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Frozen winter fun in Cooperstown,
NY!
by Joanie H.
Over Presidents' Day weekend
2005, our family visited our beloved Cooperstown with great anticipation.
We knew that there were many family activities planned, many
of which could be attended by adults and children of all ages.
Upon our arrival at one of our
favorite bed and breakfasts, we were given an activity brochure
provided by the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce. This outlined
times, dates and places. The only problem was figuring out what
to do first! From sledding to a magic act, to a quilt show, a
fashion show, beer tastings, guided tours of the Village, to
a snow sculpture workshop, we studied the options and had our
"family meeting" and took a vote.
First things first, we got a
good night's sleep under cozy, warm comforters and awoke to the
enticing aroma of fresh-brewed coffee, admixed with something
sweet - could it be French toast, or pancakes? I smelled bacon
(good-bye New Year's resolution - who could resist?), and fresh-baked
scones... it is amazing just how quickly we could get ready for
breakfast on vacation (we needed to borrow that recipe for work
and/or school mornings). We were not disappointed, as the breakfast
tasted as good as we imagined from our rooms. We also had the
opportunity to catch up with old friends, who own the Cooperstown
B+B, as well as meet new ones from various locations -- all drawn
to Cooperstown that particular weekend. One couple from New York
City planned a day of cross-country skiing and another couple
from the snow-bound Cape Cod wanted tickets to the Hall of Fame
Game to be played on May 23, 2005 -- featuring our home-town
heroes, the Boston Red Sox.
We decided to attend the snow
sculpture workshop. When we arrived, expecting to see the finished
sculptures (an elephant and dancing bears pictured at the left),
we were met by HUGE blocks of snow which were marked in a grid,
along with many volunteers wielding tools and many families happily
participating in creating these magnificent sculptures, under
the guidence of amazing artisans. After watching awhile, an event
organizer asked if we would like to create our own sculpture.
We decided that a snow kitty would be fun. What was great was
that the organizers had the foresight to make mounds of snow
using trash barrels as a mold -- just the right size for us.
Now what? Well, the artisan in our area drew a kitty on the snow
mound and gave us some tools.Working in three-dimensions was
very different than drawing on paper, as our kitty began to take
shape ( with a tiny head and huge body). We all have a greater
appreciation for the skill and craftsmanship of these snow artists.
What fun!
Speaking of fun - it has been
a long time that I sat upon a saucer and flew. I am not referring
to an alien intervention, but rather, sledding. Right there at
Lakefront Park, we could borrow saucers to glide down the triple
hill, with snow flying up in the face, and it actually felt good(unlike
shoveling in a blizzard). Thinking of everything, the Chamber
and sponsors provided a warm wood stove, hot cider, coffee, hearty
chili, hot dogs and other items.
We decided to go dry off at one
of the great eating establishments on Main Street and then shop
at the Cooperstown General Store for the few items that we forgot
to pack. As usual, we saw many items that we just had to have,
as they have practically everything you would ever "need".
A trip to Cooperstown for me would not be complete, though, without
stopping in Ellsworth and Sill for great fashion buys.... but,
we had so much more fun to experience. First, though, a nap seemed
like a (non)guilty pleasure, and boy, it sure felt great !
The next day, we needed to decide
what to do. Again, the offers were many, but we just couldn't
rush our breakfast ! And that extra cup of coffee as we chatted
with our new and old friends. We finally decided to go the Clark
Sports Center to go bowling. What fun that was! Although it has
been a long time in the bowling alley, it was sort of like riding
the preverbial bicycle, and it all came back ( along with the
low score), but it still was fun!. The sports center has so much
to offer for people of all ages. We purchased a day pass and
could select any number or activities - swimming, squash, rock
wall climbing, basketball, bowling, or working-out - it is open
year-round and we will be sure to include it on our itenery for
the next visit.!
On Monday, we were lucky because
we didn't have to leave and sit in any traffic back home due
to an extra vacation day . Also, it was snowing and so lovely
and dream-like. This was an extra (non)guilty indulgence to sit
and do nothing - and it felt great!!! I did bring along some
crochet hooks and yarn and sat in the living room watching the
snow gently fall, smelling more coffee brewing, and something
else sweet baking in the oven.
While other guests said good-bye,
we chatted with our friends and family, and then geared up for
one more encounter with the saucer, strolled along the beautiful
Main Street, (I visited Ellsworth and Sill, too!). We later dined
at the delicious Nicoletta's Italian Cafe, walked along Main
Street one joyful last time and then retreated to the cozy, warm
comforters back at the bed and breakfast.
What is wonderful to me about
traveling to Cooperstown is that there is always something to
do - any time of year - which also, and most importantly, includes
doing nothing - just taking in the pure beauty of the people
and the Village and surrounding communities. Making new friends
and visiting old friends - just like the frozen dancing bears!
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