When you sink into a soothing spa bath at Saratoga Spa State Park, in Saratoga Springs, New York, remember that the swirling 97-degree mineral waters have an impressive pedigree. The waters that weary-limbed travelers seek here were first discovered by resident Iroquois in the 14th century. By the 1800s, the region became known as the Queen of Spas and as the place that, literally, put the carbonated fizz in ice cream sodas. In the 1930s, Franklin Roosevelt ordered the creation of new spa and arts and recreation facilities as a project to provide jobs during the Depression. The spa that guests see today was completed in 1935.
Fun activities for couples like hiking, biking and tennis come free in Saratoga State Park, but for a fee, swimming and two public golf courses are also available. For post-activity relaxation and romance, spa treatments at the Roosevelt Baths and Spa are a perfect fit. Offerings include scrubs, facials and body wraps along with several kinds of massage — including Swedish, hot stone, neck and shoulder treatments and sessions for couples and pregnant women.
In the evenings, entertainment lights up the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, which features world-class performances by the New York City Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Lake George Opera Festival. The nearby Saratoga Gaming and Raceway complex offers a huge selection of video gaming and live harness racing, as well as a nightclub and a restaurant overlooking the track.
When it’s time to turn in, the Gideon Putnam Resort is a pleasant retreat. The hotel has luxurious guest rooms and suites and both fine and casual dining restaurants. The Putnam also offers several room/spa packages.