BALLSTON SPA — All Things Gluten-Free, a Ballston Spa-based bakery, has reached the top 5 of a national “Greatest Baker” competition.

“This journey is a tribute to my late father,” said Shannon Welch, the bakeshop’s owner. “He was my biggest supporter, and I bake every batch in his memory.” 

Welch is competing to win $10,000 to build a “backyard bake shed” to expand her business, while also raising money for childhood cancer research.

To learn more or to vote for All Things Gluten-Free in future rounds of the competition, visit https://greatestbaker.org//shannon-welch-ebvo.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Gaffney’s building on Caroline Street in downtown Saratoga Springs has been sold for $3.5 million, Roohan Realty announced on New Year’s Eve.

The property was purchased by an LLC controlled by Scott and Kristine Grodsky. The new owners have already begun repairs and improvements to bring the building up to code for residential tenants. Gaffney’s is expected to reopen this spring under new ownership.

With foreclosure underway, the property’s bills were “piling up” and the building needed attention, Roohan stated in a news release.

In May of 2024, Gaffney’s was initially listed for $4.6 million. 

The property, built in 1967, includes commercial space and ten rental apartments.

STILLWATER — Local land trust Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) recently announced the permanent conservation of 41 acres of land known as Tanner Ridge Farm, located in the Town of Stillwater. 

The property, currently owned and operated as an equine boarding and training facility by Katie Ogden and Matthew Harris, will now remain agricultural land forever through a conservation easement which will be held by the Town of Stillwater.

Tanner Ridge is located adjacent to Questroyal North Farm, which was conserved by Saratoga PLAN late last year. These two properties, along with the neighboring Saratoga Battlefield National Park, encompass more than 4,500 acres of conserved land.

The farm sits within Saratoga County’s Agricultural District No. 1, which includes the towns of Moreau, Northumberland, Saratoga, Stillwater, and Wilton. Established under New York State’s Agricultural Districts Law of 1971, these districts are designed to encourage the continuation of agriculture.

In addition to its agricultural value, the conservation easement preserves the area’s scenic views. The project protects views from Saratoga Battlefield National Park, as well as from nearby roadways. The farm’s red barns, visible along New York State Route 423, are a feature of the landscape. 

“The land is beautiful here,” said landowner Katie Ogden. “I know that most of the surrounding farms leading to the battlefield are now conserved in some way. As the area grows, I have peace of mind knowing that this land will remain undeveloped. Growth is a good thing, but so is conservation. It’s a balance, really. It was very important to me that if I moved on, this place would remain farmland.”

Tanner Ridge also provides environmental benefits. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the property contains habitat with the potential to support monarch butterflies, bald and golden eagles, 19 species of migratory birds, and wetland ecosystems.

The conservation of Tanner Ridge Farm marks a major milestone for Saratoga PLAN, as it becomes the 33rd farm protected by the nonprofit conservation organization since its founding in 2003. 

“Saratoga PLAN is proud to have been able to work with the town of Stillwater to help Katie and Matthew conserve their beautiful farm and ensure the land continues to provide all the environmental, economic, and community benefits for generations to come,” said Rob Davies, Saratoga PLAN’s executive director.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mouzon House—a Victorian-style home that more recently served as a farm-to-table restaurant—has been listed by Julie & Co. Realty for $1.75 million.

A year ago, the restaurant announced that it was entering into a “new chapter,” deciding to no longer have regular restaurant hours but instead focusing on its Supper Club, a reservation-only dining experience available on select dates.

“After many years of pouring our hearts into running this restaurant, we’ve made the decision to shift gears and reimagine how we connect with you, our amazing community,” the restaurant said in a statement released in Jan. 2025. “This hasn’t been an easy decision. The restaurant business is a tough one, and after much thought, we realized it was time for a change—one that allows us to continue sharing our passion for food in a way that feels special and sustainable.”

The Mouzon House property at 1 York Street is 2,968 square feet but can expand to around 4,500 square feet of usable space during warmer months.

“The building offers intimate spaces throughout, from the garden area to private dining rooms,” states the listing. “Fireplaces, murals, and unique design at every turn.”

Originally built in 1883, the Mouzon House was purchased in 1919 by Ardel Mouzon, a Cherokee woman who fought to protect the home from demolition. The property was inherited by Ardel’s daughter Mia Mouzon, who was the first American-born woman of color to graduate from Skidmore College. The building was later purchased and restored by the Pedinotti family.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Spring Water, the increasingly popular water brand founded in Saratoga Springs in 1872, announced on Monday that WNBA and Unrivaled basketball star Skylar Diggins would be the face of its newest advertising campaign.

The first chapter of the campaign will run across TV, digital, and print media nationwide starting this week, Primo Brands announced in a press release.

“Our new campaign with Skylar, and the chapters to come later in the year, reflect Saratoga’s expansion into a broader cultural space,” said Kheri Tillman, CMO of Primo Brands. “Skylar is extraordinary on and off the court, and an ascendant figure in culture. If you could capture a perfect storm in a bottle – of talent, energy, strength and style – she’s it.”

“Saratoga is my go-to for staying hydrated while I’m on the go, and I love how that comes to life in the campaign,” Diggins said.

Following Monday’s debut of the campaign, Diggins will attend the Golden Globes, where Saratoga will return as the “official water” of the show.

In her college career, Diggins led Notre Dame to two consecutive NCAA championship appearances. She’s a 7-time WNBA All-Star, receiving the honor as recently as 2025. She also plays in Unrivaled, a three-on-three women’s basketball league created in 2023.

In March 2025, Saratoga Water went viral thanks to a social media video created by fitness influencer Ashton Hall. In the short video, Hall repeatedly dunks his face into a large bowl filled with icy Saratoga Water.

Saratoga Spring Water Co. maintains a bottling plant on Geyser Road in Saratoga Springs.

CLIFTON PARK — Mazzone Hospitality, a catering and hospitality services company based in Saratoga County, recently announced a partnership with Lake House Guest Cottages of the Berkshires, owned by builder and entrepreneur Eric Taylor. Mazzone will be the exclusive caterer and managing partner of the luxury retreat and wedding venue located in Lanesborough, Massachusetts.

“The Lake House is a one-of-a-kind, four-season retreat and wedding venue and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with Eric Taylor, a highly respected local builder and developer, to help grow this destination property,” said Vice President of Mazzone Hospitality Tim Vennard. “Having previously catered an event at the Lake House Cottages, we have always been interested in returning to the Berkshires to serve local clientele.”

Taylor built the Lake House Guest Cottages of the Berkshires in 2015-2016. The resort today largely serves as a premier weekend wedding destination for guests from across the United States and as far away as Europe, Asia, and Australia.

“My goal has been to expand our current capabilities and to elevate this beloved property into more of a year-round destination. Once I started to research Mazzone Hospitality, I was immediately impressed with their own evolution,” said Taylor. “Mazzone has built a stellar reputation for serving premier guests and properties, and I firmly believe they will be great stewards of the Lake House and a welcome addition to the local community.”

Located one hour from Albany, two hours from Boston, and minutes from Tanglewood, the all-season cottage resort is situated on Pontoosuc Lake in the foothills of the Berkshires with Mount Greylock, the highest peak in the state, as a prominent backdrop to the west. Its lodging features seven cottages, ranging from two to four bedrooms.

Mazzone Hospitality currently serves numerous venues in Saratoga Springs, including the Saratoga National Golf Club, the Hall of Springs, and the 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course.