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Explore Saratoga Springs’ Healing Heritage

Discover this timeless destination and how it honors its legacy of wellness today
Heather Mikesell

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Nestled in the heart of upstate New York, Saratoga Springs is often synonymous with horse racing, but this charming city offers much more than just the thrill of the track. Stroll down picturesque Broadway, and you’ll be captivated by a town that brims with history. Known for its unique naturally carbonated mineral springs—the only ones east of the Rocky Mountains—Saratoga Springs has long been celebrated as a spa destination. It all began in 1802 when Gideon Putnam recognized the restorative power of these springs and established a spa resort in what was then the wilderness. His vision grew from a modest three-story tavern across from Congress Spring into the Grand Union Hotel, a beacon for those seeking the healing waters and the excitement of thoroughbred racing.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center Photo By Ironglass Productions
The debut of Saratoga Performing Arts Center helped fuel the city’s renaissance.

The arrival of the railroad in 1831 further cemented Saratoga’s status as a wellness retreat, leading to the construction of bathhouses that catered to visitors eager to experience the mineral baths. Although the city faced a decline at the turn of the century with automobiles becoming a more popular mode of transportation, it experienced a renaissance in the 1960s with the opening of the New York State Thruway, the Northway, and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). Today, the legacy of wellness endures, with the Gideon Putnam Hotel and the historic Roosevelt Baths nestled within the serene Saratoga Spa State Park. Recently, I had the chance to explore this destination with my partner and discovered that it truly is a haven for wellness enthusiasts.  

What Not to Miss

  • A visit to Caffe Lena, America’s longest continuously operating folk-music coffeehouse, where there’s live music nearly every night. Opened in 1960, the café helped launch many of America’s favorite songwriters, including Bob Dylan.
  • A drive through Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater, NY,  an amazing 10-mile self-guided driving tour with an option for an audio guide downloaded to your phone detailing two key Revolutionary War battles that were fought here, ending in an American victory that’s recognized as one of the most important in world history.

Our journey began in the picturesque Saratoga County, just north of Albany, NY, a region defined by its rich history and natural beauty. Bordered by the majestic Hudson and Mohawk Rivers and stretching into the foothills of the Adirondacks, Saratoga County offers an idyllic escape into nature. We kicked off our adventure with a pedal along the Hudson River with Revolution Rail’s Hadley Run and a stay at Camp Hudson Pines, set on the tranquil banks of the Hudson River. The campground itself offered a diverse range of accommodations, from spacious houses to retro airstreams and even classic tents, catering to every type of camper.

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Camp Hudson Pines provides a host of accommodations along the Hudson River.

While at Camp Hudson Pines, we ventured out to explore the surrounding area, including the nearby town of Ballston Spa. This charming town invites you to slow down and soak in its antique shops and quaint streets. For dinner, we headed to Next Door Kitchen & Bar, where the menu is ever-changing, reflecting the freshest seasonal and regional ingredients. It was the perfect way to experience the local flavors and kick off our Saratoga County adventure.

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The Gideon Putnam is conveniently located in the heart of Saratoga Spa State Park.

From there, we moved on to the historic Gideon Putnam Hotel, located amid the expansive Saratoga Spa State Park, a 2,380-acre haven of natural beauty on the edge of downtown Saratoga Springs. The grounds of this National Historic Landmark are also home to mineral springs; the famed Lincoln Baths, which operated until 2004 after being the first bathhouse to open in the park; the Roosevelt Baths, which re-opened in 2004 after being fully restored: a golf course; and SPAC. Established in 1935 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s visionary plan to preserve this unique area, the park remains a sanctuary of relaxation and wellness.  

Saratoga Spa State Park
Spa enthusiasts can experience the famed water at the historic Roosevelt Baths and Spa in Saratoga Spa State Park.

Spa Retreats

A highlight of our stay was visiting the Roosevelt Baths & Spa, which has almost an institutional feel that adds to the nostalgic charm. Stepping inside you can’t help but feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. In a private room, I indulged in a deep soak in an old-fashioned bathtub filled with Saratoga’s naturally effervescent mineral water, straight from the underground springs. The experience was both soothing and timeless—an ultra-relaxing escape in this storied wellness destination.

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At Roosevelt Baths & Spa, it’s possible to step back in time and experience the healing waters.

My spa adventures didn’t end there, though. I also had a chance to visit Complexions Spa, where I had a muscle-melting massage paired with a delicious brunch. The 6,500-square-foot spa relies on products from Cosmedix, Farmhouse Fresh, Jane Iredale, Naturopathica, and Om4 Organic Male to name a few and offers a range of treatments, from facials and massages to body treatments and more. Mineral water from a natural spring beneath the spa is pumped directly into the hydrotherapy tubs and is available for therapeutic soaks and mineral-rich mud wraps. While I was there, a yoga class was taking place outdoors near the garden terrace. 

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At Complexions Spa in downtown Saratoga, spa-goers enjoy a variety of indulgent and therapeutic treatments.

Healthy Eats

Eating healthy is easy in Saratoga Springs, with a variety of eateries that prioritize farm-to-table freshness and local ingredients. At 9 Miles East, you’ll find much of the organic menu comes from the owners’ farm, located nine miles east of the restaurant. Another favorite is Seneca, which features an open kitchen and a wood-fire grill. For a taste of Spain, Boca Bistro is an old-world Spanish restaurant and tapas bar serving paella in a brick-and-wood farmhouse setting.

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Seneca offers seasonal menus featuring an array of local ingredients.

Steps from Broadway is the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, offering a wide array of produce, artisanal goods, and live music. The market is even included as a stop on Saratoga Springs Food Tours, which showcase the area’s culinary treasures, such as Saratoga Olive Oil Company, Saratoga Tea & Honey, and more. 

Grab a smoothie at Bare Blends, which celebrates local produce and plant-based offerings, or enjoy lunch at the Thirsty Owl Saratoga, with its inspiring tasting-room-style bar and outdoor patio. Its nationally acclaimed wines come from a family-owned vineyard in the Finger Lakes. Finally, head to Lago By Druthers on Saratoga Lake, where you can arrive by boat, car, or even seaplane. This marina-style hangout offers a bit of everything including specialty pizzas. And it’s just a short drive through horse-farm country to Kayak Shak, where you can get out on the water in a kayak or paddleboard.

Saratoga Springs has long been a destination for those in pursuit of wellness, thanks to its renowned mineral springs and natural beauty. Today, it continues to be a beacon of health and relaxation, seamlessly blending its rich wellness heritage with engaging offerings that inspire visitors to relax and recharge.

About The Author
Heather-Mikesell-author-1

Heather, co-founder of Well Defined and the former editor-in-chief of American Spa, is an award-winning journalist and content strategist, skilled in writing, copyediting, and media relations. She is also a freelance writer and has contributed to Elite Traveler, Islands, Kiwi, Luxury Travel Advisor, Organic Spa, Porthole Cruise, Travel Agent, abcnews.com, jetsetter.com, outside.com, and wellandgood.com, in addition to various custom publications. She is frequently called upon to comment on various spa and wellness trends for various media outlets.