This New York Main Street Feels Like A Movie Set
If movies like Field of Dreams, Bull Durham, and A League of Their Own are up your alley, there is one New York town that will feel made for you: Cooperstown. Situated in Central New York along Otsego Lake, this town, nicknamed “America’s Hometown,” has been attracting baseball fans from across the country since the mid-1900s. Today, its streets feel like a movie set, featuring the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, the historic Doubleday Field, and shops devoted to all things baseball. To make it feel even more movie-like, colorful trolleys pass through town during the summer months, adding to its nostalgic atmosphere. If you want to see why Cooperstown looks like it belongs on the big screen, these are the places to start.
Baseball Museums & Fields
Who doesn’t love a heartfelt baseball movie? In Cooperstown, you can feel like a baseball hero of your own, exploring legendary baseball fields and museums that have wonderfully preserved the sport’s heritage. The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum is one of the most popular attractions to visit on Main Street, with the museum housing three floors of exhibits to explore. As you roam the three levels, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in baseball history and original artifacts, as well as learn about the impact that the game has had on society. The Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery, The Art of Baseball, and Baseball at the Movies are just a few of the specific visits that you can check out.
Continue your movie-like adventure by heading to The Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum, which is just a short walk away. As the world’s only baseball wax museum, visitors can appreciate over 40 wax figures here, including life-sized characters like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig! To see a piece of baseball history in action, make sure to stop by Doubleday Field as well. This field has been a cornerstone of the town’s baseball scene for decades, with Major League Baseball hosting exhibition games and marquee events here since the mid-1900s. Although the stadium has undergone many renovations over the years, its heritage remains, with the field continuing to operate and host events throughout the year.
Baseball-Related Shops
You’ve put yourself in the shoes of some of the country’s great baseball players. Now it’s time to look for a souvenir to complete the look! And there’s no better way to remember your time in Cooperstown than by visiting one of the local baseball bat shops. Cooperstown Bat Company is one of the town’s most renowned shops, located right at 118 Main. You’ll find all kinds of baseball-related goods here, including personalized collectible bats, apparel and accessories, training equipment, gear, and more.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind bat, also make sure to visit Where It All Began Bat Company. This local bat shop has been operating for over two decades, personalizing its bats with free engravings. Other stores on Main that sell additional baseball-related items include Silver Fox Gift Shop, which sells baseball-themed ornaments, magnets, charms, and much more.
The Cooperstown Trolley
Plenty of towns have cars and buses, but in Cooperstown, it’s not uncommon to see its colorful trolley system running through town during the high season. These red and green trolleys run from Father’s Day Weekend until Labor Day Weekend each year, helping connect visitors to some of the most prominent attractions.
A few of the stops along the way are the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Doubleday Field, the Fenimore Farm and Country Village, the Fenimore Art Museum, the Otesaga Resort Hotel, and Lakefront Park. One of the best things about taking the trolley, besides the adorable experience, of course, is not having to stress about parking. Summer streets can get pretty crowded, but trolley riders can park for free in any of the three lots and ride all day for one flat price.
Culinary Scene
Some dining establishments in Cooperstown have been around for over a century, giving the town some seriously iconic places to eat. Before beginning your baseball tour for the day, you can start your morning at Schneider's Bakery, a local bakeshop that has been in the community since 1887! There is a wide array of sweet treats to enjoy on the menu, such as moon pies, cupcakes, homemade donuts, and chocolate chip cookies.
For lunch, you can head over to the historic and iconic Cooperstown Diner, established in 1921, which continues to serve lunch classics such as fried chicken, grilled cheese, and BLTs. Breakfast is served all day here as well, if you are craving an omelet or pancakes. Once you start getting an appetite for dinner, Mel's At 22 makes an excellent option, sitting at the corner of Main and Chestnut Street. This restaurant is family-owned and operated, serving gourmet dishes like hanger steak risotto, chicken parmesan, and pistachio shrimp.
Life offers plenty of moments that feel cinematic, and Cooperstown is one of those places where that feeling comes naturally. Between its eccentric baseball museums, bat companies, and nostalgic restaurants, some kind of interesting attraction is always just right around the corner. Gift shops along Main Street complete the experience, with memorabilia and souvenirs that feel fitting for a town so closely tied to the game. By the end of your trip, the memories you make will feel made-for-screen memorable!
