Spotlight

Dates: July 8–12, 2025Location: Cortland County Fairgrounds, Cortland, NYWebsite: www.cortlandfair.com Barns, cows, carnival rides, and deep-fried delights—it's officially fair season in Cortland County! The Cortland County Jr. Fair returns this July 8–12, and it’s packed with agricultural pride, family-friendly fun, and small-town summer charm. Whether you’re a longtime local or a…

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Cortland County, Papish Pond offers a serene paddling escape that's untouched by development. Just 6 miles from Cincinnatus, this hidden gem is the only public pond in Cortland County that remains completely wild. Papish Pond DEC Quick Tips: Getting There: Off Beach Road, Cincinnatus, NY (42.4935° N, 75.9513° W) Launch Type: Car-top hand launch—no…

Nothing beats a little good ol' fashioned family fun under the summer sun. Head on down to Homer June 12-14 for parades, live music, eats, treats, carnival rides, and games. With so much fun happening during Homer Firemen's Field Days, why would you miss it? Homer Firemen's Field Days Homer Firemen's Field Days are back June 12-14, and bigger than ever! Homer Firemen's Field Days open Thursday…

Sunshine, sandals… and spine-chilling ghost stories? If you think summer vacations are all about beach towels and bland hotel rooms, think again. This year, we’re trading flip-flops for phantom footsteps and cocktails for corset strings. Welcome to Cortland County, where the air is thick with mystery, the inns are haunted, and something with claws might be watching you from the treeline. (Hi,…

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…

TIME TO FILL YOUR PERSCRIPTION Feeling burnt out, scrolled out, or just flat-out “nope”? Don’t worry—we checked WebMD, and the cure is not more screen time or another group chat. It’s a getaway to Cortland County, where the vibes are green, the snacks are local, and the therapy looks a lot like a nap in the woods. This is wellness the good way: slow mornings, hands-on healing, spa robes,…

Listen, I don’t need an excuse to spend an entire weekend eating carbs, dancing in the street, and pretending I have a long-lost Nonna named Rosa who’s watching over me with a wooden spoon—but if I did? The St. Anthony’s Festival in Cortland, June 7-8 would be it. It’s two glorious days of Italian-American celebration, and trust me: if you’re not embracing the full Italian experience…

Let's Get Happy, CampersWhether you’re a hardcore glamper, a tent-slinging traditionalist, or somewhere in between (hello, hammock people), Cortland County is packed with places to pitch your perfect weekend. From lakeside retreats and music-filled nights to pancake breakfasts and ping pong battles, there’s no shortage of ways to kick back under the stars. Bonus: most sites are pet-friendly,…

In honor of National Travel and Tourism Week, we’re rolling out the red carpet—not just for you, dear traveler, but for our delightfully over-the-top cast of AI-generated tourism personalities. In honor of National Travel and Tourism Week, we’re rolling out the red carpet—not just for you, dear traveler, but for our delightfully over-the-top cast of AI-generated tourism personalities.…

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the special people in your life, and what better way to show your appreciation than with a gift or experience that’s as unique as they are? Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift, a relaxing day out, or a hands-on class to create something beautiful together, Cortland County has something for every kind of mom—and those who love like…

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…

Don't let it rain on your paradeRainy 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…

There’s nothing quite like curling up in a theater under a giant silver screen for a shared experience. The laughs are louder, the scares are bigger, and you're definitely not the only one crying. If you love a good movie or just need an excuse to gobble buckets of buttery popcorn, the Blackbird Film + Arts Festival is exactly where you need to be! The Blackbird Film + Arts Festival is your…

Although spring might be playing peek-a-boo, this year in Cortland County, Easter is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Let us help you organize your holiday! From Easter bonnets, baskets, brunches, and hunts, we have your guide to all things Easter.  WHERE TO FILL YOUR BASKET If you're looking to create an unforgettable easter basket, we know just the spots! Hop on over to Cortland County to…

Nestled in the heart of downtown Marathon, Press Gurwitz Perfumerie is more than just a boutique—it’s an immersive experience, where scent and storytelling intertwine. Stepping inside the shop leaves you feeling transported. The warm glow of candles, the rich scent of rare botanicals, and the cozy antique furnishings create an atmosphere that invites visitors to linger, explore, and now, craft…

We are all familiar with the main events at the CNY Maple Festival; pancake eating contest, maple museum tours, the Maple Queen Parade, carnival rides, talent show, pioneer village 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 CNY Maple Fest favorites,…

It's officially maple season here in Cortland County, and we have three ways you can celebrate all things syrup. Each weekend, beginning March 22 through March 30, the sap will be running throughout the county for NYS Maple Weekends. 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…

Calling all foodies, it's time for a Cortland County two day roadtrip! Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other during Cortland County Restaurant Week, March 24-30. From mouthwatering bites to delicious feasts, this is your chance to savor the best dishes at unbelievable prices. Don't miss out on this gastronomic extravaganza! So buckle up, buttercup, we're hungry! For a full list of…

Math and pie lovers unite! March 14th is a chance to celebrate everyone's favorite mathematical constant "π", or 3.14. For the hungry though, National Pi Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in all things pie. To celebrate the most fantastic mathematical-themed day of the year, we have put together our favorite pie eats around Cortland County. Be it pizza pie, dessert pie, or even savory…