There’s no better place—or way—to thank Mother Nature than to visit Saratoga’s mineral springs that dot New York. And frankly, we should all be paying a little more attention to water and being thankful for its many benefits. (Seriously, drinking water is so important; PUT THAT COKE ZERO DOWN!) These natural wonders are famous enough that Disney World replicated their own Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. You could go there and hang out with Mickey (weird), or you could enjoy the authenticity of Saratoga’s mineral springs. Here are five reasons to visit Saratoga’s mineral springs, where you can relax and enjoy the oh-so-precious gift of H2O.
1.“History, Health, and Horses”
As a history junkie, anything remotely historic grabs my attention and Saratoga has it in spades. Before colonists came, the Iroquis and Mohawk tribes bathed in the natural springs, celebrating the healing gifts that the water bestowed. Such ideology caught on quickly when the settlers arrived, and the rest is history.
During the Gilded Age in the late 19th Century, Saratoga was dubbed “The queen of spas” and was the place to be for wealthy vacationers. It often had famous bathhouse clients like JP Morgan and the Vanderbilts (American royalty). You can treat yourself to this cream of the crop experience at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa, at the Gideon Putnam Resort.
Saratoga, NY isn’t just famous for its mineral water. Fellow history buffs can swing over to the Historic Park, where the Battle of Saratoga took place. Sports fans will appreciate the 150-year-old Saratoga Race Track or witness the harness horse races at the Saratoga Casino Hotel. The trifecta of Saratoga’s rich history, health awareness, and love for horses have made it what it is today.
2.Visit the Spa State Park
There’s no missing the crowning piece of classical architecture looming in Spa State Park. This recreational spot has something to suit everyone’s tastes. Whether you’re into museums, golfing, swimming in the Victoria Pool, (the first heated pool in the US, but is currently not heated), hiking, or even bird watching. The winter months allow you to take part in activities like skiing, ice skating, and ice hockey. Besides, the infamous mineral bathhouses at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa at the Gideon Putnam Resort are located here, so if you’re into absolute relaxation, you might want to take a soak!
3.Dip Into a Natural Mineral Bath
You can experience what was all the rage in the Gilded Age and treat yourself to the warm, mineral waters in a full-sized porcelain tub and private room. The Gideon Putnam resort was built directly on top of one of the natural springs, and its historic Roosevelt bathhouse is noted for its hydrotherapy practices that give you a taste of that star treatment enjoyed by the Vanderbilts when they would visit Saratoga’s mineral springs. If sitting in a tub until you prune isn’t your thing, don’t fret. There are other ways to take in the health benefits of these infamous waters, like going on a natural spring tasting tour.
4.Drink it All in and Take a Tasting Tour
Remember I said to drop that can of coke? If it’s the carbonation you like, you might want to swap soda for the healthy bubbles of the Saratoga Springs. Most of the springs are always fizzing, so if you are trying to quit soda, Saratoga mineral water has carbonation with none of the artificial chemicals, making it a healthy alternative to your Coca-Cola habit. The 21 natural springs around Saratoga contain several healing properties and are open to the public. Tastes vary and differ depending on the time of year. You can take your very own drinking tour, just make sure you bring your own bottles!
Each spring falls into one of three categories based on their mineral makeup: alkaline (antacid), chalybeate (high in iron), and cathartic (laxative). Historically, drinking and bathing in the mineral water have been advertised as a “cure-all,” with little evidence to back these claims. Still, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the various springs ease stomach pain, heartburn, clear skin, and boost blood circulation. The springs are bottled locally and sold at restaurants and shops.
5.Get Back to Nature, and Appreciate Her
Saratoga, with all its trails, and bubbling springs, gives visitors a chance to pause and appreciate nature. We don’t stop to consider Mother Nature very much these days, and water is one of those many gifts that we take for granted in our day-to-day lives. The magical H2O of Saratoga reminds you of just how powerful and vital water truly is to our wellbeing. Taking the time to visit Saratoga’s mineral springs and soak in its glory is something we could all appreciate.
Have you been to the Saratoga Mineral Springs? Let us know in the comments!
About the Author/s
Amaris Pollinger is the Music + Entertainment Editor at the New Jersey Digest. She lives on the fringes of a ghostly battlefield with her husband and their pets.
Addicted to coffee, a lover of wine, music, and history, she just wants to hang out on a cozy porch somewhere.
1 comment
I have traveled 40 mi for 20yrs for spring water Near Gideon Putnam.i feel it’s very detrimental to my well being