Tips for Planning Your Trip to Cooperstown

 Some of these tips are from my son's team and some from other moms and dads who I spoke with during the competition.  I hope these help you prepare for one of the most memorable baseball adventures your son can experience.

• Food at the park is reasonable so don't worry that you cannot have carry in food or drinks.  There are several healthier choices as well as breakfast all day as options
• When sending water and Gatorade for the team, send the smaller bottles so that the kids don't have dozens of half consumed bottles around
• Send snacks for the barracks in individual portions. These are best for freshness and cleanup plus there is less chance of bug issues if the boys open one serving at a time.
• Parents and guests are not allowed inside the players/coaches village after check in, so get your photos, etc done quickly at the beginning
• No one is allowed to walk into the park from the outside so don't try it. Everyone has to drive in due to park restrictions
• There are not many chain hotels in close proximity to Cooperstown Dreams Park, but best western, country suites, and holiday inn are closest
• There are family owned cottages, inns, bed and breakfasts, resorts available and can be found on water, on farms, in town.  Lots of choices!
• If you are going to order a customized bat for your son, do it early in the week to avoid lines.  The bats come with team name, teammates names, logo of the park.

There are a ton of photographers that work the games however, no photos are taken after 4pm so be prepared to take your own photos. 

There is a jungle gym at dreams park for little brothers and sisters to blow off some steam and you can see one field from that vantage point

Ommegang brewery has brewery tours and kids are allowed

Campers/players will need a top sheet and a blanket for the bunks, a bottom fitted sheet is provided

Shower shoes are necessary for walking to the shower and while showering in community bathrooms

When you see the player and coaches village, its truly barracks with each team staying in their own bunkhouse.

Entrance to Dreams Park

The Kid warming up on the gorgeous fields with festive decorations and flowers.

It's foggy and cool virtually every morning so be prepared with warmer clothes for early morning batting warm ups

We Are Here!

I have totally underestimated the incredible experience this has been.  Cooperstown is a very patriotic place in addition to a baseball paradise. Cooperstown  dreams park  Itself is full of boys, the future of our country, all hoping to bring home a win.  The historical nature of Cooperstown the city and the surrounding towns and villages is also a tribute to Americana at its finest.  For those of you who have not been here, there are mom and pop ice cream shops, antique shops dotted throughout the rolling hills and farms.  Lakes and state parks are plentiful and people here are friendly.

Now, about the kid and his team.  I will admit that I am not a stats person. If you want more info on stuff like that I will enlist the feedback of some others to get it right!!  Here is what I do know.  All teams are guaranteed to play six games during this week, then they start the tournament part of the week with seeding and single elimination play.  Our team is doing well -- having a bye for the first two Wednesday games. They are ranked 19 after the six pool play games.  

Shopping in Cooperstown. This is the mom's perspective after all so I have to include that there are some very nice shops here selling every kind of baseball mom type of gear you can think of.  So far, my personal favorites here in town are Silver Fox Gift Shop ladies jewelry and clothing, Cooperstown Penguin ice cream- huge delicious soft serve cones here absolutely rock! And trust me, I know my frozen treats!  Back alley grille- great two story restaurant with outside seating on two levels with great wraps, burgers, steaks and cocktails.  If you are a beer fan, check out the Ommegang Brewery.  You may want to arrange for a ride home ahead of time as the beer is delish and we spent several hours sampling flights paired with snacks.  I may have more to add since we are not done eating here yet!