The Ultimate Buddies' Guide to Cooperstown
Sports. Golf. Craft Beverages. Fishing. If these are a few of your favorite things, text your friends and slot Cooperstown in as your next road trip. It's true that Cooperstown, New York, is off the beaten path. But that’s what makes it a classic destination for a getaway with your buddies. If you're a sports fan, the Hall of Fame is already a bucket-list destination. But, baseball is not the only game in town for those looking to spend a weekend with their friends. There are plenty of other things to see and do.
Sports
Let's start at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can relive your favorite baseball moments and discover some of the 40,000 artifacts that tell the story of America's game and history. The Hall is sports’ most exclusive club, filled with the game’s greatest players, managers, umpires and executives. But the Plaque Gallery is just part of what this iconic American institution has to offer. The Museum is filled with historic pieces that document the game’s legends and memorable events. You'll marvel at the collection of World Series ring in the "Autumn Glory: A Postseason Celebration" exhibit, and discover some of baseball's biggest and most time-honored records in "One for the Books." The Museum is home to the rarest of the rare – like the uniform Hank Aaron wore when he became the all-time home run king or the glove Willie Mays used to make "The Catch." The legend of Babe Ruth lives in his own exhibit, complete with game-used equipment and even the last Yankees uniform he ever wore. All 30 MLB clubs have a locker full of artifacts in the Your Team Today exhibit, so you can get up-close with items that were touched and worn by members of your favorite team over the last decade. In fact, visitors sport baseball caps and shirts representing cities far and near when they come to Cooperstown, so pack your jersey — or perhaps rock a polo with your team's logo and grab your clubs.
Golf
The picturesque Leatherstocking Golf Course sits on the shore of Otsego Lake, a legendary body of water dubbed "Glimmerglass" in the works of native son James Fenimore Cooper. For more than a century, this course has challenged and enchanted golfers who never tire of its incredible lake-view fairways. Leatherstocking has been played by many of the baseball legends, playing host to a private tournament for the Hall of Famers each summer. When you are on the par-four, 404-yard 7th hole, be sure to look for the marker commemorating Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench’s 346-yard drive during the 1992 Baseball Hall of Fame Golf Classic. In recent years, Leatherstocking Golf Course has been rated 4.5 of 5 by Golf Digest and was ranked No. 3 in New York by Golfweek magazine. Zagat named it the No. 2 public course in the state in 2015. The historic course is part of the Otesaga Resort Hotel property, which is an ideal place to grab a beverage and take in views of the lake, even if you're not staying the night.
Craft Beverages
The Otesaga isn't the only luxury accommodation in the area. The Inn at Cooperstown has an awesome "Bed and Brew" package that serves as the perfect introduction to Brewery Ommegang. There, you can tour, eat and even catch a show during the brewery’s Summer Concert Series. Brewery Ommegang is just one of eight stops on the Cooperstown Beverage Trail. Hit the road and drop by all the breweries, wineries and even a hard cidery stretched out over 37 miles – with a designated driver, of course! If you'd prefer to stay in the village while sampling the local offerings, the Cooperstown Beverage Exchange on Main Street carries many local favorites, including the baseball-themed (and very uniquely packaged) spirits from Cooperstown Distillery. Did we mention Cooperstown is in the heart of Brew Central? You'll be surrounded by side trip-worthy producers in America's Craft Brew Destination.
Fishing
Why not write your next big fishing story on legendary Otsego Lake? One of the largest bodies of water in Central New York, the nine-mile lake is known for outstanding lake trout, walleye and bass fishing. Grab a boat rental and spend a day on the water soaking in the sun and casting a line. For those who prefer outdoor accommodations, Glimmerglass State Park is one of the region's top spots for overnight stays and recreation. Bring your catch back to camp for a rustic meal or use the fire pit as a centerpiece for sharing those fishing stories and other tales. Cooperstown has it all when it comes to putting together a legendary buddies' getaway. If you're looking for an affordable way to spend quality time, it doesn't get much better than a visit to Cooperstown and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
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