5 Reasons Why We Love Cooperstown, NY

Posted on April 23, 2020 | by Cass Tooke

In the spirit of travel, consider a vacation to one of America’s best small towns, Cooperstown, NY. There are many reasons to love Cooperstown, NY that we know will keep you inspired and coming back for years. Whether you are looking for a vacation for the whole family or a couple’s retreat, Cooperstown is the perfect getaway. Discover our reasons we love Cooperstown, NY, and why you will too!

Beautiful views

One thing is for sure, there are incredible views to be enjoyed in Cooperstown. Located on the southern end of Otsego Lake, Cooperstown provides beautiful lakefront views that are enjoyable at any time of year.

Visit Glimmerglass State Park for limitless beauty that will take your breath away. Overlooking Otsego Lake, Glimmerglass State Park is filled with rolling, partially wooded landscape, historic landmarks, and a beautiful sandy beach for those warm summer days. From warm summer days at the lake and fall colors in autumn to a frosty wonderland in the winter, Glimmerglass State Park offers beautiful views year-round.

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For the love of the game

The biggest reason people love Cooperstown, NY is its historic ties with the game of baseball. Said to be the birthplace of baseball, Cooperstown is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Double Day field, and several other notable landmarks that pay tribute to America’s favorite pastime.

For a one-of-a-kind experience visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame, be sure to sign up for one of our packages, including the Ultimate Baseball Hall of Fame Getaway Package, Baseball Hall of Fame Custom Tour package, or the Baseball Hall of Fame Care and Conservation Workshop.

Cooperstown Main Street

A stroll down Main Street is one of the many reasons we love Cooperstown, NY. Its authentic village and non-corporate vibe create the truest sense of what it means to be small-town America at its most beautiful. With its charming storefronts, brick-ladened buildings, local restaurants, and unique boutiques, there is plenty to keep you entertained.

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Rich history

Cooperstown is rife with history, which is part of what adds to its charm and character. From popular landmarks like Hyde Hall, The Farmer’s Museum, and Double Day Field to lesser-known structures like the Hyde Hall covered bridge– the oldest wooden covered bridge in the United States – that resides in Glimmerglass State Park or the Kingfisher Tower at Otsego Lake.

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Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

One of the many reasons to love Cooperstown, NY is its historic and charming accommodations, like The Inn at Cooperstown. Designated as a historic landmark, The Inn at Cooperstown is a beautiful example of Second Empire architecture with distinct and charming features, inside and out.

image of Inn at cooperstown — The Inn at Cooperstown.

Each room is uniquely decorated with its own individual personality and charm, but each offering the modern amenities you would expect on your travels. Guests enjoy a daily breakfast in our dining and parlor space, and plenty of room to stretch their legs on the front porch with a glass of wine at the end of the day.

Discover the best of why we love Cooperstown, NY, and book your stay with us today!

Where is Cooperstown? A Location Guide

Posted on December 31, 2019 | by Cass Tooke

So, where is Cooperstown, NY? Cooperstown is in Otsego County in upstate New York, sitting at the southern tip of Otsego Lake. It is known as the birthplace of baseball and is home to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Come discover our charming New York village and the things to do in Cooperstown!

NYC to Cooperstown

If you’re needing an escape from the city, a weekend in Cooperstown is just your ticket! At just under 200 miles, roughly a four-hour drive, renting a car is your best bet in getting to Cooperstown from NYC. If renting a car is not an option, then travel by way of bus. Use the Trailways bus service traveling from NYC to Cooperstown.

Cooperstown from Buffalo, NY

Cooperstown from Buffalo, NY is 238 miles, almost directly east. It is a direct shot following the I-90 E route. Driving non-stop will take roughly four hours by way of car. If flying into Buffalo, NY before heading to Cooperstown a must-stop is Niagara Falls. Just 20 miles from Buffalo, a visit to Niagara Falls is a great way to kick off your vacation!

Cooperstown from Albany, NY

Albany is 75 miles east of Cooperstown. If traveling by way of car, a non-stop route will have you in Cooperstown in one and a half hours. Albany is also home to one of the major airports closest to Cooperstown, NY.

What is the closest airport to Cooperstown?

The closest airport to Cooperstown includes three different airport options. With our central location, we are close to the Albany International Airport, Greater Binghamton Airport, and the Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Each airport is roughly a one and half hour drive if you plan to rent a car. Each airport also offers a variety of transportation options including bus, train, and private drivers.

Or take advantage of Cooperstown’s own municipal airport, the Oneonta Municipal Airport, just 20 miles south of the Village.

Can I get to Cooperstown by way of train?

For those who enjoy traveling by train, Cooperstown is located one and a half hours drive from two train stations; the Albany-Rensselaer (in Rensselaer, NY) and the Utica Station (in Utica, NY). The Utica Station is served by both Amtrak and the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, which provides a variety of themed train rides through the beautiful Adirondacks. From either train station, a bus or car rental is available to get you to Cooperstown.

Or hop on the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad for a unique way of seeing Otsego County. Passengers can enjoy a scenic train ride through the Susquehanna River Valley in vintage rail cars and locomotives. The trains depart from the Depot in Milford, NY, all just 10 minutes south of Cooperstown.

What to do in Cooperstown, NY

While we are most widely known for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, there are plenty of other things to do in Cooperstown. From Cooperstown wineries, distilleries, and breweries to museums and outdoor recreation, there is plenty to keep you busy during your vacation. Take in all of what Cooperstown has to offer by booking two or more nights with The Inn at Cooperstown and see that we are more than just baseball around here.

Discover here for what to do during your Cooperstown vacation.

Where is Cooperstown Hall of Fame?

Once you’ve made it to Cooperstown a visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame is a must! The Baseball Hall of Fame is located on Main Street, between Fair Street and Pioneer Street.

Located just two blocks from The Inn at Cooperstown, the Baseball Hall of Fame is an easy walk from our bed and breakfast! Our central location in Cooperstown is one of the many reasons why travelers choose us for Cooperstown vacations.

Where to stay in Cooperstown?

Enjoy the best of Cooperstown, NY hotel rooms with a stay at The Inn at Cooperstown. Our historic award-winning bed and breakfast is ideally located in the heart of town, with easy access to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, downtown Cooperstown, and other area attractions. Discover elegance and comfortable luxury with a stay in one of our rooms or suites, plus enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning and exceptional hospitality. Start planning your vacation to Cooperstown today and book your stay at The Inn at Cooperstown!

7 Reasons to Attend the Glimmerglass Film Days

Posted on October 24, 2019 | 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

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 October 2, 2019 | 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.

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.

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!

Your Guide to a Fall Getaway in Cooperstown, NY

Posted on August 30, 2019 | by Cass Tooke

While any time of year is great to visit Cooperstown, NY, fall is a particularly special time to explore all that Cooperstown has to offer. Home to some of America’s best breweries, a thriving art, and cultural scene, the Baseball Hall of Fame, and beautiful Otsego Lake, a fall getaway in Cooperstown, NY is simply amazing.

Use our three-day itinerary below to start planning your fall getaway in Cooperstown, NY today!

Friday

Welcome to Cooperstown

Check into The Inn at Cooperstown, where you can enjoy a good beer or glass of wine on the porch while enjoying the beautiful colors that greet our property every fall season. Then take a stroll around the charming downtown of Cooperstown. Only a few blocks from the inn, it’s an easy walk to find restaurants, shops, and cafes for a night out on the town.

Saturday

Breakfast at The Inn at Cooperstown

Wake up to the smell of a fresh, homemade breakfast at The Inn at Cooperstown. Our buffet-style breakfast includes locally roasted coffee, a variety of cereals, granola, and yogurt as well as a fresh fruit salad. A choice of hot entrees, such as quiche or frittata, is served daily as well.

Note: Until New York state allows in restaurant dining, we are unable to serve breakfast (several options within a very short walk from the inn). A guide to takeout and delivery dining options will be provided to each guest at check-in.

Visit Otsego Lake

Enjoy the beauty of fall in Cooperstown with a stroll at Otsego Lake. During the fall season, the banks of the lake are lined with brilliant colors of oranges, reds, and yellows, making for a truly picturesque scene. Another way to view Otsego Lake and Cooperstown are aboard the Glimmerglass Queen Tour Boat, which departs from Lakefront Park.

Soak up some history

For a mid-day activity, discover what makes Cooperstown so unique with a visit to one of its many museums. The Farmer’s Museum, Wilber Mansion, Yager Museum of Art and Culture, Swart-Wilcox House, and the Fenimore Art Museum are all great choices to soak up a bit of history in Cooperstown.

Brewery Ommegang

Finish the day by visiting the brewery that began the craft beer renaissance in the U.S., Brewery Ommegang is a classic choice when visiting Cooperstown in the fall. Established in 1997 they are the first farmstead brewery in the U.S. in over 100 years.

Enjoy award-winning craft beers and a plentiful food menu – all of which can be enjoyed on their outdoor patio. As one of the stops along the Cooperstown Beverage Trail, Brewery Ommegang also partners with The Inn at Cooperstown for our Bed and Brew packages, another great way to enjoy a weekend getaway in Cooperstown.

Sunday

Fly Creek Cider Mill

What better time to visit the Fly Creek Cider Mill, than during their harvest season in the fall? Take part in a self-guided tour that introduces you to the Mill’s production and history. Get a taste of the local flavor and enjoy some hard-pressed cider, apple wines, and more. Shop at the Mill Store Marketplace to take a bit of Cooperstown home with you or grab a snack at the Snack Barn, famous for its pulled pork sandwiches

Pail Shop Vineyard

While Cooperstown and Otsego County may be known for their hoppy beers, we also are home to several notable vineyards. Finish off your day at the Pale Shop Vineyard. Specializing in cold climate grape varietals that capture the rocky soil of their hillside vineyard, wine tasting at Pale Shop Vineyard is a true treat. Their picturesque setting offers hilltop views, a cozy outdoor seating area, and a rustic barn tasting room, all add to the ambiance of the winery. Be sure to call ahead of time as hours may vary during the fall.

Fall events in Cooperstown

Another great reason to plan a fall getaway in Cooperstown, NY is to attend one of the many events and festivals that happen this time of year. From the Harvest Fest at the Farmer’s Museum and the Side with Cider festival at the Fly Creek Cider Mill to the Sharon Springs Harvest Festival, there are plenty of reasons to visit Cooperstown this fall.

Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, select Cooperstown events have been canceled in 2020.

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

No matter what your weekend plans are, make sure they include a stay at The Inn at Cooperstown. Our award-winning luxury hotel in Cooperstown offers unique historic charm, idyllic location just blocks from downtown Cooperstown and Otsego Lake. Discover the best of Cooperstown in the fall and book your stay with us today!

Things to do in Cooperstown: More than Just Baseball

Posted on May 13, 2019 | 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 19^th 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.

5 Reasons to Stay at a Bed and Breakfast

Posted on May 13, 2019 | by Cass Tooke

Whether you are planning a family vacation, weekend getaway, or a business trip, booking your stay at a bed and breakfast is the best way to go! The Inn at Cooperstown is an award-winning bed and breakfast in Cooperstown, NY that offers a friendly atmosphere, unique experiences, comfortable rooms, and of course a daily breakfast.

Read here why you should stay at a bed and breakfast during your next vacation to Cooperstown.

Unique charm and character

If you’ve seen one Holiday Inn, you’ve seen them all! Not like a bed and breakfast, where charm and character offer guests a unique experience. Most bed and breakfasts have distinct rooms, none like the other, while some even pride themselves on themed rooms.

All our rooms at The Inn at Cooperstown offer the perfect combination of comfort and luxury with distinctive historical features and furnishings. Modern and traditional details create your home away from home in our luxury and premium suites to our classic and standard rooms. Browse our accommodations here and find a room that speaks to you!

Breakfast included

One of the best reasons to stay at a bed and breakfast is a delicious breakfast included in your stay.

The Inn at Cooperstown serves a delicious buffet-style breakfast every morning from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM. Guests can dine in the beautifully decorated dining rooms for a relaxing start to their day. Breakfast includes locally roasted coffee or hot tea, hot egg entrée, with a buffet containing a variety of cereals, granola, yogurt, and fresh fruit.

Friendly staff

Everyone loves a personalized experience when they travel to make their vacation truly memorable and unique. When you stay at a bed and breakfast, a warm welcome and a friendly staff is typically the number one focus for innkeepers. Always going the extra mile, innkeepers want to make sure you feel right at home.

Marc and Sherrie, the innkeepers at The Inn at Cooperstown, have been delighting guests since 2003. Because of their love for Cooperstown, attention to detail, and friendly character, Marc and Sherrie have made The Inn at Cooperstown one of the most loved and visited bed and breakfast in Cooperstown.

Special amenities and unique packages

Special amenities and unique packages can help make a vacation memorable and enjoyable. When you stay at a bed and breakfast you will find plenty of “little extras” you won’t get at a basic hotel.

The Inn at Cooperstown prides itself on providing guests with unique experiences through our seasonal packages. Partnering with local businesses such as Brewery Ommegang and the Baseball Hall of Fame, we are able to offer exclusive packages to our guests, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.

In addition to our special packages, we also offer special amenities like the Big Ring Bicycle Clubhouse that is available to guests of The Inn at Cooperstown.

Why stay at The Inn at Cooperstown?

Located in the baseball town of Cooperstown, NY, The Inn at Cooperstown provides guests with a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of city life with a convenient location to popular area attractions like the Baseball Hall of Fame and Glimmerglass Opera House. All while offering guests historic charm, a laid-back atmosphere, and luxurious details that make a stay here unforgettable.

For those wanting the charm of a bed and breakfast without feeling like you’re staying in someone’s home, The Inn at Cooperstown is a perfect choice. A bit larger than your typical bed and breakfast, we offer 18 spacious guest rooms, all with modern amenities and comforts needed for your travels. So, browse our accommodations and book your getaway today and start enjoying these reasons to stay at a bed and breakfast.

Your Weekend Guide to Cooperstown

Posted on February 25, 2019 | by Cass Tooke

Home to some of America’s best breweries, the Baseball Hall of Fame, a quaint downtown, cultural treasures, and world-renowned music festivals – Cooperstown, NY is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. No matter the time of year, Cooperstown offers a variety of attractions and activities, both indoor and out, to fill your days. Not sure where to start? Use our weekend guide to Cooperstown and start planning your getaway today!