Cooperstown: Popular Travel Destination

"Play Ball!" echos in ballparks large and small countless times across America from Spring to Fall. It’s return after a long winter hiatus, is welcomed by sports fans young and old.

Once called "America’s Past Time," baseball has recently slid into second (according to ESPN), just behind football in terms of popularity. But it remains the most notable fair weather sport, and a favorite spectator event Spring, Summer, and Fall.

A popular venue for baseball fans is Cooperstown, New York, where the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is located. Each year the Hall of Fame honors baseball’s best athletes by inducting the most talented players. This year, Cal Ripkin, Jr. and Tony Gwinn , two of the classiest and most respected ballplayers ever, will be inducted on Sunday, July 29.

The ceremony, which is held at the Clark Sports Center, is free of charge and there is general seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis. It’s recommended that you arrive early to get a location that suits your needs. Many visitors bring lawn chairs and blankets to stake out their spots. The Clark Sports Center does not offer parking the day of the ceremony, so you will want to allow enough time to either walk, bike, or take one of the many buses that shuttle fans to the site.

Although the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is perhaps the best-known attraction in Cooperstown, there are many more reasons to visit, making it a "must-see" vacation spot. Cooperstown, is often referred to as "America’s Village," and according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame website, the quaint and unspoiled town is a "repository of America’s heritage, rich in history, art, architecture and natural beauty." And boasts, "A visit to Cooperstown is a trip back to a kinder, gentler time... Cooperstown has succeeded in maintaining its economic viability without succumbing to commercialism – no fast-food outlets or generic mall stores disturb its nostalgic aura. The village is also refreshingly free of contrived Disney-like, ‘cutesyness."

One of the best campgrounds in the Coopersburg area (or anywhere, for that matter) is also one of our favorites, and one of Media Camping Center’s Free Camping Partners. Located on scenic Crystal Lake, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp-Resort in Cooperstown, is just a short drive from all the major attrations, and there’s always something going on, especially for the kids. For more detailed information, please see the Featured Camground article on Page 3.

If you are looking for a break from preparing your own meals back at the campground, be sure to check out the Blue Mingo Grill located just outside of Cooperstown, right on Otsego Lake. Hadden Smith, the owner and general manager of Media Camping Center in Hatfield tells us that the Blue Mingo Grill is one of the best dining experiences he and his family have enjoyed while traveling around the country in an RV. Diners are treated to a lakeside view where children and adults alike enjoy the sights and sounds of Otsego Lake’s maritime activity.

On the way to the dining porches of The Blue Mingo Grill, guests pass through the always fun and ever popular Lake Classic Designs Boutique, with a dazzling array of clothing from easy-going resort wear to classic casual chic. The boutique also offers a wide-ranging selection of jewelry, gifts, toys and accessories for the home and garden.

More information about the Blue Mingo Grill and the Lake Classic Designs Boutique is available on the web at www.bluemingogrill.com

For complete details on the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, including visitor information, maps and more, visit www.baseballhalloffame.org

© 2007-2010 Media Camping Center