Skip to content
JOURNEYS WITH JENN
JOURNEYS WITH JENN

  • About Jenn
  • Disclosures
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
  • Let’s Work Together
JOURNEYS WITH JENN
JOURNEYS WITH JENN

Cooperstown, New York : Luxury and Americana Await You

Jenn, August 10, 2020August 10, 2020

Sharing is caring!

166 shares
  • Share166
  • Tweet

Cooperstown, New York is tucked away in the Mohawk Valley Region and sits on the edges of Lake Otsego. This is the perfect road trip destination, as it is a short 3 1/2 hour drive from NYC, 4 1/2 hours from Philly and 5 1/2 hours from Metro Baltimore. The drive is really easy, and you are surrounded by beautiful mountains, as you make your way through New York state. 

Those who make the trip are inspired during a journey filled with rolling hills, breathtaking views and sparkling lakes, then rewarded with authentic small-town America. 

coopertstown

I was recently hosted in Cooperstown to see how this charming town is handling reopening after a lengthy shut-down. 

Cooperstown, NY: Luxury and Americana

When you think of Cooperstown I am sure you instantly think of baseball, and sure, that is a very prominent part, but it’s not all there is. Did you know that Cooperstown was home to America’s first known novelist, James Fenimore Cooper? With fine dining, quaint shops, museums and a luxury lake front resort this is the perfect road trip destination.

Where to Stay in Cooperstown

If you are in Cooperstown you must stay at The Otesaga Resort Hotel! Situated directly on Lake Otsego, this luxury resort offers accommodations in the heart of Cooperstown. The Otesaga exudes the charm and gracious hospitality of a bygone era, while also providing modern amenities. 

otesaga cooperstown

During my stay they had just reopened, and have paired down their amenities so they can safely and slowly open back up. It didn’t take away from my experience at all. If you are traveling right now you need to be open minded and know that resorts are not fully operational. 

When you check-in, there is plexi-glass between you and the reception area. Be sure to wear your mask inside, as they are required in all public areas inside the resort. Check-in is very fast, they screen your temperature and have you fill out a general health form, you are also given a bag with waters, and hand sanitizer. 

otesaga resort

I was in a beautiful Lake Suite, and it is perfect for couples or families. The suite is framed with large windows overlooking the stunning lake. These suites are well appointed and offer a King bedroom, a full bathroom, a parlor with a full sized pull out sofa, 2 closets, and 2 televisions. There is also a safe in the closet as well as bath robes for your use. 

cooperstown ny

Right now due to the ongoing health situation your room will be cleaned and then sealed, nobody will enter your room once it is sealed. Also, there are no extras in the rooms such as coffee maker, or telephone. This is all to keep things at a minimum in the room. If you would like clean towels during your stay you can get them at the front desk. Remember, these are not permanent changes! 

cooperstown

I cannot wait to return to The Otesaga when it is fully operational to enjoy the spa, the outdoor pool and the lake! It really is a stunning resort, and reminds you of an era long gone. 

Where To Dine In cooperstown

The Hawkeye Bar and Grill- Located in The Otesaga Resort this casual restaurant offers lunch and dinner. If you would like to visit for dinner be sure to call and make a reservation. You do not need to be a resort guest to dine here. If you do not want to eat in the restaurant you can also order your meal to-go and they will bring it directly to your car. 

Dinner was absolutely amazing! It began with a gorgeous lake front table on the patio, and ended with a perfect creme brulee’. The house sangria was one of the best I have ever had. I wished I had asked the bartender what was in it. 

hawkeye bar

I also enjoyed breakfast here before exploring Cooperstown for the day. When you are a resort guest, daily breakfast is included and there is a large variety of options from pancakes to omelettes. 

Mels at 22- Located a short walk from The Otesaga, in the heart of Cooperstown, Mels offers lunch and dinner daily. I forgot to make a reservation so I actually got carry out and enjoyed it at the resort. The Asian Pork Belly over Tater Tots is a recipe I want to create at home, it is a sweet and salty plate of perfection. My entree’ was the Lobster Rissotto and it was absolutely divine, topped with 4 large scallops it paired well with my white wine. 

cooperstown, ny

Tip– Due to capacity limitations, you will need reservations for most dining in the village for dinner. 

What To Do In Cooperstown 

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum- If you love baseball, like I do, this MUST BE on your bucket list. This non-profit museum has preserved America’s Pastime, and recognizes all who have contributed to the love of the game. You can spend an entire day reading all of the archives and seeing the amazing memorabilia. The tour of the museum is self guided, so take all the time you need.

cooperstown ny

If you want to dig a little deeper, you can get a private tour for up to four people.  Participants will enjoy a private tour focused on their favorite team. During this time they will be able to ask questions with their guide, and learn more about their team, the all-time greats and the history of baseball. 

If you are visiting in 2020 you will need to reserve tickets in advance as there are staggered arrival times so the museum stays under capacity, and allows for social distancing. With the museum being indoors there are many safety protocols in place, so that you can still enjoy. You must wear a mask inside at all times, follow the arrows on the ground to keep distance between parties, use a stylus (given at entrance) for any touch screen exhibits, and sanitize hands frequently. 

cooperstown

 

Doubleday Field – In the center of this small village is the place widely recognized as the birthplace of America’s pastime, Doubleday Field. In 1839 Abner Doubleday reportedly used Phinney’s field for the first baseball game, and the rest is history!

In 1939, as part of the dedication of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, current and former major league players representing the 16 clubs played a ballgame at Doubleday Field, captained by Honus Wagner and Eddie Collins.

The next year, major league team owners agreed to send two teams each summer to Cooperstown to play a benefit game. It was the beginning of an annual tradition that stretched out through the decades. Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and many other greats came to Cooperstown to play in the game and honor those being inducted into the Hall. That’s a lot of baseball history in one amazing place! 

 

doubleday field

 

Fly Creek Cider Mill- Located 3 miles outside of Cooperstown the historic cider mill is a must visit. This water-powered cider mill on the banks of Fly Creek has been pressing fresh, sweet cider for 163 years. Tour the Mill’s Learning Center and Cider Gallery to experience how cider is made the old-fashioned way with interactive exhibits, videos and live in-season demonstrations. The marketplace shop has everything from sauces, to jams, and all kinds of tasty snacks. When you finish inside the market, head out to the snack bar and enjoy a frozen cider slush or a hot apple cider donut. 

fly creek cider mill

 

Brewery Ommegang- While tours and tastings are currently on hold, you can still stop by and pick up fantastic craft brews from this local brewery. When we aren’t in national health crisis, you can enjoy the radically renovated Tap House with a 20 tap bar, 10 tap tasting room, café and kitchen, covered patio and expanded store. Currently you can enjoy the tap house patio, and there is a food truck available. I was lucky enough to find some amazing brews waiting for me in my hotel, I absolutely loved the Rose Cider and the Solera Golden Ale. I cannot wait to go back and try more of their brews! 

brewery ommegang

I feel as though I barely scratched the surface during my two nights in Cooperstown and look forward to going back so I can explore more of this fascinating small town in Upstate NY. They have done a fantastic job of reopening the village and surrounding areas to not only visitors, but locals, and are ready to get back to business. 

 

 

Travel cooperstown nycoopertstownnew york stateroad trip travel

Post navigation

Previous post
Next post

Related Posts

Pennsylvania

Fourth and Fifth Grade: Ski & Ride for FREE in Pennsylvania

November 15, 2019February 1, 2021

Get out on the slopes this winter with the kids. Pennsylvania has brought back the fourth and fifth grade, Kids Ski Free program. The best part is you DO NOT have to be a Pennsylvania resident to qualify. Kids Ski FREE The Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association (SkiPA) wants to make it easy…

Read More
Travel

How Telemedicine Can Help When You Travel

October 6, 2016October 25, 2017

Telemedicine is a new technology, in a nutshell it is a virtual doctor. With the help of LiveHealth you can access a doctor 24/7 for simple ailments. As with anything you should always call 911 in a true medical emergency. Telemedicine is great for those vacation days when you just…

Read More
Travel

Busch Gardens Williamsburg celebrates 40 years

March 20, 2016

Busch Gardens Williamsburg will celebrate 40 years of fun in 2016. I have been visiting this park since I was a child, and now I take my own children here. If you have never been to Busch Gardens you are missing out, it is one of the most beautiful theme parks…

Read More
Living Life One Trip At A Time… Jenn is a mom, writer, and business owner. She loves to travel- solo, with her family or a group of friends. No matter where she is, she is always making an impact and sharing her journey. When she isn’t traveling, she can be found on the farm helping her daughter raise her show animals. She’s a country girl at heart, with a love for travel.

Browse by Category

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

  • ollivanders wand shop
    Ollivanders Wand Shop at Universal Orlando
  • universal roller coasters
    Universal Orlando Roller Coasters: From Wild To Wilder
  • epic universe at universal orlando
    Epic Universe- Opening at Universal Orlando Resort
  • best breakfast at universal
    Universal Orlando On-Site Resorts: The Best Breakfast Options
  • 8 Tips For an EPIC Universal Orlando Vacation

Copyright 2024 · Journeys with Jenn – All photos & posts are property of Journeys with Jenn All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without prior permission of the owner, except in the case of brief quotation uses permitted by copyright law.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright 2024 · Journeys with Jenn – All photos & posts are property of Journeys with Jenn All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without prior permission of the owner, except in the case of brief quotation uses permitted by copyright law.

Preferred Travel Agency of Journeys with Jenn

travel agent
©2025 JOURNEYS WITH JENN | WordPress Theme by SuperbThemes
166 shares
  • 166