Discover the History of Cooperstown, NY

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!

Your Guide to a Fall Getaway in Cooperstown, NY

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

image of 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

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.

5 Reasons to Stay at a Bed and Breakfast

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.

reasons to stay at a bed and breakfast

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.

breakfast, reasons to stay at a bed and breakfasat

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

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!

Friday

Cocktail hour on the porch

Check into The Inn at Cooperstown, where you can enjoy cocktail hour on the porch while dreaming of your fun-filled weekend in Cooperstown. Continue your evening with dinner at Mel’s at 22, located just minutes from the Inn. Serving up classic American cuisine for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, Mel’s offers a fun environment for family and friends.

Glimmerglass Music Festival

If you are visiting during the summer, be sure to cap off the night with a show at the Glimmerglass Festival. This internationally known seasonal opera series is performed on the shores of Otsego Lake and is one of the biggest summer attractions in Cooperstown. Tickets are available now for the 2019 season. They go fast, so be sure to book well in advance.

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.

Fenimore Art Museum

After breakfast head over to the Fenimore Art Museum. A grandiose historic estate, now a museum, houses some of the best collections of folk art and American landscape paintings.

Farmer’s Museum

For a mid-day activity then head on over to the Farmer’s Museum. Not your typical museum, visitors can explore working farm feature exhibits, hands-on activities, and interactive workshops – all which bring rural history to life.

Brewery Ommegang

After almost a full day of soaking up some Cooperstown history, grab a brew at Brewery Ommegang. 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.

Complete your day with dinner at Alex’s World Bistro. This cozy, upscale bistro serves up a worldly menu, crafty cocktails, and homemade desserts.  After dinner, enjoy a quiet stroll back to the Inn where your comfortable room awaits.

Sunday

Start your day off with either breakfast in our cozy dining room or try one of Cooperstown’s local coffee shops, Stagecoach Coffee. Proudly serving freshly roasted coffee, the local favorite also offers homemade baked goods, specialty pastries, and breakfast sandwiches.

Baseball Hall of Fame

After breakfast venture over to the Baseball Hall of Fame for the best display of America’s favorite pastime. Whether you are a baseball fan or not, a stop here is well worth it. And if a few hours there isn’t enough, The Inn at Cooperstown offers special Baseball Hall of Fame packages such as our Custom Tour Experience, Care and Conservation Workshop, and the Ultimate Baseball Hall of Fame Getaway Package.

Grab lunch at The Cooperstown Diner. Serving the “biggest burgers in the smallest diner,” your taste buds will thank you for a stop at this local favorite. Comfort food at its best, patrons can enjoy classic American burgers, fries, milkshakes, and more.

Glimmerglass State Park

End your day with a visit to Glimmerglass State Park. This 593-acre state park offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, in every season. Enjoy the beautiful lake shores of Otsego Lake, hiking trails, and a bit of history at the haunted Hyde Hall.

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 the Baseball Hall of Fame, downtown Cooperstown, and Otsego Lake. Discover the best of Cooperstown and book your stay with us today!