This Hidden Gem In Upstate New York Is The Perfect Small Town Getaway
There are so many free activities!
Main Street in Cooperstown, NY, at night. Right: The Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown, NY.
The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
Quiet getaways from the city are a perfect remedy to stressful times, and Upstate New York boasts plenty of tiny cute towns to explore any day.
Over the years, I've spent quite some time with my family in the Mohawk Valley and the areas surrounding my family's lakehouse off Canadarago Lake. Until this day, there is one town that sticks out to me for the most charming escape to gorgeous rolling hills and an adorable charm.
Cooperstown, NY, is most famously home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but there is so much more to the small city than celebrating the sport.
As a lifelong tourist of the city, here are some of my favorite activities you might want to add to your itinerary on your next trip upstate.
The Farmers' Museum
Price: $15
Address: 5775 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY
Why You Need To Go: This one is for "cottagecore" lovers and farmers alike.
The museum has an entire historical village dedicated to farming in America for the past few centuries. You can learn about the ways of homestead life from a few experts in textiles, baking, and herbal gardening.
However, once wintry weather hits, the entire museum closes, but you can still enjoy its country store.
Main Street
Price: Free
Address: Main St., Cooperstown, NY
Why You Need To Go: This street is the central place of all the action. The area is surrounded by restaurants and gift shops housed in a row of charming buildings.
Standing on the corner of Cooperstown's main street always gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling that I'm somewhere you could find in a Hallmark movie.
Fly Creek Cider Mill
Price: Free
Address: 288 Goose St., Fly Creek, NY
Why You Need To Go: Apple desserts, farm animals, and cider brewing. Oh my! There is so much to dig into at Fly Creek, whether it be feeding the ducks and geese, perusing the massive gift shop, or learning the process of making apple cider.
Also, their apple cider donuts changed my life.
National Baseball Hall Of Fame
Price: $28
Address: 25 Main St., Cooperstown, NY
Why You Need To Go: I know I said I wasn’t focusing on baseball-related places, but the history of the U.S.'s favorite pastime is just so rich it's hard to resist.
I think that stopping at this historical museum is essential. Not only can you learn about honored athletes such as David Ortiz and Babe Ruth, but you can also get to know about the history of important topics such as the place of women in this male-dominated sport.
There are so many authentic artifacts, too!
Ommegang Brewery
Price: $15 tasting
Address: 656 Co Hwy. 33, Cooperstown, NY
Why You Need To Go: If you're a beer geek, you've probably heard of this Upstate New York brewery with a Belgian name.
Keeping with the farming theme, this famous beer is brewed inside a massive farmhouse. There's a tap house on the property where you can choose your own brews and create a personally curated flight of beers.
Canadarago Lake
Price: Free
Address: 135 Dennison Rd., Richfield Springs, NY
Why You Need To Go: After a busy time in town, heading to one of the nearby "finger lakes" can be a good place to watch the sunset.
My favorite is Canadarago Lake, which has a free park you can watch the calm lake waters from. In the summertime, the lake is filled with boats and water activities.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
- This Charming Virginia Town Ranked One Of The Best Downtown Areas & Beat Major US Cities ›
- This Small Town Tucked In The Rocky Mountains Looks Straight Out Of The Wild West ›
- This Dreamy Resort Hidden Outside New York Has Romantic Themed Rooms & It’s Couples Only - Narcity ›
- You Can Camp For Just $2.75 At This Sparkling Blue Swimming Hole In Upstate New York - Narcity ›
- This Cozy Harbor Town In Connecticut Has A Darling Main Street & It's Perfect For A Day Trip - Narcity ›
- 7 Must-Do Activities If You're Visiting New York City From Canada During The Holidays - Narcity ›
- This Cozy Small Town In New Jersey Has Picturesque Streets Perfect For A Summer Day Stroll - Narcity ›
- This Tropical Island Paradise Is A 2-Hour Flight From NYC & It Has Mesmerizing Blue Water - Narcity ›