Saratoga Springs, NY -- History, Health and Horses

We arrived after dark to our campground outside Saratoga Springs. It is stressful, pulling a large fifth-wheel through unfamiliar country roads in the dark. But we did it (we, meaning Jack) and arrived at an out-of-the-way, but thoroughly delightful campground called Autumn Moon.

Saratoga Springs was founded around it's mineral springs, which were rumored to hold medicinal properties.  FDR and many other famous folks came here to "take the baths". In the late 1800's and early 1900's, Saratoga was the place to be for the rich and famous. The architecture is diverse and gorgeous. The parks and baths are beautifully landscaped. There are mineral springs throughout the town, some quite grand, while others are nothing more than a pipe spouting water.

Congress Park

The Italian Gardens, in Congress Park 

We found out that the SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center) was hosting Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson, so we picked up two tickets.  The venue was overly crowded, but the weather was clear and cold, and the concert was great!

This is as much as we could see.  This is NOT Adam Levine...just his warm up band

We went by Saratoga Race Course, which is a horse-racing track opened in 1893.  It is not only the oldest horse track in the country, but also the oldest continuously operating sport venue of any kind in the USA. Unfortunately, the season ended Sept. 6, so we were not able to actually see a race. But we did take some photos of what is really a beautiful place, dripping with tradition.

The front gates to Saratoga Race Course

And, of course, we had to take a soak in the mineral springs.  The water is a rusty brown, and smells metallic and sulfur-y...but it really felt good.  No photos here....we have SOME modesty, after all!