June 12, 2023 by Olivia Clemmensen (‘26)
With the school year ending, many Saratoga Springs High School (SSHS) staff and students have been anticipating the summer vacation ahead. Summer has so many exciting opportunities and is a wonderful reward for all the hard work and time spent busy during the school year. But how can you make the most of this valuable time, and enjoy the area? From farmers’ markets to the coolest lakes and hiking trails, here are the best ways to pass your summer in Saratoga.
Freshman Olivia Lill describes summer as, “happiness, carefree, my favorite season, warmth, and joy.” Summer is a time to focus on yourself and your family instead of worrying about the business of the school year. It means hanging out with friends, enjoying ice cream trips, eating fresh watermelon after the pool, sleeping in, vacationing with those whom you love, and experiencing the beautiful vibrant colors of nature. Mr. Barone, a SSHS teacher described a specific aspect of the summer experience which he enjoys, and said he loves “the feeling when you get into a hot car, and the sharp heat [that] envelops you.”
“Colors feel so amplified and vibrant in the summer: the green of the foliage is so encompassing, the blue of the sky so bright, the spattering of colors from flowers everywhere, I love being outside and breathing it all in,” shared Mrs. Tully, another SSHS staff member.
Many argue that Saratoga flourishes the most during the hot days of summer. There are many activities and outdoor spots to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine right here in Saratoga Springs! Many SSHS community members love to take advantage of the bustling streets of downtown Saratoga. Here, shops are in high gear, Congress Park is in full bloom, and restaurants are lining the streets. To those who love reading during the summer, Northshire bookstore is a great place to add to your growing reading lists! Not only does Northshire bookstore have a vast collection of books, but they also state that they have, “vinyl records, stationary, gifts and home goods, with a focus on featuring the work of local artisans.” Many SSHS teachers and students are anxiously awaiting the increased amount of time to read. “My goal for the summer is to enjoy several books that I’ve been waiting to read,” states Mrs. Sanita, a secondary special education teacher. To take a closer look at what this local bookstore has to offer, visit it on 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, or on their website, About Us | Northshire Bookstore.
Along with books, there are many great places downtown to grab a bite. A popular favorite among SSHS students is Cantina. Cantina is a restaurant that opened in June of 2007 and serves fresh, contemporary Mexican and Southwest food and drinks. Not only is Cantina a great place to eat with friends and family, but it is also open for job opportunities! Visit the Cantina website for more job offering details and view their menus here, and taste their food on 408 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. “My friends and I love to go downtown to go shopping and get some food,” reflected freshman Alyssa Temple.
Looking for a quick stroll through nature after dinner? While you’re enjoying downtown Saratoga, make a stop to Congress Park, and enjoy its green grass, gardens, carousel, and fountains that make it so amazing and a great spot to enjoy during the summer. Congress park hosts many events and activities, especially during track season. Saratoga.com explains Congress park as a major attraction for tourists and locals alike, saying, “from live music concerts to art shows to summer festivals, there is always something happening in the park!”
Another great place to enjoy the fresh air and nature in Saratoga is the Saratoga Spa State Park. With its many nature, walking and biking trails, picnic areas, swimming pools, golf courses, and farmers market, the State Park is a great place to visit on a sunny day! “Spa State Park has amazing scenery,” commented SSHS freshman Alexis Georgeatis. The Spa City Farmers’ Market includes live music, over 50 vendors, space to sit, eat, and relax, and great summer memories. The market is open in the summer season from May to October every Sunday from 10-2, in front of the Lincoln Baths in the State Park. Visit all that the State Park has to offer at 19 Roosevelt Dr, Saratoga Springs, NY.
Saratoga Springs wouldn’t be Saratoga Springs without the race course in the summer. Saratoga race course is open from July 13th through September 4th. Important dates on the Racecourse Schedule include Opening Day on Thursday, 7/13/23, Travers Day on Saturday, 8/26/23, and Closing Day on Monday, 9/4/23. These events bring together celebrities, tourists, and locals to enjoy horse racing. For more information, visit Saratoga Race Course Guide: Thoroughbred Horse Racing In Saratoga Springs, NY.
There are many lakes where SSHS staff and students enjoy spending bright and sunny days with friends and family, and the Adirondacks are another popular outdoor attraction for hiking and swimming. Tully noted that her family “loves hanging out by and in the lakes around the area.” Lakes including Loon Lake, Lake George, Saratoga Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, Lake Ozonia, Lake Placid and Moreau Lake all have beautiful scenery and great opportunities to soak in the fresh air. “Hot days are best spent hanging out on the beach or being out on the water,” reflected Unified SSHS gym coach, Coach Belanger. Mrs. Pennock agreed and said, “we try to take advantage of some of the beautiful lakes in NY. Renting a boat on Lake George or heading to Lake Ozonia to a friend’s camp for a weekend is always fun.”
To many, summer is the season of ice cream! There are countless places in the area. Some of these places include Ben & Jerry’s, Dairy Haus, Humpty Dumpty, Saratoga Gelato, Farmers Daughters Drive-in, Cookies and Cream, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Stewart’s Shops, and many others. Look at more places and details here. Nothing is better than licking a large cone of ice cream after a hot, sunny day.
Looking for some thrill and exhilaration this summer with friends and family? Many SSHS students recommend Six Flags and the Great Escape. “One of my favorite places to go in the summer is the Great Escape. My friends and I went there so much last year and I’m looking forward to going again this summer,” Temple reflects. The Great Escape is a fun-filled amusement park with a lodge, indoor waterpark, many thrill rides, family, water, and kids rides, restaurants, dining, and even gift shops. Experience the Great Escape on 1172 Queensbury road, Queensbury, NY. Tully said that her family has been to six flags with her kids who had so much fun and made so many memories. Visit the Six Flags website or experience the fun for yourself on 1213 State Route 9, Queensbury, NY.
SSHS History teacher Mr. Jones says he looks forward to a slightly calmer activity–playing mini golf in the summer. There are many mini golf courses scattered throughout upstate NY, including Olde Saratoga Miniature Golf, Dan’s Miniature Golf, Goony Golf, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf and The Fun Spot. For details and addresses, visit this link.
All in all, Summer is a great time to refresh and reset before the new school year. “Like all of us, I definitely need some time to get away by the end of the year. This summer also means saying goodbye to the class of 2023, who started at the high school the same year I did. I’m fiercely proud of them and wish them the best!” admits Barone. There are many ways to make the most of the summer. Whether that’s enjoying it with friends downtown, at a lake with family, sitting on your porch with a good book and a glass of refreshing lemonade, or even just enjoying nature.
Summer also comes with many goals and plans.SSHS drama club member Sarah Pipino said, “I want to work on my sleeping habits, studying habits, and just general physical health.” Having goals for the upcoming vacation is great, but too much pressure can be stressful. Student Ellie Dudek reflects, saying “I don’t want to put too much stress on myself this break.” SSHS student Daniela Fleming said that she wants to use this summer to “take care of myself and rest.” And whether you want to relax or adventure, upstate NY has so many fun experiences and places all over–sometimes you just have to look! As Tully said, “Read, relax, and reset. My life revolves around the school calendar, so summer always feels like a transition from one thing ending to another beginning.”