April 5, 2023 by Olivia Clemmensen (‘26)
Are you looking for ways to spend the springtime that will make the days before summer more enjoyable? Are you wanting to find unfamiliar places to spend the sunny days here in Upstate? From Saratoga’s very own Farmers’ Market to the Albany Tulip Festival in May, there are many ways to spend the next couple of months leading up to summer!
For some living in Upstate N.Y., spring is a time of rainy days, flocculating weather, tested patience, and end-of-the-year exams. Spring is not only this, but it is the promise of summer, sunny days, flowers, and positive and freeing energy. “I would describe spring as a beautiful time of year as the weather gets warmer, especially after a long winter,” Saratoga Springs High School (SSHS) freshman Kaira Rawert said. “It gives me a lot of energy and I can look forward to summertime,” she adds.
Many SSHS students are anxiously awaiting the coming of Spring/Easter break in the next couple of days. Many students who are staying home for vacation are hoping to spend some time with friends and family and get outside and enjoy some nice weather. From Friday, April 7th, to Sunday, April 16th, the average high temperature is 56.8 degrees, the average low temperature is 37.5 degrees, and the week is expected to be partly cloudy. Caroline Travis commented, “I love spring because of the warmer weather and more outdoor activities!”
If you want to stay active during break or anytime during the spring, hiking or taking walks alone or with those you love can be perfect! Ellie Dudek said, “I like to spend as much time outside as I can.” In upstate N.Y., there are many parks, and places that offer fresh air in the company of budding trees. You can visit the Saratoga Spa State Park (19 Roosevelt Drive Saratoga Springs, NY 12866), Congress Park in downtown Saratoga (268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866), and Lake George where there are many scenic drives, biking, hiking, fishing, parks, and many other opportunities available including the Shelving Rock Mountain Trail of about 3 miles. Claire Lizzi said that she usually walks with her family “in[her] neighborhood and [they often] hike at Shelving Rock Falls!”
Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort is surrounded by forests and rocky ridges, a beautiful place to be outside and relax. According to the Official Website of New York State, the park includes “picnic grounds and a pavilion overlooking the like, Wooded campgrounds […], a sandy beach, nature, hiking and cross-country ski trails, opportunities for boating, fishing and ice fishing.” You can visit Moreau Lake State Park at 605 Old Saratoga Road Gansevoort, NY 12831.
Another park nearby that provides trails worth visiting is Hudson Crossing Park. According to their website, “Hudson Crossing Park is a unique recreational and educational destination. A place to experience, educate, and explore, it is open every day year-round from dawn until dusk and is free of charge. Visitors may enjoy picnic facilities, fishing and birding sites, a children’s play garden and more than two miles of nature trails with panoramic Hudson River vistas and Champlain Canal overlooks.” They have over 5 trails to hike, bike, and walk on–all providing details about the history of the area and a wonderful experience! You can visit Hudson Crossing Park at Country Road 42, Schuylerville, NY 12871. There are many other places other than these parks available in Upstate NY, too, so don’t hesitate to explore new fun areas!
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market and Spa City Farmers’ Market are both great places to support local vendors from the area, taste delicious food, enjoy the fresh air, and spend time with family and friends. The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is a popular attraction amongst Saratoga tourists and residents alike. Right now, from November to the end of April, Saratoga Farmers’ Market is holding an indoor market at the Wilton Mall on Saturdays from 9:30am to 1:30pm. In May, however, Saratoga Farmers’ Market will open their Outdoor Market to be open until October at High Rock Park (112 High Rock Ave Saratoga Springs, NY 12866), right by downtown Saratoga (another great place to walk around and spend your time in the spring!). The outdoor farmers’ market will be open on Saturdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm and on Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. They have vendors ranging from flower-growers to produce farmers, and products that vary from confections and pastries to wine tasting, from meat cuts to meals sizzling on the grill. There is something for everyone!
Spa City Farmers’ Market provides entertainment with live music, over 50 vendors of family-owned small businesses, space to sit eat food and relax, and wonderful memories! During the winter season, they are open from November to April every Sunday from 10 am to 2pm inside the Lincoln Bath House. They are open in the summer season from May to October every Sunday from 10-2, in front of the Lincoln Baths in the State Park.
Beyond just appreciating local markets, Spring is the perfect time to start planting flowers and plants at home! What is more convenient than having a garden supplier right by? Sunnyside Gardens not only provides a fall festival including a pumpkin patch and corn maze, but its garden center in the spring and summer includes flowers like annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, vegetables, houseplants, gardening supplies, and décor to help you grow your garden at home. According to Sunnyside Gardens’ website, they grow “over 90% of [their] plant products in 20 greenhouses right here in beautiful Saratoga Springs, NY.” Their colorful and sweet-smelling florals bring so much brightness and joy into the spring and preparation for summer.
As spring sports including Lacrosse, Baseball, and softball are starting up, come support SSHS spring athletes with your friends! Visit the link provided to access their schedule: Saratoga Springs High School — ScheduleGalaxy. Along with the upcoming spring sports events, Juniors can come and have fun at the SSHS Junior Prom on Saturday, May 20 at the City center from 6pm to 10pm! For Seniors, spend your last few weeks of High School at the High School Senor Ball at the Hall of springs from 6pm to 10 pm! See the schedule of school activities through the following link:Calendar – Saratoga City School District (saratogaschools.org).
Lastly, on Saturday May 13th and Sunday May 14th, Albany’s Washington Park is holding its annual Albany Tulip Festival from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. As the Albany Office of Cultural Affairs website states, “Tulip Festival is Albany’s signature spring event. Features annual traditions rooted in the city’s rich Dutch heritage, nearly one hundred artisans selling their handmade crafts, a fine arts show, delicious food, the KidZone family fun destination, two stages of world-class live entertainment, and more than 140,000 tulips in 150 different varieties, the Tulip Festival is a sparkling showcase of local culture and business.” This event will be held at historic Washington Park, on 1 New Scotland Ave, Albany NY 12208.
As SSHS first-year Nate More describes, spring is a “bright” and “cheerful” time of year. Many students are looking forward to going outside and spending time with friends and family over the upcoming break and are looking forward to the near end of the school year. Spring is a time of refreshment, dewy air, sunny skies, and rainy clouds, and a “sign that summer is coming up,” said Maya Rosko. Jack Barnouin, another SSHS student said, “I really like the spring, it’s nice because all the snow is melting and the weather gets better, it’s very pretty.” Although spring is known for its rain, try and make the most of the sun this spring!