Saratoga Springs THE SUMMER OF '23

WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GEORGE S. BOLSTER COLLECTION

Summer in Saratoga is a time-honored tradition for many people, both visitors and residents. The summer of 2023 is shaping up to be another great one! Two hundred years ago in 1823 the small village of Saratoga Springs was growing and defining itself in American culture as a health resort. That year, John Clark came to Saratoga and began to bottle the mineral water that flowed freely from the earth. These waters were enjoyed by many people around the world and were eventually shipped as far away as China.

Two hundred years later, Saratoga Springs still has its great mineral springs but has evolved into a wonderful yearround tourist destination. If you are reading these thoughts and are a visitor to our great city, then welcome to this magical spot. If you are a resident, then I say to you the line from an Indiana Jones movie, “You have chosen wisely.” The magic of Saratoga is infectious and is a great place to live, work and raise a family. If you are a resident then you probably know that eventually your friends and relatives will “discover” Saratoga Springs and make plans to visit you, especially in the summer. If this is true, then you must think about being the “tour guide” when they visit. What activities and locations will you choose to make their visit a special trip for years of discussion?

If you are faced with the question of what to do, I suggest the first stop for you is at the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center at 297 Broadway. The wonderful and highly trained staff and volunteers will guide you and provide you with the best up-to-date information on events and locations in the city. More information about the Visitor Center can be found at: discoversaratoga.org/saratogasprings-visitor-center

As we all know, Saratoga Springs is great for museums, restaurants, music, outdoor activities, and history. Since my concentration has been history, here are a few ideas of mine concerning the story of Saratoga as told by our history and where to visit to learn that story.

Museums

As current President of the Saratoga Springs History Museum, I would be remiss if I didn’t suggest a visit to the History Museum to learn about the story of our great city. The museum is in the Canfield Casino, located in historic Congress Park, and is open daily from 10-4 pm. The museum has been telling the story of our city since 1883 and in my estimation, we tell it better than anyone else. Since the museum is in the Canfield Casino, a visit to the museum will provide you and your guests with a docent-led orientation tour that includes the story of the famed Casino and its role in the social offerings of Gilded Saratoga.

The Saratoga Springs History Museum has wonderful exhibits on mineral water, hotels, local artists, high stakes gambling and many other aspects of Saratoga History. Visitors this summer will be treated to a new exhibit that tells the story of the impact that Native Americans had on the history of this area. Since the name Saratoga has its roots in the Mohawk language, then what better addition to the story of the city. The new Native American exhibit at the museum opened in June and a satellite exhibit is located at the Saratoga Visitor Center for a period of two years. More information on hours of operation, admission costs and upcoming events can be found at: saratogahistory.org.

Things That Go Bump In The Night

Interestingly enough, Saratoga Springs has a long history of paranormal events that raise the question of ghosts and ghostly activity.

The Saratoga Springs History Museum offers ghost tours of the famed Casino every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11 a.m. during July and August. During the month of October special evening tours of the Casino are offered on select nights. Check the museum website for dates and times. The Canfield Casino has been featured on the television series Ghost Hunters and was ranked the 4th scariest location in America by the Travel Channel. A visit is worth your time to hear the actual stories of events experienced by the staff and volunteers of the museum. In October of 2022 a collaboration between the Visitor Center and the History Museum resulted in the creation of the unique ‘Ghosts of Saratoga’ Guided Trolley Tours. These 90-minute tours were offered in the comfort of a climate-controlled trolley that took passengers to haunted sites in the city and finished with a tour of the Canfield Casino. The ‘Ghost’ trolley tours will be offered again this year with a Part Two being introduced to tell the story of additional haunted locations in the city.

If you and your guests would like to pursue the stories of Saratoga that make the city a portal of paranormal activity, check the History Museum or the Visitor Center websites for eerie entertainment!

Guided Trolley Tours

The Visitor Center will continue to offer their original 90-minute Guided Trolley Tours this summer. This informative and entertaining tour will include historic sights and points of interest along Broadway, North Broadway, the Skidmore campus, the High Rock area, Saratoga Race Course, and beautiful Union Avenue.

In addition, the Visitor Center will offer a new “Mineral Water Tasting Trolley Tour.” Guests will be transported by trolley to taste test eight mineral springs as well as learn the geology, chemistry, and social implications of these springs on Saratoga’s history.

The strength of a trolley tour is that the day’s weather and the mobility of your guests are completely removed from concern. The air-conditioned trolley provides a comfortable ride for guests as the guide covers a wide area of the city’s history. As you consider what to do with your guests, this historical tour can provide an introduction to this world-renown city.

Contact the Saratoga Springs

Heritage Area Visitor Center for more information: 518-587-3241 or visit: discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springsvisitor-center

Guided Walking Tours

For those who wish to stretch their legs, a walking tour might be something to consider. These 90-minute tours, led by experienced, knowledgeable, and entertaining guides will provide your guests with the legends and lore of our renowned city.

The summer of 2023 will offer a new walking tour option that is a collaboration between the History Museum and the Visitor Center. “Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll” will be a new 90-minute walking tour that will begin at the Visitor Center and end with an exclusive tour of the Canfield Casino. The only walking tour in the city that incorporates all these assets, this tour has already proven to be a favorite among visitors and residents alike. To join the fun, contact the History Museum or the Visitor Center for details.

Summary

As mentioned previously, the summer of 2023 looks to be another great one. Have a wonderful time in one of the most interesting cities in the northeast. Although I focused on history in this article, the city has so much to offer that could not be introduced in a short column such as this one. Utilize the assets and knowledge of the Saratoga Visitor Center to plan your itinerary. Try to visit at least one museum and take at least one tour of the city this summer. Museums are learning centers and tours provide information, legends and lore that provide a better understanding of our greater city. Enjoy your summer and remember, for over 200 years, thousands of guests have enjoyed the wonders of this great city. Make sure this summer is a memorable year for you too. SS

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