On a recent drive thru NYS I came across some interesting places I hadn't been before. That's what…read morehappens when you take new backroads I guess. This Wildlife Preserve and Park is just outside Gansevoort, NY. It's a non-profit whose goal is to conserve ecological systems and provide environmental education for all. Its built on a sand dune and and has some very diverse ecological communities, including a very pretty but endangered butterfly called the Karner Blue Butterfly. If you are in the area, you can come by and visit this place. There are walking paths and lots of educational info available. There is a small parking lot.

Nice nature preserve with friendly staff and newly opened welcome center. Large parking lot and has…read moremany activities to get the public involved in nature conservation.

Super cool cemetary. Nicely kept. Lots of civil war graves…read more Rolling hills..valleys. ..peaceful..serene A great place for dia de la muerta although I dpubt they do that here. A wonderful break from the track folks and a nice slice of historu

Greenridge Cemetery is located in downtown Saratoga Springs, NY and it's the oldest cemetery in the…read moreCity. Many of the graves and mausoleums are the final resting places for the founding fathers of the city of Saratoga, and you'll see a lot of Civil War gravesites as well. There is a tremendous sense of history as you drive in past the large granite mausoleums and statuary in tribute to the soldiers, and work your way down the winding roadways towards the newer section of the cemetery. They keep this place in beautiful shape with well-trimmed grass, hedges, and flowers throughout. This is always my last stop when I'm in Saratoga Springs, and I spend a few minutes visiting with my Mom before boarding the plane to return to Tampa.

I have psoriasis and it can be a real bitch sometimes. I have kind of a rare type that can get…read moretriggered by a variety of things. Stress can be a trigger and breaking off an engagement qualified gloriously and I had an outbreak this last summer. I'm here to tell others who suffer with psoriasis that you can do something about it! I've been able to get rid of it almost completely and I can tell you that there is hope. One of the reasons I choose to live in Saratoga is because of the springs. I believe a place where water springs forth from the earth is a place of life. So during my psoriasis flare up I visited Old Red and drank deeply. Old Red or Sleeping Beauty has a high Iron content and since the Revolution people have visited the spring as it's known to help skin ailments. I'm not saying that Old Red cured my psoriasis, but it was a piece of the pie. Deciding to get better is the first and often hardest step to take. Disease can be just as much mental as physical and sometimes you have to choose to love yourself even with your faults and know that things in life change but you will make it through even the hardest things. Healing is life. Living is healing.

My wife and I went on a "preview" tour for this company. Saratoga Racecourse is not open to the…read morepublic this year but several of the guides who give the tours at the track are offering "outside the track" tours to explain what is happening behind the gates. At several points during the tour, there are good views of races and happenings in the paddock where horses get ready for the race. Dave was our outstanding guide and has been giving tours at the track for many years. He was an encyclopedia of great stories of life in the thoroughbred racing world. Many of the attractions in Saratoga are closed this you and this is a great alternative for the entire family.

What started as a weekend of babysitting our grandchildren, turned into a wonderful history lesson…read morewhen my husband and I went on a little excursion exploring Saratoga Springs and its environs. We went to Saratoga National Park and followed a map leading to the Saratoga Monument, which is still considered part of the park, but is about 8 miles away (maybe a little less). The Saratoga Monument looms tall in Stillwater, NY. We learned that the battles fought near Stillwater led to the British surrender at Saratoga on October 17, 1777, which is known as the "Turning Point of America's Revolutionary War," which led the way to our country's independence and creating a nation grounded in liberty and freedom. Do I dare call into question current leaders who should be reminded of what our nation stands for? Nope, I'd better stay focused on my review, lol. While we didn't climb the 188 steps to the top of this monument, we viewed it from the outside. We had every intention of exploring the grounds, but instead, the clouds that you see in the photos decided to open up and burst forth with such force... I don't think I've ever seen such a rainstorm quite like it. It was scary !!

So much amazing history in this area. Another must stop along your travels in Saratoga County. Dogs…read moreallowed outside but not in. 180 Steps to the top. Great Views!

We were in town for the Whitney and looking for something to do before the rest of the family got…read moreup and rolling the next day. The Sunday Stroll of Historic Congress Park sounded perfect. Easy online sign up, easy to find. Our guide Charlie was a wealth of knowledge. We didn't really walk much though; just made 2 stops in the park and a third inside Canfield Casino. Way more standing than walking. Would've loved to wander more all throughout the park and hear him share stories about everything else that's there.

We had a living history tour which was amazing, guide was very, very knowledgeable. It is a hidden…read moregem, the mountain, the cottage, visitor center, everything. We are so thankful for the nonprofit to maintain and keep this original piece of American history alive.

What a gem! We visited the area from San Diego and a friend suggested to stop over at the Grant…read moreCottage. This is a great move for any history buff. The home is in the original condition the way President Grant and his family would have experienced it, meticulously maintained by a knowledgeable staff and volunteers. I had a great time and learned a lot. Highly recommend!

Beautiful and well maintained park in Saratoga springs. I enjoyed walking around and taking in the…read moresights. Lots of ducks on site and they came up to us, as it seems they may be used to people feeding them. I didn't have anything to give them so they were curious for a moment and then let us be. Enjoyed the fountains and gardens on display. If you're brave try a sip of the mineral water.

Congress Park is beautiful year round. It's well maintained and just a lovely place to rest as well…read moreas walk around. It's very picturesque and it's located in downtown Saratoga Springs. It's pet friendly and a great place to come alone, or with friends and or family. Where else can you have a picnic as well as shop nearby? I also highly recommend stopping into the Saratoga History Museum located in the Canfield Casino right inside the park. It's a very interesting place to spend an hour or so. A must do when you're in town!!!

"An excellent local off-leash area with separate, well-maintained enclosures for large and small…read moredogs, making it perfect for socializing."

I love coming to this dog park when we visit Saratoga. Super…read morelarge fenced in space for the dogs to run and a separate walking trail. Convenient garbage cans for the doggie poo. Grass is well kept and cut short. Plenty of trees for shade with picnic tables for seating. Best dog park. :)

Wonderful 4 days hiking and kayaking! The trails and…read morewaterways are gorgeous, food delicious, accommodations rustic and comfy. ATA is professionally run and takes care of everything--all you have to do is show up! Friendly and competent guides are icing on the cake!

A great trip for anyone of any experience level in the outdoors! Me and my boyfriend chose the…read moreupper winding river and it was great! John is very accommodating, helpful, and has great energy on the trips. He even brought his dog which was a great surprise! One thing I would say to make sure of is that you check with John first to see how much the trip will cost, other than that we had an amazing experience!