Author: cass

The Best Weekend Trip to Cooperstown

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Enjoy a special weekend trip to Cooperstown. Here, there’s so much to do. From spending time on Otsego Lake to exploring museums, biking and hiking trails, breweries, local festivals, and Glimmerglass State Park, in Cooperstown there’s always something fun going on. 

 

What to do on a Weekend Trip to Cooperstown 

 

Glimmerglass State Park 

Glimmerglass State Park offers so many opportunities for recreational fun, all year long. Overlooking Otsego Lake, enjoy a picnic on the beach, fish in the vast body of water, or hike along the trails. Visit historic Hyde Hall and learn about the construction, decline and resurrection of the majestic 50 room country house. In the mansion see “the finest two rooms built in a private home in America prior to 1840” and marvel at the many original furnishings. Guided tours available.  

 

Cooperstown Museums 

From establishments that house groundbreaking pieces of art to those that celebrate Cooperstown’s rural heritage, here you’ll find several museums to visit. As one of the country’s oldest outdoor living history museums, The Farmer’s Museum showcases rural life as it once was in 1845 in Otsego County. Fenimore Art Museum is home to beautiful art with a focus on American folk art and American Indian artwork. It’s also home to historic letters exchanged by Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. 

 

Glimmerglass Festival 

Celebrating the musical arts, the Glimmerglass Festival occurs every summer with musicals and opera performances. The festival is hosted at the beautiful Alice Busch Opera Theater near the northern part of Otsego Lake. Patrons have a thrilling experience at these unique concerts and enjoy the opportunity to meet fellow art enthusiasts as well. 

 

Brewery Ommegang 

Brewery Ommegang is an authentic Belgian-style farmstead brewery located on an old 140-acre hop farm. Visit Café Ommegang for unique beer and cider, plus delicious food from the Ommegang kitchen. You can also take a guided tour and tasting. Don’t forget to attend one of their concerts during your trip! 

 

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown 

Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of town, only 1 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown and Otsego Lake. 

Outside, our front porch is the ideal place to enjoy a glass of wine or beer and relax in our signature rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for some much need rest and more relaxation. Recharge for another day of exploring in Cooperstown, NY. 

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown! Book your weekend trip to Cooperstown now.

Everything to Know About the Cooperstown Winter Carnival

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The small-town charm of Cooperstown entirely comes to life once the snow begins to fall in wintertime. Visitors can ice-skate around the serenity of Ostego Lake, snowshoe in the vast winter wonderland, and so much more. For 55 years, a weekend of unforgettable winter fun can be had at the Cooperstown Winter Carnival. This carnival hosts a variety of activities, ranging from dazzling fireworks shows and thrilling 5K/10K races. There’s something for everyone during this exciting time of year. You don’t want to miss out on the Cooperstown Winter Carnival!

Cooperstown Winter Carnival Fun

Fun for all is to be had during the carnival! The carnival kicks off with an evening of delicious hot cocoa and a dazzling firework show. Throughout the weekend, fun opportunities for bowling, movie nights, and a unique quilt show can be enjoyed indoors. For those looking for some carnival fun outdoors, visitors can lace up their ice skates and hit the rink or join in on the fun at the sledding party.

Getting to Know the Cooperstown Community

The Cooperstown Winter Carnival hosts opportunities for fun and a chance to meet the incredible locals. The Bob Smullens 5K/10K Race takes place during the carnival and is perfect for jumping into your running shoes and racing with the Cooperstown community. After the race, you can cool down or warm up with locals at Cooperstown Beverage Exchange and meet the courageous Cooperstown fire department, law enforcement, and EMS.

Cooperstown Carnival Cuisine

After taking on the excitement of the carnival activities, you probably worked up an appetite! Soup and chili dinners will be hosted during the chilly carnival night, and hearty pancake breakfasts will be available each morning. In addition, the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market will be occurring, and you can meet the local farmers and sample their delicious produce.

Winter Carnival Craft Bazaar & Other Shopping

The winter carnival offers an excellent opportunity for a wintery shopping spree in the downtown Cooperstown area. There are many unique shopping experiences, including sweets for sale, the Winter Carnival Craft Bazaar, and thrifting experiences that help a good cause.

 Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Cooperstown, only 2 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown and Otsego Lake.

Outside, our front porch is the idyllic place to enjoy a glass of delicious wine or beer while you relax on one of our rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for the night and enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfortable surroundings that await you.

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown! Book now for your next getaway.

The Best Breweries in Cooperstown to Try

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When visiting Cooperstown, you have unique craft beer flavors to sip on throughout the historic town. Award-winning microbrews surround the area, all waiting for you to try after a long day visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame or Glimmerglass State Park. You don’t want to miss out; try these incredible beer-tasting experiences at the breweries in Cooperstown during your next stay!

Council Rock Brewery

Good food and brews go hand in hand at Council Rock Brewery. Located right down the road from Baseball Village, you can experience their expansive beer list and even dessert after dinner. Tastings of their brews from the taproom are also available and are a terrific way to learn about their crafting process!

Red Shed Brewery

Red Shed Brewery strives to heighten the Cooperstown experience for all who visit. Enjoy one of their twenty taps out on the patio and take in the beautiful views of the country in the distance. Beer is also available to buy to-go. Grab some growlers and enjoy a cozy night in your hotel room!

Cooperstown Brewing Company

Cooperstown Brewing Company is the brewery to visit for baseball lovers! This microbrewery specializes in crafting beers perfect for satisfying your thirst in the atmosphere of America’s Favorite Pastime. Head over to their brewpub and sample their excellent ales and lagers.

Brewery Ommegang

Utilizing real ingredients, Brewery Ommegang stands out against other craft brewers in Cooperstown. The crafting team brings flavors from Belgium into each beer from their farmhouse brewery. Their brewery is a family and pet-friendly spot providing a great day filled with exploring their production location and trying out their many flavors.

The Inn at Cooperstown is collaborating with Brewery Ommegang for the ultimate beer enthusiasts’ getaway! Our Bed and Brew Package includes two nights at the inn, transportation to Brewery Ommegang, a multi-course, gourmet beer and food pairing dinner, and more!

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Cooperstown, only 1 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown and Otsego Lake.

Outside, our front porch is the idyllic place to enjoy a glass of delicious wine or beer while you relax on one of our rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for the night and enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfortable surroundings that await you.

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown! Book now for your next getaway.

How to Celebrate the Holiday Season in Cooperstown

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The weather is getting chillier, and winter is right around the corner in Cooperstown! Colder weather brings new opportunities for our little town, especially during the holidays. The clouds are beginning to form snow, downtown Cooperstown illuminates with thousands of twinkling lights, and it all brings a sense of magic during the season. Get bundled up and discover the holiday season in Cooperstown, New York!

Santa Claus Express

The old-timey atmosphere of Cooperstown entirely comes to life during the holiday season. Starting November 26, you can feast your eyes on all the holiday wonders on the Santa Claus Express. This tour takes you through Cooperstown’s beautiful nature, with Christmas music softly playing on the train while you enjoy the company of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Cherry Valley Holiday Weekend

From December 2-4, head to Cherry Valley to enjoy their Holiday Weekend Market. The market will host the perfect opportunity to find the unique present made by local craft makers. Hand-crafted items such as jewelry, dining essentials, and fantastic art will be available from the shops, artisans, and restaurants.

Otsego County Fair Holiday of Lights

The Otsego County Fair Holiday of Lights has been a holiday tradition near Cooperstown for years! Starting December 9, enjoy a magical evening filled with dazzling holiday activities and other fun activities in the fairgrounds while it glows in vibrant and colorful lights.

Holiday Lantern Tours

Starting December 3, bask in the holiday glow at the Farmer’s Museum. The Holiday Lantern Tour’s magnificence heightens the historical building with beautiful Christmas decorations and displays. Tour guides will share the unique history of the December holidays in upstate New York.

A Christmas Carol at the Farmer’s Museum

Each year, the Farmer’s Museum presents a theatrical performance of the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. From December 16 to 18, enjoy the story of Ebenezer Scrooge at the Louis C. Jones Center.

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Cooperstown, only 2 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown and Otsego Lake.

Outside, our front porch is the idyllic place to enjoy a glass of delicious wine or beer while you relax on one of our rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for the night and enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfortable surroundings that await you.

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown! Book now for your next getaway.

Our Favorite Fall Activities in Cooperstown

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Autumn always brings fall colors, crisp weather, and fun times to Central New York. Many believe there isn’t much to do in the area as snowfall approaches, but fall in Cooperstown has much in store for those who visit! Summer crowds have died down, giving you an excellent opportunity to explore the small town’s beauty at your leisure. We know the best way to celebrate the new season if you’re headed this way for autumn. Discover it all with these fall activities in Cooperstown!

Leaf Peeping

The vibrant green leaves among the trees turn to beautiful golden hues as Fall approaches. Many visitors gather in Cooperstown to do their leaf-peeping, and we know where to take in the fall colors! Throughout October, the Charlotte Valley Railroad is hosting Fall Foliage Excursions. Hop on one of the historic trains and take in the autumn beauty surrounding the Susquehanna River Valley.

Fall Fishing

You have an excellent opportunity for an autumn getaway and take on the Ostego Lake waters with some fall fishing! The calmer waters bring largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, and yellow perch to the shore, and the area becomes an angler’s paradise.

A Trip to the Brewery

Spend some time in the crisp fall weather with a stop at one of the great breweries in the area! Fly Creek Cider Mill is home to a historic orchard that brews delicious hard apple cider and wine. Head over to their taproom and sample unique flavors like their apple cranberry wine and apple raspberry cider.

Wildlife Watching

Fall is the prime time to see local wildlife scurry about in Cooperstown! Bird watchers should especially have their eyes peeled. Central New York is home to many bird species, and you’re likely to see them when exploring the local nature. Take a trip to the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Sanctuary and spot home hawks and other wildlife.

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of town, only 1 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown and Otsego Lake.

Outside, our front porch is the idyllic place to enjoy a glass of wine or beer while you relax on one of our rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for the night and enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfortable surroundings that await you.

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown! Book now for your next getaway.

A Guide to Bike Trails in Cooperstown

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group of bicyclists riding on cooperstown road

There is a vast amount of nature to explore while visiting Cooperstown. The rural roads are filled with scenic sights of hills, forests, and farmland. One of the best ways to take in all this serene countryside is to hop on your bike for a ride! The miles of bike trails in Cooperstown are nestled in the gorgeous state parks and right on the main rural roads. Strap on your helmet and get ready to peddle towards adventure! 

Clark Tower Trail

South of Ostego Lake is the Clark Tower Trail. This trail is a 3.6-mile loop perfect for mountain biking and immersing yourself in forestlands and historic sights in Cooperstown. Ride along the vibrant green nature and make sure to stop and admire the beautiful Clark Tower nestled in the wooded area.

Star Field Trail

Star Field Trail is 3.7 miles of beautiful fields and wooded areas to peddle your mountain bike through. The end of the trail leads to a breathtaking pond area, making it perfect for a spot to rest after a great ride.

Sleeping Lion Trail

While you can mountain bike through the Sleeping Lion Trail in Glimmerglass State Park, you can also bike along the street that passes by it. Start your ride at Springfield Center and travel east to access Sleeping Lion. You’ll also get to see beautiful views of the north end of Ostego Lake on this ride as well!

Route 80 to Ostego Lake

For a ride that will guarantee sights of all that Cooperstown has to offer, start your ride at The Inn at Cooperstown and head north to Route 80. You’ll be on the west side of Ostego Lake and pass by everything from Fenimore Art Museum, the Farmers’ Museum, and the Glimmerglass Festival Opera House.

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of town, only 1 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown and Otsego Lake.

Outside, our front porch is the idyllic place to enjoy a glass of wine or beer while you relax on one of our rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for the night and enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfortable surroundings that await you.

You also have a spot to store your bike over at the Big Ring Bicycle Club. Fill up your tires with air, clean off some dirt from a rough ride, and unwind with a snack and water.

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown! Book now for your next getaway.

Five Cooperstown Museums to Visit in 2022

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Art is always within arm’s reach while exploring Cooperstown, New York. From historical architecture to dozens of beautiful art museums and exhibits, there’s so much to discover. While the art culture is incredibly strong, it is also evolving. The various Cooperstown museums provide an opportunity to appreciate art and history in a new way.

Fenimore Art Museum

Immerse yourself in the world of American folk and Indian art at Fenimore Art Museum. Not only can you take in the diverse beauty of that art, but photography and art from the 20th century are on display as well. Starting September 17, Elliot Erwitt’s photography will be a part of a new exhibition, showcasing snapshots from the 1950s.

The Smithy

If you’re looking to explore unique art in Cooperstown, take a visit to The Smithy. Explore three floors of paintings, photography, and other artwork by local and regional artists.

The Farmers’ Museum

The Farmer’s Museum provides an in-depth look at the rural culture founded in the Cooperstown area. The artifacts and history within the museum teach the importance of how rural heritage shapes the country and has been running as a working farm since 1813. The museum opened its doors in 1944 and displays over 23,000 artifacts.

Cooperstown Art Association

The Cooperstown Art Association is a haven for all unique crafted by local artists and craftsmen. Their exhibits are constantly rotating, providing you with a unique visit. They also host art sales on their lawn as well throughout the year. If you happen to be in town during Fine Arts on the Lawn, you’ll be able to take a gorgeous piece of art home!

Hyde Hall

Located right off the shore of Ostego Lake, Hyde Hall is a neo-classical mansion that allows you to travel to the past with its rich history. The mansion houses 50 rooms, all furnished with antique furniture and other adornments within the historical architecture.

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of town, only 1 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown and Otsego Lake.

Outside, our front porch is the idyllic place to enjoy a glass of wine or beer while you relax on one of our rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for the night and enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfortable surroundings that await you.

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown! Book now and help us continue our mission to be green.

The History of Baseball in Cooperstown

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Teams compete in an afternoon baseball game.

Cooperstown is less than two months away from hosting the 2022 Induction Ceremony at The National Baseball Hall of Fame. Each year, a summer weekend is dedicated to celebrating the induction of esteemed legends into the Hall of Fame. For 80 years, the center has carried this tradition and preserved the history of America’s Pastime in Cooperstown. The town has its own history, but its origins with baseball make it richer!

How The Hall of Fame was Founded

Within the picturesque town of Cooperstown, Major General Abner Doubleday reportedly invented baseball in 1839. For years, there was no answer as to how baseball was formed until the Spalding Commission’s research concluded Doubleday created the game. It has been debated if Doubleday was the true inventor and if Cooperstown was the real home of the game, but the legacy continued to keep the village town its birthplace, and discovered artifacts gave it more proof. Nearly 100 years later, The National Baseball Hall of Fame was established to celebrate and preserve the sport’s history. Iconic players such as Babe Ruth were the first to be inducted, and the Hall of Fame was then opened to the public for visit. Thousands of baseball fans gathered to celebrate the first Hall of Fame induction, and the tradition has continued through today.

The Continuing Legacy

Continuing their efforts to preserve and educate, The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum still provides thousands of visitors with an interesting and unique experience of learning about the sport each year. The museum is home to preserved relics, baseball uniforms from years past, and 250,000 photographs depicting the game’s ongoing evolution. The grounds of the area are also just as memorable to explore compared to the historic hall, especially taking a stroll through Cooperstown. The Hall of Fame has remained on Main Street surrounded by the small-town charm of the nearby shops, and the historic Inn at Cooperstown.

Hotels near the National Baseball Hall of Fame

Looking for accommodations near the National Baseball Hall of Fame? Look no further than the cozy bed and breakfast at The Inn at Cooperstown. Our historic inn is located only one and a half blocks from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, making it an easy walk from our property.

Our luxurious inn provides guests with plush yet comfortable surroundings, complimentary breakfast, and friendly staff who is ready to make your weekend memorable. Book your stay today!

Travel with a Stay at a Green Hotel in Cooperstown

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The blue waters of Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, New York, on a sunny summer day with cumulus clouds in the sky, photographed near a dock.

Sustaining a business with greener initiatives is something we take very seriously here at The Inn at Cooperstown. Working alongside the Otsego County Land Trust Green Lodging Program, we work hard to be a green hotel in Cooperstown. We strive to conserve our home in the Otsego and Upper Susquehanna River region so visitors can have a clean and safe environment to unwind in! It really can be easy to be green, read on to learn about our eco-friendly initiatives.

Our Work with The Otsego Land Trust

The Ostego Land Trust is driven to conserve the beautiful nature surrounding us in the area. They work to keep the waters clean and keep rural communities sustainable. Each time a reservation is made at The Inn at Cooperstown, a $2 donation to the organization is included. We never want to lose the beauty of our backyard in Cooperstown, and the Ostego Land Trust is there to guarantee we never will.

Waste Reduction

Excessive waste is a leading cause of overflowing landfills. Waste reduction is crucial in eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and giving us a cleaner atmosphere. We work to reduce waste by diligent recycling, more paperless efforts, and donating excessive toiletries and food.

Energy Efficiency

Reducing the demand for fossil fuels is another important step in creating an eco-friendlier environment. We are partnered with Tesla to accommodate guests with electric vehicles, providing them with a charging station upon arrival. We utilize compact fluorescent lights to illuminate our entire property to conserve energy. All our heating and cooling systems are coordinated with energy-saving features, including energy-saving thermostats in each room.

Sustainable Sourcing:

The Inn at Cooperstown is proud to serve food and beverages locally sourced within our area. Our buffet-style breakfast is cooked up with ingredients all derived from businesses all in Cooperstown, and we hold an ethical purchasing policy as well.

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of town, only 1 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown and Otsego Lake.

Outside, our front porch is the idyllic place to enjoy a glass of wine or beer while you relax on one of our rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for the night and enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfortable surroundings that await you.

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown! Book now and help us continue our mission to be green.

How to Experience the Arts in Cooperstown

Posted on | by cass

Cooperstown is a diverse melting pot of many cultural events, attractions, and historical treasures, making it one of the best places to discover the arts. Whether you’re looking to see a show or a world-class art exhibition, here’s how you can experience the arts in Cooperstown!

Fenimore Art Museum

The Fenimore Art Museum rests on the shores of Otsego Lake in an elegant 1930’s neo-Georgian mansion. It showcases the heritage and history of America through its permanent and rotating art exhibits. The beautiful museum houses some of the most impressive collections of American landscapes, genre paintings, American folk art, photography, and American Indian art. Take in the views of Otsego Lake from their dining outdoor terrace!

The Smithy Gallery

Sitting inside the oldest building in Cooperstown, the Smithy Gallery houses three floors of exhibition space showcasing a variety of works by local and regional artists and craftsmen. The Smithy Clay Studio, located behind the original building, is a year-round workspace where they hold pottery classes and workshops for all skill levels.

Hyde Hall

While not an art museum or gallery, Hyde Hall is one of the most beautiful representations of neoclassic country mansions in America. Step inside the national historic landmark and explore the house with its nearly 50 rooms and stunning architectural details. Bring your picnic lunch to enjoy on the lawn as you take in the unspoiled view of Otsego Lake. The gorgeous scenery inspired George Clarke to choose this site Hyde Hall two hundred years ago! Open mid-May through October.

The Cooperstown Art Association

The Cooperstown Art Association was formed in 1928 by a group of six professional artists to serve and maintain interest in the arts within the community of Cooperstown. In addition to an extensive exhibit schedule, the Cooperstown Art Association offers interactive art classes and workshops along with an ongoing figure drawing class. They also host an array of special events including Spring Cleaning-Art Bazaar, Fine Arts on the Lawn, The Pumpkin Glow, and The Adorn-A-Door Wreath Festival.

Glimmerglass Festival

Representing more of the performing arts, the Glimmerglass Festival is one of the best ways to experience the artistic culture in Cooperstown. Featuring four new fully staged productions, including three operas and one work of American musical theater, all are performed with a full orchestra and a large cast. In addition, other special performances such as concerts, lectures, and symposiums are held throughout the season as well.

The Art Garage

The Art Garage is a pop-up gallery space that offers free art displays to area visitors and residents for the past five years. Located inside a three-bay garage, each gallery is the size of a one-bay stall, filled with rotating shows of contemporary art during the summer months. It’s a great way to discover the latest local artists in Cooperstown!

Stay at Inn at Cooperstown

Cap off your dive into the arts with a stay at The Inn at Cooperstown. Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of town, only 1 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown, Hyde Hall, Fenimore Art Museum, and Otsego Lake, making it easy to experience the arts in Cooperstown.

Outside, our front porch is the idyllic place to enjoy a glass of wine or beer while you relax on one of our rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for the night and enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfortable surroundings that await you.

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown!