Experience Cortland, the Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau, announced the launch of “Shop Today, Experience Tomorrow” - a holiday shopping small initiative to encourage locals and visitors alike to support tourism businesses now, even if they do not feel comfortable traveling here just yet. The initiative will encourage people to purchase gift cards and memberships from tourism businesses as holiday gifts for friends and family, thereby planning for their future Cortland County adventures.
“2020 has been a year of unprecedented change,” said Meghan Lawton, Executive Director of the CVB. “The upcoming holiday season will not be immune to the changes brought on by the COVID pandemic, just as the tourism industry has not been immune to these changes. This campaign acknowledges the effects of the worldwide pandemic, but also highlights the strength of the tourism industry here in Cortland County. Even if people do not currently feel comfortable traveling, this campaign will encourage them to plan their adventure now and will assist our tourism businesses at the same time.”
Throughout the next six weeks, weekly blog posts will each focus on a different segment of the Cortland County tourism industry, highlighting how gift giving can include planning for future trips to experience all that Cortland County has to offer.
“There are so many ways that you can support our tourism businesses now, while planning for a future trip,” continued Lawton. “From purchasing a gift card to a restaurant, to buying a membership to one of our museums, to pre-purchasing a future overnight stay at one of our lodging properties – share the gift of a Cortland County experience with your loved ones near and far. When they are ready to travel again, Cortland County will be here waiting.”
Scroll below for ideas on where to shop local for future adventure this holiday season!
START SHOPPING
LODGING
After exploring a historic site, following the ice cream trail, applauding an encore, or reeling in a big one, settle into a comfortable hotel, historic Bed & Breakfast, charming inn, or family-friendly campsite.
RETAIL
Give the gift of a Cortland County shopping adventure! With unique shops and retailers, our diverse shopping scene is the perfect fit for any style or price range.
ATTRACTIONS
From the slopes to the green, outdoors and in, for the young and young-at-heart, opportunities are never ending!
MEMBERSHIPS
Whether on stage, in galleries, and all around town, there are abundant opportunities for you to get your art and culture fix all year round.
AGRITOURISM
From fruits and veggies to organic, free-range meats and eggs, fresh-from-the-farm dairy products to home-baked goods, Cortland County is bursting with the best and freshest produce around!
DINE & DRINK
Can you say yum? With diners, delis, bistros, pizzerias, and coffee bars, not to mention the breweries and distilleries - there’s always something tasty to sample in Cortland County!
Share your Cortland County adventures with us for a chance to be featured! Tag @experiencecortland and use hashtag #experiencecortland.