Last year around this time, T and I were at a lovely dinner party and were discussing our imminent summer plans. We were gearing up for several international trips including Greece,  Dominican Republic, and Aruba. Our friends on the other hand, had just returned to the States after living abroad for a number of years, and were more than happy to stay stateside. I clearly remember them saying, This year we want a quintessential American summer: barbecues, pool, baseball games…you know, typical American activities.

That conversation got me reminiscing about so many of the U.S. destinations where I have spent some fabulous summer getaways. While it’s true that us Hills tend to be drawn to more international and exotic locales, we also love the many places that make America so beautiful. From charming coastal towns to U.S. monuments and national parks, America is as varied as it is gorgeous.

This is the first post of a five-part series, spanning across three U.S. regions. In the northeast, Cooperstown, Portland, ME and Bar Harbor are highlighted–that’s right–TWO Maine destinations. Because when you really think about it, isn’t Maine kind of the epitome of summertime spectacularness? And yes, I recognize I’m being a bit creative with words here. In the midwest, we’ll venture out to Mount Rushmore & the Badlands, and out west (and my favorite of the five) California’s Wine Country.

First up: Cooperstown. A quaint and charming town as American as baseball, apple pie, and opera. Opera? Yep, opera. And it’s outstanding.

Below are the highlights from a wonderful long weekend in the delightful village of Cooperstown.

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME

It doesn’t get much more American than the Baseball Hall of Fame — the paragon of all things baseball and ultimate granddaddy force behind preserving America’s favorite pastime. Full transparency, T is the true baseball fan here–I mostly go to games to have an excuse to socialize, drink beer, and eat as many nachos and soft pretzels as humanly possible. So the fact that I was so impressed here is no small feat. The exhibits that span across the building’s three levels are well-appointed and super informative. They’ve done an exceptional job depicting the history of the game and paying homage to the many legendary teams and players that have graced the game.

If you are a Yankees fan, then you will be over the moon with joy. There is A LOT of love and respect paid to the New York powerhouse. T of course was like a kid in a candy store.

The museum exhibits are derived from a collection of 40,000 preserved artifacts and more than 3 million library items. Generations of baseball are honored and retold through the detailed displays.

Things to know: Open 7 days a week; summer hours are 9am – 9pm; Adult tickets: $23, Children tickets: $12

GLIMMERGLASS OPERA

The central region of New York state is probably not the first place that comes to mind when thinking about opera. And it’s true, it probably shouldn’t be the fist thought on your opera-obsessed mind, but it should certainly be on your radar. Cooperstown’s annual Glimmerglass Festival is an internationally renowned opera showcase that takes over Cooperstown every summer. Set in an idyllic countryside setting alongside the lake, the outdoor venue offers a casual yet beautiful space for opera and theater lovers of all ages and backgrounds.

Since its opening in 1987, Glimmerglass typically puts on around four to five productions every summer. When we went in 2010, we were fortunate to see two superb operas on consecutive nights: Tosca and Marriage of Figaro. It’s here that we fell in love with opera and have been devoted followers ever since. The festival’s undeniable talent and exceptional productions are top-notch and on par with performances we’ve seen at places like the Met and Kennedy Center.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Glimmerglass Festival was the sense of  approachability to opera and lack of pretentiousness. It wasn’t stuffy and snooty like some opera houses tend to be, and because the venue is located outside, dress is a bit more on the relaxed side and a welcomed feeling of casual elegance seems to permeate the theater.

The older audience members and individuals at our bed and breakfast were more than eager to share their knowledge and love of opera with us young-ins (comparatively speaking, of course). While opera has historically been geared toward a typically older audience, over the past decade or so it has begun to attract a younger demographic and as a result, is increasingly becoming  less rigid and conservative. Hands down, the festival was the highlight of our time in Cooperstown.

Think opera isn’t your thing? I beg you to reconsider and try it, even just once! Very few mediums of art are as beautiful, moving, and elegant as an opera performance. Not sure where to start? Classic masterpieces like Madame Butterfly, La Boheme, and Carmen are excellent “starter” operas, in my opinion.

Things to know: The festival typically runs July & August; tickets prices vary; purchase tickets well in advance.

OMMEGANG BREWERY

Tours are free and for a mere $6.00, you get 10 tastings and a souvenir tasting glass. An outrageous value for really good beer. Did I mention that the tour is FREE?  What’s not to like here?

There’s a nice patio area outside with tables, a fire pit, and some food trucks. A great place to spend a few hours on a summer afternoon.

Things to know:  Open daily from noon-5pm. Tours run on the hour (the last tour is at 4pm) and tastings are on the half hour.

Around Cooperstown

Only two blocks long and home to the only traffic light in Cooperstown, Main Street is the village’s main road. Like mostly every other Main Street in America, here you’ll find restaurants, multiple baseball shops, and that famous Baseball of Fame mentioned earlier. For a quick and casual lunch, head to the cozy (read: small) Cooperstown Diner for a little taste of Americana.

Other good eateries around Cooperstown include Bocca Osteria, a family run Italian Bistro, and Doubleday Cafe.

Whether you are a diehard baseball fanatic, a devoted operagoer, a beer enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a charming village for a fun-filled weekend getaway, Cooperstown has a little bit of something for everyone.

Next up in the series: Portland, Maine.

Happy Traveling, All!

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