The Rock 'n Roll Experience in Cortland County

Shake, rattle and roll your way to Cortland County to experience all things rock ‘n roll. From toe-tappin’ concerts to electrifying murals, and food that will have your taste buds singing, you’ll find more than one way to satisfy your rock ‘n roll soul with this 48-hour itinerary.

DAY 1

Start your day off with a hearty breakfast at the Cortland Diner in downtown Cortland. Go classic with country fresh eggs, home fries and toast, or opt for the Cortland Omelet, packed with peppers, onion, mushrooms, cheese, and your choice of bacon, ham, or sausage.

Make your way to the Cortland County Visitors Center where you’ll be treated to a mural of epic proportions. Designed and painted by local artist, Molly Reagan, the piece of work reflects Cortland County – loud, fun and uplifting. Don’t forget to pick up a Visitors Guide while you’re there!

Take the short walk down Main Street to Lot 1 Vintage to find some awesome closet staples. The well-curated selection of vintage apparel ranges from band tees, sweaters, coats, hats and broken-in denim. Visitors can venture into the store for an in-person look, or shop from the comfort of home from the online store.

Feeling peckish? Local Food & Market has a selection of Food & Ferments products like spicy kimchi, crunchy dilly beans and sparkling kombucha. Not only are the fermented foods healthy for you, but they are powerhouses of flavor.  It’s the perfect snack to munch on as you take a brief walk to Dio Way, named after the legendary metal singer and Cortland native, Ronnie James Dio, who fronted bands like Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell.

Friday evenings are hopping in July as Rose Hall plays host to the CFCU Main Street Music Series. The 2022 line-up features the best local talent from CNY plus world-class bands. Local, regional and national acts to downtown Cortland with genres ranging from rock, Americana, folk, country, blues and everything in between.

When you’re ready for dinner, BRIX Pubaria is a local favorite, and for good reason. The kitchen is whipping out creative dishes from Korean BBQ Brussels Sprouts to Caesar Pizza and B.O.B Mac-N-Cheese. The unique flavors don’t stop in the kitchen. Try one of their signature cocktails like The Seven Valley Curse (vodka, fresh lemon and basil leaves and lemonade soda). They also offer extensive vegan and gluten-free options.

DAY 2

Get your caffeine fix at Coffee Mania before spending a few hours diving into the NYS Country Music Hall of Fame at the Cortland Country Music Park which tells the story of Nashville artists as well as local New York State musicians. Start with Tammy Wynette’s $9,000 sequined dress, to the Kenny Rogers’ famous white suit. With costumes, memorabilia, photos and instruments, you can fully immerse yourself into the state’s strong music story.

For lunch, take a culinary trip to flavor town at Yori House. This low-key, Korean-inspired eatery has a menu packed with bold, spicy-sweet-acidic flavors of the Korean food playbook. Try the Bulgogi Fried Rice topped with their homemade Kimchi.

Time to lace up your dancing shoes The Center for the Arts of Homer, the church turned music venue inspires local, regional and national musicians to give their best performances. Stained glass windows line the walls, and a former choir loft serves as a balcony overlooking the 400-seat theater. The altar has been replaced with a small stage that artists like the Wallflowers, Rusted Root, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Anderson East have rocked out on. Come early to enjoy a beverage in the lobby, but not before reserving your seat with a Post-It note.

Before the concert, take a trip to the 1950s for dinner at the Hollywood Restaurant. Red and white leather booths, chrome counter stools, and nostalgic Hollywood images line the walls. Keep it classic with a full-sized hamburger (try the Rodeo Burger), a basket of fries, and a chocolate milkshake. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the life-sized statue of Marilyn Monroe.

In search of more inspiration for your next Cortland County weekend getaway? Request a FREE Visitors Guide to start planning.

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