Cooperstown Otesaga Resort: Luxury and Leisure

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In Upstate New York, the scenic village of Cooperstown is famous for its National Baseball Hall of Fame and historic Doubleday Field — and it’s also home to a legendary historic lakefront resort.

Nestled between the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, The Otesaga Resort Hotel has welcomed families since 1909 and offers a spa, championship golf course, world-class dining and endless seasonal outdoor activities.

Each autumn, Cooperstown comes alive with vibrant fall foliage, marking the perfect season to experience The Otesaga’s splendor. Here’s why this luxury resort should be first on your list for an unforgettable family fall getaway.

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Scenic Lakefront Setting Perfect for Fall Family Fun

An aerial photo of The Otesaga Resort Hotel on Cooperstown, New York, as seen from the lake in fall. The hotel is red brick and regal, with an expansive veranda. A swimming pool, golf course and lawn can be seen, and fall trees in shades of orange can be seen in the background. — Fall is the perfect season to visit The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, New York. Photo credit: The Otesaga Resort Hotel

The resort’s design showcases its stunning views — and in fall, its expansive open-air veranda provides the perfect spot for leaf-peeping, with fiery shades of red, orange and yellow as far as the eye can see.

Families will find no shortage of lakefront family fun in early autumn, with seasonal recreation options that include tennis, pickleball, boating, fishing, bicycle rentals and an award-winning golf course. In winter, guests can try snowshoeing.

SheBuysTravel Tip: With the weather crisp and cool, plan to take a scenic lakeside stroll by the resort’s docks, followed by tapas at dusk at the Fire Bar, a circular fire pit perfect for warming up around the fire.

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Spacious Rooms and Suites Designed for Families

A spacious suite at The Otesaga Resort Hotel, a historic luxury hotel in Upstate New York. Pictured is a huge hotel room with artwork on stylish yellow walls, two queen-sized beds, a couch and comfortable chairs, a table, desk, upscale blue patterned carpeting and a bathroom. — A spacious lakeside suite at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, New York. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

The property features 132 unique guestrooms and suites for every family size and budget, ranging from traditional guestrooms to luxurious lakeside suites. On our recent visit, our family of five (with three children, ages 5, 5 and 8) stayed in a spectacularly spacious suite, featuring large windows with magnificent views of the lake, two queen beds, a sofa bed, an ample bathroom, deluxe furnishings and a generous living area with plenty of space for the kids to play.

SheBuysTravel Tip: The luxury service at The Otesaga is unmatched; expect turndown service in the evening with chocolate treats on pillows, plush bathrobes and Egyptian cotton towels. While pets aren’t permitted (service animals only), the warm hospitality ensures every detail feels thoughtful.

Resort Dining Options for All Ages

A family eats at a patio table at The Otesaga Resort Hotel's Hawkeye Bar & Grill in Upstate New York, featuring scenic seating overlooking a pristine lake. — A scenic meal on the patio of Hawkeye Bar & Grill at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, New York. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

First, our favorite: daily breakfast at Glimmerglass is a must. With gorgeous views of the lake (either inside the elegant dining room or on the veranda), each morning brings a bountiful buffet filled with Otesaga specialties such as made-to-order omelets, fluffy waffles, freshly whipped cream and house-made granola.

We also loved dining on the patio of Hawkeye Bar & Grill, which offers seasonal menu items (including tasty burgers and stone-fired pizza), kid-friendly options and remarkable views of the region’s colorful foliage.

SheBuysTravel Tip: For a midday pick-me-up, grab fresh-brewed gourmet coffee and house-made granola bars at The Otesaga’s Mohican Market, located just inside the resort’s lobby. Also, keep the dress code in mind for the resort’s restaurants; dress is resort-style casual, so pack a few polished layers for evening meals (and prepare to dress up a little more for the resort’s signature restaurant: the upscale steakhouse 1909).

Fall Experiences Families Will Remember

The historic grand red brick exterior of The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, New York, as seen lit-up from the lakefront at night. The resort's iconic veranda is particularly well-lit and visible. — The Otesaga Resort Hotel is particularly beautiful at night. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

The Otesaga Resort Hotel has exceptional offerings this fall, all of which invite families to unwind, connect with nature and indulge in harvest flavors.

During the resort’s monthly Full Moon Hike & Dinner (September through December), guests can join a 30 to 45-minute guided evening hike along Cooperstown trails, followed by a buffet-style dinner at the resort (including wine and beer) and an evening around the resort’s cozy Fire Bar.

For an off-property activity, Rail Explorers in nearby Milford offers electric-assist recumbent bike tours on railroad tracks — a perfect way for families to enjoy the autumn air and scenery.

SheBuysTravel Tip: For bookings through October 31, families can book the Fall Harvest Special package, which includes 25 percent off midweek stays and a complimentary fall latte at Mohican Market.

A Walkable Location Steps from Cooperstown’s Top Attractions

Three children examine bronze plaques of Hall of Famers in the Plaque Gallery at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. — Visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

The Otesaga Resort Hotel is a five-minute walk from the center of Cooperstown, a picturesque small village that’s less than four hours by car from New York City or Boston.

From The Otesaga, families can walk to plenty of attractions on or near Main Street, including the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and charming restaurants like the Cooperstown Diner, Doubleday Café and Toscana Cucina Italiana. While some businesses close for the season starting in mid-October, the outstanding Fenimore Art Museum is open through December 31 and is walkable from the resort.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re looking for artisanal treats, the year-round Cooperstown Farmers’ Market is a hidden gem. Open on Saturdays, it’s the perfect spot to shop for fresh goods you won’t find anywhere else. We walked back to The Otesaga bearing bags of maple candy, fresh cheeses and small-batch jams to enjoy at the resort.

Cozy Seasonal Touches That Make Autumn Unforgettable

A young girl perches on a hand-carved, hand-painted regal grey carousel horse on the Empire State Carousel at Fenimore Farm & Country Village in Cooperstown, New York. — The Fenimore Farm & Country Village’s Empire State Carousel features 25 meticulously hand-carved animals and symbols that represent New York State’s rich history and culture. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

While the resort’s scenic Leatherstocking Golf Course closes annually during the colder winter months, tee times are still available during the fall, making it the perfect season to enjoy panoramic views of the colors of autumn.

Fall festivals abound, too, including popular events in the village and at the Fenimore Farm & Country Village (prior to closing for the season in November). Just minutes from Cooperstown at nearby Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard, families can join in an autumn tradition for over 168 years and watch as the mill’s Boomer and Boschert press is used to make cider.

SheBuysTravel Tip: The Otesaga Resort Hotel is especially cozy indoors during the fall and winter, with crackling fireplaces, festive décor and indoor activities like complimentary local beer tastings and art tours.

Why Families Return to This Historic Hotel Year After Year

Three children sit in white wooden rocking chairs on the expansive veranda of The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, New York. — Rocking chairs on the scenic veranda at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, New York. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

A family-owned resort that is still owned and operated by the same family who built it in 1909, The Otesaga Resort Hotel has an incredible history.

The Clark family (who also founded other prominent Cooperstown institutions, including the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, the Fenimore Art Museum and Fenimore Farm and Country Village) commissioned famed architect Percy Griffin to design the resort. Originally built as a luxury summer retreat for wealthy families from New York City, the resort has drawn generations of families for more than 100 years.

SheBuysTravel Tip: During Hall of Fame induction weekend each July, the resort closes to the public and hosts some of the world’s most famous baseball players. For a peek into this exclusive world, join a free historic walking tour of the resort and look for a special display of players’ personalized wine glasses.