Guide to Saratoga Springs

While Skidmore's campus is host to gorgeous scenery and hundreds of lively events throughout the year, our hometown of Saratoga Springs, NY, is also a destination of its own! 

Tour Top Saratoga Springs Locations

Take a Virtual Tour of Saratoga Springs

 

10 Reasons You'll Love Saratoga Springs:

1. Downtown Saratoga Springs: Just a short walk from Skidmore, the bustling downtown area is situated around Saratoga's main street, Broadway. Downtown Saratoga features an abundance of restaurants, coffee shops, shops and boutiques, art galleries, book stores, music venues, and more. 

2. Saratoga Spa State Park: This Historic National Landmark features the Roosevelt Baths and Spa, built for relaxation in Saratoga's world-famous mineral springs. The park now features robust nature trails, biking and hiking trails, fishing spots, tennis courts, swimming pools, and a golf course. It's all summer just a trolley ride from downtown Saratoga!

3. Congress Park: Located in downtown Saratoga, the historic Congress Park features ample picnic space, strolling and biking paths, fountains, duck ponds, and a fully operational and wildly popular wooden carousel that is over 100 years old. You can also sample many different mineral springs scattered throughout the park.

4. Festivals and nightlife:  The City is host to numerous celebrations and parades all summer long so there’s always something to do. Saratoga's most popular events range from arts festivals, holiday parades and celebrations, food fairs, and racing festivities.

5. The Saratoga Farmer's Market: The Saratoga Farmer's Market operates year-round, but is most vibrant and active in the summer. Featuring over fifty local vendors just a short walk from Skidmore's campus, the summer farmer's market includes a variety of locally grown and produced products. Find organic vegetables and fruits, cheeses, yogurt, milk, crafts, honey, jams, peanut butter, baked goods, cider, organic lotions, soaps, crafts and more while enjoying entertainment by local bluegrass bands and performance groups.

6. Saratoga Race Course: Also known as the Saratoga Racetrack or the “flat track,” the Race Course the oldest continually operating thoroughbred horse racing track in the United States. People flock to Saratoga from all over the world for this one-of-a-kind sporting experience, special events, giveaways, and cultural ambiance. Racing season runs From mid-July through Labor Day each summer.

7. Saratoga Performing Arts Center: Referred to locals and frequent visitors as “SPAC,” this outdoor performing arts venue features classical performances, the Saratoga Jazz Festival, the Saratoga Wine and Food Festival and major pop and rock concerts.  It is also the summer home of the New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra and host to a variety of family events throughout the summer. 

8. Historic Locations:  Saratoga Springs features a rich and storied past. Discover the healing power of natural spring waters, Saratoga's pivotal role in the Revolutionary War, or the story of Solomun Northup by visiting the many historic locations in and around Saratoga Springs.

9. Adirondack Park and Lake George: 6 Million Acres Forever Wild! Larger than several states in New England, bigger even than Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Canyon and the Great Smokies National Parks combined, the Adirondack Park contains the largest protected wilderness area east of the Mississippi.

10. Skidmore College: A highlight, of course! We look forward to seeing you this summer.

The Saratoga Heritage Area Visitors Center offers a popular 90-minute "History, Legends, Lore, and More" walking tour of historic Saratoga. This tour specifically seeks to celebrate Saratoga's Victorian era, sharing stories of Saratoga's most colorful characters, beloved monuments, and treasured artwork. Please call (518) 587-3241 for more information.