The population of this little town swells to twice its own during July and August because of the numbers that come to enjoy the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York City Ballet. The place is also popular for horse racing. And then comes time for relaxation in in its various hot water springs and spa resorts.



It was initially because of these springs that this town became a resort, almost as early as the 14th century. Beneath Saratoga are pockets of water within folded strata of shale and limestone. Each pocket is the source of a different spring, and the nearby geology makes each special with a unique quality. Some are rich in minerals, some are sparkling, and some are clear and mineral-free.



The naturally carbonated water of Lincoln Spring.



The State Seal Spring is fresh, sweet and noncarbonated.



Polaris, is also naturally slightly radioactive. Some people consider the water medicinal and drink the water.



Island Spouter is so rich in gas and minerals that it shoots 15 feet into the air from the center of a gigantic tufa, a sort of mineral cushion of accumulated calcium carbonates.



In early 20th century the springs were in danger of drying out, because soda makers as well as the navy had started using them to extract gas. Therefore the state government bought and closed some and conserved the others.Finally during the tenure of president Roosevelt a publicly owned health spa fashioned after those in Europe was built and opened in 1935. Today it remains in the form of Georgian Revival Roosevelt Bathhouse, reopened in 2004 after a $4-million face-lift. So pack your bags to go and relax at the spa’s of Saratoga.



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