Courtesy Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance
Itinerary courtesy New York State Tourism: I Love NY
Amid rolling hills, fertile farmland and geological wonders, attractions in the Central-New-York region showcase our nation’s rich cultural heritage. Spend a few days celebrating great American art, ingenuity and adventures, as well as historic moments in baseball and the perfect apple pie.
Day One
Caverns Creek Grist Mill Museum
This mill and country store in Howes Cave will give you a glimpse of what life was like in American pioneer days. Built in 1816, the restored mill is operating once again. A self-guided walking tour along the old mill stream will show you the 12-foot waterwheel that powers a 1400-pound millstone. You can see history exhibits in the museum and shop in the country store for local crafts, maple syrup, honey, and preserves, as well as Caverns Creek fresh-milled flour, cornmeal, and pancake mixes.
Howe Caverns
In 1843, a local farmer discovered that his cows gathered near the cool entrance of a hidden cavern on hot summer days. Lester Howe began charging fifty cents to lead adventurers on torch-lit tours, and the rest is history. Now an elevator takes you down to this cool wonder, where the temperature is 52 degrees year-round. See amazing rock formations and take a boat tour on the underground river that carved the cave millions of years ago. Howe Caverns was recently voted one of the Top 5 Northeast Family Attractions by Disney’s Family Fun readers.
Day Two
The Farmers’ Museum
Have you ever wanted to step back to the good old days? This recreated village and farmstead in Cooperstown shows what rural American life was like in 1845. Talk with farmers, weavers, blacksmiths and other "village people" as they demonstrate 19th-century crafts and traditions. At the country fair, you can try your hand at games from a simpler time and ride the carousel. If you’re up for the task, you can even milk a cow.
The Fenimore Art Museum
At this historic Cooperstown treasure, you can see extraordinary American Indian Art and some of the best examples of American landscape, history, and genre painting. You’ll be enchanted by the whimsical Folk Art collection, one of the best and largest in the world. It includes ship figureheads, quilts, weathervanes, cigar-store figures and decorated stoneware, all created by American artists.
Day Three
National Baseball Hall of Fame
On Main Street in Cooperstown, called America’s Perfect Village, you can visit the best-known sports shrine in the world. You’ll find thousands of baseball treasures displayed on three floors, plus theaters, interactive workshops, and exciting special events. Exhibits tell the story of our National Pastime and reflect American history, from baseball’s beginnings in the 19th century through today’s game.
Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard
What’s more traditionally American than apple pie? Stop at this giant marketplace just outside Cooperstown for some treats to take home. It’s stocked with delicious New York products like pies, maple syrup, cheeses, and fresh-picked produce. You can see a working 1856 waterwheel and watch the mill turn apples into cider. Relax on the Mill Pond deck with a farm-fresh snack from the restaurant and bakery.
For more information, visit www.iloveny.com.