What’s put Cooperstown, New York on the map?
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, where Peter is broadcasting his radio show, is the obvious answer.
But if you ask the locals, you’ll see that besides baseball legends, Cooperstown is also home to great food, culture and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Chris Rossi, Fenimore Art Museum Curator
Glimmerglass Opera
“I love attending the operas at Glimmerglass in the summer,” says Rossi. Not only does the opera house feature world-class productions, “but it attracts an audience that attends in attire ranging from evening wear to Bermuda shorts.” Rossi recommends packing a picnic to enjoy on the lawn before the opera. “It makes for an evening that is nothing short of magical.” 607-547-2255, www.glimmerglass.org
Fly Creek Cider Mill
Fly Creek is a family-friendly spot that offers cider, sparkling cider, apples, gourmet food, and baked goods. “Their hot cinnamon doughnuts are sublime,” reports Rossi. Just don’t be surprised if one of the animals from the little petting zoo escapes. Apparently Rossi once stood in line for a doughnut alongside a very large Tom turkey (“I let him go first!”). 607-547-9692, www.flycreekcidermill.com
Hyde Hall
For a step back in time in a fantastic setting, Hyde Hall is lovely old historic home that is farther up Otsego Lake. It is beautifully situated and plays host to musical events during the summer. 607-547-5098, www.hydehall.org
Erin Crissman, Farmers’ Museum Curator
Danny’s Main Street Market
“My favorite thing to do as soon as the weather gets nice is to grab a gourmet sandwich from Danny’s on Main Street and a fancy soda and head down to Lakefront Park,” says Crissman. (Just remember to bring along copious napkins to manage the overstuffed sandwiches!) “I spread out my sandwich, watch the ducks, families, the gorgeous lake, and bask in the sun.” ThisIsCooperstown.com
Cooperstown Art Association
In the back of the Cooperstown Art Association is a gallery with changing exhibitions. The building itself is an old stone structure with giant columns and a front porch. The recently added tables and chairs make it a great place to read and relax on a warm day, and the library is one the places in town with Wi-Fi – a perfect place to check email and/or work while enjoying some fresh air. 607-547-9777, www.cooperstownart.com
Otsego Golf Club
Even if you don’t golf, don’t worry. In the winter, locals like to go snowshoeing on the golf course! “This is the best way, in my opinion, to experience the rolling hills and beautiful views of the town and lake,” says Crissman. 607-547-9290, www.otsegogolf.com
Paul Kuhn, Historical & Architectural Tour Guide
Otesaga Resort Hotel
“On an early summer evening, my wife and I love to relax by sitting in the rocking chairs enjoying a cocktail on the veranda of the hotel,” says Kuhn. Visitors can catch the “million-dollar view” of the nine-mile-long Otsego Lake. “Although the shadows and hues of dusk tempt us to stay longer, our appetites call us to go one floor below to dine at the Hawkeye Grill.” 800-348-6222, www.otesaga.com
The Farmers’ Museum
A great stop for families, this is where visitors can watch artisans and craftsmen recreate 19th century life right before your eyes. Kuhn recommends a ride on the Empire State Carousel, followed by lunch at the Bump Tavern. 607-547-1450, www.farmersmuseum.org
Hyde Hall
According to Kuhn, “this is one of the most significant pieces of architecture in America.” The 50-room mansion, completed in 1835, is one of the most celebrated examples of the romantic classic country house in the United States, and now serves as a museum and cultural center. The house is sits at the north end of Otsego Lake and offers has a magnificent view of Cooperstown to the south. 607-547-5098, www.hydehall.org
Otsego Lake
“This is one of the most romanticized lakes in America,” says Kuhn. American author James Fenimore Cooper nicknamed the long, narrow lake “Glimmerglass.” And here’s an oddball attraction: Two miles up the eastern shore of the lake is Kingfisher Tower, a 60-foot miniature medieval castle that dates back to 1875. ThisIsCooperstown.com
By Dara Bramson for PeterGreenberg.com.
Caught baseball fever in Cooperstown? Check out 5 Places to Catch Baseball’s Spring Training.
Check out the guests from Peter’s broadcast from Cooperstown.
Want to train with the Giants? Check out Learning While Traveling: Educational Adventures for Adults.
Other popular baseball-friendly cities include Kansas City, home of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Find out more with the Off the Brochure Travel Guide to Kansas City, Missouri.
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