“Why is Liz Bishop Always on the FALL Cover of Simply Saratoga?”

Written By Megin Potter | Randall Perry Photography

[From the Fall 2023 Showcase of Homes Magazine]

Liz Bishop has been attending the annual Saratoga Showcase of Homes since she moved to Saratoga in 2001.

For the last nine years, the Emmy-award winning CBS 6 Albany News Anchor has also helped promote the Showcase in commercials, the official tour guide - Simply Saratoga magazine, and as an emcee at the annual awards dinner.

She has toured hundreds of exceptional homes, and in 2020, hosted an hour-long virtual event, then in 2021, shared in the revelry of the 25th Anniversary celebration.

This year, Liz is again with us for the 27th Annual Saratoga Showcase of Homes as the Saratoga Builder’s Association expands into new territory with two homes in Lake George.

“The Saratoga Showcase of Homes is a spectacular fall tradition in our area, now celebrating 27 years! Fortunately, Liz Bishop has become the face of our event, providing her passion for our organization, new construction, and helping us to give back to our community,” said Barry Potoker, Executive Director of the Saratoga Builder’s Association, and co-chair of the Saratoga Showcase of Homes.

“Liz is so genuine and locally recognizable, giving us an amazing endorsement in support of this premiere new home tour - and so much fun to work with! She graciously emcees our awards dinner and celebration each year, and we are so very grateful. We applaud her dedication and commitment to our mission. Thank you, Liz!”

People often ask, “Why, Liz?”

“I just love this event –the beautiful homes, the practical ideas I take away from them, driving around from house to house in the nice fall weather, and just being around lots of people who are as excited about it as I am,” she said.

“For me, the overriding value of the Showcase - in addition to seeing and experiencing the beautiful homes,” she added, “Is that it benefits two great charities; Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties; and Rebuilding Together Saratoga County.

“I know there are a lot of people who have been on as many tours as I have, so I am especially grateful to be the one who gets to be directly involved with the Showcase - the photo shoot, the video, and most of all, the really great people who are connected to it.”

Building Experience

There’s audible “oohing” and “aahing” as Liz and her friends tour together on the first day, discussing the innovative products, beautiful décor, creative design, impeccable construction, and professional craftsmanship.

Ever the trailblazer, Liz finishes out the tour on her own, taking it all in, and making friends along the way.

“I study everything when I go into these homes. There is nothing I miss,” she said. “I’m constantly asking, ‘What can I learn? What can I borrow? What will work for me?”

Putting It All to Good Use

In addition to using what she learns in her Saratoga home, Liz utilizes discoveries in the little lake home she recently purchased.

Renovations have included updating the heating and cooling systems, installing durable (yet luxurious!) vinyl plank flooring, a new kitchen and bath, and new windows.

“By going on the tour, I’ve been exposed to vendors I otherwise would not have known about and to materials I didn’t know existed,” she said.

The pride these craftsmen take in their work is evident.

“These really are works-of-art that these builders have created. I love art. I’m a great fan. Each one of these houses I go into, I am just awed by the skill and creativity. I’m really wowed by the imagination that goes into each one – from the color selection to the beautiful floors they put in, to the kitchens that just knock your socks off – these builders have given it everything they’ve got.”

Experience Hits Home

When the pandemic made home tours impossible, the Saratoga Showcase of Homes went virtual. The loss of the special feeling that comes from opening the door, putting those blue paper booties on, and appreciating these homes together, was felt by all.

“The virtual tour drove that home because I felt a loss, everybody felt a loss, because they were missing that personal experience - getting to touch and see in person what’s been done,” said Liz.

“Because of that,” she continued, “I give a lot of credit to everyone involved, who did the absolutely best they could to still give a real sense of what the homes were like and to keep the Showcase tradition alive.”

In the hour-long special, Liz sat down with builders as they led us through the homes, which despite the challenges faced by the industry in 2020, were all spectacular!

Luckily… we’re back in person. See you on the tour!

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