Destination Saratoga: All Access

What’s your family’s Thanksgiving secret recipe? Mackenzie and Jesse share their favorite holiday traditions, go-to dishes, and the heartfelt stories that make Thanksgiving so special. The two discuss local events in Saratoga, including Comic Con, community connections, and the excitement building around the final season of Stranger Things. Don't forget, Small Business Saturday is coming up!...

The results are in: Rhea takes home Wildest Wing at Discover Saratoga’s Saratoga Wing Off. With thirty-four restaurants showcasing their signature and specialty wings, the event raised $4,426 for the American Cancer Society, proving that good food can make a real difference. Chefs Shelly Spain of Seneca and Pete Hahm of Rhea wowed the crowd with their inventive flavors and dedication to community....

The age-old question: Team Jacob or Team Edward? Between laughing about costume mishaps and reliving past trick-or-treating memories, Mackenzie and Natalie dive into Saratoga’s vibrant wedding scene, exploring unique venues and a fun photography contest. They also share their favorite breakfast spots, cocktails, and desserts you won’t forget, plus their top picks for Discover Saratoga’s upcoming R...

Miss the 2025 Saratoga Book Festival? Hundreds of authors from all over the world including plenty of New York Times Best Sellers came to connect with fellow authors and to be inspired by the hidden gems in Saratoga County! Can you guess which places they are most drawn too? In this episode of the Destination Saratoga All Access Podcast, host MacKenzie Zarzycki sits down with several authors to di...

Updates to the best Halloween events in Saratoga County, Mackenzie and Jessie cover it all. Tune in as they share their favorite spooky activities, family-friendly Halloween traditions, and spill the ghost tea on haunted locations around town. Plus, don’t miss a round of Halloween trivia that’s both fun and frightful! Whether you're a Halloween fanatic or just here for the fall vibes, this ep...

History has its eyes on Saratoga, and this weekend it’s under siege. Join us for a conversation with Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts as we explore the hidden stories of the American Revolution, the role of women in the war, and how modern tools like augmented reality are bringing history to life. With Siege Weekend happening now, find out why Saratoga still matters and how the past is sha...

Dive into Saratoga’s vibrant fall scene with the best hot dogs, charcuterie boards, and happy hours around town. Discover upcoming fall events, local festivals, and seasonal flavors that make Saratoga the perfect place to savor the season. Subscribe for delicious food guides, fun happenings, and insider tips to help you enjoy every moment in Saratoga! FEATURED MEMBERS: Discover Saratoga  https://w...

What really happens after we die? In this deep and soul-stirring interview, psychic medium Drew Kelly reveals how he unlocked his spiritual gifts and how it has led him into the world of mediumship. He dives into the nature of the soul, life after death, and the powerful messages we can receive from loved ones on the other side. Drew also explores the power of intuition, empathy, and the spiritual...

What happens when world-class cars, passionate collectors, and a vibrant community come together in the heart of Saratoga Springs? In this episode, we explore the excitement and impact of the Saratoga Motor Car Auction and the Saratoga Automobile Museum, where rare vehicles, rich automotive history, and local culture collide. From behind-the-scenes of the bidding process to upcoming exhibits and e...

Some people are so notorious that they only go by one name. We are honored to introduce you to Kokin. He is an iconic hat designer based in New York City, and the man behind more iconic hats than we ever would have realized. His designs have graced the big screen in Clueless and Sex and the City, and turned heads at the Travers Day at Saratoga Race Course. In this episode, we dive into his creativ...

In this episode of After Hours with Saratoga Living’s Editor Natalie Moore, we dive into the best of Saratoga’s food, culture, and hidden gems. Natalie shares stories from her latest articles, including the rise of golf carts in Saratoga, the buzz around late-night dining, and where to find the city’s most popular restaurants and happy hours. From local favorites like Herbie’s Burgers, Karavalli,...

In this episode, we’re joined at Saratoga Race Course by Ralph Bianculli, the President & CEO of Emerald Ecovations. Ralph dives into the company’s mission—since 1997, Emerald has been championing tree-free, plastic-free, and toxin-free disposables made in the USA using rapidly renewable fibers like bamboo, bagasse, miscanthus, starches, and more. He also stresses the importance of educating c...

Discover Saratoga Spa State Park, a top destination in Saratoga Springs known for its historic mineral springs, world-class outdoor recreation, and rich cultural attractions. We explore the soothing Roosevelt Baths, the shimmering elegance of the Victoria Pool, and the family-friendly fun of the Peerless Pool. Learn why preserving this historic and natural landmark is essential—and why it should b...

In this delicious episode, host Mackenzie sits down with local culinary power duo Clark Gale and Zac Denham, the minds behind Bocage Champagne Bar, to talk about their newest venture: Standard Fare, opening August 15th in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs. From elevated comfort food (hello, meatloaf and apple chutney pork chops!) to a playful art gallery wall featuring horses, ducks—and a sin...

From Shania Twain lighting up the SPAC stage to Fire Fest’s farm-fresh bites, historic celebrations honoring the Battle of Saratoga, and unique carnival attractions like Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel — we cover the must-see happenings this summer. Get the scoop on the Saratoga County Fair’s demolition derby, the Kindness Carnival, Sip Savor & Swirl at Saratoga Winery with Nacre Dance Compan...

Thinking about making Saratoga Springs your next home — or planning a summer getaway to see what all the buzz is about? ⬇️In this episode of Destination Saratoga, Mackenzie sits down with Julie Bonacio and Sheila Sperling of Julie & Co. Realty inside the iconic Palazzo Mansion to talk about what makes this town so magnetic 🐎From stunning homes and curated design to local culture & communi...

Thinking about making Saratoga Springs your next home — or planning a summer getaway to see what all the buzz is about? ⬇️In this episode of Destination Saratoga, Mackenzie sits down with Julie Bonacio and Sheila Sperling of Julie & Co. Realty inside the iconic Palazzo Mansion to talk about what makes this town so magnetic 🐎From stunning homes and curated design to local culture & communi...

Saratoga’s racing season kicks off with the thrilling and long-awaited Opening Day. From exciting new gluten-free and vegan bites at the track to kid-friendly activities and behind-the-scenes tours, this episode is packed with everything you need to know. They talk about jockeys to watch this season, like Katie and Dylan Davis, and how Mackenzie bumped into Dave Portnoy (yes, Stool President himse...

We visit the historic Saratoga Springs History Museum, housed in the legendary Canfield Casino, and sit down with Program Director Charlie Kuenzel for a fascinating conversation. From the glitz and glam of Saratoga’s Gilded Age—where elite vacationers came to gamble, socialize, and indulge in high-stakes horse racing—to the darker, haunted corners of the building featured on Ghost Hunters, this ep...

This week, we’re diving into everything buzzing around Saratoga—from the glitz of a local film set (Jessie has stories!) to the growing excitement around the Fourth of July Racing Festival and the jam-packed calendar of summer events. We’re talking big names and big moves—like the NYC Ballet’s return to SPAC, Shania Twain’s generous surprise for a local food bank, and the pop culture chatter light...

Natalie Moore gives us the inside scoop on 27 local businesses—from beloved mainstays saying goodbye to exciting new ventures popping up across town, we cover the evolving landscape of Saratoga's downtown and beyond. We also dive into the star-studded scene at the Belmont Stakes, preview Saratoga’s festive 4th of July celebrations, and spotlight the endless reasons to visit this summer. Spons...

We sat down with Elizabeth Sobol of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), to explore how cultural tourism is transforming Saratoga Springs. From world-class performances like the New York City Ballet and the incredible musicians at Jazz Fest to the vibrant local art scene on Beekman Street, Sobol shares how SPAC and its partners are creating unforgettable experiences that fuel the local econ...

What makes Saratoga County such a powerful engine for economic and community growth? In this episode, Greg Connors of the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation and Darryl Leggieri from Discover Saratoga explore how tourism drives investments, supports local businesses, and enhances quality of life. From the iconic racecourse to year-round attractions and a thriving arts scene, Saratoga’s uniqu...

Part 2!On the eve of Belmont 2025, Saratoga Race Course legends, Race Caller Tom Durkin and Hall of Fame Jockey Ramon Dominguez share the importance of luck in life, their predictions for the 2025 Horse Racing Season, Jockeys to watch and their advice for people interested in becoming part of the industry. Sponsored By Phinney Design GroupSome footage provided by NYRAChapters:00:00 – Defining Mome...

Racing fans, horse lovers, curious minds, and anyone who simply enjoys a great time—you won’t want to miss this! We had the chance to sit down with two legends of the sport: iconic race caller Tom Durkin and Hall of Fame jockey Ramon Dominguez. Durkin takes us behind the mic, sharing stories from some of the most thrilling races he’s ever called—from the Kentucky Derby to the Belmont Stakes—and re...