Horses and more horses

Today was the Kentucky Derby - the start of the Triple Crown of Horse Racing.

I am not a big "horse" person, and didn't watch the race today.

However, living near the Fourth Piece of the Triple Crown means I can't avoid the horses.

Huh - the fourth piece? Isn't the Triple Crown only three races?  Well, yes it is, but many horse people consider the Travers Stakes in Saratoga as the fourth piece.

This year is a bit different.  This year Saratoga is celebrating 150 years of horse racing with events between May 1 and September 30.  This of course includes the 6-week actual racing season from July 19 until Labor Day.

Saratoga150 - the official committee sponsoring events this summer are not just promoting horse events and many of the events are free if you have an official pin.

There is so much more to Saratoga than horses though.  There is several parks and summer activities that do not involve horses.  SPAC is an outdoor concert venue and has major concerts as well as ballet and classical music.

So if you are looking for some place to go for vacation this summer (or winter) don't forget about Saratoga.  Saratoga isn't too far from the Adirondack Mountains (hiking, canoeing, and other fun outdoor activities) and the Finger Lakes (wonderful wine!)  Lake George is also close by where there is year-round activities.