A 24-Hour Autumn Escape to Cooperstown, NY

Nothing quite says fall like the picturesque North Eastern United States. The hills and mountains painted in shades of red, orange, and yellow; the crisp, cool morning air; fires and cozy blankets; and let’s not forget, pumpkin and apple everything! There is no better place to enjoy the spooky season. Fall getaways can be tricky when you are a teacher and a coach of a fall sport, so my husband and I opted for a quick trip to Cooperstown, New York. You may think that this seems like more of a summer destination with the Baseball Hall of Fame — a must for any fan of the sport — and the sparkling Otsego Lake, but there is much more to the area than that.

Middlefield Orchard

We started our day by taking the quick hour and a half trip down 88. Cooperstown is approximately halfway between Binghatmon and Albany. It is important to note that it is not directly off of the highway, you still have about a 30 minute drive once you take the exit. Our first stop was Middlefield Orchard which offers you-pick-berries in the summer and you-pick-apples from August through October. They also sell a lot of their homemade goods at farmers markets in the Cooperstown and Oneonta area. Along with the apple orchards, Middlefield Orchard has a farmstand with produce, apple cider, and homemade products for sale. They also have a pumpkin patch, hay rides, and other fall favorite activities for both kids and adults. If, like us, you have a wee baby, stops like these are nice because you are not on a specific schedule. You can spend as much or as little time here as you want!

Ommegang Brewery

Once we had a bag full of apples and some delicious apple cider donuts, we made our way to Ommegang Brewery. Ommegang Brewery is probably one of the best known microbreweries in New York. They have Belgian roots dating back to the 1500s. Along with beer they have craft ciders (what I purchased) and wonderful food. If you are a fan of chicken and waffles, their variation is fantastic. They have indoor and outdoor dining options, brewery tours and tastings, and in the summer they have an outdoor concert series. If you have been to Ommegang and are looking for something different to try, there is also Red Shed (right up the road) and Cooperstown Brewery (in Milford).

Fall Foliage Train Ride

We finished off our first day of fall fun with a 2-hour fall foliage train ride. This was something I spotted on Instagram and I knew I had to try it. This is an activity that fills up quickly so make sure you book in advance. They only run these on the weekends, and they offer two rides a day. The fall foliage train ride is run by the Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad, a completely volunteer-based organization. The scenic views of the rolling hills are also accompanied by brief pieces of history sprinkled throughout the trip. It’s truly a great way to relax after a long day of hiking or exploring the area. My fellow parents out there will be happy to note that this is a very family-friendly activity. Our 9 month old daughter did really well, and there were riders of all ages. This train does have an open air car in the back and a dining car with snacks and merchandise for sale. You can also rent out the caboose which seats 10 people. FYI, they also do Santa Claus and North Pole Express train rides as well!

Cobblescote on the Lake

After our train ride, we decided to head back to our lodging for the night. We stayed at an inn called Cobblescote on the Lake. They offer a variety of rooms and activities for guests. We had a fantastic view of the lake which was definitely worth the price. The following morning we were surprised with an included breakfast, and then headed back home.

Fly Creek Cider Mill

Before we took the return trip, we stopped at one of the top 10 cider mills in the country, Fly Creek Cider Mill. They have activities available for kids, a large store, and a delicious snack shack where you can get an array of apple flavored dishes. Don’t forget some quarters to buy feed for the ducks! It was a quick stop for us that morning, but a cider mill is a must for any fall excursion in New York.

When we got home in the early afternoon, I truly felt that we had made the most out of our quick fall getaway, and was 100% satisfied. The most important part of our trip to me, was that we got to enjoy this time as a family, and I would highly recommend the Cooperstown area for anyone looking for a trip to take with children.

Other common attractions in Cooperstown and the surrounding area:

The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
The Farmers’ Museum
Glimmerglass State Park

Tips for autumn travel in Upstate New York:

Dress in layers. When people say that the seasons in New York are moody, they are referring to this time of year (and the spring). My personal recommendation: a T-shirt and jeans, with a flannel, a vest, and always a raincoat in the car (because you really never know).
New York is much larger than just the Big Apple. Most of the state does not have reliable public transit, so I would recommend renting/taking a car.
October 1st marks the first day of deer hunting season, so there are a few things you should consider. If you plan to go hiking in less populated areas I would wear bright (non-deer looking) colors. Also, the deer and other animals become more active, especially at dusk and night, so be vigilant while driving.