The Grandstand at Saratoga Race Track
If you are a fan of horse racing, you’ve likely been looking forward to the start of racing season at the venerable Saratoga Race Track in Saratoga Springs, New York.
That day for 2023 arrived today, and the meet runs through Labor Day.
If you haven’t done so yet, it’s time to plan your trip to the Spa!
If you are not a fan, but just love to travel to cool places, Saratoga Springs should be on your list.
Located about 30 minutes north of Albany, Saratoga Springs is a small city that been attracting visitors since early in the 19th century.
These first visitors were attracted to the area by the natural mineral springs found throughout the area.
The water from these springs contain such minerals as iron, magnesium, calcium, lithium, iodine, chromium, sodium, and zinc.
As a result, the waters were believed to have healing powers, and visitors to the town hoped to not only soak in them but drink them.
Today, these springs may be found throughout the town, and are typically covered with a pavilion, and are marked by plaques.
City of Saratoga Springs
The Adelphi Hotel
Saratoga Springs is a small city of just under 30,000 people contained within 29 square miles.
The economy has always been built around tourism, and it really comes to life during racing season.
The downtown area is home to numerous shops, bars and restaurants. A few small hotels are located downtown as well, including the highly regarded The Adelphi.
The race track is located about a mile east of downtown. I enjoy the walk from downtown to the race track as you pass through Congress Park, and then onto Union Avenue, where you will find many sizable Victorian homes.
Close to the race track you will find the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
The Fasig Tipton auction house, where thoroughbreds are sold annually, is located north of Union Avenue along East Avenue, across from the Oklahoma training track. I also love walking around the neighborhood here as well.
To the south of downtown is the State Park, which includes the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Geyser Creek Trail.
If you are interested in playing golf, I highly recommend a round at Saratoga National Golf Club located less than two miles east of the race track.
Want to spend an evening at a casino, or to watch some harness racing, head down to the Saratoga Casino Hotel, just to the south of the Saratoga Race Track.
If you are in town for a few days, and just want to spend a relaxing day by the water, head on over to Saratoga Lake. You can rent a boat or a kayak there as well.
Other Nearby Attractions
A couple other must-see attractions near Saratoga Springs include the Saratoga Battlefield National Park and Lake George.
The Saratoga Battlefield is located about a ten mile drive east of Saratoga Race Track.
This park marks the location of a pivotal turning point in the Revolutionary War, as the Americans won their first major battle, which then led to support from the French.
Lake George is a popular tourist destination about 40 minutes north of Saratoga Springs.
Located in the Adirondack State Park, Lake George stretches about 32 miles from north to south and ranges from about one to three miles wide.
Lake George is popular for boating enthusiasts and family vacations. Popular activities at Lake George include water sports, camping, amusement parks, hiking and shopping.
Along Lake Shore Drive is a stretch of Gilded Age homes used as “summer cottages” by some of the wealthy from New York City.
Major Racing Dates
Saratoga Race Track is home to the premier thoroughbred racing meet each year in the United States. Most of the top thoroughbreds will race at Saratoga sooner or later.
Every Saturday during the meet is a major Grade 1 or Grade 2 race. Here are the major dates…
July 15th – Diana Stakes
July 22nd – Coaching Club America Oaks
July 29th – Jim Dandy Stakes
August 5th – Whitney Stakes
August 12th – Fourstardave Handicap
August 19th – Alabama Stakes
August 26th – The Travers
September 2nd – Jockey Club Gold Cup
Where to dine
Saratoga Springs offers a great selection of restaurants in the downtown area. I’m not one to give recommendations, as everyone has a different palet.
I highly recommend strolling through town at lunchtime to check out the many menus. This should include strolling along some of the side streets off of Broadway (the main drag).
With that said, a few of my favorites downtown are Cantina, Wheatfields, Gaffneys and Boca Bistro.
Where to stay in Saratoga Springs
My preference is to stay as close to downtown as possible, since everything else is nearby. I already mentioned The Adelphi Hotel, located on Broadway.
A couple other good options downtown are Saratoga Arms and The Embassy Suites.
For all options located downtown and nearby, use the search engine below. Since racing season has begun, you will need to find a reservation quickly, as these rooms go fast!
Take a trip to Saratoga Springs… you will have a great time!
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