The Highlights
Wednesday, October 9
Spa Heritage Conference – Celebrate the NYS Parks Centennial and discover what it means to be a spa town and learn about Saratoga Spa State Park’s European heritage. Join European and American speakers, including distinguished speakers Mario Crecente and Dr. Oliver Sukrow, from Spain and Germany respectively; Bill Krattinger of NY Office of Historic Preservation; Elizabeth Sobel of SPAC for discussions on the historical, architectural, and cultural aspects of Saratoga Spa. (Open to the public, registration required)
Family-friendly Community Festival – A free festival featuring the Spa City Farmer’s Market, artisan fair, guided tours, food trucks, and live entertainment.
«Bathrobe Addicts» Walk – Join the European Thermal Destinations in their signature event, a leisurely stroll through Saratoga Spa State Park in their bathrobes. «The Bathrobe Addicts» movement originates from Auvergne Region in France (Vichy) and has started to spread over some of the spa towns in Europe. We are excited to welcome them in the USA!
Link : www.thebathrobeaddicts.com
Evening Jazz Bar at the Hall of Springs – (Ticketed event)
Thursday, October 10
Health & Wellness Expo & European Spa Town Showcase – Explore European spa towns at this expo. (Free and open to the public)
Saratoga Spa State Park
Established in 1909 to protect the waters from commercial exploitation, Saratoga Spa State Park became a renowned spa destination for bathing and drinking mineral water for health benefits. The park is known for its waters, classical architecture, and natural beauty. In 1935, extensive development championed by Franklin D. Roosevelt created the iconic architecture that the park is known for today, much of which was directly modeled after the great spas of Europe.
Today, Saratoga Spa State Park is one of New York’s top five most visited State Parks and a National Historical Landmark. The baths remain open, thanks to the robust operation of the Roosevelt Baths, a private partner of the park. Like its counterparts in Europe, Saratoga Spa State Park includes numerous cultural, recreational, and wellness opportunities for visitors including live performances at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, museums, golfing, yoga classes and numerous walking paths through shaded forest.
The European Historic Thermal Towns
The European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) is the co-organizer of the event. A delegation of 30 European representatives is expected to honor Saratoga Springs’ Heritage and share European spa culture with Americans. Certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, EHTTA is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating Europe’s mineral thermal waters and spa towns’ heritage. It represents 50 thermal destinations in 18 European countries, Saratoga Spa State Park became an international partner of EHTTA two years ago. The delegation visiting Saratoga Springs for the event includes European officials, mayors, and tourism leaders from more than 11 countries, including Italy, Spain, Croatia, Germany, and France.
