This Lakeside Town Near NYC Was Named Best Small Town In New York — Famous for its Baseball Heritage and Craft Breweries

Summer 2025 is all about Upstate New York getaways , and if this town isn’t at the top of your list, I’m not sure what you’re thinking. Cooperstown, NY , a charming small town about four hours from NYC , is knocking it out of the park—bringing together baseball fans, foodies, nature lovers, and everyone in between. According to a new list by World Atlas selecting “the best small town from every state,” this baseball-loving town reigned supreme amongst the state’s best ...thanks to its sporting heritage, excellence in the beverage scene, and picturesque nature landscapes. See what WorldAtlas had to say about the waterfront village on Otsego Lake: > Baseball fans are sure to adore Cooperstown as it is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. In addition to Baseball, the town’s large historic district exudes a rustic vibe which is prevalent through the architecture and array of museums. > In addition to Baseball, the town’s large historic district exudes a rustic vibe which is prevalent through the architecture and array of museums. Things to do in Cooperstown, NY ------------------------------- * Dive into the history of baseball at the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum , with interactive exhibits, rotating collections and a deep dive into baseball’s role in American culture . They also host the annual induction ceremony at the end of July , welcoming new MLB stars to the museum that get voted in by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. * Stroll through The Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum for a look at 19th-century rural life and American art. * Take a boat ride or picnic by Otsego Lake , often called “Glimmerglass” for its serene, glassy surface. * Enjoy The Glimmerglass Festival , a summer opera festival known for its world-class opera and musical productions, intimate setting, and commitment to both classic and contemporary works * Pop over to Glimerglass State Park about 15 minutes from Cooperstown to go boating, swimming, and fishing. * Visit Hyde Hall Covered Bridge , the oldest covered bridge in the U.S. still in use. * Book a stay at Otesaga Resort Hotel and play golf, paddle-board, and hit the spa. * Detour to nearby [Oneonta, NY](https://secretnyc.co/oneonta-new-york-best-foodie-small-town/) —another cool college town-meets-outdoor-escape with cool shops, great hiking, and its own Upstate charm. Places to eat (and drink!!) in Cooperstown, NY ---------------------------------------------- * Crawl across the Cooperstown Beverage Trail , which includes countless places like the Cooperstown Brewing Company or Montezuma Winery . Cooperstown was the former hops-growing capital of North America for a reason! * Drink beers at the first farmstead brewery in America, Ommegang , which specializes in Belgian-style ales. * Grab a famous burger from The Hawkeye Bar & Grill , with great views and other regional specialities of course. * Enjoy lakefront drinks and bites at The Blue Mingo Grill , nestled right on Otsego Lake. 📍Distance from NYC: 190 miles northwest of Manhattan 🕐 Time from NYC : Just under 4 hours by car Source: https://secretnyc.co/cooperstown-named-best-small-town-in-new-york-state-2025-world-atlas/