Writing & photography by Justin Negard
When you think about Saratoga Springs, odds are, you think of charging racehorses. You probably imagine the horns of the race track blowing and the roaring crowds cheering their stallion of choice. And that makes sense because this town has become synonymous with horse racing. It’s a well-deserved reputation, as a trip to Saratoga Springs should, and probably will, involve some equestrian competitions (perhaps along with a bet or two).
Yet Saratoga Springs is much more than that – the town is rooted in New York history. The ornate Victorian buildings that line the main street hint at the community’s rich past as a resort destination. In Saratoga Springs, some of the classics still remain, like the 145-year-old Adelphi Hotel, which is located in the heart of the city, and the mineral springs (for which the city is named) that President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously utilized for his polio hydrotherapy treatments, which were officially established as the Roosevelt Baths & Spa in 1935.
At the same time, Saratoga Springs is a city of renewal and modernity, with stylish new restaurants, galleries and shopping for the ever-changing influx of tourists. This is a city that has hit its stride, expertly balancing the rich history of its past and the legacy of its racing traditions along with modern features and amenities.
When many towns and cities in upstate New York are struggling with the aftermath of shuttered industries and changing demographics, Saratoga Springs is doing it right, honoring its legacy while evolving for new visitors and residents. For a weekend or overnight trip, this is a great choice.
Horsepower
The Saratoga Race Course is the obvious stop on a trip here. Built in 1863 during the Civil War, this track has been a center of sports and culture in the region for over one and a half centuries. The race course put Saratoga Springs on the map in many ways, serving as the center for sports and leisure in the region, which, along with the nearby mineral baths, established Saratoga Springs as a popular destination for vacations and weekend trips for New York City residents and out-of-state tourists.
Beyond its deep history, the race course hosts a 40-day annual meet throughout the summer, bringing in racing enthusiasts and tourists of all types. This seasonal sporting event provides a tremendous influx of energy and money to the city, with over one million visitors to the track in 2023 alone.
This year, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced that the famed Belmont Stakes will take place at Saratoga Race Course in both 2024 and 2025 while the Belmont Park undergoes extensive renovations.
A lot more horsepower
For those of you who prefer more modern transportation, there’s always a nearby trip to the Saratoga Automobile Museum. Housed in a renovated 1935 water bottling plant, this museum is a great stop for anyone who loves and appreciates a pretty car. Their display features both new and classics, from boxcars and drag racers to glistening red Ferraris that, we were told by museum staff, can potentially be auctioned for as much as $30 million.
This museum is never stagnant; it regularly swaps out installations, allowing you to justify a return trip. On our visit, numerous cars from James Bond films were on display, showing off everything from the modern 2015 Aston Martin DB10 to the original classic 1965 Aston Martin DB5 from the days of Sean Connery. We especially appreciated the submersible 1977 Lotus Esprit S1 that Bond cartoonishly drove into the depths of the ocean in the 1977 film “The Spy Who Loved Me.”
Around the back of the museum is a parking lot of hot rods, sedans and cruisers that have graced American roads over the last 100 years. Even a tepid car lover will have a hard time holding back a couple of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ over the shiny chrome and sparkling paint jobs that line the lot.
Main street
Saratoga Springs is a city for walking. The downtown neighborhood centers around Broadway, where you will find block after block of restaurants, art galleries, bookstores and clothing shops. Each of these places offers its own particular charm.
There is the Saratoga Saddlery, a horse-focused apparel store that sells high-end leather jackets and cowboy boots that hang from the wood-paneled walls. Mick Rodgers is the owner and resident Australian on the premises, and he’s quick to greet each customer with an Aussie flare.
Northshire Bookstore is the local shop for book browsing and relaxation. This two-floor store has an impressive array of titles for all bookworms. It also serves as the perfect rest from the many blocks of window (or actual) shopping on Broadway.
For dining, there is no shortage of options, whether it’s the upscale classic Hamlet & Ghost or something with a more international flare like the Mexican hotspot Cantina. There really are far too many to list here, although Hattie’s Fine Southern Goodness is certainly a local favorite that should be recognized, and it has been going strong since 1938.
A perfect weekend
Saratoga Springs is an ideal getaway for a weekend. Yes, it is a great idea to visit the city during the summer months to take in a horse race and enjoy the history and culture that Saratoga has become known for. By all means, make that trip.
However, there is enough here to enjoy the city year-round, from the many shows at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center to The Saratoga Winery and much more. The city leans into its reputation as a health destination with a wide array of resorts and spas, but there are plenty of other hotels to try out as well, both new and old.
Saratoga Springs is only a two-and-a-half-hour ride, and an excellent choice for couples and families alike to escape for a quick trip. Even if you’re not the betting type, you’ll have picked a winner.
This article was published in the November/December 2023 print edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
The Adelphi Hotel
365 Broadway
(518) 678-6000
CANTINA
408 Broadway
(518) 587-5577
Hamlet & Ghost
24 Caroline Street
(518) 450-7287
Hattie’s
45 Phila Street
(518)584-4790
Northshire Bookstore
424 Broadway
(518) 682-4200
Roosevelt Baths & Spa
39 Roosevelt Drive
(518) 584-7035
Saratoga Automobile Museum
110 Avenue of the Pines
(518) 587-1935
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
108 Avenue of the Pines
(518) 584-9330
Saratoga Race Course
267 Union Avenue
(518) 584-6200
Saratoga Saddlery
392 Broadway
(518) – 580-4522
The Saratoga Winery
462 NY-29
(518) 584-9463
Justin is an award-winning designer and photographer. He was the owner and creative director at Future Boy Design, producing work for clients such as National Parks Service, Vintage Cinemas, The Tarrytown Music Hall, and others. His work has appeared in Bloomberg TV, South by Southwest (SXSW), Edible Magazine, Westchester Magazine, Refinery 29, the Art Directors Club, AIGA and more.
Justin is a two-time winner of the International Design Awards, American Photography and Latin America Fotografia. Vice News has called Justin Negard as “one of the best artists working today.”
He is the author of two books, On Design, which discusses principles and the business of design, and Bogotà which is a photographic journey through the Colombian capital.
Additionally, Justin has served as Creative Director at CityMouse Inc., an NYC-based design firm which provides accessible design for people with disabilities, and has been awarded by the City of New York, MIT Media Lab and South By Southwest.
He lives in Katonah with his wonderfully patient wife, son and daughter.
