What To Do On A Weekend Getaway to Saratoga, Wyoming

If you're planning a trip to Saratoga, Wyoming this spring or summer, here's a few tips on where to stay and what to do.

The weather was just too nice this weekend. We had to go somewhere and do something fun.  So, at the last minute, my better half and I decided to drive to Saratoga on a whim. We knew it was going to be a fun weekend when we saw this buck staring us down as we drove into town.

Unfortunately, the famous Saratoga Resort and Spa was already booked, so we improvised on the fly. After a quick web search, we were able to find a room at the Riviera Lodge. It wasn't fancy, but the rooms were big, the bed was comfy and the location was perfect. The Riveria sits right on the banks of the North Platte River on Saratoga Road, just two blocks away from Bridge Avenue. Not too shabby for $115 a night.

After checking into the hotel, a couple of friendly locals recommended that we have dinner across the street at a place called Bella's Bistro. It was amazing. You wouldn't expect to find impeccable Italian cuisine in a place like Saratoga, but we sure did. From the moment we tried the bread, we were hooked. The chef's special appetizer was an incredibly dumpling filled with 4 cheeses and roasted pears. The entrees were excellent and we finished off the meal with one of the best cannolis I have ever tasted.

After dinner, we walked down to Bridge Avenue and had a drink in the historic Hotel Wolf Saloon. This place has been in business for over 120 years and the saloon is a throwback to Wyoming's wild west history. That history is on display the minute you walk into the swinging saloon doors and see the peanut shells on the old wood floor. They also have a restaurant, which we were told is very good, and a few dozen rooms for overnight guests. We didn't get to see the rooms, but we're hoping to stay there the next time we're in town.

We finished the evening off with a nightcap at another historic watering hole, the Rustic Bar. Located just down the street from the Hotel Wolf on Bridge Avenue, this saloon has been serving thirsty travelers for over a century. Like the Hotel Wolf, you can see the Wyoming history on the walls as soon as you walk in the Rustic, where you'll be greeted by several large taxidermy animals, including mountain lions, deer, and even a skunk. They also has a stage and dance floor and hosts live bands every weekend in the summertime.

Of course, no trip to Saratoga is complete without taking a dip in the hot springs. Although, the springs are open 24 hours a day, we decided to wait until the morning to soak in the sulfur. First, we had a great breakfast at an old diner on Bridge Avenue called Lollypops. Although it's primarily a 50's style ice cream and soda fountain parlor, the kitchen serves breakfast and lunch, along with some delicious shakes.

Finally, we headed over the hot springs. The pools are divided into three areas; hot, really hot and insanely hot. When we arrived, there were about 6 tourists soaking in the pools, none of whom had the courage to brave the 118 degree "lobster pot". I don't blame them, either. The regular pool was too hot for me. After a few minutes, I had to make my way over to "not so hot" pool, which was just about right. Although they are smelly, and dirty, the natural hot springs offer a convenient shower and changing station, and they are open to the public year round, free of charge.

It definitely was a fun weekend getaway. Unfortunately, the nearby Snowy Mountains were too snow to take the scenic drive home. However, visiting Saratoga in the spring is a great time to enjoy this quaint, charming, old west town without all of the hustle and bustle of the summer tourist season. And, if you like to ride snowmobiles, there are plenty of excellent adventures nearby.