Health, Wellbeing and Beauty in the Spa Town

People have been “taking the waters” in Saratoga Springs, New York since the early part of the nineteenth century. (Actually indigenous Native Americans indulged in therapeutic drinks and soaks there long before they were discovered by the white man.) Known for their healing benefits, the mineral-rich water still found in springs in and around Saratoga is how and why this town was put on the map.

For fun and perhaps good health, equip yourself with a jug and jog around to the various stations within town and the Saratoga Spa State Park. And enjoy some good swigs! Or not. Because it is pretty stinky. When you go, imagine the gentry standing around in their waistcoats and long full skirts sipping from the source. This was the water cooler of the day, the epicenter of activity from which a great number of sites and attractions were born.

Once the plumbing in town became a bit dicey, the Roosevelt Baths were established in 1935 by–you guessed it–President Franklin Roosevelt in what is today known as Saratoga Spa State Park. Go there for a truly authentic and relaxing healing experience and soak all your troubles away. The baths also provide a menu of treatments along with the possibility to stock up on all kinds of healing potions and lotions.

Before or after you go, allow time to take a stroll–or a good power walk–through nature in the park. It’s a wonderful place to restore and resource. In the winter, you can even cross country ski. Whatever you do, be sure to BREATHE.

Back in town, you can stay in a totally natural mode at Saratoga Botanicals, the first spa in upstate New York that offers organic services, products and treatments. They make and sell over two hundred organic and mindfully made products, most of which have been created from a bouquet of herbs and other medicinals. Breathing in the aromatherapy here is especially delightful.

Along the main street, there’s a beauty and wellness corner where you can enjoy four health, beauty and wellness establishments within easy walking distance from each other. Start at Spa Cascada Day Spa + Boutique for a treatment, then poke around their shop afterward before you head next door to Lather Bar Soap Company. You’ll find lots of pretty and luscious gift ideas there for both guys and girls. Kids, too.

Next go catty-corner to Menges & Curtis Apothecary, now known as Fallon Wellness Pharmacy. It’s a Saratoga institution and worth checking out just to take a peek at their historic interior. They can concoct any number of “meds’ for you but you might be most interested in their hand-curated selection of elegant and holistic health and beauty products, many of which have been sourced in Europe. Pick up an Italian aftershave for that guy in your life that has everything.

Complete your corner tour at Glitter Nail Bar, a fun and innovative nail salon where you can also imbibe in drinks and snacks while having your nails done. Champagne anyone?

Other recommended establishments include Belisama Bodyworks, Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness as well as a host of other bodyworkers, estheticians, beauticians and boutique owners devoted to making people beautiful inside and out. Just remember though, it all starts with the breath. So just BREATHE.