Things To Do

Situated in the grassy hills of Cherry Valley, John Henry Bed & Breakfast is steps from restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities. We’re also a short drive from Sharon Springs and Cooperstown, home to some of the area’s most exciting attractions.

Museums and Historic Sites

The area surrounding John Henry Bed & Breakfast is home to many charming museums and historic sites. Visit any of these to immerse yourself in what makes Cherry Valley and Cooperstown special.

The Farmers’ Museum

The Farmers’ Museum, which is open April through October, interactively depicts 19th-century rural life. The site of the museum is a restored pre-Civil War village where visitors can see craftspeople enacting 1800s rural trades.

The Fenimore Art Museum

The Fenimore Art Museum boasts some of the finest art in Otsego County. The museum, located in a stunning neo-Georgian mansion right on Otsego Lake, is named after the author James Fenimore Cooper, who lived in Cooperstown. Memorabilia from his life is on display throughout the museum.

Hyde Hall

Hyde Hall offers breathtaking views of Otsego Lake and the gorgeous greenery surrounding it, all from within a beautiful 18th-century manor house. During the summer, guided tours of the manor are available. Children younger than 13 receive free admission.

Cherry Valley Museum

Cherry Valley Museum in the heart of our historic village houses some of the finest examples of Early Americana in the state. Come explore robust collection of Victorian furniture, housewares, toys and clothings well as Revolutionary war artifacts and much more.

Outdoor Activities

Enjoy your time both inside and outside John Henry Bed & Breakfast! Cooperstown and the surrounding area is home to beautiful parks, not to mention a huge, breathtaking lake. Here are just some of the many opportunities for outdoor recreation in Cherry Valley:

Otsego Lake

Otsego Lake is the centerpiece of Cooperstown. Along routes 80 and 31, there are plenty of small streets where you can step out and soak in the pristine beauty of this gorgeous nine-mile lake. Take advantage of the walking trails along the lake, or go swimming at one of the lake’s two public beaches during the summer months.

Glimmerglass State Park

Glimmerglass State Park can be found at the northeast corner of Otsego Lake. Here, you can hike, relax on the beach, or kayak onto the lake. Be sure to walk through the famous covered bridge near the entrance — it’s the oldest covered bridge in the country.

Breweries and Distilleries

Cooperstown has no shortage of unique drinking options. Our area is proudly home to some of the country’s most remarkable craft beers and spirits.

Brewery Ommegang

Brewery Ommegang is nestled in a quiet area just off Route 33, about 10 minutes south of the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. As with the Cooperstown Distillery, you can go on a tour here, and there’s also a food menu if you’re hungry

Cooperstown Distillery

Cooperstown Distillery is located right off two Cooperstown main streets. The distillery offers tours and samples and is known for its welcoming staff. The venue often hosts live music as well!

Cooperstown Beverage Exchange

Cooperstown Beverage Exchange is a short walk from The Cooperstown Distillery, which owns and operates the exchange. Taste local beers, wines, and spirits during the day and enjoy a locally-sourced dinner at night.

Red Shed Brewery

Red Shed Brewery is across the street from Ommegang. Here, you can enjoy a variety of tacos alongside Red Shed’s locally brewed beer. Although the Red Shed Brewery is located in Cooperstown, its beer is lovingly made in our very own Cherry Valley.

Baseball Tourist Attractions

Cooperstown wouldn’t be the tourist attraction it is without its rich connection to America’s pastime.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is one of Cooperstown’s most well-known attractions. Head here for a fun, informative look back at baseball’s most important, record-setting athletes, and plan to spend a few hours here — there’s a lot to see.

The Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum

The Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum is located right down the block from the Hall of Fame. Baseball’s most important people are recreated as life-size wax figures. Recharge at the museum’s sidewalk cafe before exploring the rest of downtown Cooperstown.

Summertime Activities

Cooperstown comes alive during the summer. Whether you’ve traveled to our little pocket of New York as an Opera enthusiast, baseball fan or for our museums, you’re bound to find something to love here during a season of special events.

Glimmerglass Opera

Glimmerglass Opera operates solely in July and August. It provides some of the most exciting entertainment in our area: in addition to its theater and opera productions, it hosts conversations with prominent public figures.

Cooperstown Dreams Park

Cooperstown Dreams Park hosts Little League teams from across the country. The park offers convenient ways for the whole family to visit and watch their kids play baseball. You can buy souvenirs at the park so you won’t forget your time spent in one of the country’s most prominent baseball cities.

The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival

The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has grown a loyal following since its inception in 1999. Performances by talented and leading musicians from around the world range from classical to contemporary, jazz to bluegrass, cabaret to kids’ concerts.

Cherry Valley Artworks

Cherry Valley Artworks concert calendar features a wide-ranging musical program, including zydeco, a jazz trio and chamber music as well as extraordinary concerts by ensembles from the Glimmerglass orchestra. Enjoy the sculpture trail exhibition and kite festival in the summer.

The Plaide Palette

The Plaide Palette, in the historic Oliver Judd homestead, is run by Ceramicist and tartan artist Susan Miller and her husband, Everett. The couple create sculptures, jewelry, tartan painting and those “one of a kind” Wedding Cake Toppers on premise. Browse the shop and enjoy the country air and quaintness of this historic village “lost in time.”

Memorial Day & Fourth of July Parades

In these parts, parades are a big deal! Cherry Valley has its annual Memorial Day parade and the Fourth of July parade is in neighboring Springfield. Enjoy the floats, sights and sounds as you mingle with the crowd. Grab a bite from a street vendor or dine out afterwards at one of Cherry Valley’s fine local establishments.

Local Eateries

At John Henry Bed & Breakfast, continue the high standards we set with our home-cooked breakfasts by eating at one of the many unforgettable restaurants located just steps from our door.

Live music at Rose & Kettle brings this restaurant to life on Thursday evenings. The restaurant’s chef and owner offers evening specials that are sure to delight the most discriminating palate. In addition, guests may chose from an eclectic dinner menu that includes a plentiful selection of comfort food as well.
Tryon Inn and Backdoor Bar offers affordable dining options, a wide array of drinks and daily chef specials.

In Cooperstown, you can enjoy divine food options along Otsego Lake, with the whole family, or with just your significant other.

Blue Mingo Grill is situated right on Otsego Lake, and its menu has a little something for everyone. The many Asian and Carribean options offered are known crowd-pleasers, and in true Cooperstown style, some of the menu offerings are baseball-themed.
Bocca Osteria is known as an ideal couples’ night destination. Head here for splendid Italian food and desserts, and don’t forget to make a reservation — especially during baseball season, this restaurant can get crowded quickly.
Cooperstown Back Alley Grille offers food options for the whole family. It’s just a block from the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, making it tough to miss. Parents can enjoy its extensive drinks menu while kids dig into traditional American food choices.
Alex’s World Bistro has a bit of something for everyone. Located right at the intersection of Main and Chestnut Streets, it’s impossible to miss. Many locals would say it’s just as impossible to resist.
Stagecoach Coffee is a Roastery and Espresso Bar serving fresh coffee, espresso and home-baked goods made with locally-sourced ingredients as well as bagels, sandwiches, smoothies, salads, soups and more. Located north of Main Street at the corner of Pioneer Street & Stagecoach Lane, in Cooperstown, NY.

A bit farther southwest in Oneonta lie some of our area’s most exciting food options:

The Autumn Cafe changes its specials menu not just daily, but with every meal. Similarly, you’ll never quite know what to expect with its weekend regional entertainment specials, making a visit here predictably unpredictable.
B Side Ballroom has a cuisine-hopping food menu and regular live music nights. Its amazing mixed drinks are among the most affordable you’ll find near Cherry Valley.