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 lighting up town (Jonas Brothers, anyone?).

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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.

Sponsored By Phinney Design Group

https://saratogaliving.substack.com/p/27-saratoga-businesses-that-are-opening

https://saratogaliving.com/mvp-rj-burtt-is-saratogas-late-shift-hero/

Chapters:

00:00 Celebrating the Fourth of July in Saratoga

00:53 Behind the Scenes at Belmont

04:07 New Businesses and Openings in Saratoga

06:31 Restaurant Closures and Changes

10:17 Exciting New Dining Options

16:49 Saratoga's Culinary Scene and Awards

20:48 Community Developments and Upgrades

24:45 Upcoming Events and Festivals

Featured Members:

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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 economy and enrich community life. We also dive into exciting updates like the Spa Little Theater renovation, and how nature, history, and the arts come together to make Saratoga County a one-of-a-kind destination. Whether you’re a local or planning your next trip, this episode will inspire you to see Saratoga in a whole new light.

Sponsored By: Phinney Design Group

Featured Members:

Discover Saratoga

https://www.discoversaratoga.org/

Saratoga Living

https://saratogaliving.com/

Bright Sighted Media

https://brightsighted.com/

SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center)

https://spac.org/

Phinney Design Group

https://phinneydesign.com/

A Place of Yes Podcast

https://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/news/podcast/

Afternoon Tea at Pantry Hill https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afternoon-tea-at-pantry-hill/id1811713926

Yaddo

https://yaddo.org/

Mostly Modern Music Festival

https://mostlymodernfestival.org/

SEDC (Saratoga Economic Development Corporation) https://saratogaedc.com/

NY State Parks

https://parks.ny.gov/parks/saratogaspa

Saratoga Arts

https://www.saratoga-arts.org/

Saratoga Preservation Foundation

https://www.saratogapreservation.org/

Live Nation

https://www.livenation.com/

Cafe Lena

https://www.caffelena.org/

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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 unique blend of history, accessibility, and collaboration makes it a magnet for visitors and investors alike. Tune in to learn how tourism shapes the region's vibrant economy and future.

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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 Group

Some footage provided by NYRA

Chapters:

00:00 – Defining Moments in Racing Careers

03:12 – Hall of Fame Induction and Its Significance

05:18 – Unforgettable Racing Experiences

06:59 – Passion for Horse Racing and Giving Back

09:39 – The Unique Atmosphere of Saratoga Racecourse

11:40 – The Special Connection to Saratoga

14:08 – Experiencing Racing Up Close

19:33 – Life Beyond the Track

21:20 – Advice for Aspiring Racers

24:09 – Lessons from Racing and Life

28:12 – Reliving Memorable Days at Saratoga

30:18 – Upcoming Races and Jockey Insights

36:22 – Why Saratoga is a Must-Visit Destination

Featured Members:

https://www.discoversaratoga.org/

https://saratogaliving.com/

Bright Sighted Media

https://brightsighted.com/

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame https://www.racingmuseum.org/

NYRA Bets

https://www.nyrabets.com/

Saratoga Race Course

https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/

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Racing fans, horse lovers, curious minds, and anyone who simply enjoys a great time—you won’t want to miss this!

Sponsored By: Phinney Design Group

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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 the magazine’s Substack feature, “22 Things You Didn’t Know About Saratoga.” From quirky facts to hidden history, they break down some of the most surprising and fun insights about the Spa City.

Along the way, they share personal stories, local tips, and practical advice for experiencing Saratoga like an insider. They also highlight exciting upcoming events, community organizations, and the buzz surrounding the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. If you're planning a visit—or looking for a reason to—this episode is packed with inspiration to help you make the most of your Saratoga experience.

Sponsored By: Phinney Design Group 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Saratoga's Culinary Scene and Local Favorites

02:59 - Upcoming Events: Belmont Stakes Racing Festival

06:02 - Hidden Gems of Saratoga: 22 Things You Didn't Know

08:58 - Community Engagement and Local Organizations

11:57 - Saratoga's History and Cultural Heritage

14:45 - Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions

16:55 - Nostalgic Adventures and Local Secrets

20:46 - Transportation Tips and Local Insights

23:12 - Saratoga Racecourse Experiences

28:11 - Community Events and Local Culture

30:25 - Social Connections and New Trends

Discover Saratoga 

https://www.discoversaratoga.org/ 

Saratoga Living 

https://saratogaliving.com/ 

Bright Sighted Media 

https://brightsighted.com/ 

Treehouse Brewery 

https://treehousebrew.com/

Familiar Creature

https://www.familiarcreaturebar.com/

Universal Preservation Hall 

https://atuph.org/

National Racing Museum & Hall of Fame 

https://www.racingmuseum.org/

SPAC - Saratoga Performing Arts Center 

https://spac.org/

Saratoga Arts

https://www.saratoga-arts.org/

The Coat Room 

https://www.thecoatroom.com/

Panza’s 

https://www.panzasrestaurant.com/

Uncommon Grounds 

https://www.uncommongrounds.com/ 

Broadway Coffee Co

https://www.broadwaycoffee.co/

Saratoga City Center 

https://www.saratogacitycenter.org

Noah’s (COMING SOON)

https://saratogaliving.com/siros-owner-and-chef-to-bring-new-restaurant-concept-to-43-phila-street/ 

Saratoga Farmer’s Market 

https://saratogafarmersmarket.org/

Pitney Meadow Farms 

https://www.pitneymeadowscommunityfarm.org/

Lyrical Ballad Bookstore

https://www.facebook.com/people/Lyrical-Ballad-Bookstore/100069051170884/ 

The Vault Saratoga 

https://www.thevaultsaratoga.com/

East Side Recreation Park 

https://www.saratoga-springs.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/East-Side-Rec-15

Saratoga Recreation Center 

https://www.saratoga-springs.org/183/Facilities

Leadership Saratoga 

https://www.leadershipsaratoga.org/

Saratoga Library 

https://www.sspl.org/

Saratoga Springs History Museum

https://www.saratogahistory.org/

Pizza 7

https://saratogapizza7.com/

Roosevelt Bath and Spa 

https://www.gideonputnam.com/roosevelt-baths-and-spa 

Lola Saratoga 

https://lolasaratoga.com/

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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 Saratoga Race Course, to contributing to projects at The Sagamore and Yaddo, Mike shares how architecture can reflect a region’s legacy while adapting to its future. And yes — he even takes us inside his most unexpected creation: a hidden rooftop speakeasy built atop what was once Millionaires’ Row.

Whether you're a history buff, a Saratoga local, or just love a great behind-the-scenes story, this episode reveals how thoughtful design keeps Saratoga’s spirit alive.

This episode is brought to you by Discover Saratoga

⁠https://www.discoversaratoga.org/⁠

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Sponsored By: Phinney Design Group

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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 and outreach. The conversation highlights the festival's diverse lineup, the healing power of music, and the vibrant cultural scene in Saratoga Springs.

Sponsored By: Phinney Design Group

CHAPTERS:

00:00 — Introduction to the Mostly Modern Festival

02:55 — The Mission and Vision of the Festival

05:50 — Concert Highlights and Featured Artists

09:01 — The International Nature of the Festival

12:00 — The Experience of Attending a Concert

15:00 — The Importance of Live Music

18:01 — Community Engagement and Outreach

20:59 — The Healing Power of Music

23:56 — Saratoga Springs: A Cultural Hub

27:03 — Conclusion and Call to Action

FEATURED MEMBERS:

Phinney Design Group

https://phinneydesign.com/

Mostly Modern Music Festival

⁠https://mostlymodernfestival.org/ ⁠

Discover Saratoga

⁠https://www.discoversaratoga.org/ ⁠

Saratoga Living

⁠https://saratogaliving.com/ ⁠

https://brightsighted.com/

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