Weekend in Cooperstown, N.Y., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: Cooperstown is pure Americana and an ideal escape for summer beer tasting at one of its four breweries, kayaking on beautiful Lake Otsego, raspberry and blackberry picking at Middlefield Orchard, or antiquing in the many shops and countryside barns. This one-stoplight village is set on the 9-mile, clear and cool Otsego Lake with historic buildings, fine museums and a charming Main Street. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum tells the story of baseball through its three-story timeline, with the majestic Plaque Gallery containing induction plaques of all members. 25 Main St., 607-547-7200, http://baseballhall.org. Plan trips at www.thisiscooperstown.com.
Getting there: Thirty-day advance round-trip rates to Ithaca or Binghamton (two-hour drive) are $298; American Airlines via Philadelphia. Round-trip rates to Albany (90-minute drive) from $480 with 21-day advance notice; nonstop Delta.
BUDGET
Stay: The Landmark Inn, a bed-and-breakfast restored to its original beauty of 1856, is within walking distance of downtown. This family-friendly inn sits on two acres and features 11 cozy rooms with hardwood floors, luxurious beds and designer linens. Rates from $119 include a gourmet breakfast served in the chandeliered dining room at a private table topped with china and fine stemware, and with a view of the garden through historic leaded glass windows. 64 Chestnut St., 607-547-7225, www.landmarkinncooperstown.com.
Eat: Healthy, fresh local and organic ingredients are served at Origins Cafe. The greenhouse cafe at Carefree Gardens serves lunch from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $7-$15. A special three-course Harvest Dinner (donation-based) with local musicians is held Wednesday nights through fall. 558 Beaver Meadow Road, 607-437-2862, www.celebrateorigins.com.
Experience: On deck for this summer is the Hall of Fame Weekend, July 24-27, where fans can watch as three pitchers who combined to win nine Cy Young Awards — Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz — and Craig Biggio, a member of Major League Baseball's 3,000 Hit Club, accept one of baseball's most prestigious accolades. The Induction Ceremony, slated for 1:30 p.m. July 26 at the Clark Sports Center, is free (lawn seating on a first-come, first-served basis). 124 County Road 52, 607-547-2800, www.clarksportscenter.com/events/baseball-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony.
MODERATE
Stay: The Inn at Cooperstown is a historic landmark of Second Empire architecture (circa 1874) with 18 charming guest rooms. It's located less than two blocks from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, shopping and fine dining. Standard room rates, $135-$198; classic rooms, $160-$250, including buffet breakfast. Packages for accommodations and attractions also offered. 16 Chestnut St., 607-547-5756, www.innatcooperstown.com.
Eat: Recently opened Mel's at 22 serves classic American cuisine for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch in a relaxed environment for all ages. Starters, $8-$11; dinner entrees, $14-$27. 22 Chestnut St., 607-435-7062, www.melsat22.com.
Experience: Once the hops-growing capital of North America, Cooperstown now boasts two breweries, a winery and a historic cider mill. Take the 37-mile Cooperstown Beverage Trail through central New York state and visit and tour Bear Pond Winery (tastings from $3), Cooperstown Brewing Company and Fly Creek Cider Mill. Stop at Brewery Ommegang for a bite, a tour with tastings ($5) or a live music event during the summer concert series (from $36). 656 County Highway 33, 607-544-1800, www.ommegang.com.
SPLURGE
Stay: The Otesaga Resort Hotel, celebrating its 106th season this year, offers rates from $299 on stays through Sept. 1. Included are tickets to the Fenimore Art Museum and trolley transportation to and from the museum. 60 Lake St., 607-547-9931, www.otesaga.com.
Eat: Lake Front is a casual, family-oriented restaurant with a full bar and live music on weekends (and a dance floor). Overlook Otsego Lake from the deck or choose a seat in the nautical dining room. Menus accommodate all tastes; $9.50-$12.50 starters; $22-$30 dinner entrees. 10 Fair St., 607-547-8188, www.lakefrontcooperstown.com/#_=_.
Experience: Glimmerglass Festival is an internationally renowned summer opera festival, featuring four productions each year on Otsego Lake (8 miles north of Cooperstown and tucked between the Adirondack and Catskill mountains). Tickets for "Candide," "Cato in Utica," "Macbeth" and "Magic Flute" range from $10-$122. The theater features a single wraparound balcony, box seats, and unique sliding side walls that can be opened to the outdoors. All 914 seats are less than 70 feet from the stage. 7300 State Highway 80, 607-547-2255, http://glimmerglass.org.
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