For those seeking artistic discovery, Experience Cortland’s weekend arts and culture itinerary is here to help you make the most of your time with us!
DAY 1
Start your trip with a locally roasted caffeine boost at Coffee Mania; then venture to the Cortland Corset Building for a little retail therapy. Cinch Art Space is packed with the work of over 50 local and regional artisans and craftsmen representing a wide array of handmade gifts and art. Before your next stop, grab a selfie with the 30-foot mural on the west end of the building designed by local artist Crystal Lyon.
Entice your taste buds with a chicken gyro at Pita Gourmet or a buffalo chicken pizza from Brix before heading two blocks up the hill for the annual spring Blackbird Film + Arts Festival. This festival features amazing independent short films from around the world, as well as an ice cream party, a local art show, a paint & sip, free film screenings, and more at SUNY Cortland and throughout downtown Cortland.
Cap off the day with cocktails and dinner at the Community Restaurant before calling it a night. With the largest private collection on bourbon in central New York, there is an old-fashioned calling your name.
Grab a delicious pastry or breakfast bagel at Sinfully Sweet Café, then set off to explore the whimsical Frog Pond Farm Folk Art Gallery. There you will find an eclectic collection of metal animals, insects and vehicles designed by the Ferros. Their work has been represented in art galleries, museums and at shows all over the U.S., as well as parts of Europe. Beware of the giant 10-foot moose! (appointments necessary)
For a mix of art and fun, make a stop at Homer Hops Brewing for a flight of beers that range from tart and fruity to rich and malty.
Check out a theatre performance at the Cortland Repertory Theatre to close out your night. The newly completed dock on Little York Lake, just steps from the pavilion, makes the perfect place for a romantic stroll under a blanket of stars after your show.
As an evening alternative, wind down with live music at the Center for the Arts of Homer. The nearly 150-year-old former Baptist church will play host to a diverse series of main stage programs, including rock, blues, and reggae from national names and emerging artists, as well as musicals, plays and drag shows.
Can’t decide what you’d like to eat before the evening’s entertainment? Bob’s BBQ offers finger-lickin’ good BBQ, while Dasher’s Corner Pub is your go-to spot for steak and specialty cocktails.
Request a FREE Visitors Guide or download the Experience Cortland App to learn more about Cortland County’s art and culture scene.
Share your Cortland County adventures with us for a chance to be featured! Tag @experiencecortland and use hashtag #experiencecortland.