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WHY NOW Hang your Christmas stocking in Cooperstown, the snowy capital of central New York's Leatherstocking region. This Federal-era village facing frozen Lake Otsego kicks off the holiday with bonfire caroling and Santa Claus Express train rides. Can't wait for spring training?Commemorate America's pastime at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, open year-round.
WHERE TO STAY Defrost under a fluffy down comforter at the nine-room American Hotel (192 Main St., Sharon Springs; 518/284-2105; www.americanhotelny.com; doubles from $120), a restored Greek Revival mansion nearby. Room No. 1 has an antique brass bed, red walls, and a tile bath.
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER At the Poolville Country Store (1245 Earlville Rd., Poolville; 315/691-2677; dinner for two $50), the rustic brick fireplace in the dining room casts a welcoming glow on wintry nights. About 30 minutes west of Cooperstown, this former country store honors its rural setting with a tasting menu of farmhouse cheeses, hearty venison in port wine sauce, and berry trifle parfait.
BRING IT HOME Seek out an edition of Leatherstocking Tales by favorite-son author James Fenimore Cooper at the Fenimore Art Museum (Lake Rd., Rte. 80; 888/547-1450; www.fenimoreartmuseum.org), or commission a gold-flecked pomegranate wreath from Theatrum Botanicum (4580 Rte. 28; 607/547-5110), the botanical studio responsible for Main Street's most whimsical decorations.
AFTER DARK Take the tasting tour at Brewery Ommegang (656 Hwy. 33; 800/544-1809) to sample Belgian-style ales that are made in a barn.
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHT Saint Nicholas rides a horse-drawn antique sled around the Farmers' Museum (Lake Rd., Rte. 80; 888/547-1450; www.farmersmuseum.org) during the annual Candlelight Evening on December 19. This hamlet of 19th-century structures comes alive as streets twinkle with votives, creating a scene straight out of Currier & Ives. Sip wassail from campfire kettles outside Bump Tavern and shop for old-fashioned stocking stuffers at Todd's General Store. —Shane Mitchell
2004 Holiday Destinations:
Bocas del Toro, Panama |
Schweitzer, Idaho | Darjeeling, India | Dublin, Ireland | St. Bart's | Versailles, France | Taipei, Taiwan | Cooperstown, New York | Frankfurt, Germany | San Francisco
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