Just Beyond New England Series

Article and photographs by Eric H.

It's 8:30 p.m. on a hot July summer night and the sun starts to travel down the creamsicle-like sky. Couples, families, and "townies" walk the main street looking like everything is right with the world.

We watch the world from the Inn at Cooperstown's grand front porch. The beautiful woodwork, the ultra-comfortable rocking chairs, the tall, stately trees and a healthy green front lawn provide the utopic setting for true relaxation at this magnificently warm former annex to the Fenimore Hotel, built in 1874.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Inn at Cooperstown plays like a dream-come-true, with its stunning physique perfectly situated around the corner from what has been called by America's greatest Main Street. This idyllic center is filled with trees, gardens, inviting benches, interesting stores, fabulous restaurants and, of course, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Doubleday Field (named after Abner Doubleday, who reportedly devised modern baseball here). Cooperstown indeed combines a vacation destination with a beautiful residential community, accented by warm, loving, homes and the aforementioned Main Street. On the perimeter of the village is the eight-mile Lake Otsego which is pristine and frequently changes colors -- from limestone to blue to cyan. It is truly spectacular.

The Inn at Cooperstown is everything you ever dreamed about for the perfect inn. The rooms, so classy but informal make for a great night's sleep. And the dining and living room area evoke a more elaborate version of the old-time feeling of your grandparent's house. Everywhere you look there is a nuance that sticks in your mind, long after returning home. The Victorian furnishings, antiques, a fireplace, the comfy couches, and old-fashioned chairs make one want to stay indoors all day long. While that would certainly be enjoyable, it would also be a mistake for all the fun of Cooperstown would be missed.

The Inn at Cooperstown is a memorable experience. From the very good continental breakfast to the great conversations with Inn personnel and guests, the whole world just seems right at the Inn at Cooperstown. It is a place where total strangers immediately warm up to each other, knowing that the common bond of a nice, warm Inn make us feel safe, happy and satisfied.

The porch. What a great place to subscribe to serenity and to realize everything we should be thankful for. The porch gently puts everything in perspective by allowing you to unwind and see more than we ever will in everyday life with high-rises, rush hours, morning talk shows, cell phones and other aspects of the ironic use of the word, "civilization." Slowly rising from the chair and taking a five minute walk to the beautiful Lake Otsego --with it's benches, pretty Lakefront Park, boats in the water, and surrounding hills and mountains--is an incredible variation of the phrase "a night on the town., or a "day in paradise."" All nights and days should be like this. The staff at the Inn is so fortunate to have their surroundings, as are the people of Cooperstown to live in this incredibly wonderful village.

Take a walk around the corner and you're in the village center, filled with happy people, happy store owners and, in addition, happy fathers knowing the Baseball Hall of Fame is within striking distance. Whether night or day, you feel incredibly safe at this one-of-a-kind village. Here, you'll find all locally owned stores --with the exception of the much-needed CVS Pharmacy. Many stores have a baseball theme, but the non-baseball fan will find solace in clothing, antique, art and book stores. The side streets boast extremely well-maintained homes, with many you just want to peek through the window to see how the interior matches up to the impressive exteriors. Many of the homes have superb gardens.

Minutes from the Inn at Cooperstown is Doubleday Field, where amateur ball players truly enjoy playing the game. The Baseball Hall of Fame is right down the street. And there's no shortage of great restauarnts. Nicoletta's offers top-of-the-line Italian food. T.J.'s might not seem like much as the room is half gift shop and half restaurant, but try the stuffed chicken, roast turkey, or caesar salad and your elitist thoughts will soon change. Finish with some excellent ice cream at the Stagecoach, a pastry from the tempting Schneider's Bakery or some jukebox music and nightlife at the Doubleday Cafe, walk down to the water, and then retire back at the Inn. Nothing could feel better.

Walking outside the village will bring you to another source of enjoyment, The Farmer's Museum and Village Crossroads, which portrays rural life in early times. An herbal pharmacy, blacksmithing, weaving, printing, stickball games, music, farming, -- with many different animals -- and more make for a lively afternoon. Unlike other places of this ilk, it's not forced or hokey. Everything seems authentic.

Realize that Cooperstown is much more than a baseball town. It is a place where people live, work and revel in this little jewel of a village. Vacationers sense the secure, prideful feeling, plus the scenic surroundings. In essence what may seem initially pleasant becomes spiritual when visiting Cooperstown, as every positive aspect of life --American living in an ideal location-- is truly infectious.

The Inn at Cooperstown is the perfect foundation to start your Cooperstown vacation. And be assured that all members of the family are welcome. Joan andI came here for a few years before the birth of our baby daughter. Last year, we brought our baby daughter, and the Inn staff treated her so well. We were very touched by their humanity.

To no surprise, we highly recommend the Inn at Cooperstown. Relaxation has never felt so heightened (even with a newborn). Once experiencing this magnificent place, we are sure you'll want to return again and again.

The Inn At Cooperstown, Cooperstown, N.Y.

16 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, N.Y., 13326

Tel. (607) 547-5756