Destination Saratoga: All Access

In this episode of Destination Saratoga: All Access , host MacKenzie Zarzycki sits down with Bill Teator, executive director of the Campaign for Saratoga 250, to talk about the Battles of Saratoga and why the American victory in 1777 became a turning point in the Revolutionary War. They dive into the stories, people and places that shaped this pivotal moment in history, from Benedict Arnold and th...

In this episode of  After Hours with Saratoga Living , host MacKenzie Zarzycki sits down with Natalie Moore, editor of Saratoga Living , at Kindred. The two catch up on fall events around Saratoga County and dive into the latest issue of Saratoga Living , including its annual Food & Drink Guide and some of the newest restaurants and dining trends around the region. They also chat about the upc...

Host MacKenzie Zarzycki chats with Jamie Mastroianni, owner of iRun LOCAL, about turning a passion for running into a thriving small business and community hub in downtown Saratoga Springs. Jamie shares the story behind iRun LOCAL, the importance of personalized footwear and supporting local businesses, and how running can create meaningful connections at every level. Jamie also talks about Sarato...

Host MacKenzie Zarzycki chats with Maggie Sweet, executive director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), about what happens to thoroughbreds after their racing careers come to an end. Maggie shares her journey from 25 years working alongside Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher to leading an organization dedicated to providing retired thoroughbreds with dignified lifetime care. The conve...

Host MacKenzie Zarzycki chats with Marc Conner, president of Skidmore College, about what makes Skidmore such a unique part of the Saratoga Springs community. Marc shares the college’s evolution, the meaning behind its “Creative Thought Matters” philosophy, and how Skidmore prepares students to think critically, embrace different perspectives, and lead lives of consequence. From Skidmore’s deep co...

Matthew DeSantis knows Saratoga Race Course inside and out, from unforgettable upsets to timeless traditions that make it one of the most iconic tracks in the country. In this episode of Destination Saratoga: All Access, Matthew shares what makes Saratoga unlike any other racing destination, the people, stories, and experiences that make each race day unforgettable, and simple handicapping tips fo...

Justine Ochal helps create some of the most memorable experiences in Saratoga, from elegant galas and weddings to unforgettable days at Saratoga Race Course. In this episode of Destination Saratoga: All Access, Justine shares how she found her passion for hospitality, what makes Mazzone Hospitality one of the region’s premier event planning and catering companies, and the behind-the-scenes work th...

Jena Antonucci made history as the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race, but her journey began long before the spotlight. In this episode of Destination Saratoga: All Access, Jena shares how she fell in love with horses, the lessons that shaped her career, and the unforgettable moments behind Arcangelo's Belmont Stakes and Travers victories. She also discusses the future of horse r...

Join host MacKenzie Zarzycki for the season two finale of the Destination Saratoga All-Access Podcast with Jessie House of Discover Saratoga! From the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and SPAC concerts to farmers markets, cocktails, movies, fitness goals, and favorite local spots, this episode covers everything happening in Saratoga County this summer. Plus, MacKenzie and Jessie recap favorite momen...

Host MacKenzie Zarzycki chats with Danielle DeSantis, owner of Bear’s Cup Bakehouse, about her journey from professional singer to bakery owner. Danielle shares the story behind Bear’s Cup, building a business alongside her husband, balancing family and work life, and what inspired the opening of their second location in Saratoga Springs. From motherhood and entrepreneurship to big decisions and b...

In this episode of Destination Saratoga All-Access: After Hours with Saratoga Living, MacKenzie and Natalie talk patio season, Belmont excitement, farmers markets, and spring happenings around Saratoga County. They also share the latest buzz surrounding The Pearl Oyster Bar and welcome a quick appearance from Ryan McFadden, who shares details about his newest venture, Saratoga Dough Co. This episo...

Host MacKenzie Zarzycki sits down with Saratoga Hospital President and CEO Jill VanKuren to discuss healthcare and the evolving needs of Saratoga County. The two explore Saratoga Hospital’s impact through annual fundraisers like the Cantina Kids Fun Run and the hospital gala, along with unique initiatives like the Community Health Center and the Center for Successful Aging & Wellness. Jill als...

Host MacKenzie Zarzycki sits down with Kelly Jeanmaire, founder of The Main Event by Kelly, to talk about how Saratoga County is a dream wedding destination. From France to Saratoga, Kelly brings over 13 years of experience, including time at the iconic Hall of Springs. She shares insights on planning weddings across the Capital Region, highlights trusted local vendors, and offers expert tips for...

In this episode of Destination Saratoga All-Access: After Hours with Saratoga Living, MacKenzie and Natalie break down everything happening in Saratoga Springs this spring. From Derby Day celebrations and new restaurant openings to Gaffney’s return, upcoming events, and Saratoga’s best nightlife, they share insider insights and local favorites. It’s your inside scoop on what’s happening in Saratog...

Host MacKenzie Zarzycki sits down with The Children’s Museum at Saratoga Executive Director Sarah Smith to explore the museum’s growth, impact, and future vision. From its expanded home at the Lincoln Baths to hands-on exhibits like the green screen studio and fire truck, the museum brings learning to life through creative play. Sarah also shares how partnerships with local organizations, librarie...

Host MacKenzie Zarzycki sits down with Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, to discuss the important role historic preservation plays in shaping Saratoga Springs’ identity. The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs. From...

Host MacKenzie Zarzycki chats with Chef Noah Frese of Noah’s Restaurant to discuss his journey from culinary school to opening a new Italian-American restaurant in Saratoga. Noah shares insights on building a loyal kitchen team, creating standout dishes like his popular fried spaghetti, and delivering a unique dining experience through concepts like the chef’s table. The conversation also touches...

In this episode of After Hours with Saratoga Living, host MacKenzie Zarzycki sits down with Natalie Moore, editor of Saratoga Living, at Henry Street Taproom. The two discuss the latest issue of Saratoga Living, including a feature on Old Tavern Farm and its expanding winery and distillery offerings. MacKenzie and Natalie also explore Saratoga’s evolving dining scene—from trending concepts like “g...

Host MacKenzie Zarzycki chats with John Nemjo, founder of Saratoga Outdoors. John shares how he transformed a small Adirondack startup into a trusted outdoor destination in Saratoga Springs, built on community, sustainability, and exceptional customer service. The conversation highlights local outdoor activities and explores spring trends in clothing and footwear for today’s outdoor enthusiasts.

In this episode of the Destination Saratoga All-Access, host MacKenzie Zarzycki sits down with Paul O’Donnell, owner of Celtic Treasures in downtown Saratoga Springs. Paul shares the story behind his Irish heritage, the history of the iconic Claddagh ring, and how a conversation with a Canadian farmer inspired him to open his shop more than 30 years ago. The conversation explores the evolution of...

In this episode of Destination Saratoga All-Access, host MacKenzie Zarzycki sits down with Teddy Foster, Executive Director of Universal Preservation Hall, to share the inspiring story behind one of Saratoga’s most beloved performance venues. Teddy reflects on the 20-year journey to save and restore the historic building, the challenges of opening just before the pandemic, and the incredible comeb...

In this episode of After Hours with Saratoga Living , host MacKenzie Zarzycki sits down with Natalie Moore editor of Saratoga Living at Kindred in downtown Saratoga Springs to sip creative cocktails and catch up on what’s new around town. From the release of the 2026 Saratoga County Visitor Guide to exciting developments at Saratoga Lake—including a floating sauna and houseboat stays—they cover th...

In this episode of the Destination Saratoga All Access Podcast, host MacKenzie Zarzycki sits down with Alison D’Antonio, CEO of the Saratoga Regional YMCA, to explore how the Y is so much more than “gym and swim.” Alison shares her 15-year journey from personal trainer to the organization’s first female CEO, leading six locations across three counties and overseeing childcare, summer camp, UPK, an...

In this episode of Destination Saratoga: All Access, host MacKenzie Zarzycki chats with Tracy Passaro, founder of Ladylily’s Place, a designer cookie studio in Saratoga Springs where art and community collide. Tracy shares how the pandemic led her back to her artistic roots, using custom sugar cookies as a creative outlet and a way to bring joy to others. From heartfelt hospital-themed cookies to...

In this episode of Destination Saratoga: All Access , host MacKenzie Zarzycki sits down with Ryan McMahon, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs City Center, to explore how this downtown venue has become a hub for year-round meetings, events, and tourism. From large-scale conferences to beloved community events like Flurry Festival and Comic Con, Ryan shares behind-the-scenes stories, key loc...