Spotlight

School is officially out which means summer is upon us - and so is vacation season! 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 July that you don't want to…

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 2023 edition of the Cortland County Jr. Fair begins its five-day run Tuesday, July 4, at the Cortland County Fairgrounds. The fair is hosting a slate of livestock shows, pageant queens,…

Ashe Martin and Laure Antoine are the proud curators of Crown City Curiosities, an LGBTQIA+, women-owned curiosity shop in the Cortland Corset Building. Their space captivates the eye and captures the imagination in every corner. Dangling from the grand double-height ceilings are rare plants, and the old brick walls bearing scars of past fires are now festooned with vintage clothing, local art,…

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…

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…

Experience Cortland is rounding up unique Airbnbs across Cortland County. Stay tuned throughout the year as we highlight accommodations and their nearby attractions to ensure guests have an inspiring experience. Please note, locations and their amenities grow and change throughout the year. Contact the host directly through Airbnb if you have any questions. The Glen Haven Sanitarium and Summer…

A retro gas station and mechanic's shop, just a stone's throw from downtown McGraw, is the new home to Stramba Fiber Mill & Felt Studio. The charmingly reimagined space is filled with sunlight and a rainbow of one-of-a-kind yarn, roving, batts and felt. The artisan mill specializes in full-service small-batch processing for growers and sells yarns, roving, spinning, and felting supplies, all…

The Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CCCVB) was selected as one of 30 tourism partners across New York State to receive funding through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tourism Partner Sub-Awards Grant Program. The CCCVB has been awarded $250,000 to advocate for and actively impact the youth, amateur and recreational sporting market in Cortland County…

This year marks the 40th anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week. Let’s amplify the essential and integral role travel plays in every industry and nearly everything we do. Our success is the nation’s success, and together, we will keep moving #TravelForward. #nttw23 #TRAVELFORWARD Small towns and quaint villages are essential to the fabric of America. These communities are filled with…

There is 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! This year's event will feature amazing…

Experience Cortland regularly features Cortland County artists at the Visitors Center throughout the year. The Artist Spotlight program was developed to showcase local art to travelers and locals alike in hopes that they might bring a piece of Cortland County home. Feel free to stop by during regular business hours to view Jill Kraft's work or at her website EarthandAirWellness.com. Jill Kraft has…

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, and sites with or without electricity and water. They also offer shower houses, laundry rooms, and full hookups for your RV. Many have an on-site convenience store and dining too. So, pack up…

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, talent show, 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. Maple…

Press Gurwitz Perfumerie6 E. Main St, Marathon NYinfo@pressgurwitz.comInstagramFacebook Equal parts old-world library and upscale boutique, downtown Marathon's newest shop is a feast for the senses. Press Gurwitz Perfumerie, quite apropos, calls the Marathon's old apothecary shop at 6 East Main Street home. The storefront's bold mountain-themed window display instantly catches the eye. Inside, the…

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…

The 2023 Cortland County Visitors Guide is now available at the Visitors Center and online at ExperienceCortland.com, offering travel inspiration for visitors and locals! From heart-pumping outdoor adventures and family-friendly festivals, to unique cultural experiences and arts explorations, fall in love with Cortland County. Designed to inspire travel, the magazine-style piece highlights…

Look no further than Cortland County for St. Patrick's Day fun to bring out the Irish in you! Whether you're looking for whiskey, a leprechaun-themed shirt or corned beef and cabbage - dress head to toe in green and celebrate the Irish culture at one of the county's local spots.   IT'S EASY BEING GREEN If you don't want to be on the receiving end of a pinch this St. Paddy's day, you better be…

Cortland First Friday joins an informal nationwide movement to celebrate the arts in local communities on the first Friday of each month. Participating galleries, studios, artists, local businesses, music and performing arts venues will be open to the public throughout the evening to spotlight the arts. To view the map of current locations participating, click here!    March 3rd welcomes the…

Live theatre performances are returning to Dwyer Memorial Park this summer as Cortland Repertory Theatre  prepares for its 51st Anniversary Summer Season! The season will run from June 7 – August 19 and will contain three plays and two musicals. Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson explains that “as always, CRT strives to offer a variety of fun summer shows for our patrons in order to…

This blog is the fourth 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…