Spotlight

Experience Cortland talks with CNY Living History Center Executive Director Luke Biondi about one of the more interesting artifacts on display.   The incredible story of four men's journey from Argentina to Upstate New York is remarkably true. When they finally reached Cortland, New York in May 1960, thousands lined the streets to applaud an adventure that had gripped the imagination of the…

Looking for outdoor winter fun that is away from the ski slopes? For the families that love the winter months, there are plenty of enjoyable activities in the Finger Lakes that will get the whole family excited for snow.   Tubing Slide down the mountain in a tube   Tubing can be great winter fun for all ages. Greek Peak Mountain Resort Adventure Center makes tubing even easier with…

Cold brews, chairs that hang from the ceiling, deconstructed coffee, lattes out of an avocado…yes, the hipster coffee bars have swept the nation and even Cortland, New York. With its industrial aesthetic, BRU 64 took inspiration from the west coast trends, a few coffee conventions and brought the best ideas to Main Street Cortland. Spoiler Alert: they don’t serve you deconstructed…

There’s a “bomb cyclone” in the forecast and if you are already not a huge fan of winter this doesn’t help. But before you retreat to your couch and re-watch that Netflix series (again) try staying warm and avoid cabin fever with these winter activities.     Get cozy at BRU 64. Whether you fancy a coffee or one of their many rotating beers, you can admire the…

Snowshoeing is a great and inexpensive way to get outside during the winter months. Whether you seek trails that are off the beaten track or are looking for family fun between snow covered trees, there are plenty of snowshoeing options in Cortland County. Here are some tips to help get you started on your great snowshoeing adventure this winter. Easy to learn. The expression, “If you can…

Did you know that there is a wonderful, interactive and immersive exhibition of an impressive train collection left to the Homeville Museum (located at the CNY Living History Center) by Ken Eaton.   When volunteer Doug Deer became involved just over a year ago, his passion for model trains helped to make the incredible collection left by Ken a focal point for the Homeville Museum at the CNY…

Colder temperatures have finally arrived in Cortland County but that doesn’t mean you should stay in every night! Over the coming winter months we’ll share some suggestions for hearty, soul warming food. Utica might have invented chicken riggies but Hairy Tony’s perfected this delicious dish. It’s creamy sauce with just enough of a spicy kick will definitely warm you up on…

Cortland County is known for its rich agriculture. The event Cortland Harvest: a Taste of Fall, sought to bring local farmers and producers together with local brews from Cortland Beer Company and NYS wine from the Finger Lakes Tasting Room for one evening. This unique food pairing came together with local music from Molly & the Badly Bent Bluegrass Boys, Local Farmers Union, and Chris…

You have your ticket for the concert that evening at the Center for the Arts in Homer, NY. The show is sold out, and you would probably arrive about a hour an half before showtime to make sure you got a good seat. But 12 hours earlier, at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 16 when you might have still been sleeping. That was when the day began for the Big Bag Voodoo Daddy concert.   There are many…

Sure, you could hop in your car and take in the scenic fall foliage that covers Cortland County, but we recommend stepping outside your vehicle and explore these unique leaf peeping spots.   Fall Foliage with some adrenaline.   Catch some of New York's best fall foliage from the mountain! Try out Greek Peak's Nor'Easter Mountain Coaster for some added adrenaline to your leaf peeping this…

Fall in Upstate New York is a magical time of year. The rolling hills throughout Cortland County are dotted with farms, produce stands, beautiful old homes, and the best drives for enjoying fall foliage. We’ve made a list of a few drives throughout the county to enjoy the fall season and hopefully take you to places you’ve never been before! Little York to East Homer to Truxton This…

459.5 feet. That is how long the 18th hole is at Shipwreck Golf. It is the longest mini golf hole in the world and holds the Guinness World Record. That is impressive. Experience Cortland dug out our golf glove and set off to see if we could at least make par.     Shipwreck Amusement Center has a scenic mini golf course with a festive pirate theme. There are giant ships, palm trees,…

Lime Hollow Center for Environment & Culture encompasses nearly 430 acres of beautiful rolling hills, valleys, forests, fields, streams, numerous ponds, a peat bog, and a great diversity of flora and fauna. With over 12 miles of open trails, Experience Cortland took a morning to explore. We set out from the Visitors Center on McLean Road. There are 5 different parking areas to choose from…

As a person who know very little about growing the hops used in the brewing process, despite visiting the Guinness Factory six times, I was excited to make the trip to Willet Hop & Grain Farm to learn more.     In the southernmost part of Cortland County I knew I was getting close to my destination when I noticed buckwheat growing on both sides of the road leading to the farm. But…

Whether you pronounce it Tee-off-knee-oh-ga or Tie-off-knee-oh-ga, the Tioughnioga River is just over 34 miles long. The east and west branches of the river come together just north of the City of Cortland forming the main branch which than continues on through Cortland County becoming a tributary of the Chenango River which flows into the Susquehanna and on to the Chesapeake Bay. The name…

  This past weekend, Experience Cortland made the journey (finally) to Cortland’s Seedstock music festival. The festival is held at Reed’s Seeds on Route 215, just a few miles south of the City of Cortland.   This was Seedstock IX. When the festival first started out, it was just a one day gathering for friends and family for them to play and hear great local music. Nine…

Reveling in local food, music, and life: Experience Cortland sat down with Molly Andrejko about her recent Instagram takeover.   Molly Andrejko is the Project Coordinator for Seven Valleys Health Coalition and last week we turned over our Experience Cortland Instagram account to her. The result? We got an inside look at Cortland County’s Farmers Markets, eating fresh and local,…

Blueberry picking, ice cream eating, mini golfing, and adventure seeking is all here in Cortland County this summer! The kids are out of school so why not get outside and enjoy the summertime. Explore these 5 fun activities to do with your family this summer!   1. Blueberry Picking at Hall's Hill Blueberry Farm   Located just a short drive from downtown Cortland,…

Front Left to Right: Claire Sorlie, Caiti Marlowe, Michael Dikegoros. Back Left to Right: Grant Paylor, Aaron Jacobs, McKenna Silva We turned over our Instagram account (@experiencecortland) to the six Cortland Repertory Theatre performing interns for an exclusive look into their lives and behind the scenes during rehearsals, performances, and everything in between. Experience Cortland sat down…

The family friendly, easily accessible trail at Tinker Falls...   This past Sunday we explored Tinker Falls located in the 1,483 acre Labrador Hollow Unique area for a quick adventure.   This impressive 50-foot waterfall is super accessible. Right off of NY Rt 91, there is plenty of parking right across the street from the trail entrance, or handicap parking right by the start of the…