Top Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in Cortland County
The unofficial start to summer means burgers fresh from the grill, patriotic displays, and friendly cornhole games with the ones you love.
We’re here to help you plan a fun-packed weekend for you and your family. Keep reading for a list of family-friendly activities, Cortland County escapes, and tasty BBQ for your three-day weekend.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADES
Who doesn't love a parade?!
The Truxton Memorial Day Parade will kick off at 10 am outside the Truxton Fire Department, located at 3741 NY-13, Truxton. This event will be a drive-by fundraiser, so please stay in your car and approach the station from the Cuyler side on Rt. 13. Fill your bellies with chicken bbq beginning at 11 am. and baked goods provided by the Auxiliary. Try your luck in the wine basket raffle. The tickets for the raffle are available at Frank's Place, The Truxton Outpost, and the Truxton Liquor Store.
The Homer American Legion Burns-McCauliffe Post 465 has announced that its annual Memorial Day Parade will take place next Monday, May 30TH, beginning at 9 am on North Main Street and Clinton Street. The route of the parade will travel south on North/South Main Street to Cayuga Street and ending at the Glenwood Cemetery where there will then be a ceremony honoring military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
REVEL IN LIVE MUSIC
Who's ready for live music?! Cortland County venues are working hard to fill their calendars with the best local and regional artists, and a few spots are ready to rock right. Here's a sample of Memorial Day weekend music in the county:
• Rezeneze at Homer Hops Brewing (5/27 at 6 p.m.)
• Levi and the Wranglers at Cortland Beer Co. (5/27 at 7 p.m.)
• Chuck Schiele at Heuga's Alpine Restaurant & Bar (5/27 at 6 p.m.)
• Peg Newell at Homer Hops Brewing (5/28 at 6 p.m.)
• Too Deep at Cortland Beer Co. (5/28 at 7 p.m.)
• Caleb Liber at The Glen Haven (5/29 at 3 p.m.)
FINGER-LICKIN' GOOD BBQ
You'll never need an excuse to indulge in good barbecue, but a long holiday weekend practically demands it. Luckily Cortland County has Bob's BBQ to satisfy your cravings. The joint is serving up generous portions of ribs, brisket, pulled pork and chicken with sides that range from mac salad and salt potatoes, to baked beans and corn bread. You can enjoy picnic seating under cover in their pavilion or in their beautifully landscaped grounds.
TEST YOUR MINI-GOLF SKILLS
Enjoy 18 holes of friendly competition at Shipwreck Amusements, which includes their Guinness World Record holding Longest Miniature Golf Hole (459 feet and 6 inches). The outdoor pirate course will make you feel like you're on a treasure hunt. If golf isn’t your thing, they also offer outdoor Paintball Target Shooting. Don't forget to treat the winner to an ice cream cone at their snack shop.
SPLASH YOUR WAY INTO SUMMER
Even if Mother Nature isn't cooperating, you can enjoy perfect 84 degree weather at Cascades Indoor Waterpark at Hope Lake Lodge of Greek Peak Mountain Resort. Kids can splash away in the kiddie pool, wave pool and slides (Rapids 4 and 5), while the adults relax in the outdoor pool. Please note, the venue maintains a maximum occupancy in order to provide a safe recreational experience for you and your family. Reservations are required. Tickets may be purchase here or by calling 855-950-7233.
TRAVEL THE ICE CREAM TRAIL
If you're looking for ice cream, you're in luck! The area is home to an ice cream trail, featuring nine places and loads of delicious flavors. Try one of 52 soft serve flavors from Footies Freez, grab a frozen yogurt at the Little Treat Shoppe, savor homemade hard ice cream from Super Cream Dairy Bar or enjoy the perfect a banana split sundae at Country Flavors. Check out the full list of ice cream stops in Cortland County.
TEST THE WATERS
Virgil's Hope Lake Park is slated to open just in time for the holiday weekend! You can rent out everything from canoes to rowboats, stand up paddle boards and fishing poles. If you just want to enjoy the sunshine, pack a picnic to relax by the water, and walk the trails that surround Greek Peak Mountain Resort. Please note, a daily pass for a non-resident is $5 per day (children under two years of age are free).
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
Winter seemed to last longer than usual this year, so take full advantage of the upcoming beautiful weekend. Dust off the bike, kayak, fishing rod or hiking boots and spend the day enjoying Cortland County's natural beauty. For a list of hiking destinations for you, your family and your four-legged friends, click here.
TREAT YOURSELF
If grilling isn't in the cards this weekend, head to any one of Cortland County's great restaurants!. Not only will you be supporting local, but there will be no dishes to clean. Please remember that hours and services vary based on location, so we recommend checking out the restaurant's website or Facebook page for details, or call ahead in the event that the location has an adjusted schedule. For a full list of restaurants, click here.
GO CAMPING
Visit one of Cortland County's campgrounds, and get the family into the great outdoors! Set up your tent and sleeping bags, and camp outside for the weekend. Spend time playing cards, making s'mores, popping popcorn, and telling scary stories. Click here for a list of Cortland County's fantastic campgrounds and book your trip today!
BRING ON THE BREWS
For those 21 and over, there are several Cortland County spots perfect for sipping, relaxing, and enjoying local drafts and spirits. Stretch out in the sun at Cortland Beer Company or Homer Hops and indulge in a fresh brew. Finger Lakes Tasting & Tap Room has a variety of NYS wines, ciders, spirits, and beer, as well as wine slushies. Pack a picnic and head over to Dragonfyre Distillery and sample some whiskey and slurp wine slushies in their medieval-themed garden.
ENJOY A COOKOUT
The gangs all here! Fire up the grill, set up lawn games to play with the kids. Stop by one of the county's markets like Anderson's Market, Trinity Valley Farm and The Local Food Market for fresh produce and meat.
THANK A VET
If there is an active or retired military member in your life, pick up the phone to thank them for their service. Even if you don't know anyone, enlist your kids to create red, white and blue signage to display in your windows or lawns, or send supportive mail to an active service member via Support Our Troops (SOT). Visit the website to learn how to write to a soldier and how to address your cards or letters.
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