Guide to Cooperstown, NY
We love weekend getaways as a way to explore more of New York with the kids. We recently enjoyed such a trip that was around 3.5 hours away from Westchester with a visit to Cooperstown, NY.
Renowned as a baseball town, we enjoyed learning more about the sport as well as discovering many more things to do in this scenic area. Read on to learn more about our 48-hour Cooperstown adventure.
Cooperstown Where to Stay
The Otesaga Resort Hotel
After our 3.5 hour drive, we were stunned as we pulled into the beautiful Otesaga Resort Hotel. Signified by a grand entrance with 30-foot columns, the property is located on Lake Otsego and surrounded by a lush and walkable landscape. A 132-room resort, during our stay we saw many weddings and parties take place in the lobby/nearby party rooms as people enjoyed breathtaking views of the lake.
In between our adventures, we loved coming back to the Otsego for time in the heated (!!) pool or walks along the property.
Other amenities include a spa, the 18-hole Leatherstocking Golf Course, and access to rent a canoe, paddle, or rowboat on the lake.
The rooms were comfy and quite, offering stunning views of the lake. Room amenities included a smart TV, stunning art from Fenimore Art Museum, bathrobes that was mixed with welcoming and homey decor.
We also loved starting our day enjoying a luxurious buffet-style breakfast. This included literally every kind of breakfast item you could imagine as we dined inside and later on the porch, overlooking the water.
Another huge bonus is that the resort is within walking distance to the town for shopping and meals. I loved being able to walk and stroll around town with the kids as we soaked in the views and didn’t have to deal with a car. 60 Lake St, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Cooperstown Things To Do
Rail Explorers
We were incredibly excited about the Rail Explorers experience that would involve an eight-mile scenic pedaling tour. After a simple check-in and safety talk, we were guided to our carts as we enjoyed the Charlotte Valley Express tour. This took my three kids and I past a 200-foot long Portlandville Trestle, open fields, and lakes as we pedaled alongside the Susquehanna River.
The ride was smooth and steady as we worked together to pedal and soak in the gorgeous views, which included small farms, forests, and mountains in the distance. Each cart also has a simple electric pedal system with a break (if needed) to slow down or have distance between the other carts.
After around four miles, our group enjoyed a 20-minute break as the team from Rail Explorers worked to turn our carts around. On the way back, my kids and I enjoyed soaking in the beauty of nature that brought us back in around 1.5 hours. In addition to the Charlotte Valley Express tour, they offer a two-hour Milford Track tour. This is a 12-mile round trip takes families through farm lands and forests along the Susquehanna River.
Additionally, guests of all ages (and even pets!) can enjoy this tour. For pets, the welcome animals up to 40 pounds at no additional fee. In fact, previous pets have included dogs, cats, lizards, parrots, and even ducks. The experience is open for the season until October 31st, which would make for incredible views during fall foliage and the changing of the leaves. For more information, visit www.railexplorers.net or call 877-833-8588. Reservations are highly recommended.
Doubleday Field
While visiting Cooperstown take in a game at Doubleday Field. Games are held from April-October but you can also explore the grounds and/or take a tour. Check out their Novemeber schedule here. 1 Doubleday Court, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Learn more about the history of baseball and its icons at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Featuring access to more than 40,000 artifacts, families can learn more about this national pastime and its story. This includes access to historic bats, balls, gloves, manuscripts, recorded media, scrapbooks, magazines, uniforms, and more. The Baseball Hame of Fame is open from 9:00am-7:00pm. 25 Main St, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Fenimore Art Museum
Enjoy access to a collection of landscape exhibits, American folk art, the Thaw Collection of American Indian Art, and a rotating collection of exhibits at the Fenimore Art Museum. During our visit, we enjoyed seeing the M.C. Escher: Infinite Variations exhibit with over 160 pieces from a private collection; the Day to Night: Photographs by Stephen Wilkes; and the Randy Johnson: Storytelling with Photographs. This three-floor house-style museum also includes docent tours to learn more about its exhibits and collections and events. 5798 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
The Farmers’ Museum
Learn more about rural life in the 19th century at the Farmers’ Museum. This walking museum includes access to exhibits, craft demonstrations and hands-on activities to learn more about what life was like on a farm. They also host specialized events throughout the year, such as the Harvest Festival, Blacksmithing Weekend, and Tractor Fest.5775 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY 13326
Cooperstown Food
Bocca Osteria
Enjoy delicious Italian food for lunch or dinner at Bocca Osteria. My kids and I loved this Italian eatery where you will find pizza, pastas, antipasti, soup, paninis, and more. They also have a bambini (kids menu) with classic options such as personal pizza, chicken parm, steak, and chicken fingers. 5438 NY Route 28, Cooperstown, NY
Mel’s at 22
For elevated American food, check out Mel’s at 22. This includes options for lunch and dinner where you will find burgers, salads, steaks, fish dishes, and more. 22 Chestnut St, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Schneider’s Bakery
Before we hit the road to go home, we paid a visit to Schneider’s Bakery for some treats. A staple of Coooperstown since 1887, you’ll find baseball cookies, cupcakes, homemade donuts, freshly-baked bread, and so much more! 157 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Other dining options include Upstate Bar & Grill; Cooperstown Diner; Doubleday Café; or the The Hawkeye Bar and Grille.
From incredible restaurants to tons of things to experience and do, Cooperstown offers families many options for a getaway with its historical ode to baseball–and beyond.
