Outdoors

The days are warm and the nights cool, September lingers somewhere between summer and autumn. It's the perfect time of year for outdoor adventures. So get off the beaten path and get back to nature: explore our backwoods, swim in a mountain lake, let your hair down at outdoor music festivals, and soar through the forest canopy. Cortland County is the perfect place to embrace your inner wild child…

Take a breather from work and bring your family and friends to Cortland County for a little rest and relaxation during Labor Day weekend! Pack a lawn chair to sit under the stars for an outdoor concert. Lace up your sneakers to stretch you legs on one of our hiking trails. Take a walk down memory lane in Cortland's Victorian-era stone castle. Keep your taste buds happy at one of the county's craft…

Porches will become stages, lawns will become venues, and strangers will become friends at the 7th annual Cortland Porchefest! WHENSunday, August 21 (noon-5 pm) WHEREThe Van Hoesen Neighborhood. WHAT TO EXPECTThe streets of Van Hoesen, Chestnut, Harrison, Joy, and Hamlin will be taken over by some front porch pickin, neighborhood singin' good times.  Local community members will lend their…

HOW TO GET THERESolon Pond4332 Cheningo Solon Pond Rd, Taylor NY(42.618587°N,-75.9239401°W) Cradled in a peaceful valley in the quiet town of Taylor lies a glittering 45-acre pond surrounded by history. Solon Pond has no formal launch. Through the generosity of local historians, a short two-track drive between the old Solon Pond Church and the historic two-room school house is open to…

Join the Cortland Arts Connect at their Art, Music, Food & Wine Festival in historic downtown Cortland for a day of music, shopping, tasting, and creating. Keep reading for more details. WHEN Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m. -5 p.m. WHERE McNeil Building Parking LotDowntown Cortland, NY   WHAT TO EXPECT Cortland Arts of Main will host 28 fantastic artists, with a wide variety of wares…

Summer always brings back childhood memories of melting ice cream cones, fishing poles, camping trips, parades, and adventures in the sun. It's not too late to recapture those carefree days. We have just the itinerary, whether you're young or young at heart, to create lasting summer memories, you'll treasure for years to come. LODGING Book your stay at the Yellow Lantern Kampground for the…

Greek Peak is now the home to Cortland County's newest 18-hole disc golf course, located in Hope Lake Park. It is free to play and open from dawn till dusk. If you don't have your own discs, stop by Greek Peak's Adventure Center where you can rent a set for $10. We asked Greater Binghamton Disc Golf Club member, and course volunteer, Tucker Middleton to give us some details about what disc golfers…

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.…

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…

The New York Collegiate Baseball League (NYCBL) season gets underway in a matter of days, which means we're getting ready to cheer on the Cortland Crush this summer! The 2022 season is scheduled to open up on June 6 when the team takes on the Syracuse Salt Cats at Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex (3111 Byrne Hollow Crossing, Cortland). The remainder of the season will see at least 40 games played,…

Memorial Day has come and gone which means summer has (un)officially started! Cortland County offers locals and those beyond so many events for families, kids and outdoor enthusiasts that it can be hard to know where to start. We'll be showcasing county happenings each month to keep you up-to-date and in the know - check out these exciting events happening this June that you don't want to miss out…

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…

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…

Pack those tents and bags of marshmallows, and head out to enjoy the great outdoors in beautiful Cortland County! Cortland County campsites offer way more than the basics — tent camping, trailer camping, sites with or without electricity and water. They also offer shower houses, laundry rooms, and full hook-ups for your RV.  Many have an on-site convenience store and dining too.  So pack up…

Whether you're adventuring in one of our many beautiful campgrounds, sprawling state forests, or just pitching a tent in the backyard, be sure to stock up on a few of our favorite Cortland County camping essentials, to make your campfire experience even more enjoyable. BUG OFF! No matter how much you love nature, no one loves mosquitos (or ticks, or black flies, or my personal nemesis no-see-ums).…

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 19 through April 2, the sap will be running throughout the county. 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 EVENT DATESMarch 19, 20…

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…

This blog is the second 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…