Cooperstown, New York

Cooperstown is the urban embodiment of the American way. The village covers a gentle slope along the end of a fjord-like lake and the headwaters of a calm river surrounded by hardwood forests and lush farmlands. It was founded in 1786 by the father of James Fenimore Cooper–America’s first famous novelist. Legend has it that baseball was invented here in 1839 by Abner Doubleday. A century later, the National Baseball Hall of Fame became a reality downtown.

Baseball is still a grand slam home run attraction. But now, there is more. The village is also home to two world class museums, and it is a key destination in America for opera buffs. The surroundings are as beautifully bucolic as ever. In town, residents’ pride in their long, rich legacy is reflected in the postcard charm of tree-lined streets, manicured lawns and gardens, and tidy Victorian homes. Downtown is compact and vital, with solid blocks of historic buildings housing all kinds of shops; diverse restaurants; distinctive lodgings; and the renowned museum.

For more information, check with the local Chamber of Commerce.