love stringer and digital editorial intern for WomensHealthMag.com and an Inner Circle Trendspotter for MTV. Kate graduated from Skidmore College summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts in English and French. In her spare time, Kate is usually spotted writing fiction, playing tennis, reading pop culture blogs until her eyes hurt, baking cookies, or dreaming up her next travel adventure.
As the Senior Designer, Kelsey is responsible for the conceptualization and design of solutions that support and strengthen Her Campus on all levels. While managing junior designers, Kelsey manages and oversees the creative needs of Her Campus’s 260+ chapters nationwide and abroad. Passionate about campaign ideation and finding innovative design solutions for brands, Kelsey works closely with the client services team to develop integrated marketing and native advertising campaigns for Her Campus clients such as Macy’s, UGG, Merck, Amtrak, Intel, TRESemmé and more. A 2012 college graduate, Kelsey passionately pursued English Literature, Creative Writing and Studio Art at Skidmore College. Born in and native to Massachusetts, Kelsey supplements creative jewelry design and metal smithing with a passion for fitness and Boston Bruins hockey. Follow her on Twitter: @kelsey_thornFollow her on Instagram: @kelsey_thorn