Victorian Accents and Modern Charms in Saratoga Springs

By Taylor Smith

Saratoga Springs was historically a place of healing. Prior to the arrival of wealthy American barons and European aristocrats, the Mohawk Indians bathed in the naturally carbonated mineral springs that dotted the area. By the 1830s, dozens of springs were outfitted so that tourists could “take to the waters,” hoping to heal all sorts of ailments ranging from depression to diabetes. Physicians of this time often recommended that their patients spent time in Saratoga, bathing in the mineral waters, breathing the fresh mountain air, and enjoying leisurely walks around the lake. It was thought to be the ultimate escape from urban life. The advent of the railroad in 1831 and the Saratoga Race Track in 1863, firmly established Saratoga Springs as a year-round tourist destination.

During the Gilded Age, Saratoga Springs was the place “to see and be seen.” The Vanderbilts and the Whitneys were just some of the famous patrons who convened here for exclusive social gatherings. After an afternoon spent at the racetracks, politicians and business magnates conducted businesses meetings over dinner and took carriage rides down North Broadway.

Today, Saratoga Springs is the summer residence of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York City Ballet. Visitors will find upscale dining and lodging combined with excellent hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities. The presence of Skidmore College adds to the local energy.

GETTING THERE:

Saratoga Springs is easily accessible by Amtrak with daily service to and from Manhattan, Boston, Montreal, and Burlington. The drive is a little over 3 hours from New York City and 45 minutes north of Albany. If you are arriving by air, you will want to fly into Albany Airport. Once you are in Saratoga Springs, most of the sites are within walking distance.

LODGING:

Saratoga Springs is a popular wedding and honeymoon destination and this is reflected in the lodging choices. Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa (www.gideonputnam.com) offers historic charm and sophistication. Here, you can partake in golfing, exclusive dining, and spa packages. Saratoga Arms (www.saratogaarms.com) is an award-winning hotel dating back to 1870 and is run by the local Smith family. The Inn at Saratoga (www.theinnatsaratoga.com) features a blend of Victorian style furnishings and modern conveniences like steam showers and heated bath floors.

If you are looking for a more rustic experience, the community of Lake George (www.lakegeorge.com) may be just what you desire. The Lake George area in the Southern Adirondacks is brimming with outdoor activities and is located just 30 minutes north of downtown Saratoga Springs. Lodging options range from lakeside cottage rentals to camping sites. The summer season brings a great deal of boating, kayaking, swimming, and water skiing to the region.

TO DO:

The Saratoga Race Track (www.saratogaracetrack.com) and Saratoga Casino and Raceway (www.saratogacasino.com) are major attractions year-round, but especially during thoroughbred season, which falls from July through September. It’s thrilling to spend a sunny day at the racetrack, betting on your favorite horse and jockey. End the day with an exceptional dinner at Fortune’s (www.saratogacasino.com), located trackside in the Raceway Clubhouse.

Serious golfers will relish time spent at the Saratoga Spa Golf Course (www.saratogaspagolf.com) or the Saratoga Lake Golf Club (www.saratogalakegolf.com). Both courses feel rustic, surrounded by towering pines, and cover hundreds of acres of hilly terrain.

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) (www.spac.org) regularly hosts world-renowned acts like the Martha Graham Dance Company and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Sarah McLachlan is scheduled to perform this summer on July 16 and James Taylor will perform his greatest hits on July 19.

New York’s premier hot air balloon tour company, Adirondack Balloon Flights (www.adkballoonflights.com), offers first-rate rides over Saratoga Springs, Lake George, and the Green Mountains of Vermont. Try to visit when the fall foliage is on full display, from September through the end of October.

Saratoga Spa State Park (www.nysparks.com) is home to the community’s world-famous mineral baths. Learn all about the history of the springs on the mineral springs tour. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the unique natural features of the springs and to experience the Geyser waterfall. In addition, there are numerous hiking trails, biking trails, and fishing areas.

The Yaddo Gardens (www.yaddo.org) are open to the public seven days a week from 8 a.m. until dusk. The gardens were founded in 1900 by the financier Spencer Trask and his wife Katrina as part of the Yaddo estate, a 400-acre artists retreat and residency program. The park includes a rock garden and a variety of plants, but the roses are a highlight. To see the rose garden in full-bloom, visit from late June through the end of July.

Skidmore College (www.skidmore.edu) is a small, elite liberal arts college that is known for its excellent fine arts and music programs. The campus is laced with attractive walking trails that become pleasantly quiet during the summer months. Skidmore is only a ten-minute walk from downtown Saratoga Springs.

Nearly 9 miles long, Saratoga Lake (www.saratoga.com) is crystal clear and located just a short walk from downtown. During the summer months, the lake is a haven for casual boaters, fisherman, and water-skiers.

DINING:

Forno Bistro (www.fornobistro.com) is a rustic Italian bistro that is centered around a large, stone-hearth, wood-burning oven. Try the Popo pizza, a white pizza topped with chicken, tomatoes, and herbs. The bar has an excellent happy hour and serves a full menu of wine and champagne by the glass.

Seven Horse Pub (www.sevenhorsepub.com) is a Saratoga landmark and a favorite with locals. This neighborhood tavern offers a wide selection of American fare including barbeque ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. Wash it all down with a pint of your favorite beer.

Cantina (www.cantinasaratoga.com) serves delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine in a decorative and upscale atmosphere. Accompany your frozen margarita with food inspired by Mexico and the American Southwest.

Ravenous (www.ravenouscrepes.com) is downtown Saratoga’s only crepe restaurant. They serve breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The menu consists of crepes stuffed with high quality ingredients like fresh asparagus and goat cheese or Nova Scotia salmon and scallions.

One Caroline Street Bistro (www.onecaroline.com) is located in a cozy setting in downtown Saratoga Springs. The Bistro is dedicated to serving seasonally available foods like cheeses from Upstate New York and farm-fresh vegetables.

The Brook Tavern (www.thebrooktavern.com) is just steps away from the Saratoga Race Course and includes an upscale bar and lounge area. Patrons stay for the classic menu, which features dishes like shrimp scampi, steak frites, and Caesar salads.

WINERIES:

Adirondack Winery (www.adirondackwinery.com) is a family-owned business located in Lake George. All of their locally crafted wines have wine labels that feature photographs of Adirondack landscapes and landmarks. They also sell a wide selection of wine-related gifts and accessories. A wine tasting session in their Tasting Room includes a take-home souvenir wine glass.

Altamont Vineyard and Winery (www.altamontwinery.com/site) is located in Altamont, NY (about 45 minutes from Saratoga Springs). They harvest more than 20 varieties of grapes and offer private tastings and vineyard tours. Altamont models their vineyards on those of Northern France and Germany, noting that such climates and growing conditions are very similar to those of Upstate New York.

The Saratoga Winery (www.thesaratogawinery.com) in Saratoga Springs is an authentic Adirondack-style tasting bar. They serve a wide-selection of unique wines, all of which are grown in The Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. From Dry Rieslings to Merlots, the knowledgeable staff will ensure that you find something you’ll love.

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