The racetrack drew him to this serene Adirondack town of 26,186 located four hours north of New York City. You have wagered most of your money and you are thinking: now what? Before you pack up and head home, park the car somewhere and head out on foot. A leisurely walk is the best way to discover the multitude of charms that this “city in the countryside” has to offer. And who knows? You might even end up staying forever.

Begin your pedestrian adventure on North Broadway, also known as “The Avenue of Mansions.” These quirky homes, with their lush butterfly-filled gardens, billowing fountains, and bronze horse sculptures, are sure to transform you into a certified bird watcher. Several of these mansions belong to those who have made their fortunes in the horse industry, and at least one is grand enough to have its own guard residence on the premises. A guard residence that many of us would be proud to call “home” as it is a replica, in miniature, of the mansion itself.

The wide and smooth sidewalks of North Broadway will take you directly to South Broadway, also known as the main drag. Has his stroll down “Avenue of Mansions” inspired you to dig a little deeper into your pockets for the money you have left after a few days on the track? On South Broadway, he chooses restaurants, cafes, cafes and shops that will gladly accept his dollars. Treat yourself to a new outfit at Ann Taylor, The Gap or Eddie Bauer. Indulge yourself in an Irish Claddagh ring from Celtic Treasures. Once your wardrobe has been reinvigorated, what about your bookshelf? Haven’t wanted to read War and Peace for years? Stop at Border’s and do your shopping. Let yourself be tempted and seduced by the sweet Italian song that comes out to the street at Eugenio’s Café Gelato. Cozy up for 15 minutes with your new tome and a little green Styrofoam cup of frozen lemonade. Refreshed, wander the side streets, checking out popular spots like Gaffney’s Restaurant and Hattie’s, where you might see Chef Jasper (winner of the Fried Chicken Throwdown vs. Bobby Flay) whipping up chowder in his kitchen. Now it’s making you hungry.

From South Broadway, take a detour onto Phila Street. In your single-minded pursuit of sustenance, try not to be too distracted by the colorful array of rayon fashions on display outside “The Magic Moon,” a self-described “unique metaphysical boutique.” Your destination is Ravenous, a cozy little café serving savory crepes for dessert, not to mention the most succulent fries (served with your choice of dipping sauces) outside of Paris.

Spellbound with a prosciutto and gruyere crepe followed by a dessert crepe filled with fresh fruit, nutella and homemade whipped cream, head toward Congress Park. Once there, stop to admire the historic wooden carousel, restored to its original splendor. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous now, take a spin yourself! Stroll around the curious “Spit” and “Spat” sculptures, engaged in a continuous “who can spit further?” competition. Stop to appreciate Congress Spring and Deer Park Spring, two of the springs that give Saratoga Springs its name and fame. If you’ve indulged too recklessly with ice cream and pancakes, it might be a good idea to try some of the spring water, as it’s said to be good for digestive health.

After exploring the entirety of Congress Park, taking in the beauty of the round red balloons called crabapples glowing from the trees, the glorious architecture of the Canfield Casino, and the rainbow trout pools, take time to relax on a bench by the water . You deserve it after a long day of walking. When the ducklings emerge from the water and circle your feet, you might start to wonder if it’s time to come home or if you’ve, in fact, found a new home in Saratoga Springs, New York.