Kid-friendly

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 auction, the annual event…

The Cortland County Historical Society has created a new, interactive children's exhibit! The grand opening of Then & Now Children's Room is August 27, from 1-3 pm at The Suggett House Museum (25 Homer Ave, Cortland). The Then & Now Children's room emulates an old-fashioned town, with a general store, barn, and cabin in the woods. Hands-on activities and historically accurate reproductions…

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…

Get ready to shop till you drop! The 41st Annual Holiday in Homer is back for another year in the Village of Homer. Guests will be treated to 125 plus vendors, live entertainment for all ages, horse-drawn wagon rides, quilt shows a library book sale and so much more. Don't forget to tag @experiencecortland with your festival snapshots for a chance to be featured. Keep reading for more details.…

Barns, cows, carnival rides, and deep-fried fun are expected at this year's local junior fair! Locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the tastes, smells, and thrills that come with the county fair, as the 2022 edition of the Cortland County Jr. Fair begins its five-day run Tuesday, July 5, at the Cortland County Fairgrounds. The fair is hosting a slate of livestock shows, pageant queens,…

The unofficial start to summer means burgers fresh from the grill, patriotic displays, and friendly cornhole games with the ones you love.  We’re here to help you plan a fun-packed weekend for you and your family. Keep reading for a list of family-friendly activities, Cortland County escapes, and tasty BBQ for your three-day weekend.  MEMORIAL DAY PARADES Who doesn't love a…

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…

We are all familiar with the main events, at the CNY Maple Festival; pancake eating contest, maple museum tours, the Maple Queen Parade, wagon rides, box car derbies, helicopter flights and Sugar Shack demos. As wonderful as that all is, the Maple Fest is full of oft overlooked gems. Let this Marathon local dish out the insider scoop. Below is a list of 5 not to be missed Maple Fest favorites.…

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,…

Cortland County is home to beautiful, historic libraries, each filled with a world of books and their own unique charm. From February 21-26, they invite you to map your own literary adventure, explore five of them, discovering the best reading nooks and creative corners. Cortland County is hosting its first-ever Library Crawl! Pack up the whole family and stop by any of the participating libraries…

The kids are all home for winter break. The skies are grey. The temps are low. Cabin Fever is real. No worries, Cortland County has just the cure for the winter blues! Here is a list of our seven places to play when winter is at its worst.  THE BIG SCREEN Everyone loves a good movie, but did you know you could combat boredom by bringing your favorite game system to Crown City Cinemas? Watch your…

Black History Month is underway, and there are many ways to honor and recognize the importance of Black history and culture both nationally and in our local communities. Here at Experience Cortland, we are celebrating by highlighting a few stand-out Black-owned businesses in the tourism industry.  To support additional, non-tourism-related black entrepreneurs in Cortland County visit the Chamber…

Looking for the purr-fect Valentine's date? One who won't judge you for wanting to stay in and snuggle in your paw-jamas? Well, comb your whiskers and fluff your tail, the Cortland County SPCA is hosting its first-ever, Blind Date with a Cat!  HOW IT WORKS This event is by appointment only, so first things first, you must call the shelter to register at (607) 753-9386. At that time an…

Freshly fallen snow on bluebird days just begs us to get outside and play. Whether you are an avid outdoorsman or new to cold-weather adventures, Lime Hollow Nature Center offers two ways everyone in the family can explore the woods in winter. Lime Hollow's Nordic Center provides cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals. Let a knowledgeable staff member help you to choose the right size equipment…

Daisy Hollow Farm welcomes the whole family, for a day of holiday fun on the farm.  WELCOME TO DAISY HOLLOW Daisy Hollow Farm is a family owned and operated, sustainable farm, since 2015. Their motto is, "Breathe deeply, eat simply, live freely". At Daisy Hollow they: mix it, make it, build it, bake it, design it, grow it, dye it, sew it! WHAT'S HAPPENING Daisy Hollow Farm welcomes the whole…

Travel Responsibly: As per state guidelines, masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement through January 15, 2022. Check out our updated safety guidelines for Cortland County and New York State. It's holiday break, the house is in chaos and the kids are bored. Now what? Have no fear, we've compiled a list of what to do…

Standing under the only stop light in town, you'll often hear a distant clip clop as an Amish horse and buggy makes it's way down Main Street. Comprised of a patchwork of buildings, both historic and new, hemmed in by the Tioughnioga River, Marathon is radiating quintessential small town charm, perfect for a wandering day trip. FIRST STOP BREAKFAST Reilly's Cafe It's been said that breakfast is…