By Rebecca Sickler Schultz

Contributing Writer

Ahhh, here we are on the brink of summer _ a welcome time of year in upstate New York. During this season many people are eager to step out and enjoy the lazy, hazy days of the season. Whether it be in caverns, well below the ground, stepping back in time, fishing and swimming, or dancing the night away to the blues _ take a look at what Otsego, Delaware, Schoharie and Chenango counties all have to offer.

Each year, thousands travel to Otsego County to visit Cooperstown and its many attractions _ and if you’re a local you probably know what all the buzz is about. Cooperstown has a wonderful array of things to do and see. One can experience opera, at the Glimmergalss Opera House, enjoy various exhibits at the Fenimore Art Museum and relive early American life at The Farmers’ Museum.

According to Deb Taylor, tourism director for Otsego County, "This year at The Farmers’ Museum, there will be an ice cream exhibit along with the Empire State Carousel. Ice cream, kids and carousels just go together."

One of Cooperstown’s best-known attractions is the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. If you have never been to the Hall of Fame _ or haven’t been in quite some time, grab your favorite baseball cap and enjoy one of Americas favorite pastimes.

Not far from the village of Cooperstown is the public entrance to Glimmerglass State Park and Otsego Lake, which offers swimming, fishing, boating, camping and hiking.

"If you’re interested in boating on Otsego Lake, check out Smiths Boat Yard in Cooperstown," Taylor said. "Otsego Lake has some wonderful fishing."

There are three other State Parks in Otsego County as well. "Gilbert Lake State Park in Laurens, Robert V. Riddell State Park in Schenevus, and the Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park in Westford," she said. All of the state parks in Otsego County offer hiking, picnic areas and other amenities well. For more information, visit nysparks.state.ny.us/parks.

"If you’re looking for someplace a little off of the beaten path, visit the Fly Creek Cider Mill," Taylor said. "They have a working cider mill, gift shop and a large assortment of goods for sale."

Another great place to visit, according to Taylor, is the village of Gilbertsville. "Gilbertsville is a charming English Tudor-type of village that has a wonderful quilt shop, along with the Majors Inn."

During the summer, the inn hosts free concerts open to the public.

Oneonta has a wealth of places to go and see, as well, one of which is the Soccer Hall of Fame.

"This year at the Soccer Hall of Fame, Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy will be inducted this August," Taylor said. "The Soccer Hall of Fame is a really fun place to take kids because they have a lot of interactive games."

Don’t forget to visit the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta as well, and check out their calendar of events. To find out more information on places to go and see in Otsego County, visit http://visitcooperstown.com to download coupons, an itinerary or create your own.

Not far from Otsego County, nestled in the gentle rolling hills of Delaware County, is the Hannaford Mills Museum in East Meredith.

If you’re looking to step back in time, then this is a place you won’t want to miss. While visiting the museum, one can learn about and see how wood products were made, grains were ground and logs were sawed, in the mid-1800s. For a modest entrance fee, the Hannaford Mills Museum is a great destination for families of all ages. Another great attraction in Delaware County is the Delaware and Ulster Railroad ride in Arkville. The DURR ride will take you on a trip through the rolling hills of Delaware County, to experience the Delaware River and capture the mountain views. For more family-fun destinations in Delaware County, visit the chamber’s website at

www.delawarecounty.org/.

"All in a Day’s Drive" is the theme for the Chenango County Travel Guide, where one can find out information on many attractions and events that Chenango has to offer. "Chenango County offers everything from the Gus Macker Basketball Tournament in Norwich to discovering more about the environment at the Rogers Environmental Center in Sherburne," said Audrey Robinson, director of tourism in Chenango County.

At the Rogers Environmental Center, one can learn about animals and their natural habitat, enjoy hiking on the many trails available and picnic with family and friends. Another attraction in Sherburne is the Pageant of Bands, which began Friday and runs through Sunday. "It’s a wonderful event that hosts numerous high school bands who compete in parade, concert and field events," Robinson said.

"The Gus Macker Tournament, draws thousands of people to Norwich," Robinson said, "It’s an event that can be enjoyed by people of all ages."

This year, the Gus Macker Tournament will be held July 7 and 8. For more information, call the Norwich YMCA at 336-9622.

This year marks the 15th Annual Chenango Blues Fest, which will be held at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich on Aug. 17 and 18. "It’s a great family event and has something for everyone," Robinson said. Visit its website at www.chenangobluesfest.org for a list of performers and ticket prices.

"During the months of July and August, Norwich will host a free Summer Concert Series as well," Robinson said. On July 19 and 26 and Aug. 2 and 7, families can bring a blanket or lawn chair, sit back and enjoy the music in West Park in downtown Norwich. "It’s great for moms and dads to get to listen to the music and let the kids run around and have fun," Robinson said.

Norwich is also the home of the Northeast Classic Car Museum, featuring classic automobiles. The museum is open year-round, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For hiking, fishing and boating, visit Bowman Lake State Park in Oxford. "It’s great for day-trip outings and camping as well," Robinson said. Before leaving Chenango County, don’t forget to check out the Earlville Opera House in Earlville, which hosts music, plays, an art gallery and an all-time favorite _ EOH Circus.

Another popular place to visit locally is Howe Caverns in Schoharie County. The tour at Howe Caverns takes one well below the ground to explore the underworld. It’s something not to be missed _ as you make your way through tunnels and turns and enjoy a boat ride on an underground waterway. A lesser-known cavern is also in Schoharie _ Secret Caverns which offers guided tours throughout the day.

Also in Schoharie County is the Old Stone Fort in Schoharie. The site features an early 1700s home, a Dutch Barn, law offices from the 1830s and a one-room school house. The fort also hosts re-enactments, crafts and much, much more for the whole family to enjoy.

During your trip to Schoharie County, don’t forget to stop by North Blenheim to visit the Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project Visitors Center, located on Schoharie Creek. The Power Project features many events throughout the year and summer months. Some of which include an Antique Car Series and a Table Top Collectibles Outdoor Swap, to take place at the end of July. While you’re at the Center, stop by the Lansing Manor, which is an early-American estate listed on the National Register of historic places. To find out more information about the Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project Visitors Center, visit it on the Web at www.nypa.gov/vc/blengil.htm or call (800) 724-0309.

So, as you stand upon the threshold of summer, preparing to embark upon a spectacular summer journey, be sure to pack a lot of water, a camera and walking shoes _ then take your loved ones by the hand and capture a memory just outside your own back door in the Heartland of New York.