An afternoon of history, craft brews and Detroit-style pizza in Saratoga Springs, New York
Summary: On a recent fall weekend at Camp Hudson Pines, we discovered an unforgettable day trip that combined presidential history with craft brews and Detroit-style pizza. Here's how we made the most of it—and why you should too.
Date: Observations and data recorded in September 2025
Site/Location: Grant’s Cottage - 1000 Mt McGregor Rd, Gansevoort, NY 12831 Whitman Brewing Company - 20 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Distance from Camp Hudson Pines: 11 Miles to Grant’s Cottage (approx. 21 minute drive), 16 miles to Whitman Brewing Company (approx. 25 minutes)
Participants: Two Adults
Length of Observation: An afternoon into dinner
Links: https://www.grantcottage.org/ and https://www.waltandwhitmanbrewing.com/
Activity:
If you like adding in a little history to every trip you take - this day itinerary is for you. From Camp Hudson Pines, it's about 12 miles to the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage National Historic Site. This hidden gem lets you step back in time to when the 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant spent his last summer here in 1885, writing his memoirs while battling illness. He passed away in the cottage on July 23rd.
The tour was a highlight. Guided walks through the preserved home showcase original furnishings, personal artifacts, and breathtaking mountain views from the porch. While you have to pay to take the tour, the grounds are free to explore.
We arrived mid-morning on a crisp fall day, the leaves crunching underfoot, and spent a peaceful hour wandering. It's an inspiring spot to reflect on leadership and legacy, especially with Mount McGregor rising dramatically in the background.
After we finished our historical tour, we headed 15 minutes into Saratoga Springs for some well-deserved indulgence. This vibrant town is a hub for fall activities in Upstate New York, from mineral springs to thoroughbred racing, but we zeroed in on a cozy brewery experience at Whitman Brewing Company, tucked into the historic Old Saratogian Building.
This craft spot nails the balance of brews and bites, with a taproom downstairs and a hip cafe upstairs. On game day, we watched the Detroit Lions play on the big screen while devouring the signature Detroit-style pizza. It was thick with crispy-edged squares loaded with cheese that pull apart like a dream. (Pro tip: Go for the pepperoni with a side of their house IPA for that perfect hoppy contrast.)
The atmosphere buzzed with locals and visitors alike, chatting over flights of seasonal beers amid exposed brick walls and communal tables. It felt like more than a brewery; it's a community hub where you can linger from lunch into evening. For Saratoga Springs pizza spots or best breweries near Lake George, Whitman Brewing Company stands out for its fresh, made-from-scratch menu and welcoming vibe.
Photographs:
Photo credits: Grant’s Cottage, Whitman Brewing and Discover Saratoga
Reflections:
If you're staying at Camp Hudson Pines, add this to your itinerary for a low-key, educational outing paired with delicious food and craft beer.
When visiting Grant’s Cottage we recommend checking their schedule as they are only open seasonally (typically May - September or early October). If you are doing a tour make sure to arrive 15 minutes early.
For Whitman’s Brewing Company we also recommend checking their hours but make note they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. There is a parking lot and garage across the street for easy parking and a short walk to this cool historic building.
