Blog Author: Candace Rozansky

Under pressure? Are the day-to-day doldrums giving you the blues? Ready to run away from reality to a secret hideaway in the mountains? We know just the place to get away from it all, where all your troubles will melt away. Escape with us to the Hill Side Hideaway in 7 easy steps.  STEP ONE: Begin by clicking here, to book Cortland County's newest mountain stay. This Mid-Century ski…

You haven't experienced Christmas in Cortland until you've sipped on the Community Restaurant's signature holiday drink. A staple of historic downtown Cortland, the Community Restaurant swung open its doors in 1929 during the height of prohibition. Behind the sparkle of the restaurant's elaborate holiday decor is a nod to its over 90-year history captured in black and white photos lining the wall.…

One can't help but feel nostalgic during the holidays. The cozy fires and twinkling lights set the stage for memory-making. We asked a few locals what their favorite Cortland County winter traditions were. From the muralist in St. Mary's 6th-grade art class to those who live, work and play throughout the county, their answers did not disappoint. Perhaps they might inspire you to create a new…

Winter is coming, and soon all three of Cortland's ski mountains will covered in snow! Each mountain resort caters to all ages, beginner to pro, with a diversity of runs, equipment rentals, and lessons. There is more to be found than just downhill skiing; with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tubing, and snowboarding, there is something for everyone. When you are done, stop by the lodge and fill…

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…

AXE ME 6073931 West Road, Cortland(607) 299-4124 Your grandmother certainly would not approve. But what better way to chase away a bad day than to run screaming at it with an axe? All absurdity aside, if you're searching for a uniquely good time with friends, Axe Me 607 is the place to be.  Formerly Tag Me 607, owner/operator Walt Davis has embraced the craze that is taking the nation by storm.…

October 25, get ready to raise a glass, stir the spirts and support the trails at Spirits in the Woods. Cortland Curiosities is taking over the woods at Lime Hollow Nature Center for a grown up trick or treat you won't want to miss. Keep reading for your guide to a ghoulishly good evening. SPIRITS IN THE WOODSOctober 25, 6-9pm338 McLean Rd, Cortland  Ever wonder what haunts the woods of Lime…

Feeling creepy? Kooky? All together spooky? October 18, Cortland County has the cure, with the return of the Curiosities Market. So call in sick and tell Lurch to pull the car around- the strange and unusual has taken over Cortland County. Spend the day shopping at an oddity & curiosity market, communing with the undead, and solving a unique murder mystery! Here in Cortland, we don't hide the…

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 you are looking for some Halloween fun that is more treats than tricks, let the gourd times roll! THE…

Duck & Red Octopus: A Short Funny Stop Action & Animated Film Festival is back baby and it's bigger and better than before! According to the official website: On Sept. 27 and 28, the city of Cortland, long celebrated for apples, barbed wire and the guy who invented the gyroscope, will gain new renown when it hosts the “Duck and Red Octopus Short Funny Stop Action and Animated Film Festival.”…

Crown City Mural Fest is returning for its third year, corralling artists to make Cortland an even more creative space! Whether you want to channel your inner artist, shop till you drop, or dance till your feet hurt, this is the place to be! Keep reading for more details.   WHEN  Friday-Saturday, September 6-7  WHERE Cortland Corset Building75 E. Court Street, Cortland NY GETTING…

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 an auction, the annual…

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…

Seedstock XIV is back for another ruckus festival on the farm! Don't miss this two-day music 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. WHENFriday-Saturday, August 30-31  WHERE3336 Route 215 Cortland, NY 13045 ADMISSION Tickets for Seedstock XIV are now on sale! Quantities will be limited…

The Village of Homer is now home to the cheekiest little garden shop there ever was. M. Guardens on James is little slice of plant paradise. The charming shop is brimming with lush flora, endless macramé creations, unique pottery, whimsical home goods and everything you need to live your best plant parent life. We pinned down owner Julia Maslin between trips to her greenhouse for a quick…

Join the Cortland Arts Connect at their Art, Music, Food & Craft Beverage Festival in historic downtown Cortland for a day of music, shopping, tasting, and creating. Keep reading for more details. WHEN Saturday, August 3, 10 a.m. -5 p.m. WHERE Court Street (between Main St and Curch St), Downtown Cortland NY   WHAT TO EXPECT Cortland Arts of Main will host more than 20 fantastic artists, with a…

The 50-mile garage sale snakes along Route 90, from Homer to Montezuma, July 27-28, this year. The event takes on the air of a festival with impromptu BBQs, bake sales, lemonade stands, and pop-up breakfast stops sprinkled along the way. The wineries, breweries, shops, and restaurants throw open their doors to weary antiquers and bargain hunters alike. You never know precisely what you'll find at…

Welcome artists and art lovers alike to the first annual Portrait of a Place: Plein Air Event. July 19-20 historic Homer will be littered with artists diligently working to capture this idyllic village via paint, pen, and pastel. Before you make your journey to our bucolic county, we'd love to share all the wonderful things to see, taste and do between masterful swipes of the brush.  PORTRAIT OF…