For some, sports are the thing that inspires. For others, it's culture, history and art, or for some the way the heart is through the stomach! Or, maybe for you, it is all of the above. Cooperstown has plenty to offer everyone on the spectrum, and continuing our A Day in the Life of series, today we'll focus on how foodies can make the best of a trip to Cooperstown. There's so much to taste, it is hard to choose just a few, but here we go.
The Ultimate Foodie-Friendly Day in Cooperstown
Breakfast at Stagecoach Coffee
This is the freshest cup around! They roast in small batches, and when they start to run out they roast some more, so the coffee is literally right out of the roaster! They chose a full city roast, a little lighter than you may be used to, but allows the natural flavor notes of the coffee to shine through without tasting burnt. We recommend a breakfast sandwich to fuel your day, and with vegan and gluten free options, everyone is happy.
GROW Exhibit at The Farmers' Museum
As all Foodie's know, fresh vegetables are key to any great dish. The latest exhibit at The Farmers' Museum, GROW, focuses on how you can grow your own produce almost anywhere - including a tiny apartment. No matter where you live, this is a fascinating look at the world of fresh, homegrown produce.
Lunch at Hawkeye
Enjoy a seat on the patio or indoors in the newly renovated space. There are lake views no matter where you end up and the food matches the impressive view. The chef is renowned for his Butcher's Burger, ground fresh daily from local beef and served on a bun made in-house. If you are more of a veggie lover, try the stone fired pizzas - a favorite right now is topped with figs, goat cheese, pistachio, charred red onion and arugula. The entire menu focuses on using fresh, local ingredients, and changes with the seasons. You'll also find a good selection of beer, wine, and craft cocktails.
Tour Fly Creek Cider Mill
After lunch, walk it off at Fly Creek Cider Mill. This historic mill presses fresh cider using historic cider pressing equipment. Take a tour to see how it all operates, then browse the Mill Store Marketplace where the samples are always aplenty - with cheese, dips, jams, and their famous fudge!
Happy Hour at Brewery Ommegang
If you are in the mood for another tour, hop in with a group tour at the Brewery Ommegang to see how their beer making operation works, it is pretty exciting. Tours happen from 11am - 5pm, on the hour. Then, head to the cafe to try a few beers, their Belgian style beers are award-winning and brewed to pair perfectly with food.
Dinner at Glimmerglass
Glimmerglass is a true Foodie's paradise. Chef Perillo has mastered the use of everything central New York has to offer from heirloom carrots to fabulous locally made and aged cheeses. Something unforgettable is their melt-in-your-mouth prime steaks, with beef hand selected from a local farm and aged in house. The Sommelier, Chad Douglass, is the mastermind behind an exquisite list of wines, which encompasses everything from popular wines like Rosé, to terrific New York wines and staples from Europe, Sonoma, and the Willamette Valley. The menu and decor at Glimmerglass are more refined than most Cooperstown restaurants, but the attitude is friendly and welcoming. This is a definite must-do! Reservations are recommended.
Night Cap at the Fire Bar
Catch the sunset or chat by the light of the fire after dinner at The Otesaga's intimate Fire Bar, just steps out the doors of Glimmerglass. Try a hand crafted cocktail, beer, or sip a glass of New York wine in one of the most picturesque places in Cooperstown. This is just one more chance to try the plethora of well-made and unique drink provisions concocted in the region.
And this is just to name a few of the local spots. Have another day? Hit the Cooperstown Beverage Trail to try the area's ciders, beers, wine, and spirits. Whether you have a little or a lot of time in Cooperstown, a foodie adventure is easy to have! We'd love to hear your favorite bites in town - tell us in the comments or with the hashtag #CoopGetAway on social media.