About seven miles from Saratoga stands the 1786 Wayside Inn (104 Wilton Rd., Greenfield, 518/893-7249, $95–125 d off-season, $155–185 d racing season), a rambling, low-ceilinged affair with wide floorboards and broad beams. The five guest rooms are comfortably fitted. Next door is a laid-back performing-arts and conference center.

In Schuylerville, the wood-frame, Federal-style Dovegate Inn (184 Broad St., 518/695-3699, www.dovegateinn.com, $90–130 off-season, $175–195 racing season) is a welcoming B&B offering three spacious guest rooms with private baths, a small restaurant, and a gift shop.

About five miles south of Ballston Spa is the Olde Stone House Inn (Round Lake, 518/899-5048, www.oldestonehouseinn.com, $105–150, higher in racing season), an elegant 1820 cobblestone home with four guest rooms (two with shared bath) and extensive grounds. In the U.S., cobblestone houses are all but unique to New York.

The Mansion Inn (801 Rte. 29, Rock City Falls, 518/885-1607, www.themansionsaratoga.com, $130–160 off-season, $240–295 racing season) lies seven miles west of downtown Saratoga. This 1866 Victorian mansion sits on four acres, built by 19th-century industrialist George West, known as The Paper Bag King, and is listed on the national historic registry. Modern conveniences and luxury amenities make this a good out-of-town lodging for racing season.