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Things to do in Greater Cooperstown
Dreams ►
Thursday, June 2, 3, 2022 2021
► Parks and
recreation /p3 inside: Best Bets and RestauRANT PICKS for June O M C O PE
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21 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown, NY 13326 • 607-547-6103 • info@allotsego.com
B-2 Summer Dreams
what’s fun
Thursday June 2, 2022
in Otsego County
BEST BETS
Fast Casual Restaurant
Serving you for over 71 years! Online Restaurant Catering Gift Shop
Thank you for your patronage! brooksbbq.com 607-432-1782 5560 NY Rte 7 Oneonta
Race The Lake is a challenging marathon, half marathon, and 5K around beautiful Otsego Lake in Cooperstown
Visit Cooperstown on June 4 to find eclectic, artistic, and practical items at the annual Cooperstown Yard Sale Day. Check the map on the Chamber of Commerce website (www.wearecooperstown.com) or drive around to see what you can find. In the Village of Cooperstown. Saturday, June 4. • In the mood for some exercise this weekend? Enter the Race the Lake Marathon to run around Otsego Lake, enjoy the beautiful sights, and raise money for America’s VetDogs, an organization that supports our veterans and first responders by providing them with highly trained service dogs. Race the Lake includes the 26.2 mile marathon, which begins at 8 a.m. from Glimmerglass State Park; a half-marathon will begin at 8 a.m. on State Highway 80 near the Fenimore Art Museum, and the 5K race will start at 9 a.m. from the Glimmerglass State Park. The races finish together at Glimmerglass State Park with a post-race lunch for racers. Entry fees are $65/person for the Marathon, $55/person for the half marathon, and $20/person for the 5K. Register with the Clark Sports Center for this run around the gorgeous Otsego Lake. Saturday, June 4. • Celebrate the local art scene with the Community Arts Network of
Oneonta in its Mansion Show, which features more than 20 local artists and live music by local band Jump the Shark. Reception will be held Saturday, June 4, from 5 - 8 p.m. • Learn about the behind the scenes process of creating the opera ‘Tenor Overboard’ with the Glimmerglass Festival Music Director Maestro Joseph Colaneri in this first session of Talking Opera. The presentation with Maestro Colaneri will be held Friday, June 3 at 7 p.m. at the Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. • The Little Delaware Youth Center is set to present their Spring Concert featuring classical music by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Mendlesohn, Haydn, and others. The concert features a performance by the youth ensemble and by the Preparatory Orchestra conducted by Debrah Devine. The concert is free and open to the public. Masks will be required. The concert will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 5 in the Atrium of the Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. Visit ldye.org to learn more.
►ON THE COVER Our region’s many state parks offer hiking, swimming and relaxing. See story page 3.
Thursday June 2, 2021
Summer Dreams B-3
The beach and grounds of Glimmerglass State Park on Otsego Lake’s northern shore.
State parks, land trust offer ample choice for outdoor fun Otsego County’s rural trappings often get left behind when the hustle of summer’s tourist season hits full blast, but with three spectacular state parks and plenty of public land for hiking, there remains ample opportunity to get out with the family or alone for some much-needed outdoors, out-of-traffic time. Perhaps the best known of the region’s state parks is Glimmerglass, at the northern end of Otsego Lake on County Highway 31. An expansive sandy beach leaves plenty of room for families of all size, the lifeguard-patrolled swimming season open seven days a week beginning June 18 and running through September 5. Those stoic enough to brave the still-chilly lake water can show off their swimming moxie on weekends between now and June 18. There’s plenty more than swimming; Glimmerglass features trails for hiking, including a gentle walk along Shadow Brook leading to Hyde Hall Bridge — a restored, historic wooden covered bridge carrying hikers over the brook for more hiking. The bridge and its namesake, Hyde Hall, both belong to Glimmerglass, and visitors shouldn’t miss the opportunity to walk up the drive to view the historic mansion. The vista from the hill overlooking Glimmerglass from Hyde Hall is indeed spectacular, offering a view southward toward Cooperstown along Otsego Lake’s nine-mile length. Glimmerglass, like many parks across the state system, offers picnic tables and pavilions, charcoal grills, camping and recreation opportunities, and playgrounds. Car entry costs $7 daily from June 20 through Labor Day; $7 weekends from May 28 until June 19. See website for details. https://parks.ny.gov/parks/glimmerglass/maps.aspx At the county’s southern end lies the Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park, a 229-acre property that provides spectacular views to the south and west. Hardwood forests cover much of the space, but there are also meadows with hiking paths to guide the hiker from one spot to the next. It’s a favorite for bird watchers and nature lovers – a tranquil oasis that’s worth the short drive through the country. Continued on page 4
B-4 Summer Dreams
Thursday June 2, 2022
Take a hike — literally!
Central New York’s Best Gastropub! 5418 State Highway • 28 Cooperstown 607-282-4525 • upstatebarandgrill.com
Authentic Italian Food!
5438 State Hwy 28 • Cooperstown 607-282-4031• boccaosteria.com
new york pizzeria
Brick Oven Pizza and more! 75 Chestnut Street Cooperstown 607-547-2930 Order online nypizzacooperstown. com
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continued from page 3 in Cooperstown, offers eight different public The park features an extensive network access sites throughout the county, each of hiking trails and a woodland stream, with offering the chance to unwind, hike, and get catch-and-release fishing from its ponds. back to nature. Brookwood Point is a 22-acre There’s a beautiful ‘Sunset Pavilion’ with site on Otsego Lake’s western shore, just charcoal grills, a playground, a cornhole two miles from the Village of Cooperstown; C o m p t o n game, and plenty Bridge only a of space for family few miles south fun. of the village It’s not far from the on County center of the Village Highway 11C of Cooperstown, at the conflua short drive off ence of Oaks off Route 166 and Creek and the through the village Susquehanna of Middlefield or, River. from the north, Deowongo off of Route 165 Island sits near after the village of the center of Roseboom. A lovely C a n a d a r a g o way to disconnect Lake, accesfor a little while and sible by canoe, enjoy some peace kayak, or small and quiet. motor craft and There is no vehicle open for hiking; entry fee for day use Fetterley Forest at the facility; cabins runs to the east available for rental of Canadarago at a fee with advance Lake at the high reservations. See point of Panther website for details. Mountain with https://parks. hiking trails in ny.gov/parks/betty106-acre wilburdavis/maps. Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park offers quiet, well- the site. marked hiking trails. aspx Lordsland Moving farther Preserve offers hiking trails through its west in Otsego County we’ll find Gilbert Cherry Valley Creek region near Roseboom Lake State Park, midway between the villages of Laurens and Morris and not far to the east of Cooperstown; to the west, from Route 205 between Hartwick and the 16-acre Greenough Road Conservation Oneonta. A popular spot for lake swimmers Area near Oaks Creek is open to the public and campers alike, the park has more than 12 for fishing, hiking, and paddling. Parslow miles of interconnecting trails, playgrounds, Road, also on Oaks Creek, surrounds some a disc golf course, boat rentals, and fishing. 80 acres of state and federal-designated The park also is home to the New York State wetlands, with a good walking trail along an old railroad bed. Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. Learn more about Otsego Land Trust and It’s not far from Oneonta and other busy its public lands at www.otsegolandtrust.org. county locations, but it’s far enough away to There are plenty more outdoor options give the visitor a genuine escape from the – Three Mile Point and Fairy Springs for hustle of daily life. swimming on Otsego Lake, swimming and Like Glimmerglass, Gilbert Lake requires boating at Goodyear, Canadarago, and other a $7 entry fee for cars during swimming county lakes, biking, hiking, and recreation season. See website for details. https://parks.ny.gov/parks/gilbertlake/ to get the family outdoors, moving, away from the screen, and away from the hustle. details.aspx Of course, state parks aren’t the only Check local websites for specifics – but repositories for outdoor activity in Otsego there’s always something to do and someCounty. Otsego Land Trust, headquartered where to go all summer long.
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AllOTSEGO.com
Thursday June 2, 2022
Summer Dreams B-5
Immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s art in Schenectady through August 28 We drove to Schenectady last weekend to experience Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. It was so much more than we expected! The ‘Experience’ takes place in Armory Studios — the former Schenectady Armory building at 125 Washington Street in the city. It’s a 20,000square foot light and sound spectacular in virtual reality, with two-story projections of the artist’s most compelling works that seem to come alive in 360 degrees. The event offered seating in sling-back chairs with an image of Van Gogh on them. We could sit back, relax, and watch the show while a commentator guided the audience through the life of Vincent Van Gogh. The movement of his art on the walls around us was compelling, mesmerizing, and extremely relaxing. When you think you’ve seen it all, the next room has an interactive area with tables, crayons, and partially-colored copies of Van Gogh paintings. It was fun to sit among the children and adults and color in “Starry Night.” The kids then put their creations on the walls of the room for everyone to see.
If you have time, the next section has a “Total Artistic Immersion,” a guided ten-minute journey through a day in the life of Van Gogh. You wear a virtual reality headset and literally feel like you are walking alongside the artist. It’s a peaceful experience where you begin to discover the inspiration behind some of Van Gogh’s works. This exhibit is acceptable for all ages. You can stay in the exhibit as long as you like; reservations are accepted through vangoghexpo. com/Albany/. Standard admission tickets begin at $32 for adults and $19 for children, with additional cost for the virtual reality segment and discounted tickets available in certain conditions. The show runs through August 28 and is open from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; 10 a.m. through 9 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and holidays, and 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. on Sundays.
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B-6 Summer Dreams
Thursday June 2, 2022
Staff Picks
Our best bets for local dining Spurbeck’s 9 Railroad Avenue Cooperstown
A sandwich, they say, tastes better when someone else makes it for you. I mean, I could take two pieces of bread, some deli ham, a slice of cheese, some condiments, and there’s my lunch. But Spurbeck’s sits less than a block from the offices of The Freeman’s Journal /Hometown Oneonta, conveniently close for those lunchtimes when a sandwich made by somebody else is exactly what’s needed. My go-to is that aforementioned ham and cheese between two slices of fresh wheat bread, horseradish, mayo, brown mustard, lettuce, tomato, and banana peppers. Whatever your pleasure, the sandwiches are fresh and made-to-order. The shop, a Cooperstown mainstay for decades, offers a wide variety of chips to accompany that sandwich, along with a cooler filled with unique and flavorful natural sodas, water, and other drinks to make the lunch complete. They’ve got a full deli case and a menu that goes well beyond the ham-andAmerican on wheat; daily specials delight, locallymade products and their famous store-exclusive cheese are on offer — and don’t forget a shelf full of vintage-brand candy products that evoke memories of stopping by Spurbeck’s years ago when the store was the last stop on my morning paper route. A marvelous throw-back atmosphere with standby staples, new products to try,
a friendly staff, and great prices — I’d recommend a stop at Spurbeck’s to any visitor to town. And, having made myself hungry for lunch by writing this brief review, it’s time for lunch and the short walk down the street for something different and delicious. Ted Potrikus Editor
Mr. Shake 663 State Hwy 28 Richfield Springs
A family-friendly restaurant more than any place we’ve ever been to… Mr. Shake is technically over the county line on Route 28 between Richfield Springs and Mohawk, but it’s close enough to Richfield Springs that you won’t have a problem finding it. They have a decent basic food menu that includes burgers and dogs, steak sandwiches and chicken wraps, veggie burgers and haddock filet, and regular, curly, and sweet potato fries. And then there is the ice cream. Enough to satisfy all your picky eaters. Lots of blue ice cream we saw being enjoyed by youngsters — blue raspberry shell, blue soft serve… We are boring old people! We got cheeseburgers with a black and white milkshake for him, and root beer float with vanilla hard ice cream for me. Their hard ice cream is Perry’s, my favorite. Did I mention they also have a great mini golf course? Go. Have fun! Kathleen Peters Graphic Artist
The Otesaga’s Hawkeye Bar & Grill Otesage Hotel Cooperstown
One of the best places to eat in Cooperstown is the Hawkeye Bar and Grill inside the Otesaga Hotel. The inside is comfortable and, during warmer seasons, guests can sit on the veranda for a beautiful view of Otsego Lake. If you’re there in the evening, they attach a little lamp to your umbrella post at the center of the table. ‘It’s a wonderful dining room but what about the food,’ you ask? It’s delicious. There are juicy steaks, salads, pizzas, seafood, and much more. And the hotel sources many of its ingredients from local farms like The Painted Goat Farm, Mill Hollow Maple, and Mulligan Creek Acres. I ate there this week and had the lamb shank for my entrée — generous meat on the bone, slow-braised with a side of spring pea risotto and mint gremolata. The meat was extremely tender and was delicious. Lamb has a different texture than beef or chicken so it might not be for everyone, but this dish is worth a try for the adventurous meat eater. Not a meat eater and in need of an appetizer? Try the goat cheese brulee. It comes on a platter with toasted sourdough ale bread you can use to scoop it up. The cheese has a creamy texture and had a layer of burnt sugar on top that was delightful. Larissa Ryan Business Manager
Alpha Folks! Cooperstown artist Nate Katz took his ‘Alpha Folks’ t-shirt designs and drawings of favorite area locations on the road last weekend for Cherry Valley’s “Spring Into Summer” festival. His 52 eye-catching Alpha Folks characters had their origins in a college exercise and, when he’s not displaying his work at local shows, you can find him on etsy.com.
Mel’s at 22 22 Chestnut Street Cooperstown
My husband and I are still in the “take-out food” mind set, although we are getting better! We love getting takeout and eating in the comfort of our home, watching our favorite TV shows. One habit we got into over the past couple of COVID years was the fish fry from Mel’s at 22 in Cooperstown. It’s a permanent item on their menu, not a Friday-only special, so you can order it whenever you like. Beware of the portion size! Dubbed as Brian’s Original Fried Haddock on the menu, it’s a North Atlantic wild-caught fried haddock. It comes with french fries, house-made tartar sauce, cole slaw and a
nice tossed salad. The piece of fish is huge, really enough for two people. It’s fried to perfection. Mel’s at 22 is one of my favorite places to have lunch, as well, especially if the weather is nice and you can get an outside table. I was there recently and chose the chicken caprese on ciabatta bread. The bread was so fresh; the chicken was grilled and topped with a garlic basil pesto, mozzarella, spinach, roasted red peppers and a balsamic glaze. It’s no wonder a TripAdvisor review said “One of Cooperstown’s top dining spots.” Give Mel’s at 22 a try, you won’t be disappointed! Tara Barnwell Publisher
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Thursday June 2, 2022
what’s fun in OtsegO COunty
►Thursday, June 2
►Saturday, June 4
FIBER ARTS GROUP – 11 a.m. Bring your knitting, crocheting or other fiber art to work with the group on your current project. Springfield Library, 129 Co. Rd. 29A, Springfield. 315-858-5802. COMMUNITY LUNCH – 11:30 a.m. Bring the friends for good food, conversation, and more. Free. Take-out also available. St. Joseph the Worker, Kelly Hall, 35 Canadarago St., Richfield Springs. 502-767-8346. SPIRITUAL CLASS – 6 p.m. Learn the basics of reading Tarot Cards in 2-hour introductory class. Cost, $35/person. The Pickin’ Patch Emporium, 7487 St. Hwy. 7, Maryland. 607-638-6086. ART HISTORY – 7 - 9 p.m. ‘Drawing Life from Death’ with Allison Hill-Edgar will discuss the changing role of anatomical studies and the crossover between the medical field and the arts and how that can be seen in the works of Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, and many more artists. Cost, $16/nonmember. Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. 607-5471400.
YARD SALE DAY – All Day. The residents and businesses of Cooperstown will be out on the lawns with de-cluttered items for sale. Check the map for registered sales or drive around town looking for the next great find. Village of Cooperstown. Visit www.facebook. com/cooperstownchamber to check the map. RACE THE LAKE – 8 a.m. Join the Clark Sports Center for Marathon, half-marathon, and more around Otsego Lake. Packet pickup begins at 6:30 a.m. Registration required. Cost, $65/marathon runner. The Marathon and 5K will begin at Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown. The Half Marathon will begin near the Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. 607-547-2800. PLANT SALE – 9:30 a.m. Visit annual sale to find vegetables, perennials, and annuals grown by local garden club members. Also for sale are gently used garden tools. Presented by the Oneonta Garden Club at Huntington Park, Oneonta. PARK CLEAN UP – 10 a.m. The community is invited to help clean up Brookwood Point for the season ahead. No garden experience necessary, tools provided. Refreshments will be provided. Dress for the weather. Brookwood Point, 6000 St. Rte. 80, Cooperstown. 607-547-2366.
►Friday, June 3 BLOOD DRIVE – Noon - 4 p.m. American Legion Post 259, 279 Chestnut St., Oneonta. 1-800-733-2767. TALKING OPERA – 7 p.m. Get behind the scenes insights on the productions of the Glimmerglass Festival in person or through video. This week learn about ‘Tenor Overboard’ with festival music director Maestro Joseph Colaneri who has selected and arranged works by Gioachino Rossini’s many operas. Held at The Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. CONTRADANCE – 7:30 10:30 p.m. Rejoin your friends for a fun social dance with the Otsego Dance Society. Will feature music by the band Tom Wadsworth and Tom White with Peter Stix calling the dances. Suggested donation, $8/adult. New location at Cornfield Hall, 655 Co. Rd. 26, Fly Creek. Visit otsegodancesociety.weebly. com
Free BiBle We are offering free of charge an easy-to-read Bible. It’s the GOOD NEWS BIBLE in today’s English. The volumes we distribute contain the Old & New Testaments, maps, and helpful features to assist the reader. If you would like to receive a copy, simply write to us at the address below. This is a free offer. There will be no follow-up correspondence. We do not ask for money. Gift Of The Word P.O. Box 307 Avon, NY 14414
Summer Dreams B-7
Hyde Hall & Glimmerglass State Park
BLOCK PARTY! WITH ANIMALS, CRAFTS, MUSIC & MORE
June 11th
(10 AM - 3 PM)
Visit HYDEHALL.ORG for more information. Hyde Hall events are presented in cooperation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation – Central Region.
NOW OPEN! a Thousands of
hanging baskets
a Potted plants a Vegetables a Herbs a Perennials a Shrubs a Landscaping Service Let our 45 years of experience help you with all your gardening and landscaping needs!
County Rte 46 Mt. Vision 607-432-1260 Just off Route 205 Exit 13 off I-88 9 miles north of Oneonta Family owned and operated since 1976. Open 7 days a week 8 am to 7 pm Like us on Facebook: Mount Vision Garden Center, Inc.
B-8 Summer Dreams
Thursday June 2, 2022
A Perfect Day on Otsego Lake The Blue Mingo Grill Lake Otsego’s only open-air lakeside dining spot offers creative grill cuisine on its Adirondack porches at the water’s edge. Inspired by a multitude of international cuisines, the Blue Mingo Offers an eclectic menu that The New York Times has calleD “the area’s most interesting dishes.” (607) 547-7496
Sam Smith’s Boat Rentals
Spend some quality time on the lake in a rental boat at Sam Smith’s. .ZWU SIaIS[ KIVWM[ IVL Å[PQVO JWI\[ \W TIZOM IVL [UITT XWV\WWV JWI\[ rentals are available by the hour to a full day (607) 547- 2581
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On your way to the dining porches of The Blue Mingo Grill, you will pass through the LMTQOP\N]T IVL M^MZ XWX]TIZ 4ISM +TI[[QK 7]\Å\\MZ[ I JW]\QY]M ÅTTML _Q\P IV MKTMK\QK collection of clothing, gifts and accessories inspired by the classic casual elegance of Adirondack Great Camp style
The Mingo Market a contemporary take on the classic country store, with a unique and wide-ranging offering of authentic products and provisions from around the world and around the corner. From gourmet foods, take-out lunches and locally-sourced grocery items and produce to kitchen and entertaining essentials, pet and garden supplies, treats for \PM SQL[ ]VQY]M KTW\PQVO TWIL[ WN PIZL \W ÅVL Q\MU[ IVL U]KP U]KP UWZM
All at one lakeside location 2 1/2 miles north of cooperstown on west lake road, 6098 state highway 80 general information: 607-547-2543 www.bluemingogrill.com