How To Plan The Perfect Baseball-Themed Getaway In Upstate New York

Every baseball fan should make the pilgrimage to New York's Cooperstown. The area is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, which opened on June 12, 1939 with its inaugural induction ceremony. Hundreds of baseball professionals have since been inducted. The museum's collection features more than 40,000 baseball-related items, from bats to balls and beyond. The site receives many artifacts annually, usually by donation, to help tell the story of baseball. For diehard fans, the museum also houses the A. Bartlett Giamatti Research Center, which houses millions of documents related to the history of America's pastime. There are also hundreds of thousands of pieces of visual material. About 300,000 people visit the museum each year.

There's also Doubleday Field, where Abner Doubleday allegedly invented the game of baseball in 1839. Though this myth has since been disputed, the field and its lore remain. Historic Doubleday Field dates back to 1920 and the first grandstand was built in 1924. It was subsequently expanded and continues to host baseball players of many different skill levels. It's a must-visit if you're in Cooperstown. During the season, there are three games a day at the field. The seating capacity is 9,800 and admission is free.

Baseball history is ubiquitous in the area. You can't walk around Cooperstown without feeling like you're immersed in baseball itself. You'll find the Cooperstown Bat Company and the Where It All Began Bat Company, for instance, as well as the Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum, which features dozens of life-sized models of baseball greats. Otesaga Resort Hotel even features a Baseball VIP Experience Package, which includes behind-the-scenes access to Cooperstown's iconic baseball attractions. Even Cooperstown's eateries speak to baseball fans, from the Doubleday Cafe to the Hard Ball Cafe Sports Bar and Restaurant. And of course, you'll find many shops around town with baseball-centric souvenirs.

A popular time to visit Cooperstown, naturally, is Hall of Fame Induction Weekend. If you're a baseball fan — even in the slightest — a trip to Cooperstown, New York is an absolute must. It's the perfect getaway, and Cooperstown is a beautiful part of the country to visit any time of year.