Cooperstown (HoF) suggestions

[Tokeydog]

Hi all.  Finally, 40 years in, I'm making the journey to visit the HoF in late April.  We plan on spending two full days in Cooperstown with one of those days dedicated to just the HoF.  Just checking to see if anyone has any suggestions on what to expect and what to do while there?  Not just the HoF itself but in Cooperstown too.

We do have reservations already for Ommegang so that much is covered.  Thanks in advance!

[imref]

Hi all.  Finally, 40 years in, I'm making the journey to visit the HoF in late April.  We plan on spending two full days in Cooperstown with one of those days dedicated to just the HoF.  Just checking to see if anyone has any suggestions on what to expect and what to do while there?  Not just the HoF itself but in Cooperstown too.

We do have reservations already for Ommegang so that much is covered.  Thanks in advance!

I've been there three times, it is an absolutely beautiful area, two days is perfect.  The hall takes maybe 4 hours to visit (including the museum).  There are often little league games at the nearby Doubleday field that are worth checking out as well.  We've spent our remaining time walking the downtown area around the hall and visiting the dozen or so memorabilia shops.  We've only been there for day trips and have usually had lunch at the Doubleday Cafe which I'd recommend for a sandwich and/or a beer.

If you are bringing kids, make sure they do the kids program at the Museum, they can get a patch if they complete the scavenger hunt.

If weather permits, check out the nearby lake and take a boat ride, a stroll, or a walk around the parks.  I'd check the local schedule for when you are there and see what events are happening as well.  Will you be visiting any other parts of upstate NY?  Saratoga is about 90 minutes away and well worth the trip.

Have a great time!

[Tokeydog]

Exactly what I was looking for!  Thank you so much.  We really weren't planning much beyond Cooperstown, but we are very flexible for the most part.  Friday and Monday are travel days so that leave Saturday at the Hall and Sunday for what ever.

[imref]

one other thing, look for Ryan Zimmerman's name on the Lou Gehrig Award plaque, IIRC it's in the museum near the gift shop.

[tomterp]

Unfortunately, you'll be hard pressed to find the Nationals/Senators section of the HOF.  In Minnesota?  Gag me.

But Cooperstown is indeed a splendid town.  Maybe you'll run into Pete Rose shilling for votes!   Or Minty Fresh spitting in the dirt behind home plate at Doubleday.  He's quite the ham, will play to the audience.

[BrandonK]

Wow!! Nice, have a great trip!

[OldChelsea]

I'd love to go there (preferably before Bonds, Rose et al finally get in) but since I don't drive....

[HalfSmokes]

I'd guess there's a bus from nyc- loads of colleges in the area, once you're there, it's walkable

[Minty Fresh]

http://www.thisiscooperstown.com/attractions

I find this link to be most helpful for starters.  It kind of depends on things you like to do - if you're into golf there's a lot of really great places to play.  If you're into just kind of walking around, there's a lot of great shops but you can see the entire village in an afternoon.  There are other museums in the area and there's the Glimmerglass Opera House (as long as their season is up-and-running by April)...

And there's lots and lots and lots of baseball.  If you're really into the history of baseball I would recommend an entire day at the Hall.  There are always games happening at Doubleday Field which is a stone's throw from the Hall (unless you're tomterp - then it's like four stones' throws...).

Or Minty Fresh spitting in the dirt behind home plate at Doubleday.  He's quite the ham, will play to the audience.

You have to come in August for that!