Labor Day Weekend in Cortland County: Relax Like a Local

Labor Day is the unofficial “last hurrah” of summer. Some people pack their cars to the brim and fight traffic for crowded beaches or overbooked tourist spots. In Cortland County, we believe in doing less and enjoying it more.

This three-day weekend is your chance to kick back, savor the season, and soak in all the small-town charm and big time flavor our little corner of Central New York has to offer. Whether your idea of relaxation involves barbecue chicken and salt potatoes, treasure hunting in antique shops, or floating across a lake with nothing but a paddle and the late summer sun, Cortland County has you covered.

Here is your Labor Day weekend survival guide, Cortland style.

No cooking allowed this weekend. Put away the apron, forget about dishes, and let Cortland’s kitchens do the work. We’ve highlighted just a few local favorites. Uncover all of Cortland County's delicious eateries here.

• Breakfast at The Exchange: Begin your morning in style. Their smoked salmon benedict is a favorite, and if you are feeling adventurous, the shakshouka with spiced tomato and eggs will transport you far beyond the Finger Lakes.
• Lunch at Hobo’s 281 Bar and Grill: Kick back on the patio with an indulgent, dripping poutine burger and fries. Bonus: the spot is pup friendly, so your favorite copilot can join you.
• Dinner at Bob’s Barbecue: A Cortland County institution. Order the Cornell-style barbecue chicken with a side of salt potatoes. It is a Central New York classic that never disappoints.
• Dessert from Anderson’s Farm Market: No holiday weekend is complete without pie. Their seasonal fruit pies are legendary, and you will deeply regret it if you do not bring one home. Or cookies. Maybe you better get both just to be safe.

Belly sated, take a walk and discover Cortland County’s shopping scene. Labor Day is about slowing down, and there is no better way to do it than by wandering local markets and boutiques.

• Farmers Markets: Nothing tastes like summer, quite like a sun-warmed tomato or a basket of just-picked berries. Cortland County’s markets are overflowing with peak season produce, handmade jams, and baked goods that will test your willpower. The Homer Regional Farmers Market in the historic village square is worth the trip for the setting alone, but you will want to come hungry. Experience all of Cortland County's markets.
• Boutiques: Retail therapy is alive and well in historic downtown Homer. Grab a truffle or two at Sinfully Sweet Café, swoon over chic décor at Willow Lane Farmhouse and The Point, refresh your wardrobe at Bev and Co., and let M. Guardens on James convince you that one more plant really will change your life. Shopping here feels like a treat rather than a chore. Browse more unique boutiques and shopping in Cortland County.
• Antiques and Curiosities: Forget big box stores — Cortland County is all about the thrill of the hunt. Lose yourself among the treasures at Gale’s Antiques, Reakes County Goods, The Second Knob, and Above the Barn at Little York Plantation, or step into Crown City Curiosities, where the antiques are unique to say the least. You might not know what you are looking for, but chances are you will go home with something unforgettable. Explore all Cortland County's antique spots.

Labor Day is the perfect excuse to put your phone away and head outdoors. Cortland County’s trails, greens and lakes are calling, and they do not care about your Wi Fi signal.

• Lime Hollow Nature Center: Stroll the scenic trails at your own pace or use the free track chair rentals that make the adventure accessible to all abilities. Wander more Cortland County hiking trails.
• Little York Lake: Pack a picnic, paddle a kayak, or stretch out on the grass and watch the clouds drift by. Low effort, high reward. For more places to paddle in Cortland County.
• Tee Off in Cortland County Looking for a different kind of green escape? Cortland County is home to 5 scenic golf courses where you can practice your swing against rolling hills and wide-open skies. Whether you’re chasing a perfect round or just in it for the cart ride, there’s a course to match your pace. Not into traditional golf? Grab some friends and hit the Hope Lake Disc Golf Course—just as competitive, a little more laid-back, and equally fun in the fresh air. Check out all the ways to play golf in Cortland County.

A long weekend without a good drink just feels incomplete. Fortunately, Cortland County pours with personality. 

• Breweries: Sip to some live tunes at Cortland Beer Co., relax in the sunshine at Homer Hops Brewing, or enjoy award winning brews at McGraw Box Brewing. 
• Dragonfyre Distillery: For spirits, try their famous frozen whisky granitas. Yes, frozen whisky. A true end of summer treat.
• Coffee and Mocktails: If you prefer nonalcoholic options, sip a specialty mocktail at Bru 64, swing by Coffee Mania’s drive through for an on the go boost, or settle into A Lovin’ Cup for a relaxed start with a latte and tasty vegan and gluten free breakfast choices. Sip more Cortland County cafes.

Labor Day is not about doing more. It is about doing less, indulging more, and remembering that sometimes the best trip is the one where you never break a sweat. Skip the traffic and the crowded beaches. Come to Cortland County, where barbecue chicken, farmers market strolls, lake picnics, and whisky slushies are waiting to turn your long weekend into the perfect farewell to summer.

Ready to plan your escape? Map out your next adventure with our Cortland County Trip Planner.

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