Saratoga Springs, New York

Saratoga Springs, New York

 After visiting Niagara Falls, I made my way to the Saratoga Springs area in New York. One of my good friends from high school lives there with her family. I stayed with them for a few days and we did some sightseeing. 

The temperature outside was in the high 90s. It was so hot and humid. But that did not stop us from exploring the historical city!

For the past few years, I have been working as a nurses aide for a family in my home town. They visit Disney every year. For the past two years I went with them. They stay at the Saratoga Springs resort. Prior to staying with them at Disney, I had no idea what the significance of the town of Saratoga Springs was. I only knew about the Saratoga Battle during the American Revolution. Since I was going to be in the area, I did a little research on this historical city. 

Our first stop was Congress Park. 

Congress Park

 

A cute little duck walking to meet up with its mother.

My friends daughter and son running after the ducks.

The natural mineral spring water that comes from the ground in Saratoga Springs is believed to have healing powers. There are 17 springs in the town of Saratoga Springs. No two springs taste the same. I drank from two different ones, and they both did not taste the greatest. There was a strong mineral taste to both. This photo is of a spring in Congress park. 

Skye and Landen walking near a fountain in the park. 

Yaddo Gardens

After walking through Congress Park, we ventured to Yaddo Gardens. The 400 acre estate was turned into an artists retreat for the owners wife after their four children had died in the 1900s. It is still used as a place for artists to come and be creative. The public can enjoy the gardens on the estate. It was beautiful!

The mansion on the estate where artists can stay.

The Battle of Saratoga - American Revolution

Being a fan of history, especially early American History I was very excited to explore the Saratoga Battle Site. Last winter I taught 8th grade Social Studies, and we discussed this battle field. So it was really great to see it in person!

An old farm house that was used in the America Revolution. The farm house is about 30% original and the rest was restored. 

A replica of a cannon that was used in the battle of Saratoga

Today there is not much left of the battlefields, just open fields.

Saratoga Springs Race Track

Today, Saratoga Springs is known for its race track. I left town on a Wednesday, and on Friday the first race of the season started. I missed it by 2 days:( Hopefully one day I can go back to see a race. 

The photos below are from an empty race track. I can only imagine the excitement that goes on during the races!