Pre-order Food:
If you have a night game that goes late, have one parent go out and pre-order some burgers from the closest concession stand in the last inning. Otherwise, there will be a long line and slim pickings by the time your coach is done talking to the boys.
Group Discounts:
Ask for group discounts wherever you go! Putt-putt, go karts, basically every place is used to it and most will accommodate you.
Restaurant Tips:
Jive Cafe -- Looks like just a coffee place, but has great lunches. Right by the ballpark.
Lakefront Restaurant & Bar -- kids can run around in the park next door and by the waterfront while adults eat inside. Great spot to take coaches to watch sports on TV (if they are going through withdrawal as there are no TVs in Baseball Village, of course).
Things for the Barracks:
A "sound machine" can be helpful in the barracks -- set it to ocean waves or similar white noise for a more restful sleep.
Team Giveaways:
Several teams brought give-away items representing their state, in addition to the pin trading. They threw these items during the opening day parade, and handed them out around the village. These were popular teams! Items included seashell necklaces, regional maple candies, leis, frisbees, etc. You might check with a local business before you go to see if they want to donate anything -- especially a tourist-type of business.
Rolling Cooler:
We should've brought a rolling cooler -- one per team is allowed, and then you can take ice & bottled waters to the ballpark. We wound up with warm bottled waters during some games.
POV on Rental Houses:
The rental houses out on the lake are wonderful and beautiful -- but far away and most discourage group parties. Not worth the cost of the rental, in my opinion.
Cell Phone Alert:
Cell phones while driving are ILLEGAL in New York State! The ticket costs $500. There was a road block outside the park on our first day there, checking for "seatbelts" -- but also checking for cell phones being used by the drivers. Several people got tickets that day.
Go with the attitude that this is summer camp -- and experiencing a new place and making new friends is the whole point! I met some wonderful moms from other states.
Click here for additional Tips and Tricks. 10 posts cover almost everything you need to know.
The Main Point
Cooperstown Dreams Park week will be one of the most memorable weeks of your son or daughters life. These new tips and the tips I provided last year will help make it a little bit better. I hope you have a great experience and report back here when you return.
The kids on our neighborhood are into sports like baseball, new york lacrosse and soccer. I'm amazed at how good they play at all three sports.
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