NEWSLETTER
Voting for the national contest is open and encouraged until Feb. 9 and 16
Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – Discover Saratoga is proud to announce that Saratoga Springs, New York, has been nominated in two categories for USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards: Saratoga Springs is nominated for Best Small Town Arts Scene and the Saratoga Springs History Museum is nominated for Best Small Town Museum. These national nominations recognize Saratoga’s rich cultural offerings and deep commitment to preserving and celebrating history and the arts.
Voting is now open to the public. Voting runs through 11:59 AM EST on February 9, 2026 for Best Small Town Museum and February 16, 2026 for Best Small Town Arts Scene. Readers can vote once per day to help Saratoga Springs secure a spot in the top ten. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 and Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at noon EST.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized in two categories that truly speak to Saratoga’s identity,” said Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga. “From the creativity of our artists to the dedication of our historians and cultural institutions, these nominations are a testament to the spirit of this community. We encourage our residents and fans to vote daily and help Saratoga claim its well-deserved spot among the nation’s top destinations.”
Saratoga Springs is home to a year-round calendar of cultural experiences. Visitors and locals alike enjoy world-class performances at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), intimate concerts at the historic Caffè Lena, exhibitions at the Saratoga Arts Center, and engaging programming at Universal Preservation Hall. The city’s downtown comes alive with public art, pop-up exhibits, and annual events like the Beekman Street Arts Fair, all set against the backdrop of Saratoga’s historic charm. In 2025, Saratoga Springs ranked 7th in USA Today’s 10Best list for Small Town Arts Scenes and was the only New York destination to make the list.
Meanwhile, the Saratoga Springs History Museum, housed in the grand Canfield Casino in Congress Park, is a cornerstone of the region’s historic narrative. With exhibits spanning Victorian fashion, Saratoga’s golden age, and haunted tales, the museum offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the city’s storied past.
To vote for Saratoga Springs in the Best Small Town Arts Scene category, visit: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-small-town-arts-scene/
To vote for the Saratoga Springs History Museum in the Best Small Town Museum category, visit: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-small-town-museum/
For more information about the 10Best Awards, and to see the full list of winners across multiple categories, please visit www.10best.com.
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About Discover Saratoga:
Discover Saratoga, the official tourism promotion agency of Saratoga County, is a key economic development engine for Saratoga County; our mission is to contribute a positive impact on the local economy by promoting and marketing Saratoga County as a world-class destination for leisure travel, meetings, and events. For more information about Discover Saratoga, please visit www.DiscoverSaratoga.org.