We have been to many HOF Induction Ceremonies over the years. After first being reticent to be in Cooperstown on such a crowded weekend, we have come to be comfortable with the crowds. There is an excitement and joy to be with fellow baseball fans that you don't experience at quieter, midweek times. (Although, ANY time is a great time for a trip to the HOF, in my opinion.) We usually park on a sidestreet in Cooperstown and walk to the field. We bring a blanket, a chair for each of us, a clip-on umbrella (mandatory! for the sun), and a small collapsible cooler with sandwiches and drinks from the local supermarket (Great American?) My husband takes the Sunday papers with him. We try to get our spot no later than 12 noon. It is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon, whether you are close to the stage or far up on the hill. Many other fans bring mitts and balls, or frisbees, and have catches (safely) in the grass. Lots of kids run around; there are high school kids selling ice cream, etc. throughout the afternoon. There is a big screen where they show videos and play baseball songs for entertainment before the induction, and to show the ceremony on the stage so that everyone can see the players and speakers.

Often, we have made our way back to the Hall after the ceremony. It has never been crowded at that time, in our experience. If you have the membership, that's great. You can go any time.

Again in our experience, the restaurants change hands often. We have been willing to experiment and try any place that's close at hand when we're hungry. After all, we're there for the baseball. We used to like a barbecue place and went there for several years, but I don't think it's in business any more. Sorry to not be helpful about restaurants.

The kids should love the Farmers Museum. Ending each day with a swim in your hotel pool should make it a very enjoyable weekend (not tortuous!) Have fun and see you there.

Thanks for your comments. We are getting ready to indulge ourselves in everything baseball!!