You’ve stayed at the Disney resort, now check out the real Saratoga Springs
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Anatomy of a town…
First Settled: 1776
Population: 26, 560 (2011)
Geographical Coordinates: 43°04′31″N 73°46′57″W / 43.075337°N 73.782422°W / 43.075337; -73.782422
Official ‘Twin Cities“: Chekhov, Russia; Vichy, France
Notable Saratogians: David Hyde Pierce (Actor), Bill Parcels (NFL coach), Dr. Charles F. Dowd (One inventor of the Standard Time in use today). Although he is not a Saratogian, Ulysses S. Grant died at a cottage just north of the city.
City Website: http://www.saratoga-springs.org
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- Free water with every visit…
Saratoga Springs lays in picturesque upstate New York. In part the town is named for the many mineral springs in and around the city. In fact, one of the more unique features is the public spring pumps. Citizens and visitors are encouraged to bottle the spring water for personal consumption.
- Oh, that? Just some stuff we did…
Saratoga has is place in popular culture and history. Flicks like Seabiscuit and The Horse Whisperer were filmed there (they do love their equine). Saratoga holds a special place in the annuls of snack food. The potato chip’s first appearance was here at Moon Lake House, invented by chef George Crum. Fitting name, no? Influence from Saratoga can be seen in Disney World – and we’re not just talking about the resort.
Perhaps this building looks familiar:
Ever been to the Magic Kingdom? Then you may have posed for a picture in front of it. And you defiantly walked right under it.
The Walt Disney World Railroad Station was influenced by the Victorian era train depots that once stood in Saratoga.
- Annnnd Their Off!
Despite Disney ties, it was horse racing that made this city famous.
Opened in 1864, the Saratoga Race Course is the oldest sporting venue in the United States. Some publications have voted the course as one of the ten best sporting venues of the 20th century.
The track hosts the oldest thoroughbred race in the United States, The Travers Stakes. Secretariat suffered one of his rare loses on the turf at Saratoga, which become known as the ‘Graveyard of Champions’ after a number of long-shot racers reigned over champion horses.
And those spring wells we chatted about before – the most famous is at the track. Called the Big Red Spring, it keeps patrons of the course hydrated on race days.
Check out the city’s website to learn more about the rich history.
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Have some Real Life Disney? Send it to us at you.spin.the.world@gmail.com
Living in upstate NY, I’ve been to many great concerts at both Saratoga Race Course and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Having stayed at Saratoga Springs Resort at WDW, I can honestly say that Saratoga, NY is easier to navigate and less confusing than Saratoga Springs, WDW!
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Reblogged this on Mztressofallevil's Disney Doings and commented:
What are your thoughts?
History, horses, free spring water, great architecture, and potato chips — I think I’ve just fallen in love with a town.
For real. There is nothing wrong with this place.
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