Spotlight

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…

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…

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…

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…

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. Born and raised in Cortland, Molly Reagan is the proud mom of two vivacious…

The Green Arch Restaurant feature story was published within the 2020 Cortland County Visitors Guide. Order a FREE printed copy today, or browse through the interactive version. From decades-old eateries to trendy new spots, Cortland County is home to countless incredible restaurants. While there are many restaurants you should have on your Cortland County dining bucket list, none will take you on…

Hello! My name is Kelly Gardner, a senior in my final semester at SUNY Cortland. I have been interning for the Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau during this spring semester. I major in history and minor in political science. Originally, I was studying to become a high school social studies teacher. However, I realized that I enjoy working with people much more than teaching history…

National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual tradition for the U.S. travel community. It’s a time when travel and tourism professionals across the country unite to celebrate the value travel holds for our economy, businesses and personal wellbeing. The Cortland County Convention & Visitor's Bureau (CVB) is leading Cortland County's travel and tourism community during this celebration. In its…

A drive through the Town of Homer today, you’ll find rolling hills and valleys, dairy farms, and an unspoiled 19th century downtown. Don’t forget about the world’s largest pair of pants, connections to Abraham Lincoln, and an unsolved murder.  And now, the small New York town will welcome its first craft brewery. Homer Hops Brewing, located roughly five miles outside Historic Downtown…

It's that time of year - when thoughts turn to spring and maple syrup! Enjoy a delicious, fun-filled outing with family and friends right in Cortland County. Head to Cooper Hill Maple Farm during Maple Weekend to experience all things maple!   When you think of upstate New York, never-ending winters, chicken wings, and hard-to-pronounce town names come to mind (Oswegatchie, anyone?), but dig…

Edible alchemy is how Carly and Dave Dougherty describe their food fermentation. What began as a fascination became their passion in 2012 with the launch of Food & Ferments. What is food fermentation? When vegetables like cabbage are left to sit and steep, their sugars are broken down and promote the growth of bacteria. The bacteria converts sugar into lactic acid and that acts as a…

The Cortland County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, the official Tourism Promotion Agency for Cortland County, is pleased to announce that Meghan N. Lawton has been selected as the new Executive Director of the organization.   “We had several candidates for retiring Executive Director Jim Dempsey’s position,” said Mary Coye-Robillard, Asst. Vice President/Branch…

  How a community transformed a historic church into a multi-faceted performing arts venue better known as the Center for the Arts of Homer.   On any given day, walking into the historic old church building in Homer, New York you’ll hear violins, a rock band, and dancing feet. You find a crowd of people enjoying the art gallery or you watch a crew setting up for the next concert.…

Main Street Farms has been around for eight years, but they are still seen as beginning farmers. The USDA recognizes a beginning farmer as someone who has been in business less than 10 consecutive years. While Main Street Farms is still technically in its infancy as a farm, they have established a great presence and focus on building community through food. It is through their CSA (Community…

“Watch for Low-Flying Dragons” is just one of the signs you’ll encounter at Dragonfyre Distillery. Nestled in the rolling hills between Marathon and Willet, Dragonfyre Distillery is a family owned distillery by Vince and Donna Pedini. Dragonfyre takes great pride in using local grains for the whiskeys and moonshine. The rye and barley come from Willet Hop & Grain, just down…

Family owned and operated since 1933, Hollenbeck’s Cider Mill is one of Cortland County’s hidden gems. It is a place locals remember fondly visiting as children and where people from out of state and even Germany have come to get pies and cider. One year after purchasing the business from his cousin Bruce, Matt Hollenbeck continues to produce quality cider and look to the future. We sat down…