In the distance, colorful sailboats glide silently across the narrows beneath searing blue skies. Children laugh and play on the beach as brown-shirted waiters tend to patio patrons enjoying lunch, dinner, drinks and inspiring lake views. Doors swing open and sounds of happy people inside spill out. Families arrive by boat. There's a timeless energy to this spot that inhabits all who are here. Fun is in the air. This is the new Brown's Beach Resort, opened July 2014.
Brown's Beach Resort (“BBR”) is the revitalization of one of Saratoga Lake's fondest memories brought alive with a twenty-first century twist fueled by an Adirondack-chic style; fresh, daring culinary creativity; and a welcoming lakeside atmosphere. This place caters to locals and world travelers visiting Saratoga alike.
The property, referred to almost universally as "Brown's Beach" has a long history as the place the public could come to visit Saratoga Lake. In the late 1800s it was opened as a commercial concern inviting eager vacationers the opportunity to change and store clothes in the bathhouse while enjoying Saratoga's sunshine, waters and lakeside eating.
In recent years, the property was being pursued for residential development. However, through new local revenues created by Global Foundries and the NYSERDA Technology Park, the Town of Stillwater, NY, under the leadership of Supervisor, Gen. Ed Kinowski, was able to purchase the 9-acre Brown's Beach parcel to re-purpose back to public use.
The town hired the Chazen Companies to re-engineer and update the entire site infrastructure for parking, erosion and runoff control, marina and banquet facilities, traffic management and ADA compliance. Panza's Restaurant Group was selected through an RFP process to operate the restaurant, inn, pavilion, and hospitality functions.
The Resort is in its first year with plans to build out infrastructure over the next five years. Currently operating are the restaurant (Dock Brown's with boater courtesy docks) the inn (The Nest), the 60' x 80' enclosed outdoor pavilion for weddings, parties and events, and the sandy beach.
The restaurant is open seven-days-a-week, offers a full bar and serves lunch and dinner every day. Diners can choose from the bright and modern indoor dining room or beachside patio; both offer breathtaking views of the five-mile long lake. Across the lake at night one can see the lights of Saratoga Springs and often fireworks. Meteor showers and Aurora Borealis from the patio after dark are not uncommon experiences.
The inn (The Nest), offers seven uniquely appointed queen-bed guest rooms with full hotel amenities. Three enjoy breathtaking lake views, and one offers a king bed.
In 2015, a fully-functioning marina with 150 boat slips, marine fuel service, boat and snow mobile repair centers, ship store and boat launch will be added as well as a permanent pavilion structure, beach bar and cabanas. Plans for the following season include a beachside grille and restroom/changing facilities.
Plan your trip to BBR today. You will keep coming back.