Saratoga Springs, New York is a beautiful little town in upstate New York that offers all sorts of activities for people who like their vacations to include a lot of walking. Of course, it may be getting a little cold in upstate New York to do much strolling, but it is still warm enough in Saratoga Springs to take a brisk walk. I was reminded of how beautiful and walking friendly Saratoga Springs is when I read an article that mentioned it as one of the most walker friendly towns in the US.

In Saratoga Springs you can walk around the grounds of the race track during the thoroughbred racing season which runs for about 6 weeks from late July until Labor Day. I am not much of a gambler, but being a rail bird for a day was a lot of fun. The National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame is within walking distance of the race track and offers a number of different activities. The Racino, a harness track and casino all in one, is also located in Saratoga Springs for those who like to mix gambling with their gambling.

If you do happen to be in Saratoga Springs during the racing season, and you are feeling particularly brave, you can stop by the fountain located on the grounds outside the track. Here you can get a taste of water from the springs. Be forewarned the water has a strong smell and taste of sulfur, but you do get a cute little keepsake cup.

Do you want to burn more calories? Then try walking up and down inclines or hills. According to Liz Neporent, MA and author of Fitness Walking for Dummies, "Even a modest 3 to 8% incline can increase calorie burn by 20%"

Walking up a 15% slope uses about a third more energy than walking on a flat surface. To increase your efficiency in walking up an incline take shorter steps than you normally would. Walking downhill works your leg muscles as they work to keep your balance.

Walking up and down hills doesn't just give your legs a better workout you will also work your heart and lungs harder. Varrying the terrain you walk on is a form if interval training.