Category: Cooperstown Arts and Culture

A First-Timer’s Guide to the Glimmerglass Festival

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

Imagine spending the morning beside Otsego Lake, exploring Cooperstown in the afternoon, and settling into your seat for an unforgettable evening of opera or musical theater. That is the magic of the Glimmerglass Festival. Running July 10 through August 17, 2026, the festival turns a single performance into a complete summer getaway.

Choose a Performance That Excites You

You do not need to be an opera expert to enjoy your first visit. Start by browsing the official 2026 Festival lineup and choose the story that interests you most.

The season includes the sweeping musical Oklahoma!, Puccini’s emotional Madame Butterfly, Mozart’s playful Così, and the contemporary opera Fellow Travelers. Families can also look for the youth opera Robin Hood and special Pavilion events. Check the performance calendar to compare dates and curtain times.

Know Where You Are Going

Performances take place at the Alice Busch Opera Theater, located at 7300 State Highway 80, about eight miles north of Cooperstown village. The rural location means driving is generally the most practical option.

Review the festival’s directions and transportation information before leaving. Parking is free, but allowing extra travel time will help you avoid rushing through summer traffic.

Arrive Early and Enjoy the Setting

Plan to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before curtain time. That gives you time to park, collect tickets, visit the restroom, explore the grounds, and settle into your seat.

The 918-seat theater sits near Otsego Lake and offers an intimate performance experience. Browse the festival’s visitor information for accessibility details, dining guidance, policies, and other planning essentials.

Wear What Makes You Comfortable

There is no formal dress requirement. You will see everything from jeans and comfortable shoes to dresses, jackets, and summer suits.

The theater is not climate-controlled, so dress for the day’s weather and bring a light layer for cooler evenings. The official festival FAQ answers common questions about clothing, parking, accessibility, and theater conditions.

Build a Cooperstown Getaway Around the Show

Arrive a day early and explore Cooperstown’s museums, shops, restaurants, and lakefront scenery. The regional Cooperstown getaway guide can help you plan visits to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Fenimore Art Museum, and other nearby attractions.

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.

The Best Weekend Trip to Cooperstown

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

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.

How to Experience the Arts in Cooperstown

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

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!

How to See the Kingfisher Tower in Cooperstown

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

There are so many unique things to see in Cooperstown, NY. One of which is the Kingfisher Tower. The mini-castle towers over the eastern shore of Otsego Lake and is one of the town’s most notable landmarks. Discover how you can see the Kingfisher Tower in Cooperstown with our guide below.

About the Kingfisher Tower

The Kingfisher Tower in Cooperstown is a 60-foot-tall mini castle built in 1876 by a man named Edward Clark. It was part of the Gothic Revival movement and was built to beautify Otsego Lake. Clark was the founder of the Singer Sewing Machine Company and used his fortune to build this mini-castle to help provide jobs during an economic downturn in addition to enhancing the landscape.

The structure is made of stone and in the beginning, came with a draw bridge and portcullis. Though this feature does not remain today, the tower still stands and is one of the more notable landmarks in Glimmerglass State Park. Its small base measures only 20 square feet, with a towering pyramid-shaped roof, plus windows adorned with stained glass and a armorial shield at its core. Because of its unique features, it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Cooperstown.

Getting to the castle

The tower is located at Point Judith, on the east side of Otsego Lake. It can only be reached by boat, as it is tucked away in the forest with a perimeter fence. It technically is located on private property of the descendants of the Singer Sewing Machine Company and Edward Clark. While you cannot access the inside of the castle, you can view it up close by way of boat or by land at Lakefront Park (located at the southernmost tip of the lake).

Hop aboard The Glimmerglass Queen’s (seasonal) boat tours. Take a tour of Otsego Lake and see Kingfisher Tower from the water. Enjoy a one-hour narrated trip around the lake while sipping on your favorite beverage from the bar. Tickets go on sale for each cruise 15 minutes prior to departure, so reservations are not necessary for normal tour times.

Lakefront Park is located on the southern shores of Otsego Lake and just a few minutes from The Inn at Cooperstown. Enjoy a relaxing stroll amongst lush greenery while taking in beautiful scenes of the lake and tower. It’s the perfect spot to easily enjoy some peace and quiet.

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

One of the best ways to see the Kingfisher Tower is by staying at The Inn at Cooperstown. We are located within a short walking distance to both Lakefront Park and The Glimmerglass Queen’s boat tours. Easily spend the day exploring the Glimmerglass Historic District, all within walking distance of your hotel room.

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

7 Reasons to Attend the Glimmerglass Film Days

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

Experience one of the more unique things to do in Cooperstown by attending the Glimmerglass Film Days. This year will be their seventh year showcasing outstanding films from around the world. Discover our reasons to attend the Glimmerglass Film Days and start planning your Cooperstown getaway today!

Film viewing

During the Glimmerglass Film Days, there are over 20 different films available for viewing. The Glimmerglass Film Days screenings and events are held throughout the town in various locations including the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Village Hall Ballroom, Fenimore Art Museum, and a few more. Be sure to check their website for exact locations and times.

More than just films

While the entire festival is centered around world-renowned films and documentaries, there are numerous other activities that take place over the weekend. Enhance your experience by attending one of the filmmaker talks, forums, art exhibits, guided walks, and workshops.

Opening night party

To kick off the festivities, the traditional opening night bash is held on the first Thursday of the film weekend. It is your chance to meet filmmakers, artists, and experts in the field. It is also a great way to start off the weekend of fast-paced and engaging film viewing. The event includes a buffet, complimentary beverage, plus a cash bar.

Free film Fridays

To get a feel for what Glimmerglass Film days are all about without costing you much, attend their free film Fridays. Stick around after the screening for a post-screening discussion with the producers of the film.

For the kids

There is even a film for the kids. The Glimmerglass Kids’ Film this year is Fantastic Mr. Fox. There is a kids’ film screening every year and is free to the public.

Around town

One of the best reasons to attend the Glimmerglass Film Days is spending time in the charming town of Cooperstown. Walk the streets of the historic downtown, soak up some nature at Otsego Lake, discover the many museums and other points of interest in the town, and more. Plus, other events like the Cooperstown East Restaurant Week and guided hikes and walks from Otsego Outdoors are planned the same weekend of the festival.

Use our guide to Cooperstown.

Stay at the Inn at Cooperstown

image of room at inn at cooperstown

Complete your weekend with a stay at The Inn at Cooperstown. Our award-winning Cooperstown, NY hotel offers unique historic charm, friendly hospitality, and an idyllic location in walking distance to downtown, the Baseball Hall of Fame, and more from our central Cooperstown location. Browse our accommodations and discover the best of Cooperstown with a stay at the Inn at Cooperstown!

Discover the History of Cooperstown, NY

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

When most people think of the history of Cooperstown, NY, they can’t help but immediately think of baseball. But there is so much more to Cooperstown than as the hometown of America’s favorite pastime.

While many visitors flock, every year, to Cooperstown to pay tribute to their favorite baseball heroes at the Baseball Hall of Fame, along the way some also discover an important piece of America’s heritage, rich in history, natural beauty, art, and architecture. Cooperstown offers more than just baseball with the Fenimore Art Museum, The Farmer’s Museum, it’s historic districts, and many other unique attractions that make it America’s best small town. Discover the history of Cooperstown, NY with these things to do on your next vacation.

Home to the famous author James Fenimore Cooper

The history of Cooperstown, NY begins with William Cooper who, through his visionary ways, founded Cooperstown in 1786. The son of William, James Fenimore Cooper, also known as America’s first internationally recognized novelist, is probably the most famous historical figure of Cooperstown. While James Fenimore may not be the most recognizable name to some, a few of his novels are well-known around the world including Last of the Mohicans, The Leatherstocking, and The Spy.

Antique engraved portrait of James Fenimore Cooper.

After much of his travels, James returned to Cooperstown and settled on his farm and land, which is now the Fenimore Art Museum. The museum currently maintains a collection of his personal artifacts from the famous novelist that visitors can view year-round.

Antique illustration of Fenimore Cooper house in Cooperstown

The National Baseball Hall of Fame

Home to Doubleday Field and The National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown is probably best known for its significant contributions to the game of baseball. Doubleday Field, originally an old cow pasture, was where locals used to play what was then called “town ball.” It is believed that a Civil War general Abner Doubleday laid out the first baseball diamond on this very field, thus the history of baseball began.

image of the baseball hall of fame

Glimmerglass Historic District

The district itself spans over 15,000 acres, which include the village of Cooperstown. Most of Cooperstown’s historical presence can be experienced by biking the scenic loop around Otsego Lake. Here visitors will pass by the Glimmerglass State Park, National Baseball Hall of Fame, Fenimore Art Museum, the Glimmerglass Festival and more. Also, discover some of the places made famous by some of Fenimore’s novels including the Sunken Island and Natty Bumppo’s Cave. 

Fly Creek Historic District

The Fly Creek Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. The area demonstrates the feel of a mid-nineteenth century village with clusters of water-powered mills along the roadside. Experience the workings of the 160-year old Fly Creek Cider Mill that presses fresh cider every year, during harvest season. 

A bit of hop history

Beer lovers unite here in Cooperstown as upstate New York has a long-standing reputation for being the leading producer of hops in the mid-1800s, at one point producing more than three million pounds annually. Crops that were grown in Otsego County were hailed as the best in America and competed against hops being produced around the world. In modern-day Cooperstown this history of hops lives on with The Farmer’s Museum annual event, Hopsego and the many breweries around town like Brewery Ommegang.

We also capture the spirit of our hop history at The Inn at Cooperstown with our bed and brew packages with Brewery Ommegang.

The historic Inn at Cooperstown

To continue your historic journey through Cooperstown, plan for a stay at The Inn at Cooperstown. Our Cooperstown Inn hotel is a historic landmark and a beautiful example of Second Empire architecture. The building’s architect, Henry J. Hardenbergh was most noted for his designs of the Dakota Apartments and the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

image of the inn at cooperstown

Discover our historic charm and character that is carried throughout the inn with unique details and furnishings in each of our rooms. We offer spacious accommodations that come with an exceptional level of comfortability and elegance. Discover the history of Cooperstown by booking your stay with us today!

Things to do in Cooperstown: More than Just Baseball

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

As spring season rolls in, so does the start of baseball season. Thoughts of sold-out crowds, home-run cheers, and ball-park hotdogs start to fill the minds of baseball-enthusiast. And for those looking to immerse themselves in the history and culture of baseball, most turn to Cooperstown, NY.

As one of the most popular things to do in Cooperstown, the baseball hall of fame is high on most any visitor’s list. But there is more to do in Cooperstown than just the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Discover these things to do in Cooperstown and uncover more than just baseball in this quaint New York town.

Cooperstown wineries, distilleries, and breweries

The town of Cooperstown has no shortage of places to get a good beer or a refreshing glass of wine. Visit local favorites such as Brewery Ommegang, Fly Creek Cider Mill, Cooperstown Distillery, and Pail Shop Winery.  Or visit them all and more along the Cooperstown Beverage Trail.

Fenimore Art Museum

Experience beauty, inside and out, at the Fenimore Art Museum. The 1930s neo-Georgian mansion is surrounded by beautiful garden grounds, while inside visitors can also view one of the nation’s finest examples of the American landscape, American folk art, and American Indian art.

The Farmer’s Museum

Experience the 19th century at one of the oldest rural life museums in the country with a visit to The Farmer’s Museum. See what rural and village life was like first-hand through demonstrations and interpretive exhibits. The museum site includes a working farmstead, a re-created historic village, the Empire State Carousel, and so much more.

Hyde Hall

A national historic landmark, Hyde Hall is a fine example of neoclassic country mansions. Visitors can explore the mansion’s nearly 50 rooms, filled with ornate furnishings and stunning architectural details, during one of the mansion’s guided tours.

Glimmerglass Festival Opera House

The Glimmerglass Festival is one of the more popular things to do in Cooperstown and attracts visitors from all over the world, each year. Combining world-class opera and musical theater, four large-scale productions are put on every year along with various special performances, lectures, and symposiums to supplement the performances.

Discover more things to do in Cooperstown by visiting our activities page and start planning your vacation today!

Cooperstown hotels

Enjoy the best of Cooperstown with a stay at The Inn at Cooperstown. Our award-winning historic bed and breakfast is ideally located near these local attractions, including the Baseball Hall of Fame, and more – making us your best choice when exploring all the things to do in Cooperstown. So, browse our rooms and discover how we can help make your stay unforgettable.