MaltaMama - Family Fun Things to Do | Malta, NY, Saratoga County

Yesterday Robby and I ventured into Ballston Spa to check out the Village Sweet Shoppe.  My trip was all business; research for MaltaMama of course!  While I was there though, the smell of fresh chocolate, beautiful displays of candies, and loads of my fave crave gummy candy begged me to sample!  How could I possibly provide my readers with an accurate review of the VSS without (over)indulging?  Let’s just say I took one for the team and tried a few things, all of which were delicious! 

Village Sweet Shoppe has a huge assortment of chocolates, bulk candy, gummy’s, sugar-free stuff and lots of Easter treats.  They will do custom orders and favors for showers, weddings, etc. I purchased several nicely packaged Easter goodies which will hopefully not get eaten before Sunday!  They have two small tables in the front windows, perfect for people-watching while you pig out on candy. 

Their regular hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm.  Find them at 24 Low Street, downtown Ballston Spa.  Down the street from the library and across the street from Wiswall Park.  Call 518-885-4165 for more info.  Great stop if you're in town.  Also check out Whistling Kettle Tea Lounge while you're there! 

I decided to give in to Robby’s ‘bus obsession’ and took him on a trip to Saratoga and back on the CDTA bus yesterday.  There’s a route for us Saratoga County people despite the fact that few of us actually use the bus line.  I went on the CDTA website and found that our route started at the Malta Community Center and went straight up to Congress Park in Saratoga. 

We caught the bus at 1:10pm, paid our $1.50 fare, and were pestering the ducks in the park by 1:25pm!  
We played in the park, went to Uncommon Grounds, danced to the guitar player on Broadway, visited the library, and caught our return bus at 4:35pm in Congress Park. 

It was a fun way to spend the afternoon and something different for Robby to enjoy.  I was prepared for the occasion with a backpack full of snacks, milk, water, camera, jacket, etc.  The $1.50 fare is for an adult, children under 5 are free.  I can definitely see us taking the bus again, especially in the summer when traffic and parking are hellish in Saratoga.  I love that it picks up and drops off right at the Malta Community Center, although you have to wait on the other side of the road by the sidewalk.  The route I took runs Monday thru Friday.  I recommend giving a bus trip a try! 

If there's one week to try a new dining establishment, Restaurant Week is it!  For one set price ($20.10) you get a three-course meal; appetizer, entree and desert at participating restaurants throughout Saratoga County.  I am happy to see several Malta/Ballston Spa eateries participating such as Bentley's Tavern, Fifty South, Primo Pizzaria, and Cliffs Country Inn.  Shout out to Lake Ridge in Round Lake.  That would be my pick!  Here's a complete list of participating restaurants. 

Saratoga County Restaurant Week starts tonight, Friday March 19th and ends on Sundady, March 28th.  You have time, but don't put it off too long!  Find a sitter and get out and enjoy a dinner.  The price does not include tax/tip.   

Despite the beautiful weather, if you're looking for a break from the outdoors, head to Clifton Park Center on Saturday, March 20th for the Saratoga County Kids Expo.  Admission is free and the day includes a performance by Andy the Music Man, kids crafts, Mr. Twisty Super Silly Magic Show, Bounce Around, an Easter Parade, Kids Bowling Area, Tae Kwon Do demonstration, dance performances, songs from the winners of Clifton Park Idol, informational booths and much more!

When: Sat, Mar 20, 2010, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Where: Clifton Park Center, 22 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park
Cost: FREE!
The Saratoga County Kids Expo is sponsored by Hannaford, AAA Northway and Star 101. FM. Free Admission.