Send a Winter Postcard from Cortland County (We’ll Mail It for You!)

Winter has a funny way of turning little moments into the stories you end up telling later: boots crunching through fresh snow, “just one” hot cocoa that becomes two, and a quick wander that somehow turns into a full afternoon downtown.

This year, Experience Cortland and Visit Ithaca teamed up for a winter campaign across the Ithaca–Cortland Region, shining a light on all the reasons winter here is worth the drive (and the extra layer).

Here’s how it works: pick up a postcard, jot a note to someone you love, and drop it in the postcard box. We’ll take it from there and mail it for you - no stamps, no freezing at the mailbox, no hassle. Just good old-fashioned “wish you were here” energy, Cortland-style.

You can grab postcards at:

• Cortland County Visitors Center at 42 Main Street, Cortland NY

• Center for the Arts of Homer at 72 S. Main Street, Homer NY

• Lime Hollow Nature Center at 338 McLean Road, Cortland NY

Pro tip: snap a photo of your postcard before you drop it in and tag @experiencecortland607. We want to see who can send a postcard the farthest.

Need a nudge? Steal one of these:

• “Cortland in winter is wildly underrated—come see why.”
• “Found the coziest winter vibes and I refuse to keep it to myself.”
• “Consider this your official invite: snow, warm drinks, and a weekend away.”
• “I’m having one of those picture-perfect winter days. You should be here.”

Or keep it simple! Just write what you’ve been up to, who you miss, and a quick “come with me next time.”

If your postcard needs a little extra inspiration, or you want to research activities for your next visit, here are a few winter favorites in Cortland County:

Ski day, your way

If winter for you = snow + speed + “one more run,” you’re in the right place. Cortland County is home to three ski areas, each with its own vibe:

• Greek Peak Mountain Resort is for when you want to make a day or weekend of it: downhill skiing and riding, lessons and rentals if you need them, plus snow tubing, the Mountain Coaster, and easy on-site spots to grab food and warm up between runs.
• Song Mountain is a classic upstate ski spot that’s easy to jump into. Great for a few quick runs after school/work or a low-key weekend session when you want snow time without making it a whole-day plan.
• Labrador Mountain offers a relaxed atmosphere, solid terrain for getting laps in, and a great pick when you want a simple, fun day on the mountain, especially if your group has a mix of skiers and snowboarders.

Whether you’re a seasoned skier, a snowboarder, or someone who mostly enjoys the lodge, you’ve got options.

Winter trails at Lime Hollow Nature Center

If your kind of winter magic is quiet woods, frosty views, and that clean cold-air feeling, Lime Hollow Nature Center is a go-to. You’ll find miles of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, plus the Art Meadow Trail for a little “wait…that’s really cool” along the way.

Arts + culture that feels like a warm-up

Not every winter adventure has to be outside. When you’re ready to thaw out, but still want to do something worth leaving the couch for, try:

• Catch a show, class, or exhibit at the Center for the Arts of Homer
• Step into history at the 1890 House Museum (hello, gorgeous architecture and “how did people live like this?” moments)

These are the kinds of stops that turn a weekend visit into a full itinerary without ever checking the forecast.

Skillcation season: Take home a new talent

Winter is prime time for trying something hands-on. Come for a weekend, leave with a souvenir you made yourself.

Here are three Cortland County ways to do it:

• Pottery Works Cortland: get your hands dirty in the best way
• Press Gurwitz Perfumerie: make your own signature scent
• Forged from Ashe Studios: try stained glass or resin jewelry making

These are the kind of winter activities that are equal parts cozy, creative, and “wait, I can do this!”

1. Pick up a postcard at one of the locations above.
2. Write your message (make it sweet, funny, dramatic - your call).
3. Take a photo and tag @experiencecortland607.
4. Drop it in the postcard box.
5. Start recruiting your favorite people for a Cortland winter visit.

Because winter is better with a plus-one. And honestly? So is Cortland. Ready? Go send that postcard!