Guidebook for Cooperstown and Surrounding Areas
City/town information
Cooperstown and some surrounding areas definitely worth checking out.
The home of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Doubleday Field, the Dreams Park little league camp, The Farmers’ Museum,
The Fenimore Art Museum, and Otsego Lake. This quaint lakeside village offers something for everyone.
Explore the many museums Cooperstown has to offer, indulge at some of its finest restaurants, shop at the souvenir shops and boutiques and spend a day on glorious Otsego Lake. Take a stroll down both sides of the small Main Street then venture past the glorious Otesaga Hotel which features some of the best lakeside views in the village. If you have time play a round of golf at Leatherstocking Golf Course and then take a dip at one of three public beaches around the lake.
www.thisiscooperstown.com
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Cooperstown
The home of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Doubleday Field, the Dreams Park little league camp, The Farmers’ Museum,
The Fenimore Art Museum, and Otsego Lake. This quaint lakeside village offers something for everyone.
Explore the many museums Cooperstown has to offer, indulge at some of its finest restaurants, shop at the souvenir shops and boutiques and spend a day on glorious Otsego Lake. Take a stroll down both sides of the small Main Street then venture past the glorious Otesaga Hotel which features some of the best lakeside views in the village. If you have time play a round of golf at Leatherstocking Golf Course and then take a dip at one of three public beaches around the lake.
www.thisiscooperstown.com
Oneonta is the closest “city” to Cooperstown 30 minutes South via Route 28 South and I-88 West. It’s nickname is “ City of the Hills” and has a population of roughly 14,000. Home to both SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College, it’s mainly a college town during the school months. If you’re looking for a Wal-Mart, movie theater, Dick’s Sporting Goods or TJ Maxx this is where you have to go.
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Oneonta
Oneonta is the closest “city” to Cooperstown 30 minutes South via Route 28 South and I-88 West. It’s nickname is “ City of the Hills” and has a population of roughly 14,000. Home to both SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College, it’s mainly a college town during the school months. If you’re looking for a Wal-Mart, movie theater, Dick’s Sporting Goods or TJ Maxx this is where you have to go.
Sightseeing
Museums, brewery, opera and more!
Pay homage to the heroes of baseball by visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame. Arrive early to beat the crowds! Plan to spend about 4 hours here. Located right on Main Street but parking can be tough. Many streets are 2 hour parking and it’s strictly enforced. Arrive in town early and snag a spot at Doubleday Parking Lot which offers a daily price for parking, or park in one of the trolley lots and take the trolley into town.
www.baseballhall.org
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Εθνικό Μουσείο και Αίθουσα Φήμης του Μπέιζμπολ
25 Main StPay homage to the heroes of baseball by visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame. Arrive early to beat the crowds! Plan to spend about 4 hours here. Located right on Main Street but parking can be tough. Many streets are 2 hour parking and it’s strictly enforced. Arrive in town early and snag a spot at Doubleday Parking Lot which offers a daily price for parking, or park in one of the trolley lots and take the trolley into town.
www.baseballhall.org
Recreated historic 19th-Century village along with live demos and exciting exhibits. Also features the Empire State Carousel with 25 hand carved animals representing the agricultural and natural resources offered in New York State. Museum can get crowded and has limited parking so arrive early and plan to spend about 2-3 hours here.
www.farmersmuseum.org
www.farmersmuseum.org
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The Farmers' Museum
5775 NY-80Recreated historic 19th-Century village along with live demos and exciting exhibits. Also features the Empire State Carousel with 25 hand carved animals representing the agricultural and natural resources offered in New York State. Museum can get crowded and has limited parking so arrive early and plan to spend about 2-3 hours here.
www.farmersmuseum.org
www.farmersmuseum.org
Right across the street from The Farmers’ Museum so kill 2 birds with one stone. 1930s neo-Georgian mansion featuring landscape paintings, Native American artifacts, folk art and more. Parking is limited here as well and you can plan to spend 2 hours touring.
www.fenimoreartmuseum.org
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Fenimore Art Museum
5798 NY-80Right across the street from The Farmers’ Museum so kill 2 birds with one stone. 1930s neo-Georgian mansion featuring landscape paintings, Native American artifacts, folk art and more. Parking is limited here as well and you can plan to spend 2 hours touring.
www.fenimoreartmuseum.org
Take a stroll to this gorgeous resort, just a few blocks from Main Street. Walk around back and check out the breathtaking views of Otsego Lake. Check out the lobby, dining room and porch and then venture downstairs and wander the halls to view the photographs of historic Cooperstown. Return at night to their famous outdoor fire pit for drinks and small bites. Also features a full service spa you can make day reservations for.
www.otesaga.com
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The Otesaga Resort Hotel
60 Lake StTake a stroll to this gorgeous resort, just a few blocks from Main Street. Walk around back and check out the breathtaking views of Otsego Lake. Check out the lobby, dining room and porch and then venture downstairs and wander the halls to view the photographs of historic Cooperstown. Return at night to their famous outdoor fire pit for drinks and small bites. Also features a full service spa you can make day reservations for.
www.otesaga.com
Belgian Brewery Ommegang is the real deal. They offer tours, tastings, a cafe with Belgian inspired fare, and a gift shop. It’s about a ten minute drive outside of the village heading South on Route 33 towards Oneonta. Check out their events calendar on their website as they often host mainstream concerts and other beer and food festivals throughout the Summer and Fall.
www.Ommegang.com
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Brewery Ommegang
656 Co Hwy 33Belgian Brewery Ommegang is the real deal. They offer tours, tastings, a cafe with Belgian inspired fare, and a gift shop. It’s about a ten minute drive outside of the village heading South on Route 33 towards Oneonta. Check out their events calendar on their website as they often host mainstream concerts and other beer and food festivals throughout the Summer and Fall.
www.Ommegang.com
Sport
Whether you want a gym to work out in, to play a round of golf or rent kayaks to take down the Susquehanna River, this has you covered.
Beautiful 18 hole course on Otsego Lake. Located right next to the Otesaga Hotel. This course is pricey!
www.otesaga.com/golf
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Leatherstocking Golf Course
60 Lake StBeautiful 18 hole course on Otsego Lake. Located right next to the Otesaga Hotel. This course is pricey!
www.otesaga.com/golf
Need to fit in a quick workout or perhaps a group class such as Spinning or Pilates? Or maybe you want to shoot some hoops, play some tennis or swim laps. Well this is the place for that! They offer day passes as well as seven day punch passes for visitors. This is also the site of the yearly Baseball Hall of Fame Inductions.
www.clarkssportscenter.com
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The Clark Sports Center
124 Co Rd 52Need to fit in a quick workout or perhaps a group class such as Spinning or Pilates? Or maybe you want to shoot some hoops, play some tennis or swim laps. Well this is the place for that! They offer day passes as well as seven day punch passes for visitors. This is also the site of the yearly Baseball Hall of Fame Inductions.
www.clarkssportscenter.com
With multiple locations in the area, these guys rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boards to take out on the lake or the Susquehanna River. Great way to explore the area from the water.
www.canoeandkayakrentals.com
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Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales
2828 NY-28With multiple locations in the area, these guys rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boards to take out on the lake or the Susquehanna River. Great way to explore the area from the water.
www.canoeandkayakrentals.com
Located at the Blue Mingo Grill, one of the only restaurants on the lake, Sam Smith’s rents everything from kayaks, to fishing boats, to pontoon boats. They also rent bait and tackle if you’re inclined to fish. Then you can always pull in and have lunch at the grill, more known for its views than the food. Also has a cute boutique attached with lots of Cooperstown specific items. Boat rentals from here tend to be pricier than it’s competitor.
www.bluemingogrill.com
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Sam Smith's Boat Rentals
6098 NY-80Located at the Blue Mingo Grill, one of the only restaurants on the lake, Sam Smith’s rents everything from kayaks, to fishing boats, to pontoon boats. They also rent bait and tackle if you’re inclined to fish. Then you can always pull in and have lunch at the grill, more known for its views than the food. Also has a cute boutique attached with lots of Cooperstown specific items. Boat rentals from here tend to be pricier than it’s competitor.
www.bluemingogrill.com
Time Out Boat Rentals offer the best pontoon boats for the cheapest price to rent. Gary, the owner, is born and raised in Cooperstown and knows the lake like the back of his hand. His boats are in great condition and I highly recommend if you’re looking to get out on the water.
(607) 287 7737 to reserve or email gwelch2@stny.rr.com
6714 NY-80
6714 New York 80Time Out Boat Rentals offer the best pontoon boats for the cheapest price to rent. Gary, the owner, is born and raised in Cooperstown and knows the lake like the back of his hand. His boats are in great condition and I highly recommend if you’re looking to get out on the water.
(607) 287 7737 to reserve or email gwelch2@stny.rr.com
Beaches
Three beaches along Lake Otsego rated from smallest to largest. All are great options for a quick dip or a day in the sand.
One of three beaches located on the West side of the lake. Medium sized and not super crowded. Great for hosting a larger gathering/ BBQ
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Three Mile Point
6266 NY-80One of three beaches located on the West side of the lake. Medium sized and not super crowded. Great for hosting a larger gathering/ BBQ
Beach located on the East side of the lake. Smallest of the three and a bit of a trek to get to the beach from the parking lot but it’s the least crowded out of all of them.
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Fairy Springs Park
136 Co Rd 31Beach located on the East side of the lake. Smallest of the three and a bit of a trek to get to the beach from the parking lot but it’s the least crowded out of all of them.
By far the biggest of the three beaches, Glimmerglass also offers gazebos for events and BBQs as well as a full campground. Located at the North end of the lake in Springfield, Glimmerglass is about a 15 minute drive from the village (10 from the cottage). It also has some hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the lake and boarders Hyde Hall another museum to check out.
Http://parks.ny.gov
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Glimmerglass State Park
1527 Co Rd 31By far the biggest of the three beaches, Glimmerglass also offers gazebos for events and BBQs as well as a full campground. Located at the North end of the lake in Springfield, Glimmerglass is about a 15 minute drive from the village (10 from the cottage). It also has some hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the lake and boarders Hyde Hall another museum to check out.
Http://parks.ny.gov
Food scene
My favorite eateries in the area!
My absolute all time favorite restaurant anywhere is the Rose and Kettle in sleepy Cherry Valley, NY, just 15 minutes from the cottage. Chef/owner Matt Begley outdoes himself every time. He uses a lot of locally sourced produce, meats, beers and spirits. Thursday nights they have live music from Jazz to Blues to Rock to Bluegrass. Matt himself is a musician as well and handpicks the local artists to play. I recommend sitting out on the front deck and you may witness the occasional John Deere or flock of sheep traveling down Main Street.
For reservations call (607) 264-3078.
Http://theroseandkettle.com
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Rose & Kettle Restaurant
4 Lancaster StMy absolute all time favorite restaurant anywhere is the Rose and Kettle in sleepy Cherry Valley, NY, just 15 minutes from the cottage. Chef/owner Matt Begley outdoes himself every time. He uses a lot of locally sourced produce, meats, beers and spirits. Thursday nights they have live music from Jazz to Blues to Rock to Bluegrass. Matt himself is a musician as well and handpicks the local artists to play. I recommend sitting out on the front deck and you may witness the occasional John Deere or flock of sheep traveling down Main Street.
For reservations call (607) 264-3078.
Http://theroseandkettle.com
If you’re a fan of Italian then Bocca Osteria is you’re best bet. They offer homemade pastas, wood fired pizzas on homemade pizza dough, paninis, steaks and more. Lots of outdoor seating for larger parties but the restaurant is right on a busy street so it can be a bit noisy. Decently priced and nice atmosphere.
For reservations call (607) 282-4031
www.boccaosteria.com
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Bocca Osteria
5438 NY-28If you’re a fan of Italian then Bocca Osteria is you’re best bet. They offer homemade pastas, wood fired pizzas on homemade pizza dough, paninis, steaks and more. Lots of outdoor seating for larger parties but the restaurant is right on a busy street so it can be a bit noisy. Decently priced and nice atmosphere.
For reservations call (607) 282-4031
www.boccaosteria.com
The sister restaurant to Bocca Osteria and right down the road, Upstate Bar and Grill offers more American cuisine. Large dining room with space for big parties, and a huge bar area that has garage style doors that open up onto a large patio. Great nightlife and bar scene if you’re looking for something after dinner. They sometimes have live music as well.
For reservations call (607) 282-4525
www.upstatebarandgrill.com
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Upstate Bar and Grill
5418 NY-28The sister restaurant to Bocca Osteria and right down the road, Upstate Bar and Grill offers more American cuisine. Large dining room with space for big parties, and a huge bar area that has garage style doors that open up onto a large patio. Great nightlife and bar scene if you’re looking for something after dinner. They sometimes have live music as well.
For reservations call (607) 282-4525
www.upstatebarandgrill.com
About a 30 minute drive from the cottage in Sharon Springs, NY is 402 Main Bar and Bistro. This is my second my favorite restaurant in the area and well worth the drive. It’s a modern restaurant using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Jim and Norm, the owners, are great guys and are always busy at work during dinner service. Sharon Springs is a cute little historic village to walk around.
For reservations call: (518) 284-2540
Http://204mainbistro.com
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204 Main Bar & Bistro
204 Main StAbout a 30 minute drive from the cottage in Sharon Springs, NY is 402 Main Bar and Bistro. This is my second my favorite restaurant in the area and well worth the drive. It’s a modern restaurant using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Jim and Norm, the owners, are great guys and are always busy at work during dinner service. Sharon Springs is a cute little historic village to walk around.
For reservations call: (518) 284-2540
Http://204mainbistro.com
Stagecoach coffee is the best spot in town for a cup of coffee, pastry, breakfast sandwich, lunch panini or afternoon snack! Family owned and operated for 30 years Stagecoach has become the in place to be in Cooperstown. They freshly roast their own coffee in small batches weekly (the roaster is in the back of the store!) making it the freshest cup of coffee you’ve ever tried. Their breakfast and lunch menus are delicious as well. If you want to find the spot all the locals go this is it.
www.stagecoachcoffee.com
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Stagecoach Coffee
31 Pioneer StStagecoach coffee is the best spot in town for a cup of coffee, pastry, breakfast sandwich, lunch panini or afternoon snack! Family owned and operated for 30 years Stagecoach has become the in place to be in Cooperstown. They freshly roast their own coffee in small batches weekly (the roaster is in the back of the store!) making it the freshest cup of coffee you’ve ever tried. Their breakfast and lunch menus are delicious as well. If you want to find the spot all the locals go this is it.
www.stagecoachcoffee.com
If you’re looking for a sit down breakfast or light lunch/dinner Doubleday Cafe is the place to go. Centrally located on Main Street in Cooperstown, this cafe offers something for everyone. American style cuisine with a hint of Mexican round out the menu. Beware, they can be incredibly busy during high season and they don’t take reservations.
Http://doubledaycafe.com
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Doubleday Field
1 Doubleday CtIf you’re looking for a sit down breakfast or light lunch/dinner Doubleday Cafe is the place to go. Centrally located on Main Street in Cooperstown, this cafe offers something for everyone. American style cuisine with a hint of Mexican round out the menu. Beware, they can be incredibly busy during high season and they don’t take reservations.
Http://doubledaycafe.com
Origins Cafe at Carefree Gardens,just outside of the village of Cooperstown, is a spot only the locals know about. Family run and operated, the parents own the greenhouses and the daughters run the restaurant, this is one of the most unique eating experiences you’ll ever experience. The dining room is made up of tables scattered throughout the green houses so you dine with plants themselves. Dana and Kristen both work in the kitchen and serving tables. Their goal is to provide the community with food that’s good for our bodies, clean for the planet and fair for the global community. They serve lunch Wednesday thru Saturday, Sunday brunch and dinner on Wednesday and Friday usually accompanied by live music. If you decide to go definitely book a table through their website as they’re a popular destination.
www.celebrateorigins.com
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Origins Cafe
558 Beaver Meadow RdOrigins Cafe at Carefree Gardens,just outside of the village of Cooperstown, is a spot only the locals know about. Family run and operated, the parents own the greenhouses and the daughters run the restaurant, this is one of the most unique eating experiences you’ll ever experience. The dining room is made up of tables scattered throughout the green houses so you dine with plants themselves. Dana and Kristen both work in the kitchen and serving tables. Their goal is to provide the community with food that’s good for our bodies, clean for the planet and fair for the global community. They serve lunch Wednesday thru Saturday, Sunday brunch and dinner on Wednesday and Friday usually accompanied by live music. If you decide to go definitely book a table through their website as they’re a popular destination.
www.celebrateorigins.com
Neighborhoods
While these are technically not neighborhoods of Cooperstown, they are very small villages lying on the outskirts of it. Each one only has a couple of things to offer but are historically rich and each feature their own hidden gems.
The village of Cherry Valley, home to just 1,200 people, is Northeast of Cooperstown, only about a 15 minute drive (10 from the cottage). While it may seem a little sleepy it’s packed full of history- it was the site of a gruesome event during the Revolutionary War. The small Main Street hosts small shops, cafes, art galleries and a few restaurants (Must eat at The Rose and Kettle.) A little outside of town on Route 20 is the Tee-Pee Gift Shop, a nostalgic icon for the 1950s. There you’ll find authentic Native American jewelry, clothing and local crafted items. Feeling adventurous? Take a hike to the breathtaking Judd Falls or travel some back dirt roads to find the Red Shed Brewery.
For more info visit the Cherry Valley page on www.thisiscooperstown.com
Cherry Valley
The village of Cherry Valley, home to just 1,200 people, is Northeast of Cooperstown, only about a 15 minute drive (10 from the cottage). While it may seem a little sleepy it’s packed full of history- it was the site of a gruesome event during the Revolutionary War. The small Main Street hosts small shops, cafes, art galleries and a few restaurants (Must eat at The Rose and Kettle.) A little outside of town on Route 20 is the Tee-Pee Gift Shop, a nostalgic icon for the 1950s. There you’ll find authentic Native American jewelry, clothing and local crafted items. Feeling adventurous? Take a hike to the breathtaking Judd Falls or travel some back dirt roads to find the Red Shed Brewery.
For more info visit the Cherry Valley page on www.thisiscooperstown.com
At the north end of Otsego Lake lies Springfield Center, NY. Smaller than Cherry Valley, blink and you might miss it if driving North on Route 80. Springfield is know for it’s over the top Fourth of July parade every year. Here you will find Glimmerglass State Park (see beaches), The Hyde Hall Museum adjacent to the state park, and the “Sleeping Lion,” a mountain formation that looks like a lion laying down from the lake, and the Glimmerglass Festival. It’s also home to the Otsego Golf Club, another smaller and less expensive golf course on the lake.
Visit www.otsegogolfclub.com for more info.
Springfield Center
At the north end of Otsego Lake lies Springfield Center, NY. Smaller than Cherry Valley, blink and you might miss it if driving North on Route 80. Springfield is know for it’s over the top Fourth of July parade every year. Here you will find Glimmerglass State Park (see beaches), The Hyde Hall Museum adjacent to the state park, and the “Sleeping Lion,” a mountain formation that looks like a lion laying down from the lake, and the Glimmerglass Festival. It’s also home to the Otsego Golf Club, another smaller and less expensive golf course on the lake.
Visit www.otsegogolfclub.com for more info.
About 30 minutes from Cooperstown headed East on Rt 20 towards Albany lies Sharon Springs, another quaint but historically rich village. Located on the edge of the Catskills Mountains overlooking the Mohawk Valley, Sharon Springs is not only home to one of my favorite restaurants, 204 Main, but also the famous Beekman Boys of Beekman 1802, the historical American Hotel and a ravine filled with old mineral springs spas. There are also a few gift shops in addition to Beekman. It’s definitely worth a day trip if you have the time.
www.sharonspringschamber.com
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Sharon Springs
About 30 minutes from Cooperstown headed East on Rt 20 towards Albany lies Sharon Springs, another quaint but historically rich village. Located on the edge of the Catskills Mountains overlooking the Mohawk Valley, Sharon Springs is not only home to one of my favorite restaurants, 204 Main, but also the famous Beekman Boys of Beekman 1802, the historical American Hotel and a ravine filled with old mineral springs spas. There are also a few gift shops in addition to Beekman. It’s definitely worth a day trip if you have the time.
www.sharonspringschamber.com
Shopping
We all need a little shopping in our life!
This is my favorite shopping destination in the Cooperstown area. The owner, Donabeth, runs the store solely herself and has great taste. If the ladies want to get some shopping in while on vacation this should be your first stop. Located about 5 minutes from the village on Route 28 in Fly Creek (look for a green barn structure turned clothing store on the left hand side). Offers an assortment of ladies clothing, jewelry and accessories as well as gifts and home goods. For more information find her on Facebook or her page on www.thisiscooperstown.com.
5995 NY-28
5995 New York 28This is my favorite shopping destination in the Cooperstown area. The owner, Donabeth, runs the store solely herself and has great taste. If the ladies want to get some shopping in while on vacation this should be your first stop. Located about 5 minutes from the village on Route 28 in Fly Creek (look for a green barn structure turned clothing store on the left hand side). Offers an assortment of ladies clothing, jewelry and accessories as well as gifts and home goods. For more information find her on Facebook or her page on www.thisiscooperstown.com.
Another great shopping stop for both men, women and kids, although the men’s section is a little small. Offers a variety of clothing, denim, intimates, jewelry, accessories and some locally made goods. Located right on Main Street in Cooperstown next to the Cooperstown Diner.
www.katesupstate.com
Kate's Upstate
62 Main StAnother great shopping stop for both men, women and kids, although the men’s section is a little small. Offers a variety of clothing, denim, intimates, jewelry, accessories and some locally made goods. Located right on Main Street in Cooperstown next to the Cooperstown Diner.
www.katesupstate.com
Weekly seasonal Farmers’ Market offered on Tuesdays (July and Aug) from 12pm-5pm, Saturdays from 9am-2pm (May-Aug) or 10am-2pm (Sept) in Pioneer Alley off of Main Street. Features 30 growers, artisans and producers all located within 50 miles. Great place to find fresh seasonal produce, pasture raised meats, handmade breads, artisan cheeses, grass-fed milk, flowers, wine, maple syrup, artisan crafts and more.
www.otsego2000.org
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Cooperstown Farmers' Market
Weekly seasonal Farmers’ Market offered on Tuesdays (July and Aug) from 12pm-5pm, Saturdays from 9am-2pm (May-Aug) or 10am-2pm (Sept) in Pioneer Alley off of Main Street. Features 30 growers, artisans and producers all located within 50 miles. Great place to find fresh seasonal produce, pasture raised meats, handmade breads, artisan cheeses, grass-fed milk, flowers, wine, maple syrup, artisan crafts and more.
www.otsego2000.org