Destination Saratoga: All Access

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 sponsored by ⁠Phinney Design Group⁠This episode is brought to you by Discover Saratoga⁠https://www.discoversaratoga.org/⁠Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, music festivals, and community celebrations that make Saratoga a cultural hotspot this season!CHAPTERS:00:00 – Welcome and Summer Excitement03:00 – Belmont Stakes and Upcoming Events05:57 – Beyoncé's Tour and Movie Buzz09:07 – Tony Awards and Broadway Highlights12:00 – Local Music Festivals and Events14:45 – Saratoga Arts and Culture Scene18:00 – Community Events and Horse Racing20:55 – Saratoga Candles and Closing RemarksFEATURED MEMBERS:- Discover Saratoga https://www.discoversaratoga.org/ - Saratoga Living https://saratogaliving.com/ - Bright Sighted Media https://brightsighted.com/ - Phinney Design Group https://phinneydesign.com/ - The Coat Room https://www.thecoatroom.com/ - AMC on Railroad https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/saratoga-springs/amc-saratoga-springs-11 - Embrace the Belmont 2 at UPH, held by Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga https://thsaratoga.org/embrace-the-belmont/https://atuph.org/ https://thsaratoga.org/ - SPAC - Saratoga Performing Arts Center https://spac.org/ - Shaken & Stirred at UPH https://atuph.org/shaken-stirred-2025/https://atuph.org/ - Mostly Modern Music Festival https://mostlymodernfestival.org/ - Annual Saratoga Jazz Festival https://spac.org/saratoga-performing-arts-center/saratoga-jazz-festival/- Caffé Lena https://www.caffelena.org/ - Putnam Place https://putnamplace.com/ - Pantry Hill & Saratoga Tea & Honey https://www.pantryhill.com/https://www.saratogateaandhoney.com/ - Forno Bistro - Thoroughbred First Patio Pour https://fornobistro.com/ https://www.iloveny.com/event/thoroughbredz-first-pour-patio-party/72870/- Wolf Hollow Brewing Company https://www.wolfhollowbrewing.com/ - NYRA Bets - New York Racing Association https://www.nyrabets.com/race?raceId=101930868- National Racing Museum & Hall of Fame https://www.racingmuseum.org/- Lifestyles of Saratoga https://lifestylesofsaratoga.com/- Impressions of Saratoga https://www.impressionssaratoga.com/Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Festival02:55 — The Mission and Vision of the Festival05:50 — Concert Highlights and Featured Artists09:01 — The International Nature of the Festival12:00 — The Experience of Attending a Concert15:00 — The Importance of Live Music18:01 — Community Engagement and Outreach20:59 — The Healing Power of Music23:56 — Saratoga Springs: A Cultural Hub27:03 — Conclusion and Call to ActionFEATURED MEMBERS: Phinney Design Group https://phinneydesign.com/ Mostly Modern Music Festival ⁠https://mostlymodernfestival.org/ ⁠Discover Saratoga ⁠https://www.discoversaratoga.org/ ⁠Saratoga Living⁠https://saratogaliving.com/ ⁠Bright Sighted Media https://brightsighted.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 plan future summer concerts and activities. And don’t forget to grab some Ben & Jerry’s as the weather heats up!Introduction and Event Highlights – 03:01Rory McIlroy's Historic Masters Win – 06:06Coachella and Celebrity Performances – 09:03Katy Perry's Space Adventure – 11:45Tina Fey's Potential Retirement – 15:01Upcoming Events in Saratoga County – 17:58Mother's Day Traditions and Reflections – 21:05Summer Events and Concerts – 24:01MacKenzie’s Hot Take - Ben & Jerry’s – 27:30FEATURED BUISNESSES:Saratoga Performing Arts https://spac.org/ Saratoga Artshttps://www.saratoga-arts.org/ Opera Saratoga https://www.operasaratoga.org/Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. The conversation also touches on dining experiences, family-friendly activities, and the vibrant brewery culture in the area.TIMECODES:00:00 Welcome and Local Updates03:10 New Businesses and Innovations in Saratoga06:03 Cultural Events and Entertainment08:52 Summer Excitement and Community Vibes11:55 Dining and Culinary Experiences14:58 Family-Friendly Activities and Brewery CultureThe episode is sponsored by Phinney Design Group. Want to be featured? Contact [email protected] more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 and the deep human-horse bond, this episode is packed with passion, insight, and excitement. Discover upcoming events, learn about the future of thoroughbred racing, and hear powerful stories about the therapeutic power of horses and caring for retired racehorses.Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the sport, this episode will spark your love for the vibrant culture of horse racing!This episode is brought to you by: Phinney Design Group FEATURED MEMBERS: - Discover Saratoga https://www.discoversaratoga.org/ - Saratoga Living https://saratogaliving.com/ - Wandering Food Dude [email protected]://www.facebook.com/wanderingfooddude/ - Saratoga Bread Basket https://saratogabreadbasket.com/- Saratoga Water https://www.saratogawater.com/- The Bunker https://getinthebunker.golf/ - SPAC - Saratoga Performing Arts Center https://spac.org/ - Pantry Hill & Saratoga Tea and Honey https://www.pantryhill.com/https://www.saratogateaandhoney.com/ - Artisanal Brew Works https://artisanalbrewworks.com/ - Adirondack Winery https://www.adirondackwinery.com/ - Saratoga Springs Lions Club & Canfield Casino https://www.saratogaspringslions.com/https://www.saratoga-springs.org/363/Canfield-Casino CHAPTERS:00:00 – Introduction to Destination Saratoga00:20 - Sponsored by Phinney Design Group 01:16 – Introduction to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame02:17 - Latest News & Events With MacKenzie & Jessie 18:32 - Interview With Cate Masterson 25:07 – 75th Anniversary Celebrations and Events30:29 – The Hall of Fame Induction Process33:10 – The Thrill of Horse Racing and Unforgettable Moments33:32 - The Coat Room Ad34:23 – Working with Majestic Creatures: Horses38:08 – The Love for Thoroughbred Racing and Its Community41:30 – Personal Memories and Traditions at the Track43:27 – Future Aspirations for the Racing Museum45:34 – Therapeutic Benefits of Horses and Community Involvement46:56 – Caring for Retired Racehorses48:38 – Legendary Races and Historical Significance51:00 – The Joy of Horse Ownership and Racing Partnerships53:29 – Learning from History: Handicapping and Betting Strategies56:12 – The Experience of Betting at the Track57:10 – Invitation to Explore the Racing Museum59:50 - MacKenzie’s Hot Take - The Coat Room 1:00:00 - Concluding RemarksLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 atmosphere that makes Café Lena a beloved landmark in Saratoga Springs. Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Caffè Lena and Its Legacy 16:33 – The Impact of Lena Spencer and Community Engagement 30:19 – The Legacy of Caffè Lena 34:00 – Innovative Live Streaming Initiatives 37:11 – Community Engagement and Support 40:21 – The Unique Caffè Lena Experience 42:18 – Personal Journeys and Connections 44:41 – Upcoming Events and Opportunities 48:44 – Engagement and Participation at Caffè LenaWebsite: https://www.caffelena.org/Discover Saratoga: https://www.discoversaratoga.org/Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 you in the loop on everything happening in town.Takeaways; Saratoga has a thriving culinary scene with new openings.Treehouse is a popular new spot in town.Community engagement is strong in Saratoga's culture.Intentional living is a key theme in local lifestyle discussions.Fashion events like Overdress to Impress are gaining popularity.Mom prom is a fun local event that attracts many attendees.Saratoga offers a variety of outdoor activities for residents and visitors.The area is known for having more restaurants per capita than many cities.Local breweries are connecting with outdoor culture and activities.Saratoga is becoming a more recognized destination for tourists.Featured Members: Discover Saratoga https://www.discoversaratoga.org/ Saratoga Livinghttps://saratogaliving.com/ Saratoga Living’s City Tavern (live cam)https://saratogaliving.com/saratoga-live-cams/ Treehousehttps://treehousebrew.com/ PDT Maison https://www.pdtmaison.com/ Speckled Pig Distillery https://www.speckledpigbrewing.com/Next Door Kitchenhttps://nextdoorkitchenandbar.com/Pizza Works https://www.pizzaworks.org/Alaturco Gyro https://www.facebook.com/alaturcogyro?mibextid=ZbWKwLLegends Sushihttps://www.legendsushi15.com/Ribbon Cafe https://www.ribboncafeny.com/Pantry Hillhttps://www.pantryhill.com/Saratoga Tea and Honey https://www.saratogateaandhoney.com/Overdress to Impress Panza’s https://www.panzasrestaurant.com/Bocage Champagne Barhttps://www.bocagechampagnebar.com/The Bunker https://getinthebunker.golf/Fillies on Phila (NEW)https://saratogaliving.com/milton-tavern-owner-bringing-fillies-on-phila-to-saratoga/Noah’s Italian Chop House (NEW)https://saratogaliving.com/siros-owner-and-chef-to-bring-new-restaurant-concept-to-43-phila-street/Familiar Creature https://www.familiarcreaturebar.com/Rheahttps://www.rhea-saratoga.com/King’s Tavern https://www.facebook.com/KingsTavernSaratoga#Saratoga Living’s City Tavern (live cam)https://saratogaliving.com/saratoga-live-cams/City Tavern https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Saratoga-City-Tavern-100063481423618/The Coat Room https://www.thecoatroom.com/Saratoga Springs Lions (Night at the Brewseum)https://www.saratogaspringslions.com/brewseum/Canfield Casino https://www.saratoga-springs.org/363/Canfield-CasinoMom Prom https://www.saratogamomprom.com/Holiday Inn Saratoga https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/saratoga-springs/sgany/hoteldetailBelmont on Broadway https://www.discoversaratoga.org/things-to-do/attractions/horse-racing/belmontonbroadway/Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 of the Saratoga restaurant scene.Send questions and suggestions to: [email protected] to our website at: www.discoversaratoga.orgFeatured Members: Slo Breath Works - https://www.slobreathworks.com/Spa Rituals Wellness - https://www.sparitualswellness.com/Sweet Mimi's - https://sweetmimiscafe.com/Rhea - https://www.rhea-saratoga.com/Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Dark Horse Mercantile. The conversation also highlights the adorable Upset, a miniature horse who serves as the mascot for the brand, showcasing the fun and personal touch that Maddie brings to her businesses.Send questions and suggestions to: [email protected] to our website at: www.discoversaratoga.orgFeatured Members: Impressions of Saratoga & Dark Horse Mercantile: https://www.impressionssaratoga.com/Violets of Saratoga: https://www.violetsofsaratoga.com/ Caroline and Main: https://carolineandmain.com/Lifestyles: https://lifestylesofsaratoga.com/Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices