Cooperstown, when referred to by many, is an area not just a town. There are a series of towns around the area that many go and visit. Most places are small local businesses so we encourage you to call before going as we found many websites were not up to date. You can also check out facebook for latest updates. We found that planning and making reservations ahead of time is the best plan during this trip
There are 3 baseball tournaments/camps that run each summer for youth baseball teams.
Cooperstown All Star Village (Oneonta, NY): This baseball resort features quality tournaments for players 12 and under. The All-Star Village includes lighted junior size ball fields, batting cages with electronic pitching, an arcade and much more to accommodate 250 teams per season. Offers luxurious onsite accommodation for the whole family, plus a fitness center, spa, swimming pools, a general store, and a variety of activities.
Cooperstown Baseball World (Oneonta, NY): CBW’s mission is to provide youth baseball players, ages 11 to 16, an opportunity to play in National, weeklong tournaments in the Cooperstown Hall of Fame area. Over its history, CBW has welcomed teams from 47 of the 50 states as well as Canada, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Israel, Kuwait, and Dubai! During their week-long stay, our campers are exposed to college life. Through our partnership with the College at Oneonta, campers and their coaches reside in the college dormitories (with a staff of CBW Team Coordinators), dine in the college dining hall, and have access to some of the College at Oneonta’s finest facilities, including an indoor pool, indoor basketball courts, fitness center for coaches, outdoor track and outdoor tennis courts. For many, this is the first time they have been away from home giving them a valuable opportunity to experience what the college world has to offer.
Cooperstown Dreams Park (Cooperstown, NY) Called America’s Baseball Summer Camp. Since its beginning in 1996, Cooperstown Dreams Park has done much more than host baseball tournaments. Dreams Park’s mission is to provide a life-enriching experience for young boys and girls who love the game of baseball. By stepping up to the plate, regardless of the outcome, all players leave with a sense of pride, dignity, and accomplishment. Cooperstown Dreams Park offers an all-inclusive Baseball Summer Camp Experience and a world-class facility for teams, families, and friends. Games are played, without time limits, on real grass fields. As a family baseball park featuring fun and excitement, friends and families spend their vacations here watching teams from around the country play baseball in Cooperstown. Celebrating over 25 years as America’s premier baseball summer camp… Experience the Difference. A Summer Tradition, Cooperstown Dreams Park, “Where baseball present meets the traditional values of baseball past.”
What to Bring
We ended up running to a few stores to purchase the following items, so we recommend bringing them:
- Refillable water bottle
- Backpack
- Bug repellent spray
- Sunscreen
- Turf shoes for your baseball player
- Sturdy shoes (it rained a few days we were there)
- Jacket as it gets chilly at night
- Pants for the evening chill
- Hat to protect you from the sun
- Umbrella for sun shade as well as rain
- If you are driving maybe a few camping chairs as some fields have limited seating
What to do
National Baseball Hall of Fame: (Cooperstown, New York) Museum that serves as the central point of the history of baseball in the United States and displays baseball-related artifacts and exhibits, honoring those who have excelled in playing, managing, and serving the sport. The Hall’s motto is “Preserving History, Honoring Excellence, Connecting Generations”. Tickets are $28 for adults and $17 for children. Kids playing in one of the 3 tournaments have free entry.
Glimmerglass State Park located eight miles outside the village of Cooperstown, overlooks Otsego Lake. The rolling, partially-wooded terrain is host to a wide variety of wildlife. An uphill trail through the forest affords a spectacular view of Otsego Lake; the Beaver Pond and Woodland trails are picturesque and of interest for the variety of wildflowers, shrubs, ferns and mosses. The Hyde Hall Mansion, Covered Bridge, and a self-guided Beaver Pond Nature Trail are within park boundaries and open to visitors. Admission is charged per vehicle and is between $6 and $10 dollars for day use.
Other places to check out:
Council Rock Brewery A great place to try local brews and delicious food.
Brewery Ommegang We wanted to try this famous spot, but it was randomly closed during our visit. Check FB pages or old fashion method of calling as other sites don’t update as well.
There are a ton of great hiking spots around the area.
Where to shop
Lord & Lady Farm is a small goat farm in Oneanta, NY. They provide a tour of the animals and have the cutest shop you have ever seen! They sell local gourmet food products, local crafts and homegoods all made by Jennifer Lord. Anything not made by Jennifer is from local women owned businesses. Our favorites were the goat’s milk salted caramels. They also had delicious baked goods with gluten free options!
Topps by Dave and Adam’s Dave and Adam’s Card World was founded in 1991 when two friends opened a small card store in Buffalo, NY. Over 30 years later, Dave and Adam’s is generally regarded as the largest online seller of trading cards in the world. The Cooperstown store offers a variety of baseball cards and Pokemon cards. They give out gifts with purchase, which was fun for our boys. They each left with Topps backpacks full of all kinds of fun baseball stuff.
Cooper Country Crafts Established in 1974, Cooper Country Crafts is an artists’ cooperative with twenty members. The shop offers a delightful array of modern and traditional quality, handcrafted items including jewelry, hand-blown and fused glass, pottery, weaving, handbags, doll clothes, folk art, baby quilts & blankets, soaps, lotions, honey, syrup and a large Halloween and Christmas area. PLUS EVERYTHING is locally made! Each artist takes a turn running the shop so you can talk with them about their work. We both purchased incredible woven kitchen towels that have become a household favorite.
Fashion in Action (Oneonta, NY) Fashion in Action provides fair trade items from markets in India. All profits go directly towards paying teachers’ salaries. We purchased some beautiful tapestries.
All About The Girls boutique right by Doubleday Field. Laura is great!! She offers a variety of items for female athletes and moms of athletes. Was able to purchase cute softball items and have a great chat with Laura.
Hannaford Grocery This store offered a variety of grocery items at great prices. They had an impressive variety of gluten free options as well as health food items you could buy from a Whole Foods type place.
Where to eat
Blue Mingo Grill – located directly on Lake Otsego in Cooperstown. It opens for the season in May. The Blue Mingo grill serves delicious and creative cuisine. It is well known locally and abroad for its fresh and innovative menus. Located on the property you will find The Mingo Market which offers gourmet foods, locally sourced grocery items, unique clothing, toys and gifts. In the restaurant you will also find a cute gift shop.
Mels on 22 Mel’s at 22 was established by Brian Wrubleski in 2014. The restaurant is named in memory of Brian’s wife, Maryellen, who passed away in December of 2013. Maryellen always loved Brian’s food and supported him in every aspect of life. The food was delicious and a surprise hit was the Forget The Bun Burger.
Autumn Cafe Great gluten free options and delicious food. We experienced slow service, so bring your patience. They have a beautiful huge patio and the food was so good.
Wise Guys Sammies Wise Guys Sammy’s has great pizza and deli sandwiches.
