Cooperstown Winter Getaway

Are you currenty living in New York and looking for a place to "escape" that's driving distance?

Cooperstown, NY is the place for you! It is the cutest town in Upstate NY. The town preserves it's historical presence and character by only allowing commercial business in certain areas. This helps make it aesthetically pleasing and as if you are in a Hallmark movie! Not to mention the fact that it sits along Otsego Lake, making the views incredible.

WHERE TO STAY:

We were able to book a room for my birthday last month at the Otesaga Resort Hotel with a couple of our close friends. It was also my friend Emily's birthday the same week, so it was a double celebration! The Otesaga is waterfront and has a restaurant that overlooks the lake! The view from our room was stunning, especially in the morning with the sun rising. (Yes, those are 1911 ciders chilling in the snow outside the window.) The hotel made us feel so safe upon arrival by wearing their masks, providing an Otesaga personal care kit with hotel information and complimentary fudge, and offering a quick and easy check-in. There were also touchless hand sanitizer stations in multiple locations around the hotel. You can see in the photos they made sure to also let us know our rooms were throughly sanitized and cleaned. The hotel was stunning and all decked out for Christmas.

WHERE TO EAT:

Dinner:

The first night we checked in, we decided to make a reservation at the Hawkeye Bar & Grill on the bottom floor of our hotel that overlooks the lake. We were hoping that the fire bar was open and available to have drinks at, but since there was just recently a snow storm, this wasn't an option. The fire bar is only open weather permitting. Our dinner was incredible here! Our server was so attentive and polite, and didn't rush us one bit!

Breakfast:

My husband and I have sat outside during the summer at the Cooperstown Diner, which was so cute. However, on this trip breakfast was included with our stay! It wasn't just a continental breakfast either, it was at the same restaurant we ate at the night before, the Hawkeye Bar & Grill. We got to sit down, relax and were waited on by the same server from the night before. I ordered a sausage, pepper, onion and cheese omelete with homefries. It was delicious!

Lunch:

We decided on Saturday to try some spots along the Cooperstown Beverage Trail. Our first spot was Brewery Ommegang, the PERFECT spot for a good lunch! Their poutine is amazing. I believe this is a seasonal menu item, so if it's on the menu- GET IT!

Dinner:

Another good dinner spot in Cooperstown is Bocca Osteria. Their chicken riggies (this is a Utica, NY based dish) are some of the best I've had! Give them a try for sure.

WHAT TO DO:

-The historic Main Street business district is the best place to stroll along and pop into all of the local shops! There's an amazing bakery in town called Schneirder's Bakery that's been open since 1887 for your sweet tooth.

-Cooperstown Beverage Trail. There are plenty of stops along this 37 mile long trail, and some are sort of a distance from Cooperstown, so plan accordingly. Also, make sure with COVID-19 and winter to see which ones are open right now. My personal favorites are all close by. Which leads me to name a few:

1. Fly Creek Cider Mill is one along the way! It's the most adorable place that you can bring the kids to. There's wine and cider tastings, shopping, and even a cute snack barn restaurant & bakery.

2. It's so good it's worth mentioning twice- Brewery Ommegang. No matter what season you are visiting in, this stop is sure to please! Especially if you like beer. In the fall, the foliage is STUNNING (another post to come closer to fall 2021 with photos from our visit in the fall). There is even a "heart shaped" tree that turns red. Sit and enjoy a flight, or once allowed- take a tour (these are temporarily suspended 😞). They also have Brunch Bingo right now on Sundays.

3. The Cooperstown Distillery Beverage Exchange is a stop that is right on Main Street in Cooperstown. This place has gorgeous decor and a great vibe, along with great drinks! It even has comfortable seating to relax on if you've had too much to drink. 🤣

4. Red Shed Brewery is another one of my favorites, but unfortunately on our trip they were closed. This one and Ommegang are basically right across the street from eachother.

-Last but not least, there is the National Baseball Hall of Fame! This is what Cooperstown is most known for, and attracts the most visitors. Just by doing a bit of research, the Hall of Fame is struggling from the COVID-19 shut down. A visit there would help support a secure future for the Hall of Fame, and of course be fun for the whole family!

(Pictures above: Brewery Ommegang)

(Picture above: Fly Creek Cider Mill)

(Picture above: Cooperstown Distillery Beverage Exchange)

Feel free to reach out and ask me anything about our trip! I also used to live 20 minutes to Cooperstown so I have a lot of knowledge about the area :) I'd love to help you plan your getaway!

As always, my outfits are linked on my liketoKNOW.it!