Saratoga

Saratoga is one of Wyoming's hidden beauties. A small town in southern Wyoming, it has a gorgeous hot spring. It is close to the Sierra Madre mountains which offer hiking opportunities, beautiful drives and the opportunity to learn about a gold rush which took place in the area. Apparently, it is a highly historic area. Besides this...Saratoga has hot springs. There's a public pool, called the Hobo Pool, which is free and open to the public. You can sit in its scalding hot water, and then climb down to the river and sit in the pool where the spring empties out and mixes with the cold water. Refreshing.

Saratoga also has the Saratoga Inn. If you are looking for a place to stay, this is it. Very comfortable beds. Clean and friendly. Good food. A nice place for a meeting or retreat. The three buildings are built around a courtyard. The fourth building is a spa. In the courtyard there is a pool of hot springs water, and not a small one either, but big enough to actually get up a little swimming speed before you have to turn around. Then there's about 6 hot tub pools, some covered with teepees and others open to the stars. It is all deliciously warm and wonderful in the cold weather, especially when it snows.

The town is cute. You can walk most places. There's art galleries, and Laura M's. Laura M is a clothing designer who makes everything in her store. Lovely stuff, lots of variety. The Hotel Wolf is a historic hotel, nice to stay in with a good restaurant. Across the street is the Lazy River Cantina, mexican food, very popular.

In the summer, the local arts council hosts an artfair and gala around the 4th with all sorts of events. This is also a good time to go over the snowy range mountains which have breathtaking views.

All in all, a good place to come for a relaxing time.