Magical Movie Tour - Self Guided
Saratoga County is rich in architecture and scenery that have made it a perfect setting for movies. Throughout the years, producers, directors and production designers have selected sites in the area for the silver screen.
While visiting Saratoga, take some time to tour the famous locations used in popular feature films. Ghost Story (1981), Billy Bathgate (1990), The Horse Whisperer (1998) and Seabiscuit (2003) were filmed in Saratoga Springs and surrounding areas.
Begin your tour at the 2,100-acre Saratoga Spa State Park, on Rt. 9 or Rt. 50, used in the production of Billy Bathgate and The Horse Whisperer. The Hall of Springs interior was used as a ballroom in Billy Bathgate, where Nicole Kidman danced the night away. Special effects scenes depicting the horrific horse and rider accident in The Horse Whisperer were filmed near some of the picnic areas in the southern end of the park. A guest room in the Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa was “dressed” to look like a much shoddier motel room where Kristin Scott Thomas slept on her way across the country in The Horse Whisperer.
When you’re done checking out the locations at the State Park, take a left onto Rt. 9 heading north into Downtown Saratoga Springs. Park your car on Broadway and walk or take a right into Congress Park. The Canfield Casino, the heart of Congress Park, is surrounded by ponds, fountains, and a gazebo. The front and the interior of the Casino were used as doubles for the New York City Jockey Club in Seabiscuit.
Next continue north on Broadway, either by car or foot, and make your way to the beautiful homes along North Broadway. They were used by Fred Astaire, Melvin Douglas, John Houseman and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. in the filming of Ghost Story.
Once you’ve stood in awe of these historic and magnificent houses, hop back in your car and head towards Union Ave. and Saratoga Race Course, the oldest operating thoroughbred track in the country. Having served as locations in both Billy Bathgate and Seabiscuit, the track is home to thunderous race scenes and the glitz and glamour of the roaring twenties social life.
Hopefully you’ve saved time to tour the Saratoga countryside and horse farms where the “beauty” shots were filmed for Billy Bathgate and Seabiscuit. Travel east on Union Ave., Rt. 9P, and head towards Fitch Road to enjoy the majestic scenes.
Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce - 518-584-3255
Saratoga Spa State Park - 518-584-2535
Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa - 518-584-3000
Saratoga Race Course - 518-584-6200
Canfield Casino/Saratoga Springs Historical Museum - 518-584-6920
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