Don't let it rain on your parade
Rainy days are the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy Cortland County in a whole new way. Instead of letting the weather keep me indoors, I decided to make the most of a quiet spring morning on my own. With a mix of good food, a few little treasures, and lots of cozy vibes, I found that a rainy day can be just as fun—if not more—than any sunny afternoon. Here’s how I spent my day exploring on a grey spring day.
Stop 1: Breakfast at The Exchange Bakery
The rain taps lightly on the windows as I step into The Exchange Bakery, and already, the warmth and delicious smells are enough to make me forget about the drizzle outside. I grab their signature Spicy BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese smothered in their oh-so-good house made sweet chili crisp on a homemade bagel). But my heart belongs to their scones—particularly the maple nut. Light, just the right amount of sweet, drizzled in maple cream and the perfect pairing with my coffee. I grab one for the road. And if you’re gluten-free, no worries—they have a huge selection of treats to tempt you.
Stop 2: Plant Therapy at M. Gardens on James
After breakfast, I head a few blocks over to one of my favorite plant boutiques, for a little plant therapy. M. Gardens on James is my secret escape, especially on rainy days. As soon as you swing open the doors tropical air envelops you. It's like a tiny rain forest filled with exotic plants. The scent of damp soil and lush greenery leaves me feeling transported. Julia’s handmade macramé pieces are an absolute treasure, and she even offers classes if you want to take a piece of the magic home. I leave with a few new plants and an extra skip in my step.
Stop 3: Second Knob Antiques
Next, I find myself at Second Knob Antiques, where every visit feels like stepping into a new version of the shop. This place is a perfect rainy-day wander—full of antiques, oddities, and curious finds. From a quirky '50s-themed sweet shop to a dark academic corner that would make Teddy Roosevelt proud, there’s something for every kind of taste. It’s the perfect place to find that odd little trinket or vintage treasure you didn’t know you needed. I leave with some outer space teamed pottery and a few more records for my collection. Like I said, you never know just what you'll find.
Stop 4: All My Friends Books
By now, the rain’s picking up, but with my trusty umbrella at my side there is no stopping me! In historic downtown you'll find Cortland’s newest gem, All My Friends Books, and it’s everything I love about independent bookstores. Cozy, curated, and brimming with charm, this is the kind of place where the staff will help you find your next favorite book—whether you want to laugh until you cry or break your heart in the best possible way. I could spend hours here, just perusing, lost in the magic of a well-chosen novel and the quiet hum of the rain outside. After wandering for far too long, I grab a book that's been on my to-be read list, special order another and dash across the road.
Stop 5: Bru 64—A Rainy Afternoon Escape
Tummy rumbling, I can’t resist the call of Bru 64 just across the street, so I settle in with my new book and a latte. The window seats are perfect—rain streaking down the glass, cozy vibes all around. I take a deep breath and feel like the world outside fades away for a while. If you’re hungry, their flatbread pizzas, sammies, and salads make for delicious rainy day comfort food, and they have a great gluten-free selection. Their massive wine and craft beverage list means you'll always find the perfect paring- if coffee isn't your thing. It’s the kind of place where you can easily while away a rainy afternoon, losing track of time with your book and the soft murmur of conversation. Make your visit extra special with their Dubai Chocolate Latte. This flavor of combination of nutty pistachio and creamy sweet chocolate, topped whipped cream and Kadayif is perfectly indulgent.
I think I like when it rains
Sometimes, a rainy day is exactly what you need to slow down and really soak in everything around you. Whether it’s wandering through a quiet museum or grabbing a cozy bite to eat, there’s no shortage of things to do when the weather’s a little gloomy. Click here to discover even more places where you can play in the rain—everything from local museums to boutique shops, tasty restaurants to fun axe throwing. You might just find your new rainy day favorite!