Destination Saratoga: All Access

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...

Check out Natalie Moore’s “22 Things You Didn’t Know About Saratoga,” featured in Saratoga Living After Hours on Substack—made free just for this episode! https://open.substack.com/pub/saratogaliving/p/23-things-you-didnt-know-about-saratoga?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web In this episode, MacKenzie Zarzycki from Discover Saratoga teams up with Saratoga Living editor Natalie Moore to explore...

Speakeasies, Victorian Mansions & Sustainable Design — this episode peels back the architectural layers of Saratoga Springs. Host Mackenzie Zarzycki sits down with Mike Phinney, Principal and Owner of Phinney Design Group, whose work blends modern sustainability with the deep-rooted character of Saratoga’s most iconic landmarks. From reimagining the historic elegance of the 1863 Club at the Sa...

Sponsored By: Phinney Design Group Get ready for a jam-packed episode as Mackenzie and Jessie dive into the buzz surrounding the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and the hottest summer concerts hitting Saratoga Springs. From the thrill of Beyoncé’s new tour to the latest movie premieres, award show moments, and Broadway must-sees, they’re covering it all. Plus, discover the can’t-miss local events,...

Plan your June escape with a vibrant festival of living composers and modern classics in scenic Saratoga Springs. In this episode, Victoria Patterson, co-founder and general director of the Mostly Modern Festival, and host MacKenzie Zarzycki discuss the festival's mission to celebrate modern classical music, the unique concert experiences it offers, and the importance of community engagement...

This episode is brought to you by The Phinney Design Group. MacKenzie and Jessie discuss a variety of topics including Rory McIlroy's historic win at the Masters, the recent Coachella festival, Katy Perry's space adventure and beyond, and Tina Fey's potential retirement (oh no). They also highlight upcoming events in Saratoga County, share their Mother's Day traditions, and pla...

The Tourism Agency's MacKenzie Zarzycki and Saratoga Living's Natalie Moore discuss the latest happenings in Saratoga County, including new businesses, cultural events, and the excitement of summer activities. They highlight local favorites like Saratoga Chocolate and the Innovation Center, as well as upcoming events like Belmont on Broadway and the Netflix mini-series on horse racing. T...

Gallop into the heart of Saratoga Springs as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame! Join us for an exclusive conversation with Director Cate Masterson, where we uncover the museum’s evolution, iconic milestones, and the thrilling experiences that bring racing history to life. From legendary races and Hall of Fame inductions to behind-the-scenes stories...

Explore the rich history and cultural significance of Café Lena, the longest-running folk music coffee house in the U.S. Joined by Executive Director Sarah Craig, they discuss the venue's founding by Lena Spencer, its role in the community, and the impact of music on local culture. The conversation highlights Lena's pioneering spirit, her dedication to nurturing artists, and the intimate...

Treehouse Brewery, Intentional living at Pantry Hill and Fashion events like Overdress to Impress are some of the topics discussed in this month's After Hours episode of Destination Saratoga.  Join MacKenzie Zarzycki and Saratoga Living Editor Natalie Moore, as they uncover the latest in Saratoga Springs! They explore new restaurant openings, local hotspots, and must-attend events, keeping yo...

Explore the rich history and legacy of Hattie's, a legendary restaurant in Saratoga Springs known for its iconic fried chicken. Joined by Jasper Alexander, they discuss Hattie's impact on the local dining scene, its commitment to community, and the evolution of its recipes. The conversation also touches on the restaurant's expansion, philanthropic efforts, and the changing landscape...

The downtown Saratoga Springs shopping experience is uniquely wonderful and is one of may people's favorite things about the city. In this episode, MacKenzie sits down with Maddy Zanetti, the co-owner of Impressions and the Dark Horse Mercantile. Together they discuss Maddy's experiences at the store, the impact it has had on the local community, and the unique branding story behind the...

Join MacKenzie for an inspiring conversation with Jocelyn Khoury, President of MLK Saratoga, and Joy King, recorded at the historic Frederick Allen Lodge. In celebration of Black History Month, they spotlight the impactful work of MLK Saratoga and the enduring legacy of the Frederick Allen Lodge. Discover how MLK Saratoga uses art and entertainment to educate the community about social justice iss...

Host Mackenzie Zarzycki interviews Kelsey Trudel, the Executive Director of Sustainable Saratoga, about the upcoming Chowderfest and the organization's initiatives to promote sustainability. They discuss the collaboration between Discover Saratoga and Sustainable Saratoga to provide reusable bowls and washing stations at Chowderfest, as well as tips for sustainable living and the importance o...

Natalie Moore, editor of Saratoga Living, discusses the newsletter 'After Hours', which focuses on local happenings, particularly in the restaurant and craft beer scenes of Saratoga Springs. The discussion covers new restaurant openings, the growing craft beer culture, the impact of cannabis legalization, and the importance of supporting local businesses. The conversation highlights the...

Filmmaker Brit McAdams, writer and director of “Paint,” shares insights on shooting in Saratoga Springs, the creative process, and the evolution of gender roles in comedy. He discusses filming challenges, the charm of Saratoga, and changes in his perspective on portraying women in film. McAdams also explores emerging acting talent, the importance of location choices, and future projects. He touche...

Denise Dubois, founder of Complexions Spa, joins MacKenzie in sharing her journey into the wellness field, emphasizing the significance of skincare and healthy aging. The conversation also covers practical tips for winter skincare and the benefits of spa memberships for overall wellness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abigail Quammen, Miss New York 2024, shares her journey from Kentucky to New York City, her experiences as a titleholder, and her passion for literacy advocacy. She discusses the supportive community within the Miss America organization, her preparations for the upcoming Miss America competition, and the importance of personal growth and female empowerment. Abigail emphasizes the significance of l...