Business District Prepares for Coming Tourist Season Rush

By EMILY HILBERT
COOPERSTOWN

Let’s face it. Baseball is usually the first thing most people think about when they hear the name “Cooperstown.” But what about all the local businesses downtown, baseball or otherwise? How did their winter go? What will the summer tourist season look like? Anything new or exciting in the shop? We decided it was time to venture out of the news room to see what our downtown vendors are cooking up—literally, in some cases. Following is just a small sampling of the plethora of businesses on Cooperstown’s Main Street and adjoining business district. From baseball to food, to candy and toys, to clothing and jewelry, from new tenants to seasoned pros, here is what store owners had to say.

It’s just not Cooperstown without a little baseball, so let’s start with the classics. Seventh Inning Stretch, located in the old movie theatre, is owned by Vincent Carfagno and has a lot to offer both tourists and locals alike. A prominent feature on Main Street, you can find anything baseball-related here, from apparel to balls and cards. Carfagno always makes sure to have the store brimming with autographed items in particular, because he knows that is what people love to see and collect.

Due to Cooperstown’s tendency to slow down in the winter, Carfagno uses the opportunity to take stock of what will be needed for the high season, come summer. Around now is when most of the new items are coming in, he said, and store employees are hard at work putting everything out. There’s always some sort of sale happening at the shop, but there’s one event in particular coming up that should be on everyone’s calendars. New York Yankees pitching legend CC Sabathia will be coming to the store on Saturday, May 25 for an appearance and autograph session. To learn more, visit www.seventh-inning-stretch.com.

All that exciting news can make a person hungry. Good thing the Doubleday Café is always cooking up something delicious. Co-owner Tim Searles explained that, ever since COVID, the café has shut down in January and February, opening back up in mid-March. While as a local, it is sad to see this popular eatery close for a few months, the wait is well worth it. Now that the restaurant is back up and running, staff are being hired and trained in preparation for the oncoming tourist season, and Searles expects a great turnout. Even in mid-April, while Searles answered questions, a traveling baseball team was eagerly awaiting their order. Want to know what’s cooking at the café? Check out their daily and weekly specials board.

Now that it’s time to walk off that delectable and filling Doubleday Café meal, consider taking a stroll to The Local Bird for all your planting and gardening needs. Located just off Main Street, on Pioneer, this quaint shop boasts a wide selection of houseplants and locally-made stationary. They also have a screen printer and print all their own shirts and designs in-house, which won’t be available anywhere else.

Karl Benner is the co-owner and one of the designers, so you can thank him for the cool clothing (his favorite right now is an alien shirt). Similar to other business owners in town, Benner remarked that winters can be slow, but thanks to the support of locals, they were able to stay open over the holiday so people could buy gifts. The Local Bird has a loyalty card called the “Houseplant Club Card,” entitling card holders to a free 4-inch plant for every 10 purchased (restrictions apply; see store for details). Interested? Stop by and take a little piece of Cooperstown home with you.

With your gardening needs sorted out, it’s time to find a gift for that someone special. Look no further than J. Gorman Jewelers, just across the street. Owner Jessica Gorman has jewelry that suits every taste. And if she doesn’t have it, she’ll make it. With a tasteful selection of both vintage and modern pieces, ranging from rings and necklaces to cufflinks, there is something for everyone here.

Gorman expresses her love for being in a town that has businesses people can support year-round for all occasions. Around this time of year, Gorman is busy collecting vintage baseball paraphernalia to appeal to the incoming tourists. Just a stone’s throw from the Hall of Fame, it is clear that she knows her market. When asked what item in the store really speaks to her, Gorman pointed to a circa 1925 art deco diamond ring set in platinum. Dubbed the “rebel heiress” ring, it is truly a sight to see. She also reminds readers that there will be an annual sale in August. More information to come.

Speaking of the Hall of Fame, let’s get back to baseball and Main Street for a minute. Mickey’s Place is the one-stop-shop for all things baseball hat related. When asked if he had a favorite part of the store, or product, Assistant Manager Robert Harrigan said he “loves them all.”

Winters here are mainly packing and shipping online orders, Harrigan said, and this time of year, just before the summer, is when the majority of their stock comes in. As a result, most of staff has currently been devoted to updating the sales system. Hall of Fame members get 10 percent off their purchase at Mickey’s Place, Harrigan pointed out.

Continuing the walk down Main, one comes across the candy and fun-time capital: Tin Bin Alley. Owner Lori Fink says she is grateful for all the local support that allows the store to remain open seven days a week, year-round. While they do sell some baseball merchandise, Frank explains that is not their main focus.

She describes her shop as a “bright, happy store.” Mission accomplished because, as one walks into Tin Bin, they are transported to a world of goodies for all ages. Currently, the store is stocked and loaded with Jellycats, a brand of stuffed toys that the staff adores. Stop by and grab some homemade fudge, where the deal is always buy four, get two free, and don’t forget to try their seasonal ice cream—it just came in.

Looking for some new, trendy, upscale clothing? Search no further than Bridgette and Main. Owned by Bridgette Hulbert, the store is coming up on its one-year anniversary, having opened in May 2023. With the first winter behind her, Hulbert is happy for all the support the community is giving her shop. With this support, Hulbert is taking some time to analyze her customer base and redefine what to sell. Talk about really listening to customer feedback!

Some of Hulbert’s classic go-to items in the store include dresses, as she says they are an easy way to elevate everyday wear. Hulbert also adds that the store is fully stocked for the oncoming wedding season.

Sometimes a shopper just needs to go somewhere that has it all, and LJ’s Sassy Boutique definitely fits that description. LJ and Wayne Alexander are a husband-and-wife team of one of Cooperstown’s best kept secrets. On Upper Main Street, a whole world of clothing is waiting to be explored. Similar to other businesses, LJ’s Sassy Boutique closes from January to March in order to prepare for the summer season, and they always look forward to it.

“Come in and browse the store for all your favorites. Shoes, clothing, accessories,” they have it all, LJ said, and always specially priced.

Finally, what about household and kitchen wares? Good culinary tools and equipment are always in high demand, and bluebird haus on Railroad Avenue has one of the best selections around.

Owner Jeanne Graham says the quiet winters give her time build relationships and chat with customers, as well as prepare for the spring and summer. Among the products Graham enjoys most these days are Simpson and Vail teas, from one of the country’s oldest tea companies, and a Danish dough whisk that “will transform any bread-making process.” Graham also has a buy one, get one free deal currently on beautifully packaged soap bars from the Cooper Farm Co. Go check them out!

Although this represents only a handful of businesses, it is proof positive that the Village of Cooperstown has more to offer shoppers and diners than simply baseball, as many would suggest. Enjoy!