8 Fun Things To Do in Cortland County this Labor Day
Take a breather from work and bring your family and friends to Cortland County for a little rest and relaxation during Labor Day weekend! Pack a lawn chair to sit under the stars for an outdoor concert. Lace up your sneakers to stretch you legs on one of our hiking trails. Take a walk down memory lane in Cortland's Victorian-era stone castle. Keep your taste buds happy at one of the county's craft beverage locations.
If you plan on staying the full weekend, click here for a list of hotels, resorts and campsites in the area.
Come on over. We promise, no labor is involved!
There are over 30,000 acres of state forest land for hiking in Cortland County. The Finger Lakes Trail runs across the county, from Marathon to Truxton, where you can explore beautiful meadows, mountains, rushing creeks, and rolling hills. Or explore Tinker Falls, located in the Labrador Unique Hollow Area, for a quick adventure. A side trip to Lime Hollow Nature Center will add another 12 miles to hiking trails to the list.
Spend the day kayaking or paddle boarding with family and friends along the Tioughnioga or Otselic Rivers or in any one of our glittering lakes and ponds. If you're looking for the view but not the exercise, pack a picnic and a blanket, and enjoy an afternoon at Little York Lake at Dwyer Memorial Park.
Cortland County has three fantastic breweries in Cortland Beer Company and Homer Hops Brewing and McGraw Box Brewing, or you can duck low-flying dragons and enjoy some whiskey and moonshine at Dragonfyre Distillery.
Friday, September 2 is the Crown City Mural Fest at the Cortland Corset Building. Spend the afternoon watching live mural painting, shopping at the local artisan market, and dancing to live music. You can also plan to join in the fun at the 3rd Annual Cortland Community Matters Fair, on September 4 at Suggett Park. Make a splash in a game of water balloon baseball, try your hand at water balloon corn hole, or join in a round of giant kickball!
Unearth some delightful historical treasures at one of Cortland County's museums. Explore the Victorian splendor of the 1890 House Museum, or spend the entire day at the CNY Living History Museum, which houses three museums in one. The Cortland County Historical Society recently opened the Then & Now Children's Room, which emulates an old-fashioned town, designed to make children feel like they have traveled 100-200 years back in time. Consider walking the "cemetrails" at the historical Cortland Rural Cemetery. Along with the beautiful landscape, locate the 20 educational signs that teach you about famous individuals buried at the cemetery, and facts about the over 160 year-old institution.
Kick off your Labor Day with some brew and tunes at Cortland Beer Co, The Glen Haven, Heuga's Alpine Bar & Restaurant or Homer Hops Brewing. If you're more into sweet tunes (and "Adult Only" Specialty Ice Cream), check out the So Good Music Series at So Good Ice Cream, Thursday, September 1 feat. Harmonic Dirt.
Looking to shop till you drop this Labor Day weekend? Or maybe you need to pick up some last-minute hostess gifts for the weekend BBQ you're attending. From upscale boutiques to home decor, antiques and local craftwork, the county is full of shopping outlets to help find what you need.
If you have a sweet tooth, Cortland County is the place to be. We're home to 11 delicious ice cream stops with loads of unique flavors. The county also boasts a great selection of bakeries if you'd rather indulge in some chocolate, cookies, cupcakes, and more!
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