Explore history, culture, and food in Saratoga, New York, on “Travels with Darley: Saratoga Revolutionary Road Trip.” Discover the history of the American Revolution at sites modern travelers can visit. Look for this half hour episode on your local PBS TV station and streaming this winter and spring!
Darley seeks out food and local beer with historical ties in downtown Saratoga Springs, known for its healing waters and horses. She takes viewers to Schuyler House, Saratoga Monument and Saratoga National Historical Park to share untold stories of the American Revolution and meet modern entrepreneurs keeping history alive.
Darley begins her immersive journey with local historian Charlie Kuenzel at Congress Park, where they delve into the city’s popularity as a health resort based on its mineral springs, along with the history of Thoroughbred horse racing, introduced by John Morrissey. Next, Darley dines with Patrick Toomey at Morrissey’s in The Adelphi Hotel, where the menu is directed by celebrity chef David Burke.
Darley then explores the sites of two Revolutionary War battles at Saratoga National Historical Park with Ranger Garrett Cloer, emphasizing the victory of American troops against the British. Darley looks further into Saratoga’s history by taking a look at Saratoga Arms, a restored long-time family run hotel, shown around by Amy Smith. Across the street, Joyce Locks showcases her larger-than-life hats at her shop “Hatsational”. Darley tries the famous fried chicken at Hattie’s with chef Jasper Alexander, followed by a visit to Caffe Lena, a historic folk music venue, to talk with the cafe’s executive director Sarah Craig and see a live performance by Cassandra Kubinski.
Darley then ventures outside of Saratoga Springs on a unique adventure with county historian Lauren Roberts: biking along old train tracks in the Southern Adirondacks. Next, Darley explores the Schuyler House, the country home of General Philip Schuyler, the Saratoga Monument, and the Saratoga Surrender Site.
Darley stops at many local businesses, including Stewart’s Shops with Stewart’s Bill Dake, Saratoga Apple with Eric Darrow, and Whitman Brewing Company and Walt Café. Darley tries the refreshing mineral water at High Rock Park, then pays a visit to The Olde Bryan Inn. Charles Wait shares the history of the Adirondack Trust Building and shows Darley some preserved artifacts.
Darley visits Saratoga Tea and Honey, participating in a honey tasting with entrepreneur Hayley Stevens. The episode concludes with Darley meeting Upset, the miniature horse mascot for a women-owned business “Impressions”.
Learn more about this episode at darley-newman.com and watch it on PBS and streaming. Follow and subscribe to the new “Travels with Darley” podcast on iHeart, Spotify, Audible, Amazon, Google, Apple, and wherever you listen to your favorite podcast.
