Blog Author: Candace Rozansky

Is there any better way to celebrate the return of summer than with live music under the big blue sky? We think not! Grab your cooler and strap on your dancing shoes, Cortland County has an outdoor summer concert lineup not to be missed!  Be sure to check out our full events calendar here. Please note, event dates are subject to change or cancellation. Visit individual event pages for the most…

Liquid sunshine on ice, the first sip of lemonade is filled with nostalgic memories of summertime and childhood. Sweet or tart, yellow, pink (or even blue) nothing satisfies on a warm day like an ice-cold glass of lemonade. While the classic will never go out of style, Cortland County has put a spin on the summer staple and infused it with colors, flavors, and textures like never before! Here a…

Dad's are notoriously hard to shop for (I assure you he probably doesn't want another tie). While a great steak dinner is always appreciated (click here for a list of Cortland County eateries) we're thinking outside the box this holiday. Below is a list of 6 ideas that we think are the perfect way to make memories with your dad this Father's Day, though out Cortland County. PAMPER YOUR POPS Is…

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, it's finally spring! And what better way to celebrate the return of sunshine than a delish meal outdoors? We've put together a list of some of Cortland County's fantastic alfresco spots. From dinners downtown to brunch under the mountain, Cortland County has no shortage of picturesque patio dining.  Microbrews and music Nothing beats a cold draft on a…

Experience Cortland is rounding up unique Airbnbs across Cortland County. Stay tuned throughout the year as we highlight accommodations and their nearby attractions to ensure guests have an inspiring experience. Please note, locations and their amenities grow and change throughout the year. Contact the host directly through Airbnb if you have any questions. The heady scent of horseflesh and sweet…

In celebration of the Bee's Knees Event, Ms. Nel's sixth-grade art class has filled the Visitors Center with spring-themed artwork. Working in oils and watercolors, the vivid gallery fills the walls and windows with bees, honey, and flowers. We asked Ms. Nels' budding artists if they would take a moment from their busy school day to answer a few questions about their work.  Join us at the…

Join us on May 14, 10 am- 2 pm, at the Cortland County Visitors Center. Celebrate the sweetness of spring with us at the Cortland County Visitors Center's Bee's Knees Event. We are honoring the unsung hero of gardens across the county, the humble bee, with local children's art, garden art, spring plants, garden necessities, and of course, honey tasting. Several local beekeepers will be present to…

"Have I gone mad? I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers. But I will tell you a secret, all the best people are." -Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll) Celebrate May Day in style at the 1890 House Mad Hatter Tea Party! Don your zaniest, frilliest, silliest, mad hat and promenade about the Victorian mansion in all your finest. Sip tea, pinkies up, while swaying to the serenade of the Underground…

Whether you're adventuring in one of our many beautiful campgrounds, sprawling state forests, or just pitching a tent in the backyard, be sure to stock up on a few of our favorite Cortland County camping essentials, to make your campfire experience even more enjoyable. BUG OFF! No matter how much you love nature, no one loves mosquitos (or ticks, or black flies, or my personal nemesis no-see-ums).…

This blog is the third in a series, exploring hiking and traveling with your faithful, four-legged, friends in Cortland County. Do you have a favorite trail or place in Cortland County that you love sharing with your dog? Perhaps, you snapped the perfect photo of you and Fido, exploring locally?  I want to know about it! Email me at Candace@experiencecortland.com and just maybe we'll see you in…

April 16th is a big day for Ashe Martin. A muralist and mosaic artist, Ashe is celebrating the grand opening of Forged from Ashe Studios, in the Cortland Corset Building. Having practiced the craft for well over 10 years, Ashe is incredibly excited to begin teaching others. We asked Ashe to share a little about the space, before the big event.  What inspired you to open Forged from Ashe? I…

Plan a visit to the 1890 House Museum on a sunny afternoon and find yourself bathed in a kaleidoscope of rainbows. The architectural treasure is located in the heart of downtown Cortland, built for the late 19th-century inventor and industrialist, Chester Wickwire. Those who venture in will be treated to ornate decorative stenciling, parquet flooring, and oak and cherry woodwork, but it is the…

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. Come meet Rose in person, April 1, from 12 pm.-3 pm, at the Winter Farmers…

The Cortland County Visitors Center is celebrating its last market for the season. The indoor farmers market has been designed to fill your dinner plate. Small but mighty, this winter market is sure to have everything you need for the perfect meal. Carefully curated with a selection of makers and farmers, local to Cortland County; the upcoming month you'll find fresh pork, roasting chickens,…

It's officially maple season, here in Cortland County and we have three ways you can celebrate all things syrup. Each weekend beginning March 19 through April 2, the sap will be running throughout the county. So, grab your family and your best pancake batter and get ready for some sweet adventures! COOPER HILL MAPLE OPEN HOUSE 291 Cooper Hill Rd.Marathon, NY(607) 849-7865 EVENT DATESMarch 19, 20…

Downtown welcomes, Just Chill, Cortland's newest shopping parlor, where you'll find everything you need to treat yourself or someone you love. Shelves brim with handcrafted candles, artisan teas, jewelry, soaps and lotions. Displays of perfectly coiffed gift baskets line the walls. Sassy cards, wine glasses and cocktails kits make assembling the perfect gift box easy. Come in and design a gift…

As soon as you walk into the Elfcup Boutique, you can't help but smile. A cheerful amalgam of vintage and modern, classic and cheeky- there is something to be found for everyone's taste. We asked Sam Daniels, the owner of downtown Cortland's newest boutique, to take a moment to answer a few questions for us. What inspired you to open Elfcup Boutique? I’ve always wanted my own brick and mortar…

Experience Cortland is rounding up unique and cool Airbnbs across Cortland County. Stay tuned throughout the year as we highlight accommodations and their nearby attractions to ensure guests have an inspiring experience. Please note, locations and their amenities grow and change throughout the year. Contact the host directly through Airbnb if you have any questions. Just 10 miles outside of…

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. Come meet Chelsea in person, March 4, from 12 pm.-3 pm, at the Winter…

The Cortland County Visitors Center welcomes back their monthly, indoor farmers market, designed to fill your dinner plate. Small but mighty, this winter market is sure to have everything you need for the perfect meal. Carefully curated with a selection of makers and farmers, local to Cortland County; the upcoming month you'll find fresh pork, roasting chickens, potatoes, squash, winter greens,…