Staff Picks
Our best bets for local activities

Kathleen Peters
Graphics Designer
Otsego Land Trust

The Husband and I are blessed with a beautiful property in Schuyler Lake. We decided several years ago it was worth preserving, and opted to get a conservation easement on our 22 acres through the Otsego Land Trust (OLT). We have our own land to explore and enjoy, but the Land Trust has open spaces available for everyone.

Several OLT properties in the county have public access from dawn to dusk, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, paddling, garden walks, bird watching and more.

The Land Trust sponsors occasional activities at these sites, like a guided tour of the Parslow Road site at sundown in search of the American Woodcock, and a Storybook Trail Hike.

OLT also frequently asks for volunteers to help with gardening duties at Brook-wood Point in Cooperstown. I consider myself a fairly accomplished gardener, but I learn so much more every time I go from people who are more knowledgeable than me.

Brookwood Point, Compton Bridge, and Greenough Road are all in Cooperstown.

Deowongo Island is in the middle of Canadarago Lake, and Fetterley Forest to the east of the lake has the best sunset views if you hike up Panther Mountain. Lordsland Preserve is in Roseboom. Parslow Road in Oaksville is the only one open through the winter.

I highly recommend getting out there and taking in some of the autumn scenery. You can go leaf peeping when the leaves are green, too.

Go for a hike in any of these beautiful spots, or kayaking, fishing, even dog walking is allowed in some areas.

Just please remember to respect Mother Nature and “Leave No Trace.” No one should ever know that you were there … until you tell them.

Larissa Ryan
Office Manager
Cooperstown Artisan Festival
A big part of autumn in Otsego County is the craft festivals that permeate the crisp Autumn air making for some great shopping.

The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce recently held the Artisan Festival on the lawn at the Otsego County Courthouse. It was a two-day festival with a huge amount of vendors, live music and food. There were artisans from all over the state selling soaps, quilts, artwork, jewelry and so much more. It was a great spot to spend an afternoon browsing, making an impulse purchase, and chatting with the vendors.
Probably the best thing I found was my new purse. It’s quilted and the pattern is gray with golden brown leaves. It has one outside pocket and the inside is divided into three spaces. It’s rather understated, but I like the fabric and the warm color palette. Kate’s Kreations also had wallets, cosmetic cases, clutches and big bags. The person was super friendly.

Once I was done with the artisans, I walked down Main Street to the library where Fine Arts on the Lawn was being held. It is an art exhibit on the porch of the library, with of paintings from the members of the Cooperstown Art Association.

You can also go inside to see the current exhibit in the gallery.

Happy shopping!

Kevin Limiti
Reporter
Green Toad Bookstore
I don’t consider myself a very outdoorsy person, but even someone like me needs to get out and about once in a while.
That’s why it’s lucky that the Green Toad Bookstore, on Main Street in Oneonta, is a perfect way to get out of the house while doing one of the least strenuous activities possible: reading.

This independent bookstore is perfect, especially if you want to support local businesses. Not only does it have a great selection of classics, non-fiction, and modern novels, but it also has the Latte Lounge coffee shop connected.

It’s perfect for grabbing a coffee and a book and sitting on the patio reading. Their sandwiches are great also if you want to feed your stomach as well as your mind.