Exploring: Cooperstown, New York

Earlier this week I shared my favorite places to eat in Cooperstown, New York. Today I am going to share my favorite things to see while you are there (in addition to the Baseball Hall of Fame, of course).

Otsego Lake: Summer on Otsego Lake is nothing short of paradise. Be sure to take a tour of the lake on the ferry that leaves Lakefront Park. Or, head to Sam Smith’s and rent a boat by the our. The lake is plenty warm for swimming in July, August, and September. It is also fun for fishing, canoeing, tubing, and waterskiing!

The Farmers’ Museum: The Farmers’ Museum is a working 18th century village location on the outskirts of town. We love going there to visit the animals, ride on the carousel, and cruise around on the toy tractors. You can easily spend an all afternoon roaming the “streets” and playing games at the school house. When we are in town we visit at least once a week!

The Fenimore Art Museum & Art on the Lake: Once a private mansion, this gorgeous building now houses a beautifully curated American art collection. It also features a variety of rotating exhibits throughout the year. My kids love the collection of Native American artifacts, especially the feathered headdresses! In the summer there is an Art on the Lake weekend on the back lawn which showcases local artists and foods.

Cooperstown Distillery: This cool new storefront on Main Street showcases lots of the new alcohols being produced in Cooperstown. The bar doesn’t serve food, but you can get some delicious cocktails there after 5pm. We’ve tried (and liked), Cooper’s Clear Whiskey, Beanball Bourbon, and Sam Smith’s Boatyard Rum. Stop by to pick up some bottles for your friends and have a drink after a long day!

Trolley Ride: When you arrive in Cooperstown park in one of the satellite parking lots on the outskirts of town and take a trolley to Main Street. Or, just ride the trolley for the entire loop to get a good feel for the town’s layout. My kids and I often take a trolley ride just for fun!

A few more: I about Ommegang, The Fly Creek Cider Mill in my Eating In post. They are fun places to visit too!