Home to some of the greatest sports teams in the country, New York loves to keep score. Halls of fame in these three regions pay homage to some of the nation’s greatest athletes and their finest moments. Marvel at the achievements of baseball and soccer legends in Cooperstown and Oneonta. Learn to tie flies from an expert, beside a legendary Catskill trout stream. In Saratoga Springs, you can explore tributes to horse racing as a warm-up to watching world-class horse racing and polo. Take a road trip to some of New York’s must-see sports shrines.
Day One
This award-winning museum at Livingston Manor in the Catskills honors heroes of the sport and highlights the history, ecology, and art of fly fishing. You’ll hear some amazing fish tales and see exhibits of rare and vintage rods, the traditional craft of bamboo rod making, trout and salmon reels, and many beautiful flies. Programs are dedicated to preserving the sport’s heritage and environment as well as teaching future generations of fly fishers. Spend some time fishing in Willowemoc Creek, one of the Northeast's top trout streams.
Day Two
Interactive games and exhibits at this museum in Oneonta honor great men and women players and highlight the game’s history since the first documented match in 1863. The collection ranges from the ball used in the first 1863 match to items from professional and national teams. The interactive Kicks Zone features a “feet-on” soccer experience.
In Cooperstown, have a look at historic Doubleday Field, and then tour the best-known sports shrine in the world. You'll find thousands of baseball treasures displayed on three floors, plus theaters, interactive workshops, and exciting special events. Exhibits tell the story of our National Pastime, and reflect American history, from baseball's beginnings in the 19th century through today's game.
Stop at this giant marketplace just outside Cooperstown, in the Central-New-York region, to pick up treats for the road. It's stocked with delicious New York foods like apple pies, maple syrup, cheeses, and fresh-picked produce. You can see a working 1856 waterwheel and watch the mill turn apples into cider. Relax on the Mill Pond deck with a farm-fresh snack from the restaurant and bakery.
Day Three
Head to Saratoga Springs, in the Capital-Saratoga region, to learn about the greatest Thoroughbreds the track has ever seen. The museum is located directly across from the entrance to Saratoga Race Course. Admire the trophies, silks, art and souvenirs. Interactive programs present 300 years of horseracing history, with a children’s gallery, discovery paddock and tours.
Bring a picnic lunch and hike the nature trails to see the many mineral springs and geysers. Among the few naturally carbonated springs in the country, Saratoga mineral water is steeped in legend and lore. In summer, you can go swimming at the park's Peerless Pool or Victoria Pool, the first heated pool in the US.
Located on the grounds of Saratoga Raceway, the museum highlights old-time heroes, harness racing equipment, a time capsule, and up-to-the-present records. It’s filled with exciting memories that go back as far as 1847 when the sport began. Lady Suffolk, “The Old Gray Mare” of the famous traditional song, raced in Saratoga 16 years before Thoroughbred racing began there.
From July through early September, you can take in a world-class polo match, a Saratoga tradition since 1898. For $20 a carload, families and friends tailgate on the sidelines. Another option, still a bargain at $20 per person, is dressing up for admission to the clubhouse. You can splurge on champagne and a gourmet dinner under the white tents beside the polo field.