Planning a Trip

Getting There -- Cooperstown is easiest to get to by car. From the New York State Thruway, take exit 30 at Herkimer and go south on State Highway 28 or State Highway 80 -- both will take you to Cooperstown. By bus, Trailways (tel. 800/776-7548; www.trailwaysny.com) provides service between Cooperstown and other towns both big and small. The closest airport, Albany International Airport (tel. 518/242-2200; www.albanyairport.com), is about 75 miles east.

Visitor Information -- The helpful Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce (31 Chestnut St.; tel. 607/547-9983; www.cooperstownchamber.org) is open May through October daily from 9am to 5pm; from November to April, it's open daily from 9am to 6pm. To receive brochures and other promo stuff, call Cooperstown Getaway (tel. 888/875-2969).

Getting Around -- Thousands of people flock here during the summer, so unless you're staying right in town, you're best off leaving your car parked and taking the trolley. Look for the blue PARK AND TAKE THE TROLLEY signs as you approach Cooperstown. Parking is free in the outer lots, at the following locations: off Route 28 just south of Cooperstown (traveling north from Oneonta); off Route 28 (Glen Ave.) at Maple Street (traveling south on Rte. 28 from Rte. 20); on Route 80 at the upper parking lot of Fenimore Art Museum (traveling south on Rte. 80 from Rte. 20). An unlimited daily trolley pass is $3 for adults, $2 for kids. The trolley stops at the museums, Main Street shopping, and other points of interest. From Memorial Day to the last week in June, it runs weekends only, from 9am to 5:30pm; from the last week in June to Labor Day, it runs daily from 8:30am to 9pm; from Labor Day to Columbus Day, weekends only, from 9am to 5:30pm. If you do decide to drive in, street parking is tight, with a strictly enforced two-hour rule. There is also a limited amount of paid parking at Doubleday Field, 25 Main St., for $2 hourly or $10 per day July through Labor Day, and half that in June.