Stand where history happened in upstate New York’s Capital-Saratoga region

A 3 day tour of New York
from our Student issue,
Winter 2012.

Discover architectural treasures and historic battlegrounds along with inspiring music and dance traditions in upstate New York’s Capital-Saratoga region.

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Day One

Learn about Albany’s Dutch heritage and eclectic architecture in the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center gallery, then pick up a map for a walking tour.

Ask about tours of the Capitol, with its Million Dollar Staircase carved with 300 portraits of famous New Yorkers. Take a tour on the trolley or hop on the Albany Aqua Duck that rolls through historic neighborhoods and then splashes down into the river for a water view. 

Then, check out the acoustics of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy, with its tradition of attracting some of the world’s top musicians in classical, jazz and traditional music. 

Before the show, browse through the neighborhoods antique shops and galleries or follow a walking tour to see the highest concentration of Tiffany windows per square mile in the United States. 

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Day Two

Begin the morning at Saratoga National Historical Park and learn about military history.

The Battle of Saratoga, the turning point of the Revolutionary War, took place on these grounds about 15 miles from Saratoga Springs. 

Next, head to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Spring. Learn about the greatest thoroughbreds the track has ever seen. Interactive programs present 300 years of horse racing history, a discovery paddock and tours.

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Day Three

Start at Saratoga Race Course, the oldest in the U.S., and watch the thoroughbreds run in Saratoga Springs. 

Arrive early and have breakfast trackside, watching the horses work out. After breakfast, go for a 45-minute tram and walking tour of the track’s backstretch area, watching the Paddock Show and Starting Gate demonstration. The racing season runs July 29 to Sept. 7. 

Bring a picnic basket and walk the nature trails to see the many mineral springs and geysers. Among the few naturally carbonated springs in the country, Saratoga mineral water is steeped in legend and lore. In summer, go swimming at the park’s Peerless Pool or Victoria Pool, the first heated pool in the U.S. 

Finally, enjoy an evening of performing arts in the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) amphitheater, with 5,000 reserved seats. SPAC is the summer home of the New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra. 

Nearby, on the grounds of Saratoga Spa State Park, is Spa Little Theater, which hosts the Homemade Theater and the Lake George Opera Festival. Both offer year-round plays and concerts as well as a summer opera season.

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New York State Division of Tourism
(800) 225-5697
www.iloveny.com

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