Downtown Saratoga Springs has so much to offer. If you can find the time to get off campus, it’s certainly worth the time to go and discover your favorite spots for yourself. Everyone knows about the best restaurants and coffee shops, but we can’t forget about the bakeries and sweet shops that are irresistable. If you want to do some exploring, here are some of our favorites that you should definitely try:
1. Putnam Market
Right on Broadway, across the street from Wheatfield’s, is Putnam Market. Putnam sells sandwiches, artisanal cheese and a wide variety of other gourmet foods, but one of its best features is its extensive bakery. Situated at the entrance is a case filled with delicious cupcakes, cookies, pies, cakes, and macarons, all of which are made from scratch. They also have chocolates and truffles, as well as gluten-free sweets. What’s not to love?
You should try: Everything. But especially the tres leches cupcake—it’s to die for.
2. Mrs. London’s
Also on Broadway, just off the corner of Lake Street, is the famous Mrs. London’s, connected to the equally famous Max Londons. This bakery serves a wide array of breakfast-type pastries, quiches and tarts, and some very unique cake-like confections as well. There is also a list posted right next to the cash register stating the allergens or lack thereof in each pastry, so it’s friendly to everyone.
You should try: It’s hard to pick, but definitely the cannolis, “on the half shell,” and the cheese danishes.
3. TC Paris
Located on Henry Street, also just off of Lake, is this delightful French bakery. Although a member of a chain of bakeries, the quality of the pastries in this store would make you think otherwise. In addition to eclairs, cream puffs, paris breasts and other French pastries, this bakery serves up to 10 different flavors of macarons each day.
You should try: The macarons—get a pack of 10, 1 in each flavor, for the full experience. And if you’re feeling like a foodie, the assorted box is perfect for Instagram.