Saratoga Springs, New York, was once known as the “Queen of the Spas,” a place where you went to “take the cure” in the local mineral baths. As in Newport, the rich referred to their mansions as “cottages.” In 1863, horses became as important as health and wealth. The Saratoga race track was built, and except for five years of closure in all this time (1911–12 for gambling reforms, and 1943–45 during W.W. II), the Saratoga season has held sway, with a magic all its own that welcomes everyone. —L.J.