Cooperstown is More Than the Heart of America’s Favourite Pastime

Published October 16th, 2023

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum entices up to 275,000 visitors a year to a sleepy little village (population under 2,000) in upstate New York. Cooperstown, set in rolling, wooded hills is a six-hour drive from Toronto, three plus from Manhattan. My die-hard baseball fan - and his not-so-much mate – visited in early fall. To his delight and her surprise, they discovered The Hall is awesome. And there’s more than just baseball to like about Cooperstown – there’s lots to see, do and enjoy on a weekend visit.

Here’s a roundup of not-to-miss attractions!

The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

The shrine to America’s favourite sport sits smack dab in the middle of Cooperstown’s main street. It overflows with photographs, stories, statistics, a 30-minute movie, and more than 40,000 artifacts. Uniforms? Awards? Bats? Balls? Trophies? They are all on display. So are 342 bronzed plaques bearing the pictures and biographies of the inductees. You’ll even see

Shoeless Joe Jackson’s shoes and the ball that Babe Ruth hit for his 500th run. It’s a joyful place, bursting with energy.

Cooperstown Beverage Trail

Once the country’s hops-growing capital, the village has a longstanding reputation for fine tipples. When it’s seventh inning stretch time, there’s a thirsty getaway waiting to enjoy. A six

-member, seven-mile trail surrounding the village includes breweries, wineries, a distillery and an historic cider mill. You’ll taste delicious Belgian-style ales, at Ommegang Brewery, the first farmstead brewery to open in the U.S. in more than 100 years. Book well in advance for one of their limited-to-20-people tours.

Fenimore Art Museum

Native, folk and fine art as well as 19th and 20th century photography star in this neoclassical mansion that dates to the 1930s. When we visited, Hall of Fame pitcher, Randy Johnson’s 40-year passion for photography was on view. It was his first (of many, we hope) solo showing of up close and personal photos of the people and animals he encountered on treks across Africa .

Doubleday Field

Planted in the centre of the village, this has been considered the home of baseball since 1839. Abner Doubleday, a Civil War general, reportedly laid out a diamond in an open field for the first game. At the same time, he set out baseball rules for kids. You can tour from April to October. The one-hour tour includes history, stories, statistics, then visitors step onto the hallowed ground where Babe Ruth once played.

Main Street

Strolling the two tree-lined blocks you feel you are living in a Norman Rockwell painting. No surprise, there is a baseball theme throughout all the stores whether they are selling clothing, gifts, souvenirs or books. Worth checking out – Monies Books, Tin Bin Alley Gift Store, Baseballism for apparel, All About Girls and Kate’s Upstate.

Cooperstown Bat Company

The company has shops on Main Street, but it’s worth a 15-minute drive to visit their factory. The friendly family and staff who produce 40,000 bats a year love to show you how it’s done. After seeing the step-by-step production from maple log to a final shining product, you’ll never look at a baseball bat the same way again. And you may not want to leave without a custom-engraved model. Book ahead for a tour.

Where To Eat

In the mood for delicious Italian food in a lively, friendly café? Head to Bocca Osteria.

It’s both casual and memorable. Sal’s Pizzeria makes authentic New York-style pizza. Thin crispy crust and toppings to please vegetarian and carnivore alike. The best this visitor had tasted in a long time. Join locals for breakfast at The Diner, a hole in the wall eater that’s been around for 100+ years. Expect to line up, even in the offseason. For an old-fashioned donut, a cinnamon bun, or a moon pie look no further than Schneider’s Bakery that has been serving up tasty baked goods since 1887.

Where To Stay

Treat yourself to an indulgent weekend at the lakeside Otesega Resort Hotel, the town’s most luxurious accommodation Opened almost 115 years ago, superbly renovated and still in its prime. Old world charm meets modern amenities.

To start planning your home run of an experience, visit thisiscooperstown.com