Key Highlights
- The Belmont Stakes, traditionally held at Belmont Park, will be hosted at Saratoga Race Course in 2024 and 2025.
- Saratoga Springs, renowned for its horse racing, offers a blend of health, history, and entertainment.
- The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame provides a deep dive into horse racing’s rich history.
- Saratoga Spa State Park remains a popular wellness destination with historical mineral springs.
(livesinsight.com) –Summer at the Spa — a ritual nearly 200 years strong — started early in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., with the third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, being held on Saturday for the first time at Saratoga Race Course, a revered relic where the elite and otherwise mingle, but the horses rule. Broadway, the city’s central thoroughfare, bustled. Lines for picnic tables at the track formed before dawn. A new color — Belmont green — blended with the track’s signature red-and-white trimmings. Owners, trainers, horseplayers and the cooler-toting faithful all hailed the break from tradition for the race’s 156th running. The 17-1 longshot Dornoch, ridden by Luis Saez and trained by Danny Gargan, held off Mindframe and Sierra Leone for a stunning victory. Saratoga Race Course will host the Belmont Stakes in 2024 and 2025.
Historic Horse Racing at Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs, N.Y., not only commands attention for its historical significance but also as a modern-day sanctuary for horse racing enthusiasts. The Belmont Stakes, traditionally held at Belmont Park, will now be hosted at Saratoga Race Course in 2024 and 2025, marking the first change in venue for the third leg of the Triple Crown in 156 years. This move is part of an effort to allow for extensive renovations at Belmont Park, ensuring both modern facilities and the preservation of its rich legacy. The Saratoga Race Course, established in 1863, sits almost equidistant from New York City and Boston, making it an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Known for its Victorian grandstand and picturesque ambiance, the track has been lauded by Sports Illustrated as one of the top ten greatest sporting venues worldwide. Racing season at Saratoga runs from July to September, drawing crowds not just for the thrill of the races but also for the vibrant social scene. From owners and trainers to horseplayers and the cooler-toting faithful, the atmosphere is electric. The course is surrounded by beautiful trees and greenery, alongside abundant plantings of red and white flowers that mimic the grandstand’s colors. Fans can also stroll down the Marylou Whitney Entrance, where bronze floor plaques on the Hoofprints Walk of Fame pay homage to some of the greatest horses in racing history. For those enamored by the sport, a visit to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is a must. Located just across the street from the track on Union Avenue, the museum’s extensive collection of over 29,000 objects and artifacts breathes life into the history of horse racing. From films and photography to jockey racing attire, the museum offers an immersive experience into the sport’s storied past, making it a worthwhile stop for any visitor to Saratoga Springs.
Beyond the Track: Health and Wellness at Saratoga Spa State Park
While horse racing might be Saratoga Springs’ most famous attraction, the city also boasts a rich history in wellness tourism, primarily centered around its natural mineral springs. Saratoga Spa State Park, a National Historic Landmark, offers visitors a chance to experience the healing properties that have drawn people to these waters for centuries. The park officially opened to the public on July 26, 1935, but its legacy dates back much further. Native Americans were the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the mineral springs, long before European settlers arrived. By the mid-1800s, the bathhouses in Saratoga Springs had become a popular watering hole for the rich and famous, until private industry threatened to deplete the waters. In response, New York State embarked on an ambitious project to create a landscaped park modeled after European spas. This park became a mecca for those seeking treatment for various ailments, including heart, skin, arthritic, and digestive disorders. The state also established a plant to bottle the mineral waters, in operation from 1935 to 1970. Today, visitors to the park can still enjoy the unique experience of soaking in a private mineral bath at the Roosevelt Baths, named after Franklin D. Roosevelt, who spearheaded the bathhouses’ construction under the Works Progress Administration. The baths feature 42 original treatment rooms where guests can indulge in massages, facials, and scrubs. Beyond the baths, Saratoga Spa State Park spans 2,370 acres and offers a wealth of recreational activities. The park’s stunning neoclassical architecture includes impressive temple facades, massive columns, and arcades. Visitors can enjoy two pools, two golf courses, tennis courts, walking trails, and picnic grounds. In the winter, the park transforms into a haven for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park also houses the Saratoga Automobile Museum, located in a fully restored modern facility that was once the water bottling plant. The museum features both permanent and rotating exhibits that trace the history, technical aspects, and design of automobiles. Currently, the museum is showcasing an exhibit titled “Enzo Ferrari: An Obsession with Speed,” which runs through October 27, 2024, and highlights a rare selection of Ferraris. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center, also located within the park, serves as the summer home to the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra. The center offers world-class musical and dance performances, as well as other entertainment options year-round, making it a cultural hub within the park.
A Historical Landmark: Saratoga National Historical Park
History buffs visiting Saratoga Springs should not miss the opportunity to explore the Saratoga National Historical Park, located just a 20-minute drive from downtown. This park, operated by the National Park Service, commemorates the Battles of Saratoga, a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. The park spans 3,200 acres and offers a range of activities that educate and inspire visitors about this significant historical event. Upon arrival, visitors are encouraged to start at the Visitors Center, which provides an overview of the park’s history and significance. From there, they can explore the battlefield, follow the half-mile trail in Victory Woods, and see the final encampment site of the British army. The park also features restored homes and important monuments that offer a glimpse into life during the Revolutionary War. Special events and demonstrations are held throughout the year, providing additional educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. One of the park’s highlights is its seasonal reenactments and living history programs, which bring the past to life and offer a deeper understanding of the battles that took place on these grounds. These events are particularly popular with families and school groups, as they provide an engaging way to learn about American history. The Saratoga National Historical Park is a testament to the resilience and determination of the American forces during the Revolutionary War. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for independence and the significance of the Battles of Saratoga in shaping the nation’s history.
Downtown Saratoga Springs: A Blend of History and Modernity
While Saratoga Springs is renowned for its horse racing and historical significance, the city’s downtown area offers a delightful blend of history and modernity. Broadway, the main thoroughfare, is a tree-lined, walkable street that is home to a variety of one-of-a-kind boutiques, gift shops, art galleries, and eateries. Many of the Victorian buildings that line Broadway date back to the 1800s, adding to the area’s charm and historical ambiance. Visitors can find a wide range of horse-themed souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry in the shops along Broadway. For those looking to take a piece of Saratoga Springs home with them, even horse jockey statues are available for purchase. The city’s vibrant shopping scene is complemented by its diverse culinary offerings, with dozens of restaurants and cafes serving everything from casual fare to fine dining. Accommodations in Saratoga Springs are as varied as its attractions. From country inns and bed and breakfasts to full-service resorts and retro-style motels, there is something to suit every taste and budget. Notable properties include the Adelphi Hotel and the Saratoga Arms Hotel, both located on Broadway. The Adelphi Hotel, which opened in 1877, has been a cornerstone of Saratoga society for over a century. After lying vacant for five years, the hotel was renovated in the 1970s and has since been reimagined with modern branded residences. The 65-room property continues to offer a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it a popular choice for visitors. The Saratoga Arms Hotel, built in 1870, is a beautifully restored 31-room property that combines modern amenities with the ambiance of a boutique inn. Managed by the mother-daughter team of Kathleen and Amy Smith, the hotel offers spacious, well-appointed guest rooms and turn-of-the-century period furnishings. The inviting front porch, parlors, and lounges with original fireplaces and chandeliers add to the hotel’s charm and appeal. Saratoga Springs offers a unique combination of historical significance and modern attractions, making it a destination that appeals to a wide range of visitors. Whether you’re visiting for the horse racing, the wellness offerings, or the historical sites, this deceptively small but impressive city in upstate New York promises a memorable experience.