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Summertime in Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Springs has long been a summer destination. In the 19th century, visitors came to Saratoga for the reputed healing effects of its mineral springs. The mineral springs are still there, but nowadays Saratoga has even more to offer - art, architecture, music, history, dining, shopping and recreation. It is during the summer that Saratoga really shines, and what brings people to town are the horses.
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The Saratoga Race Course opened in 1864 and is the oldest continuously-operating thoroughbred track in the country. Summer racing runs for about six weeks, from late July until Labor Day, and you don't have to be a serious horseracing fan - or spend a lot of money - to enjoy a day at the track. My husband and I visit friends in Saratoga every summer and we always spend a day at the races. While there are many ways to dress up (and live it up) at the track, we prefer a more casual day. Here we go!
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At the entrance to the Race Course, Victorian-style buildings impart an old-timey-time elegance. The jockey statues out front represent each of the major races at Saratoga and are painted in the colors of the winning horses.
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Spectators often arrive in the morning when the track opens, well before post time, to choose a picnic spot for the day.
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If you go on a giveaway day, you can get a free promotional item with your paid admission, such as a Saratoga t-shirt, sports bag, or bobblehead doll.
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We always start with breakfast at the track while watching the horses exercise (7:00-9:00AM). A racing expert provides commentary describing the workouts.
Breakfast is served in the Clubhouse but we prefer to bring our own and sit in the box seats (where owners, trainers, and the rich and famous sit during the races).
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Breakfast at the Clubhouse
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The view from the box seats
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Crossing the finish line
during morning exercise
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After breakfast, catch the free tram to a guided walking tour of the stable area behind the track where the horses live and train. The backstretch tour runs every race day (except Travers day and Labor Day) from 8:00-9:15AM.
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Boarding the tram which
takes passengers around to
the backside of the track
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The view from the backstretch
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Our knowledgable guide Bill
talks about the training
track at Clare Court
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The stables are buzzing with activity as horses are exercised, walked, bathed and fed. We try to stay out of their way.
Keep an eye out for celebrities -- spotted this morning were Hall of Famers jockey Jerry Bailey and trainer Todd Pletcher, and the New York-bred 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Funny Cide.
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The inevitable and neverending
supply of manure is used
as fertilizer by
Pennsylvania mushroom growers
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At the Paddock Show,
guide Sheila talks about
what horses and jockeys
wear during races
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The tour concludes with
a starter explaining how
horses are trained for
the starting gate
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During the quiet of the morning, it's easy to wander around and see the Race Course before it fills with spectators.
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Go right up to the fence
to watch the horses exercise.
You are close enough to
hear the horses breathing
and the jockeys talking
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Check out the winner's cirlce
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The concourse under the
grandstand will be buzzing
with activity later as
spectators place their wagers
and collect their winnings
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While you are wandering, take a look at the silks room where the silk jerseys worn by the jockeys are stored.
Every thoroughbred owner registers his/her jockey silks so each design is unique.
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If you want a taste of what drew visitors to Saratoga Springs way back when, look for the Big Red Spring. You can have a sip or fill a water bottle (free!) of the real Saratoga spring water, but be prepared - this doesn't taste anything like the bottled spring water you are used to!
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Fast forward to post-time, when the day's races begin...
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Before each race, the horses are brought to the Paddock where they are saddled. Jockeys meet with the owners and trainers for final instructions before the race.
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At the call of 'Riders up!' jockeys get a leg up into the saddle and make their way toward the track.
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Listen for the sound of the bugler playing the "call to the post" which signals that the horses are on the track for the race.
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Then find a spot at the track to catch the excitement of a thoroghbred race!
Afterward, the winning horse is feted in the winner's circle.
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When you're not at the Race Course, what else is there to do in Saratoga Springs? Here are a few of my favorites:
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The Saratoga Polo Association presents polo matches 3-4 days a week during the summer - a delightful way to spend a beautiful summer evening. Gates open at 4:00PM, matches start at 5:30PM.
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Groups of family and friends
arrive early and enjoy
fieldside tailgate picnics
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A happy tailgating family!
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Replacing divots in the
playing field is a
halftime tradition
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Stroll down Broadway in downtown Saratoga where you'll find an appealing mix of shops and restaurants. While a few chain stores have moved into the neighborhood, Broadway remains home to many independent retailers offering a little bit of everything - clothing, accessories, music, toys, decorative housewares, Saratoga souvenirs and more.
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The pedestrian scene
along Broadway
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The window display at
G. Willikers toy store
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You can browse inside or out
at the Last Vestige music shop
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If you are planning a picnic, you must stop at Putnam Market. This specialty food store has everything you'll need. Putnam Market is where we go to put together our breakfast for the track and our polo tailgate.
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For the best croissants outside of Paris (really!) visit Mrs. London's. Not only will you love their croissants, you will adore all their viennoiseries (morning pastries). Sit, relax and enjoy.
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Think you've tasted good gelato? Think again! At Eugenio's Cafe Gelato you'll find authentic gelato, along with Italian pastries and desserts, made from owner Eugenio's family's original recipes. I can't visit Saratoga without stopping here (at least) once!
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Shoe shoppers unite! And meet at the Saratoga Shoe Depot for shoe bargains galore in the "loose caboose" sale room.
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To shop while supporting a community asset at the same time, head to the Saratoga Springs public library's Book Bag Shop for gently used books which come from donations and from the library's collection. I left with an armful of reading material.
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To go off the beaten path a bit, head over to the Beekman Street Art District. Located a few blocks west of Broadway, you'll find studio spaces and galleries exhibiting a variety of fine arts and crafts. My favorites include Frankie Flores' equine and jazz paintings, Leah McCloskey's pet portraits, Rosalind Hewitt-Moultrie's clothing and textile creations, and the Mimosa Gallery which showcases contemporary fine craft for fashion and home.
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Save some time for a walk through the delightful Congress Park (entrance at Broadway and Congress Street). The Saratoga Springs Visitor Center (across from the park entrance) offers guided tours which explore Saratoga's history and the colorful characters who made a living here.
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Guide Gloria shows a
photo of what the park looked
like in the past
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Canfield Casino
once a gaming establishment
now a museum
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Before you leave the park, take a ride on the beautifully restored Congress Park carousel, guaranteed to put a smile on your face and entitling you to wear with honor an "I rode the Congress Park carousel" sticker!
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Across the street from the carousel is Hathorn Spring. In my opinion, this is the best-tasting of Saratoga's mineral springs. Discovered in 1866, this spring was renowned as a digestive curative.
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The not-for-profit Saratoga Film Forum promotes the art of cinema by presenting quality alternative and independent films that don't always make it to the mall megaplex. Films are screened at the The Arts Center on Broadway.
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After a fun day in Saratoga, where to go for dinner? My number one choice is always Hattie's for Southern fried chicken not to be missed. How good is Hattie's fried chicken? Food Network celebrity chef Bobby Flay challenged Hattie's chef Jasper Alexander to a fried chicken throwdown. Flay didn't even come close!
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For a mighty tasty and very casual meal, try the popular PJ's Bar-B-Q (Route 9 in Saratoga) for chicken and ribs cooked over open firebrick barbecue pits.
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If you are still looking for things to do in Saratoga, check with the tourist information booth next to the entrance of Congress Park for loads of ideas. As it says at the bottom of the list, make it a great day!
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Finding accommodations in Saratoga can be a challenge during the summer when hotels are fully-booked and prices skyrocket.
We like the Adirondack Inn. Comfortable rooms are located in several buildings set around neatly manicured grounds. A complimentary continental breakfast is served in a screened gazebo by the pool where you can chat with other guests. The staff are super-friendly and offer a free shuttle to the track at your convenience (you can ride in your choice of a Rolls Royce or a London cab). Chairs are set outside so you can sit and relax after a busy day. Grills and picnic tables are available if you'd like to eat in. Book as early as possible to get a room.
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