Cooperstown, New York: a Good Place to Visit, a Good Place to Live

If the theme "pleasant and enjoyable" appeals to you, you will find it in Cooperstown, New York.

Cooperstown, located in the central part of New York State, is both a tourist attraction and a community of its residents; accurately tagged as a "village," it contains the historical flavor and modern life found agreeable to visitors and locals alike.

For history buffs, Cooperstown was founded by and named for Judge William Cooper in the late 1700's. Judge Cooper is most well-known as being the father of James Fenimore Cooper, America's first internationally-recognized novelist, who authored the ever-popular Leatherstocking Tales, including The Deerslayer and Last of the Mohicans.

As most know Cooperstown best by it being the Home of Baseball, no worries if you haven't acquired tickets to this year's Hall of Fame Game (scheduled for May 21, between the Blue Jays and the Orioles), you can get an advance start on next year's tickets!

The Hall of Fame Game is played at Doubleday Field, the day after each year's annual inductions into the Hall of Fame itself.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame is located at 25 Main Street (607-547-7200).

Another popular attraction is the Farmers' Museum, located at 5785 State Highway 80 (known as "the Lake Road" to locals) (607-547-1400). The Farmers' Museum is a replica of a nineteeth-century village, depicting many aspects of authentic rural life in America. Bring cameras; it is a place which the whole family will enjoy.

The nine-mile-long Otsego Lake presents opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing (the Otsego Bass is a great local favorite); and the lake and its surroundings make for excellent photography.

Nearby, on County Highway 31, is Glimmerglass State Park, which has been rated as one of the top-100 campgrounds in the United States.

Another interesting attracting in Otsego Lake itself is the Kingfisher Tower-- a true-to-life, 60-foot-tall castle designed by attorney Edward Clark.

The accomodations in and near Cooperstown range from the very upscale to the most basic. If you prefer a Bed & Breakfast with all of the local charm, the Hickory Grove at 6855 Highway 80 (607-547-1313) has much to offer. Another, which has its own private dock for lake activities, and a swimming pool, is the Terrace Motor Inn, at 6439 Highway 80 (607-547-9979).

While there are many restaurants to choose from, do not overlook one of the lesser-known-- if you want basic good food at reasonable prices, and efficient service by a friendly staff, the Short Stop is one you won't want to miss. Located down the street from the Hall of Fame, it's at 65 Main Street (607-547-9609).

Thanks to the attention and efforts of the Clark Family, Cooperstown can boast that it is a village which never lost touch with its roots. It truly is a great place to visit, and a great place to live.