Saratoga County, just north of the Hudson Valley, is a top destination for shopping, entertainment, culture, dining, recreation, and history. Its name comes from a Native American word meaning “the hill beside the river,” referencing the Hudson River to the east and the Mohawk River to the south. The county, crossed by the Adirondack Northway, serves as an outdoor haven and gateway to the Adirondacks for residents of Albany and New York City. It also hosts the historic Saratoga Race Course, one of the oldest horse-racing venues.