Destination Saratoga: All Access

Where are you going to be when the ball drops on New Year’s? This holiday-themed episode explores the excitement building around Saratoga, from upcoming seasonal events to reflections on the past year and cherished Christmas traditions. From Santa Con to New Year’s celebrations, the conversation spotlights the gatherings that bring the community together, capturing the joy, nostalgia, and festive spirit that make the holidays in Saratoga so memorable.Chapters:00:00 Festive Beginnings: Celebrating the Holiday Season00:57 Upcoming Events: Knox Fest and Santa Con02:48 New Year's Eve Excitement: Family Fun and Fireworks04:33 Christmas Movies and Traditions: A Nostalgic Reflection10:14 Christmas Traditions: Family Gatherings and Special Moments12:28 Gift Exchange: The Joy of Giving14:22 Celebrating Diversity: Holidays Around the WorldThis episode is sponsored by Julie & Co. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the inspiring story behind Toys for Toga, a community-driven holiday initiative founded by Max Oswald. In this conversation, we explore how the program grew from a humble toy collection program to a city wide initiative, providing new toys and gifts for children of all ages. Hear powerful personal stories, learn how local businesses and volunteers fuel the mission, and see how creative fundraising events help make a lasting impact each holiday season.🎁 Join us in celebrating community, generosity, and the difference we can make together.00:00 The Heart of Christmas: Impacting Lives02:48 The Birth of Toys for Toga06:08 Evolving Donations: From Toys to Cash08:57 Community Engagement and Events11:45 Collaborations and Sponsorships15:07 Challenges and Community Support17:51 Looking Ahead: Future of Toys for Toga20:53 Personal Stories: The Impact of Giving24:06 The Power of Community InvolvementThis episode is sponsored by Julie & Co. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jump right into the holiday season and make the most of winter in Saratoga. Take a refreshing plunge at the brand‑new Coase Sauna on the lake, then escape into the inviting stacks of Botanica Books, the cozy new third‑floor bookstore on Broadway. On December 4 (6–9 PM), stroll through the 39th Annual Victorian Street Walk, where Broadway sparkles with twinkling lights, carolers, and festive charm. From December 4–7, wander through the Festival of Trees at the City Center and admire beautifully decorated trees that support local charities. You can help out with Toys for Toga by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy at one of 100+ locations between Nov 3–Dec 13, giving online via their GoFundMe or the Saratoga County Foundation, or picking up a 4‑pack of Druthers Toys for Toga Winter Ale to donate through sales. Then wrap up the year under the stars with Saratoga New Year’s Eve fireworks at 6 PM and live music.Chapters: 00:00 – 00:57 Introduction & Insiders Club Overview00:57 – 02:49 Thanksgiving & Dietary Talk02:49 – 04:54 Holiday Drinks & Local Bookstores04:54 – 07:47 Local Shopping & Holiday Gift Ideas09:22 – 12:51 Local Experiences & Insiders Club Events12:51 – 13:49 December Events & Festival of Trees13:49 – 17:59 Local Spotlight & Philanthropy17:59 – 19:55 Toys for Toga & Volunteer Opportunities21:08 – 24:29 Leadership Saratoga & Local Stories24:29 – 25:53 Saratoga New Year’s Eve & Upcoming PlansThis episode is sponsored by Julie & Co.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unique listings, equine properties, and historic homes. From the emotional journey of buying a home to insider tips on navigating Saratoga’s housing market, this episode delivers real-world stories, standout listings, and professional insights from Saratoga’s top realtors. The Julie & Co. agents share career-defining moments, current market trends, and their predictions for the region’s real estate future. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the new apartments coming to Church Street in Saratoga Springs, NY.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Saratoga's Real Estate Scene02:49 Meet the Julie & Co. Realty Team05:36 The Emotional Journey of Home Buying08:12 Saratoga's Unique Market Dynamics11:11 The Importance of Local Expertise13:59 Navigating the Current Market Trends16:42 Building and New Developments in Saratoga19:38 Highlighting Unique Listings22:33 Memorable Real Estate Experiences25:07 Looking Ahead in Real Estate28:09 Personal Dream Homes and Celebrity ClientsThis episode is sponsored by Julie & Co.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Let us know your favorite shops for the holiday season in the comments below!0:00 Bumschmuck Potatoes 1:35 Halloween Recap2:15 Upcoming events in Saratoga10:24 Thanksgiving Traditions and Favorite Dishes17:00 Thankfulness and Family Connections19:22 Stranger Things and Hallmark MoviesThis episode is sponsored by Julie & Co.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. They share their culinary journeys and the inspirations that drive their passion, showing how care and connection shape the dining experience. Here’s an inside look at the chefs who are shaping the flavor, culture, and heart of Saratoga’s vibrant dining scene.CHAPTERS:00:00 The Wing Off Experience05:32 The Heart of Saratoga's Culinary Scene11:30 Inception of Seneca and Raya17:23 Menu Development and Culinary Philosophy21:14 Ramen Club and Community Engagement22:39 Collaborative Menu Development and Team Dynamics25:14 Dining Out: Enjoying Others' Culinary Creations27:00 Setting Standards in the Restaurant Industry28:55 The Reality of Kitchen Life vs. TV Portrayals31:43 Local Culinary Competitions and Community Events32:54 The Evolution of Takeout and Delivery Services34:28 Describing the Vibe of Seneca Restaurant36:07 The Unique Atmosphere of Raya Restaurant39:25 Culinary Inspirations and Mythology Behind NamesThe episode is sponsored by Julie&Co.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Restaurant Week!CHAPTERS:00:00 Halloween Nostalgia and Twilight Reflections00:54 Exploring Saratoga's Culinary Delights09:24 Unique Wedding Experiences in Saratoga15:47 Restaurant Week and Local Dining Scene16:37 Halloween Plans and Fall FestivitiesThis episode is sponsored by Julie&Co.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 discuss their book writing journeys, how they found success and why reading posters empathy and understanding among diverse perspectives.00:00 Introduction to Saratoga Schaeffer and the Festival00:55 Celebrating the Saratoga Book Festival02:37 Authors and Their Inspirations05:30 Exploring Saratoga: Favorite Spots and Activities08:16 Advice for Young Writers11:02 Diving into Unique Book Concepts13:40 The Journey of an Author16:42 Friendship and Its Impact on Writing19:20 The Importance of Community in Literature22:27 Reflections on Life and Writing25:14 The Future of the Saratoga Book Festival28:00 Closing Thoughts and Future EventsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 episode is packed with laughs, local tips, and seasonal fun.CHAPTERS:00:00 Halloween Spirit and Candy Favorites01:14 Saratoga County Events and Celebrations02:30 Spooky Season Activities and Traditions04:34 Community Engagement and Local Festivals05:52 Fundraising Events and Family Fun07:19 Halloween Costumes and Childhood Memories09:18 Pop Culture and Celebrity Discussions15:58 Upcoming Movies and Entertainment26:17 Halloween Trivia and Fun FactsThis podcast episode is sponsored by Julie and Co RealtyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 shaping the future.*DISCLAIMER* Any events for 2025 mentioned as being held at Saratoga National Historic Park will be held at Fort Hardy Park in the event of a Federal Government Shutdown.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Saratoga's Historical Significance04:30 The Importance of the Battles of Saratoga09:31 Upcoming Commemorative Events13:45 The Role of Women in the Revolution18:35 Innovative Approaches to History: Augmented Reality23:20 Community Involvement and Educational Initiatives27:52 Looking Ahead: Saratoga 250 and Future Events32:13 The Unique Appeal of Saratoga County This podcast episode is sponsored by Julie and Co RealtyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices