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| This sign translated means "Spa, Potato Chips & Horse Betting." |
As it turns out, Simon Baruch knew exactly what he was doing at the turn of the 19th Century. When he moved his family to the United States from Germany he wanted to bring along a new wave of medical treatments called "European Spas." A burgeoning village in Central New York was the perfect place for his new medical facility. Saratoga Springs became home for these spas because of the natural mineral springs that could be found anywhere near the village. To this day, you can visit these springs and drink some of the freshest water you will ever taste.
Horse Racing
By far and away, mineral water is the least exciting thing you will encounter during your stay in Saratoga Springs. Despite a period of time in the 1950's, the race track has been a popular destination for horse racing fans since the Saratoga Race Way was built in 1863. For 40 days every summer (July 20th - September 3rd) horse races are the center of attention at the Race Way.
Horse racing is no joke in Saratoga Springs. In fact, the movie Seabiscuit was filmed on the Race Way in 2002.
Downtown
There is nothing quite like the feeling of traveling back in time. While in Saratoga Springs you have to stop by the courtyard at the Adelphi Hotel hotel. The second you step foot in the hotel you feel like you should shed your cell phone and light up a cigar instead. When you head out to the outdoor courtyard you expect to see Sinatra sitting right next to you.
You would never expect a small town in Central New York to have the cowboy vibe that it has, but most of the downtown merchants have a country western theme to the apparel they sell.
Most of the time, when people go on vacation they want to eat the food that is native to the area. Well, you are in Central New York - too far for buffalo wings from Buffalo and garbage plates from Rochester haven't really caught on in Saratoga Springs. Have no fear though, two of the greatest food inventions were invented in Saratoga Springs - the club sandwich (1894) and potato chips (1853).
Tip of the Iceberg
Not many towns can lay claim to the fact that their town was used as a theme for a high-end Disney Resort. Go find out what Baruch and Disney saw when they visited this town. There is still plenty more to explore.
Whether you are into horse racing or not, Saratoga Springs is an awesome place to visit. Next time you pick up a bottle of Saratoga Spring Water in the famous blue bottle you should consider visiting the town and getting it fresh from the tap!
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