Is the "90s Summer" making a comeback?

In this episode of Off Track Saratoga, Noel and Zac talk about slowing life down, letting kids be kids, and why an unstructured summer might be exactly what families/ all people need.

Noel shares stories from the Jersey Shore, a commercial-grade waterslide that almost took over her front porch, and the joys (and occasional hornet stings) of raising two adventurous boys. Zac reflects on finding balance, rediscovering free time, and why adults might need a little "90s Summer" too.

Then it's time for the debut of a brand-new Off Track Saratoga game:

🎙️ Local or Tourist?

We hit the streets of downtown Saratoga Springs during racing season to see if we can tell who's local and who's just visiting. Some guesses are spot-on... others are hilariously wrong.

In this episode:

☀️ Why the "90s Summer" trend is taking off

🌊 The great waterslide debate

🐝 Surviving a hornet sting

🛶 Summer in Saratoga, Lake George, and the Jersey Shore

🎠 Saratoga Race Course tips—including why breakfast at the track is underrated

🎤 The very first edition of Local or Tourist

If you've ever spent a summer in Saratoga—or just miss the carefree summers of childhood—this one's for you.

New episodes every Tuesday.

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Welcome back! Season 2 of Off Track Saratoga is officially underway, and Noel and Zac are kicking things off from the porch of the National Racing Hall of Fame with two of Saratoga's most recognizable voices—the Saratoga Buglers, Tony and Carson Gambaro.

Every racing day, thousands of fans hear their iconic "Call to the Post," but few know the incredible father-son story behind the tradition.

In this episode, we talk about:

🎺 How they unexpectedly became the Saratoga Buglers after the legendary Sam the Bugler

🏇 What it's like performing before every race at Saratoga Race Course

🎶 Their favorite songs to surprise fans with—including Eminem, Careless Whisper, Mission Impossible, and more

👨‍👦 What it's like sharing one of Saratoga's most cherished traditions as a father and son

🎤 Behind-the-scenes stories from Travers Day, Belmont, birthdays, celebrity encounters, and unforgettable moments around the track

Plus, we're introducing a brand-new "Porch Sittin'" series, where we'll be recording from some of Saratoga's most iconic front porches all season long.

If you love Saratoga Springs, horse racing, local history, or simply great stories, this is the perfect way to kick off Season 2.

🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday.

Be sure to subscribe, follow, download, and leave a review—it helps us reach even more listeners throughout the Capital Region and beyond.

Follow us on Instagram: @offtracktalk

#SaratogaSprings #SaratogaRaceCourse #Saratoga #HorseRacing #SaratogaBuglers #CallToThePost #NYRA #Travers #OffTrackSaratoga #CapitalRegion #Podcast

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Scallions may be gone, but something exciting is taking its place.

In the Season 1 Finale of the pod, Noel and Zac go Off Track with local restaurateur Ronnie Solevo for an exclusive first look inside The Pearl, the highly anticipated seafood restaurant and raw bar opening at the former Scallions location on Lake Avenue.

Ronnie shares the inspiration behind the concept, how fresh oysters and seafood make their way from the coast to Saratoga in as little as 12–18 hours, and why this project feels like the most authentic expression of who he is. We talk restaurant design, preserving the spirit of Scallions, creating a space that feels both coastal and Saratoga, and some of the surprises guests can expect when The Pearl opens later this year.

Follow @thepearlsaratoga for updates and get ready to discover Saratoga's newest gem.

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Noel and Zac go Off Track with Saratoga Living fashion editor Tiina Loite for a funny, honest, and relatable conversation about fashion, confidence, and personal style.

From The Devil Wears Prada 2 and quiet luxury to Saratoga track fashion, denim struggles, athleisure, vintage shopping, and finding your style through different stages of life — nothing is off limits.

Plus: strong opinions on Crocs, socks with sandals, white after Labor Day, department stores, and why “getting dressed” still matters. Follow, rate, and subscribe for new episodes every week!

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The weather has been all over the place, but Saratoga summer is finally around the corner — and we’re kicking things off with a FIRST LOOK at the newly reimagined Adelphi Gardens courtyard at the The Adelphi Hotel. 🌿🥂

In this episode, Noel and Zac settle in fireside to talk about:

• The return of one of Saratoga’s most nostalgic hidden gems
• The big reveal during Belmont week and the return of live music
• What they’re most looking forward to this summer in Saratoga
• Lake George days, porch season, and elite Saratoga people-watching spots 👀
• Motherhood, grief, family traditions, and the complicated emotions surrounding Mother’s Day

Plus: Zac shares the touching story behind a new tattoo honoring his late mother, and the duo announce a fun cocktail “treasure hunt” around downtown Saratoga.

It’s funny, heartfelt, nostalgic, and the perfect listen to get you ready for summer in Saratoga Springs.

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This week on Off-Track Saratoga, Noel & Zac sit down with Michael Panza of Panza's Restaurant to celebrate 88 years of one of Saratoga’s most iconic family restaurants.

Michael shares stories from generations in the business—from opening the doors at age five to serving legends like Frank Sinatra, Liberace, Walter Cronkite (just to name a few)—and what it takes to keep a legacy restaurant thriving for nearly a century.

We also talk Saratoga’s evolving dining scene, hospitality, and the power of a family-run businesses in a rapidly changing town.

Plus, new head chef Elliot Vogel joins the conversation. He's ushering in a new era at Panza’s with a fresh spring menu featuring local ingredients, seasonal dishes, and a modern take on classic favorites.

We also hear from guests experiencing the new menu and lively supper club atmosphere firsthand.

A celebration of history, food, music, and the future of a Saratoga staple—don’t miss Panza’s 88th anniversary on May 15th.

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Are we approaching youth sports the right way?

This week, Noel and Zac head to Troy, NY to sit down with Team USA Coach Joe Uccellini—owner of Curby Training Center and a respected leader in youth athlete development.

From coaching beginners to working with state champions and international-level athletes, Joe shares his perspective on building confidence, handling pressure, and creating an environment where kids can truly thrive.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Why fun and freedom are critical for long-term success
• The pressure parents (often unintentionally) put on their kids
• How to help young athletes handle losses and setbacks
• Why early success doesn’t always predict future success
• The growth of girls wrestling and its impact on youth sports

Plus, Zac and Noel learn a wrestling move, Joe shares his path to becoming a coach, and we dive into what keeps kids coming back to sports year after year.

Whether you’re a parent, coach, or just navigating youth sports, this episode offers a smarter, healthier way to think about it.

New episodes weekly. Sometimes we’re on track, sometimes we go a little off—but it’s always worth the listen.

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Ready for takeoff? ✈️

In this episode of Off-Track Saratoga Podcast, we’re bringing you inside one of the Capital Region’s most unique new destinations—Sunset at Saratoga, the brand-new restaurant located inside the Saratoga County Airport.

Hosts Noel McLaren and Zac Denham sit down with owner Mike Speranza, and local creator Pat Fleming (aka the “local diner guy”) to talk about how they're creating a family-friendly dining experience at the airport that's open to everyone.

From scratch-made food and locally sourced ingredients to fresh-brewed Big Black Coffee and unbeatable runway views, this spot is redefining what it means to “go out to eat” in Saratoga.

This episode dives into:

• The story behind bringing Sunset at Saratoga to life
• Why this restaurant is filling a major gap in the Milton/Saratoga community
• The power of supporting local—from coffee to cuisine
• And how this space blends nostalgia, family, and a one-of-a-kind aviation experience

Whether you’re planning a laid-back family outing, a date night with a view, or just want to watch planes take off with a cocktail in hand—this is one destination you don’t want to miss.

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