News from Roses Hill

Each winter, in the “off” season, the Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown offers a wonderful series of events that help make the winter months more enjoyable.  These include special musical events, art events, cooking classes and international food nights at the Hawkeye Bar and Grill.

International nights are one of our favorites for a mid-week evening out. Each Wednesday from mid January through the end of March, the chef prepares options for a creative, internationally themed meal taken from standards of worldwide cuisine.  This year, in February, diners can sample fare from: India (Feb. 10) – a meal which includes Naan Bread, Masala Dosa, Moghul Style Chicken with saffron rice, and Kneer rice pudding;  Greece (Feb 17) – including Psomi Bread, Spanakopita with tzatziki, Grilled Biftekia and Baklava Cheesecake; and Argentina (Feb 24) – Chipas Bread, Empanadas de Camaron, Grilled Flank Steak and Chocotorta chocolate wafers & dulce de leche for dessert.  March themes include meals from Thailand, Cuba, Ireland, Mexico and Brazil.  For a three course specialty meal, the cost for International Night dinners is well-priced at $17.95 per person. Reservations are required.

Learn more about all of the winter events at the Otesaga at their website at http://www.otesaga.com/events/allevents.aspx.  Whether you are a local or a visitor, you are sure to find something fun to do!

Cooperstown’s Winter Carnival celebrates its 49th year

…and will be held during this coming weekend, from Feb, 5th through 7th.  The event offers a fun schedule of events and activities throughout the weekend.  A special fireworks display is held as part of the event kickoffs on Friday evening.  

The event is a celebration to help break up the ‘winter doldrums’ and get local residents and visitors out and about for fun events that take place throughout the Cooperstown area.  The event was first held in 1967 and drew about 6,000 participants and spectators.  

Events and activities include: special food events and menus; ice skating; contests; races; talent performances; fireworks;  bowling; movies; musical entertainment; games; ghost tours; snow sculptures; a quilt show; snow tubing; a dog show; children’s disco; wine tastings; painting workshops; lip syncs and dancing; snowman contest; geocaching; sled races and more.  

For a complete schedule of events and to vote for your favorite entries, visit the Cooperstown Winter Carnival website at http://www.cooperstownwintercarnival.com/.  

Images from Cooperstown Winter Carnival.

Now that the snow has arrived in our part of Central New York and the temperatures have dropped to a consistent below-freezing level, we expect our snowmobiling friends to be coming out to play!  In 2014-15, according to a report from the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, there were a total of 121,539 registered snowmobiles operating in New York State – with about 1360 of these registered in our own Otsego County.

If you are a snowmobiling enthusiast, you know that New York is a great place to sled!  According to iloveny.com, New York State offers over 10,400 miles of trails throughout a vast statewide trail system which traverses 46 counties.   There are over 230 local clubs associated with the New York State Snowmobiling Association and information is available there about events, trails, places to stay, tips and more.  Private landowners have increasingly opened their property to snowmobiling, with the protection of insurance coverage provided by the state snowmobile program.

Locally, there are some great snowmobiling resources available for riders.  One of our favorite resources is a locally developed phone app that can be accessed even when cellular data service is not available – a great feature for when you are not sure what direction to go when riding our local trails.  The premium app for all of New York State is available for download at both the AppStore and Google Play for $20.  Find parking, areas of interest, tourism locations, stopping areas and trails and trail conditions along with additional tools to help plan your route.  This technology is developed by Mohawk Valley GIS , a Utica based company established in 2003 by Linda Rockwood.

You can access the information for free online at http://www.nysnowmobilewebmap.com/webmap/ and you can find them on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/NYSnowmobileWebMap

Although many of our main attractions are closed for the winter months from January through March, there are still some lovely stops to make throughout the area including the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown.  We wish all of our snowmobiling guests a safe and enjoyable season.  Enjoy the trails in Otsego County!

Although Winter is hardly a bustling season in our area compared to Spring/Summer/Fall, there are some good standby activities that help our residents get through the colder winter months with a smile. In some cases these activities are sponsored and fully funded by some of our area’s main attractions.

One of these is the Cabin Fever Film Series – a different film each Friday evening for six weeks. This is a real treat for those in our area where the nearest movie theater is between a 40-40 minute drive. This year, screenings include a great mix of classics and newer films – surely at least one to appeal to everyone. The full lineup is below:

(PAST) Friday, January 8, 2016 – Zeffirelli’s “Romeo & Juliet” at the Fenimore Art Museum Auditorium, 7pm
Friday, January 15, 2016 – “Rent” at the Fenimore Art Museum Auditorium, 7pm
Friday, January 22, 2016 – Sweeny Todd: “The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” at the Fenimore Art Museum Auditorium, 7pm
Friday, January 29, 2016 – “The Way We Were” at the Fenimore Art Museum Auditorium, 7pm
Friday, February 5, 2016 – “Rudy” at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Grandstand Theater, 7pm with a 6:30pm artifact spotlight to preview some of the items in the Hall of Fame collection
Friday, February 12, 2016 – “Minions” at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Grandstand Theater , 7pm with a 6pm Minion-themed party for children (and their parents)

The film screenings are free and open to the public, through sponsorship from Fenimore Art Museum, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and The Glimmerglass Festival. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and patrons should use the main entrances at both locations. Refreshments will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the local food bank.

Another mainstay for our outdoor enthusiasts is Snowtubing at Glimmerglass State Park. Of course we have to have some snow on the ground for these to run (but really, we’re not complaining about not having snow).

Snowtubing runs each weekend (Saturdays and Sundays) from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. through February 28th at the Park (*weather permitting*). The cost is reasonable for families at $5 per person with tubes provided for use during your stay (only the park tubes provided are permitted). There is no admission charge to enter the park.

Children under 13 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 2 and under may ride at no charge with an adult that has purchased a ticket. This will be on approval of the Tubing Hill Supervisor and will be based on the hill speed conditions for safety reasons. There is a warming room with concession stand next to the hill.

For Opera Fans, The Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta presents The Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD Series of global simulcast transmissions, with performances of Les Pecheurs De Perles (Bizet) on January 16 at 12:55 and Turandot (Puccini) on January 30 at 12:55. Tickets are $20/Adults, $10/Students and $18/Seniors. They also offer a season pass for all six performances through April 30 to include reserved table seats. Lunch and beverages are available for purchase prior to and during intermission for each show.

Other musical events this month include performances by some of the most popular bands and musicians in the County – performed at the “Museums Rock” Concerts (Saturday, January 23 – Penny Knight – 7pm and Saturday, January 30 – Bourbon & Branch – 7pm) at the Fenimore Art Museum for $10 per person (ages 13 and up) as well as The Canal Street String Band performing on Saturday, January 30 at the Otesaga Resort Hotel at 7:30pm. Ticket prices range from $8 to $20.

There are many wonderful events in our area each fall – more every year, it seems!  These are a few of our favorites coming up over the next few weeks.

Teacher Appreciation Day at the Fenimore Art Museum, during normal business hours:

Teachers are invited to visit the Fenimore Art Museum without students for a day to preview the newest exhibitions (see the new Lavern Kelley exhibition) and learn more about the programs and resources available to teachers. Teacher Appreciation Days are a time for the Fenimore to say “Thank you!” to our school educators. Pre K-12 educators are admitted free with valid ID or proof of educator status. Guests are admitted at the regular admission rate. For questions, call (607) 547-1461.

Sunday Sounds at Fly Creek Cider Mill, Sundays, September 20, 27, October 4, 11 2015, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Join a performance by comic lyricist and impressionist, Ody B. Goldy, from noon until 4:00 as he entertains guests with his humorous tributes to well-known celebrities. Name the song and writer and you might win some fresh cider. Please note that in cases of snow or rain Ody’s performance will be cancelled.

Train Robberies aboard the Cooperstown-Charlotte Valley Railroad, Saturdays, 9/26 and 10/10, 1pm departure.

Travel back in time to the exciting world of Outlaws and The Wild West! The train is carrying a strong box full to the brim with money and the local Outlaw Gang knows it. Will the bandits get away with the loot, or will the Lawmen prevail? Find out as a passenger on the Train Robbery featuring action packed shoot outs, period costumes, and fun entertainment for the whole family.

Reservations are encouraged, but not required – please call (607) 432-2429.  Tickets cost $19 for adults, $18 for seniors, $16 for children 3-12, and free for kids under 3.

Cooperstown Blues Express, Saturdays, September 12, 19 and 26, 2015, 7:00 p.m.

The Cooperstown Blues Express in Milford invites you to join them on a 3-hour rockin’ blues party every Saturday night from May 16 – September 26, featuring some of the finest bands in upstate New York! You must be 21 with Valid ID. Tickets cost $18 and reservations are encouraged, but not required – please call (607) 432-2429.

Drops to Hops Bike Race, Saturday, September 26, 2015, 9:30 a.m.

Racers of all levels are invited to participate in the Drops to Hops bicycle race, sponsored by Clark Sports Center and Brewery Ommegang. The late September road race is perfect for fall foliage viewing as you ride and has something for every skill level. The event consists of two different length courses that follow mostly secondary roads through the valleys and hills of Otsego County.

The Elite Race (“A” Ride) will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the Citizens Race (“B” Ride) will start at 10:10 a.m.

• The “A” ride (43 miles) is for experienced racers only, equivalent to USCF Cat 3-4. Men and women will race together.
• The “B” ride (23 miles) is a Citizen’s fun race. Despite being labeled as a race, we encourage riders of various levels to participate in the “B” field as long as they are comfortable with the distance and terrain. No experienced “licensed” racers will be allowed to ride in the “B” race. The “B” race will also be a shortened, less difficult route than the “A” course.

Both of the courses start and finish at Brewery Ommegang with the host offering an after race party with a band, drink (first beer on them) and food for a reasonable cost. The awards ceremony will be held under a tent after the last racer comes in. Overall male/female in each race and also age group awards will be given.

For additional information, contact Race Director Doug McCoy at (518) 547-2800 x111 or visit the Drops to Hops event page on the Clarks Sports Center website.

Duck Derby Weekend at Fly Creek Cider Mill, Saturday, 9/26 and Sunday, 9/27, 2015, 10am-4pm

Enjoy an exciting weekend of rubber duck racing down Fly Creek and a chance to win valuable prizes. To benefit the Cooperstown Lions Club this weekend is filled with family fun and entertainment. Event hours are 10:00 – 4:00 each day and parking is free.

Fall Foliage Trains with the Cooperstown-Charlotte Valley Railroad

Saturdays and Sundays, September 26 – October 11, and Columbus Day Monday October 12.  Boards at Milford Depot., 1PM – Trip Duration: 2 1/2 Hours

All Fall Foliage Trains that are not Train Robberies are standard fare.

Adults $15, Seniors (62 and over) $14, Children (3-12) $12, Under 3 FREE.

Reservations Encouraged but Not Required.  Food and beverages for sale on board.

A breathtaking ride along the tranquil Susquehanna River is the perfect way to take in the gorgeous fall foliage of the Cooperstown area – named one of the best places for foliage by The Today Show and Fodor’s! The ride begins at the Milford Train Station, and travels through forests filled with vibrant colors and farm fields with beautiful views of the foothills. Travel along the tranquil Susquehanna River, through farm fields with beautiful views, and forests with colorful foliage.

Oktoberfest Train with Cooperstown-Charlotte Valley Railroad, Saturday, October 3, 2015, 6:00 p.m.

The evening starts by boarding our vintage train, grabbing a German beer, traveling with experienced crew to a location down the tracks for live German music, food and dancing. Many guests dress for the occasion but everyone enjoys the evening. You can remain relaxing in one of our 1926 passenger cars while crew pass out hors d’ouevre or enjoy the evening in our open air gondola. Many passengers lounge in our bar car before entering a recreated Hofbräu at O’Neil Station. Authentic German Food, and Beer, combined with Traditional German Music makes you feel like you are at one of the Famous Beer Gardens of Bavaria. As past patrons can attest Das Wunderbar!

All passengers must be 21 or older. Adults $30, Seniors $25, Groups of 10 or more $25. Reservations required – pleae call (607) 432-2429.

Big Squeeze Weekend at the Fly Creek Cider Mill, Saturday and Sunday, October 3 & 4, 2015, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the Fly Creek Cider Mill’s hosting of Bassett Healthcare’s Mobile Mammography Program. Information regarding breast cancer and early detection through the use of mammography, and about the health beneifts of apples will be distributed. Bassett’s Mobile Cancer Screening Coach will be on-site for screenings and exams.

Please note screening and exams are by appointment.

Tractor Fest at the Farmers’ Museum, Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, 2015, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Learn about the world of tractors and all the activities they powered on New York farms. See classic tractors and new tractors, small engines, and other machinery, representing the growth of farming technology.

Event Activities

• Over 30 classic tractors.
• See tractors at work thrashing and baling
• Hit-and-miss engines from the early to mid-1900s will be operating
• An exhibit of antique milking machines
• Wagon rides pulled by the Ford Golden Jubilee tractor
• Kiddie tractor pull (age 7 and younger)
• Browse hundreds of farm toys from years gone by in a farm toy exhibit
• Tractor parade in Cooperstown (Sunday morning)

Fly Creek Cider Festival, Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, 2015, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Enjoy cider, autumn’s most flavorful beverage, at the peak of Upstate NY’s spectacular fall foliage. Observe cider making operations throughout the day using the Mill’s vintage equipment dating back to 1856. Sample our cider made without modern technology that provides a taste of NY’s water-powered past.