Amanda Johnston
AJRL 201z
Final Beat Report
5 May 2015
When people think Saratoga Springs, N.Y., they think horse racing and the Saratoga Race
Course, however, there are many things to do in the city other than bet on the horses. The city,
which was founded in 1819, is full of museums, parks, and shopping areas, according to the
Saratoga Springs Visitor Center. Try some of these when visiting:
1. Visit one of the many museums:
You can choose between The Saratoga Auto Museum, The Saratoga Springs History Museum,
The Children's Museum at Saratoga, if the kids are tagging along, The New York State Military
Museum, The National Museum of Dance, The Saratoga Racing Museum, and The Canfield
Casino, which is said to be haunted on the third floor, according to Brian Surman, a resident of
Saratoga Springs.
2. Go to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, SPAC, for a concert:
SPAC, which is an amphitheater, houses many concerts every summer. The center has indoor
seats, but also has plenty of room on the lawn where people can set up camping chairs,
blankets, and enjoy the concert from outside. The lawn seats allow for a slightly less expensive
ticket so everyone can enjoy the show. The amphitheater has all different genres of music play
there, from country, to rap, to pop, to 80s music, and every summer they have the Dave
Matthews Band perform. There's something for everyone here.
3. Nightlife:
For those who are over the age of 21, there is an awesome nightlife in Saratoga. There are
many bars on the infamous Caroline Street to hop in and out of for some drinks and socializing.
4. Saratoga Casino and Raceway:
Situated close to the Saratoga Race Course is the Saratoga "Racino" a small casino full of video
slots. They have a few Roulette tables and Craps tables which are also video run. If you're
feeling lucky and ready to have some fun this is the place to be. Also inside the video casino is
Vapor Nightclub, they sometimes have concerts for those who are over 21 to enjoy.
5. Shopping:
Throughout the city of Saratoga there are a lot of different places to shop. In the downtown
area there are many boutiques and different stores to choose from, as well as some
restaurants, and ice cream shops. If you're looking for high-end food and shopping the
downtown strip is where you want to look. If you're looking for chain stores or department
stores, just a short drive down Route 50 will bring you to the town of Wilton. You will find the
Wilton mall there with many stores and a movie theater, as well as a Walmart, Target and Best
Buy.
6. Have a picnic in one of the parks:
There are many parks to choose from in Saratoga, you have the Saratoga State Park near SPAC,
Congress Park in downtown near the shops, and The Yaddo which was designed as an artist
retreat. Congress Park also has a carousel you can take a ride on as well as many fountains. If
you're feeling thirsty, find one of the fresh springs the city is named after, within the park and
take a drink.
Although Saratoga is a safe town, remember to take precautions to keep yourself, family and
belongings safe. With tourist towns, comes a lot of people and some people may commit
crimes of opportunity, according to Lieutenant Briscoe of the Saratoga Police Department. Be
sure to not leave bags or purses unattended and keep them zipped. Keep cars locked, and keep
an eye on your children to be sure they don't get lost in a crowd.
With the many different things to do in the city of Saratoga Springs, you are guaranteed a good
time. Enjoy your visit in the historic city.