Sometimes you just stumble upon a gem of a place. Absolutely one of the most enjoyable vacation spots we have stayed at. Back in July when I took a week off to run a Tough Mudder in upstate NY we swung by Cooperstown for a few days as we were looking for a nice place to stay. Searching the internet I found Cobblescote on the Lake. It was just what I was looking for. An old school kind of place with character that represented the lakeside outdoors area. During our week’s vacation we had stayed in a few modern chain hotels and were super pleased to find a place such as this that was the total opposite. Right on Otsego Lake in a picturesque setting among the woods. As we drove up both of us were blown away. This place was something out of a Norman Rockwell painting he did for the Saturday Evening Post back in the day. We immediately wished we were staying there longer than a three day weekend.

Pure Americana from a time that relects our grandparents era of when vacationing upstate and in the Catskills was a big thing. The building itself and the rustic decor reminds me of a hunting and fishing lodge. American flags, wood everywhere, log furniture, hunting/fishing instruments on the walls, checkers game on the table, all types of outdoorsy articles and sporting things placed around, an amazing view overlooking the lake, and the most wonderful outdoor deck to enjoy it on. We were greeted by the owner, Peter, and he gave us a quick tour of the place.

There are spacious grounds with gas grills and picnic tables, a beach area for swimming, fishing, boating or just relaxing right on the lake. They also will provide fishing gear for guests. I saw a canoe, pedal boat and kayaks that can be used free of charge. You can even get boat tours and fishing charters here. There is a free laundry room on site which is great if you’re there with kids and cleaning some clothes is a must. Also a few foosball, pinball and other games to occupy some time. Every morning a full complimentary breakfast is provided to all guests. All the rooms are newly refurbished with private baths and Adirondack décor. Cable TV in all rooms and free wifi throughout. AC units in the rooms too, but it can actually get cool enough at night so that you don’t need it. Plus, they are located just 4 miles from Cooperstown, 4 miles from the Glimmerglass Festival, and 9 miles from Cooperstown Dreams Park so everything is a quick drive. Reasonable room rates for all this make it a terrific deal. Go see the Baseball Hall of Fame too!

I have to say the rooms are well kept, clean, and very cozy. Peter is a very attentive and affable resort owner who cares about his guests and makes sure they have everything needed for a great stay. One of the highlights for me was just getting up early each morning to have a hot cup of coffee on the deck while watching the sunrise over the lake. So relaxing and peaceful. At night we sat out there under a blanket and drank wine. Ah, romance. Another was the option of a home cooked meal here on a Saturday night on the deck prepared by Peter and his friendly staff. Shrimp cocktail, crab and corn chowder, char broiled delmonico steak, and dessert. Delicious meal. (Extra charge for this but so worth the price.) Oh, can’t forget that yummy breakfast quiche and fresh fruits the next morning before we had to sadly head home.

Overall, just a wonderful place and one of the best spots we stayed at during our vacation. Great memories. If you’re looking for a more simpler location to rest your head at that brings you back to a time when upstate resort vacations were big then you should experience Cobblescote. We can’t wait to go back again. Thanks Peter!

Cobblescote on the Lake – http://cobblescote.com/

http://www.yelp.com/biz/cobblescote-on-the-lake-cooperstown

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g47529-d1455415-Reviews-Cobblescote_on_the_Lake-Cooperstown_New_York.html