Spotlight

Regardless of which holiday you celebrate this season, finding the perfect gift for someone special can be challenging at best and downright frustrating at times. If you're looking to give something meaningful, one-of-a-kind, and unforgettable, all while supporting local artisans and creators, look no further. We've compiled a list of some of our favorite things made right here in Cortland County.…

Turkey day is lurking just around the corner. Shopping baskets are filled with yams, cranberries, potatoes, and of course, the big bird himself. But have you remembered to order arguably the jewel of the table, your holiday pie?! Have no fear, we've assembled a list of some of the best places in Cortland County to find your pie for the big feast. Have we somehow overlooked a best-kept secret…

Gamers rejoice! After a 13-year hiatus, Area 51 has returned to Cortland! Offering a cornucopia of fun, from old-school box games to RPGs, collectibles, and everything in between- Area 51 & The Crowe's Nest is a sci-fi fan's paradise. We asked owner Fran Crowe if he could spare a couple of minutes from his new shop to answer a few questions.  What inspired you to open Area 51 & The Crowe's…

According to Webster's dictionary, the definition of Hygge is a quality of coziness that makes a person feel content and comfortable. It's also often used as an adjective meaning "cozy or comfortable." With cool November days upon us and the sun slipping below the horizon far too early, we could all use a healthy dose of hygge in our lives.  So grab a blanket, light a candle and brew some tea…

The Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), along with many local Cortland County tourism partners, are pleased to announce the launch of Cortland Curiosities: A Strange and Forgotten History Trail. The trail tells the history and lore behind the County’s interesting, wacky and occasionally spooky past. The launch features nine county-wide themed driving paths and…

Halloween is just around the corner, and Cortland County has all the thrills, chills, haunts, and happenings you're searching for. Whether you want to scream till you cry, commune with the beyond, or enjoy a little family-friendly trick-or-treating, we've got just the thing! FALL FAMILY FUN If your looking for some Halloween fun that is more treats than tricks, we've got just the list for you!…

It’s October, which means it’s time to go full fall mode! So, throw on your favorite flannel and start checking off a few autumn bucket list activities, and adventures in Cortland County. BABY, I’M A-MAZED A totally bucket list-worthy activity to do in the fall is tackle the Trinity Valley Dairy Farm corn maze. Surround yourself with 8- to 9-foot stalks of corn as you journey…

Steeped in history, charm, and tradition- stepping into The Farmhouse is like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of tea on a brisk autumn's day. The more than two-hundred-year-old farmhouse rises from the encircling corn fields, anchored by immense dairy barns, welcoming visitors to take a step back into a simpler time.  The old screen door welcomes me with a familiar clack as I step…

The days are warm, and the nights are crisp. Autumn is the perfect time of year to soak up the last balmy days of the season. Treat yourself to a little leaf peeping this weekend on your way to enjoy some of Cortland County's favorite fall traditions. Whether you are looking to shop till you drop, sample some brews, or indulge in a little friendly competition, we've got you covered.  HOPS & SWAPS…

Experience Cortland will be featuring a Cortland County artist at the Visitors Center throughout the year. The program was developed to showcase local artwork and photography to travelers and locals in hopes of them taking a piece of Cortland County home. Feel free to stop by during regular business hours to view the work or at the shop, Dragonfyre Distillery, at 1062 Leonard Rd, Marathon, NY.…

Every October since 1996, Downtown Cortland has been transformed into a vibrant, outdoor fall festival when The Great Cortland Pumpkinfest arrives in Historic Courthouse Park.  The two-day event has been one of the county's most highly-anticipated fall celebrations, a family-friendly experience that has become a favorite for locals and visitors alike.  After a two-year hiatus, the festival…

After a two-year hiatus, Seedstock XII is back! Come out for a one-day festival filled with new and old friends, live music under the sun, dancing on the lawn, and sleeping under the stars. Keep reading for all the details. WHENSaturday, September 17 from 11am to midnight WHERE3336 Route 215 Cortland, NY 13045 ADMISSION Tickets for Seedstock XII are now on sale! Quantities will be limited in 2022…

The Marathon 1890 Union Fair celebrates the American family and is dedicated to the preservation of families and the things they do together. Life in a small town best exemplifies what America is all about. Communities filled with pride and spirit give young people a safe environment in which to grow. Featuring baked goods, vendors, quilt and garden displays, a raffle and auction, the annual event…

The days are warm and the nights cool, September lingers somewhere between summer and autumn. It's the perfect time of year for outdoor adventures. So get off the beaten path and get back to nature: explore our backwoods, swim in a mountain lake, let your hair down at outdoor music festivals, and soar through the forest canopy. Cortland County is the perfect place to embrace your inner wild child…

Experience Cortland will be featuring a Cortland County artist at the Visitors Center throughout the year. The program was developed to showcase local artwork and photography to travelers and locals in hopes of them taking a piece of Cortland County home. Feel free to stop by during regular business hours to view the work or at her shop, Elfcup Boutique, at 136 Main Street. Local artist and shop…

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…

What do cast members of Stranger Things, Vanilla Ice, and Power Ranger David Yost all have in common? They are all proudly rocking local Thom Bulman's custom shoes! You may know Thom Bulman from season nine of Ink Master, but when Covid made tattooing nearly impossible, he had to think on his feet. Now, he is the proud owner of Bull Airs™ by Thom Bulman, a custom shoe shop that promises…

The Cortland County Historical Society has created a new, interactive children's exhibit! The grand opening of Then & Now Children's Room is August 27, from 1-3 pm at The Suggett House Museum (25 Homer Ave, Cortland). The Then & Now Children's room emulates an old-fashioned town, with a general store, barn, and cabin in the woods. Hands-on activities and historically accurate reproductions…

If small town charm had a flavor, it could certainly be found in these quaint countryside markets. Shelves brimming with fresh baked goods, perfectly ripe produce, glittering jars of jams and honey, and coolers stuffed full of locally raised meats and dairy. If you're looking to pack the perfect picnic basket, find all the fixings for your next cookout, or simply seeking an excuse for a lovely…