outdoors

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Cortland County, Papish Pond offers a serene paddling escape that's untouched by development. Just 6 miles from Cincinnatus, this hidden gem is the only public pond in Cortland County that remains completely wild. Papish Pond DEC Quick Tips: Getting There: Off Beach Road, Cincinnatus, NY (42.4935° N, 75.9513° W) Launch Type: Car-top hand launch—no…

Nothing beats a little good ol' fashioned family fun under the summer sun. Head on down to Homer June 12-14 for parades, live music, eats, treats, carnival rides, and games. With so much fun happening during Homer Firemen's Field Days, why would you miss it? Homer Firemen's Field Days Homer Firemen's Field Days are back June 12-14, and bigger than ever! Homer Firemen's Field Days open Thursday…

Imagine adventuring through crystal clear, turquoise waters breaking against towering cliffs, that are home to nesting eagles. Paddle along the water's edge, dotted with spindly-legged boat houses and the occasional seaplane. While this scene may bring to mind an exotic, far-flung destination, no passport is required to explore this Cortland County gem.    HOW TO GET THEREAndrew R. Fuller…

TIME TO FILL YOUR PERSCRIPTION Feeling burnt out, scrolled out, or just flat-out “nope”? Don’t worry—we checked WebMD, and the cure is not more screen time or another group chat. It’s a getaway to Cortland County, where the vibes are green, the snacks are local, and the therapy looks a lot like a nap in the woods. This is wellness the good way: slow mornings, hands-on healing, spa robes,…

Listen, I don’t need an excuse to spend an entire weekend eating carbs, dancing in the street, and pretending I have a long-lost Nonna named Rosa who’s watching over me with a wooden spoon—but if I did? The St. Anthony’s Festival in Cortland, June 7-8 would be it. It’s two glorious days of Italian-American celebration, and trust me: if you’re not embracing the full Italian experience…

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…

It's officially maple season here in Cortland County, and we have three ways you can celebrate all things syrup. Each weekend, beginning March 22 through March 30, the sap will be running throughout the county for NYS Maple Weekends. 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…

If you’re anything like me, the idea of cross-country skiing might bring up visions of graceful gliding through snowy landscapes, the wind gently ruffling your hair as you effortlessly zoom down pristine trails. Reality, however, was a little less graceful and a whole lot more… exciting. But hey, that’s what makes it fun, right? Learning to Cross-Country Ski at Lime Hollow: My Hilarious (and…

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…

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…

Inspired by two women who completed the Experience Cortland GeoTour in only 8 hours, I decided enough with the procrastinating and explore the trail myself. Or at least explore portions of it. The Experience Cortland GeoTour features 20 stops that take you all throughout Cortland County. For my journey, I chose 5 stops that I thought would take me to the more unique, less frequented spots in…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Get ready to shop till you drop! The 43rd Annual Holiday in Homer is back for another year in the Village of Homer. Guests will be treated to 80 plus vendors, live entertainment for all ages, horse-drawn wagon rides, quilt shows, a library book sale, and so much more! WHEN Saturday, July 20, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. WHERE Homer Village Greens28 S. Main Street, Homer WHERE TO PARK Parking will be…

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…