Spotlight

Webster’s Dictionary defines a gallery as “a building or part of a building in which objects of interest are displayed.” Here in Cortland County, we know galleries to be so much more than that. A well-curated gallery stimulates the imagination and make us laugh or reflect. Galleries become hubs, hosting community events and fostering creativity. Galleries are filled with the sort of…

Gone are the days of cheesy tee shirts and cliché tchotchkes. Travelers crave a souvenir that tells a story. Something unique, created by locals, handmade- a treasure that could only be found on their adventures. Whether it is an original piece of art for your wall, a limited-edition concert t-shirt, something handmade or one of a kind, Cortland County is brimming with uncommon goods that reflect…

The Readers' Choice contest hosted by USA Today is looking for America's best fall festival, and Cortland's very own has been nominated! USA Today’s popular 2023 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards is hosting a contest for Best Fall Festival in the USA, and the Great Cortland Pumpkinfest is among the nominees. Now we need your help to make Pumpkinfest number one! Voting is currently open, and…

Getting outside into nature has become more accessible and inclusive at Lime Hollow Nature Center with the unveiling of the Action Trackchair©, an all-terrain wheelchair designed to make trails accessible for people with mobility challenges. Lime Hollow became only the second nature center in New York State to offer this "wheelchair," bridging the gap between accessibility and nature. The…

Experience Cortland, the Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), will be honored with a Tourism Excellence Award for the Cortland Curiosities: A Strange & Forgotten History Trail. The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) acknowledges and recognizes the outstanding work of New York State's destination marketing organizations, attractions, and other tourism-related…

Immerse yourself in the flourishing art and culture scene in Cortland County! This two-day itinerary will have you exploring eclectic art installations and rousing theatre – and you’ll discover tasty eats along the way. DAY 1 Begin your art adventure with a locally roasted caffeine boost at Coffee Mania; then venture to the Cortland Corset Building for a little retail therapy. The creative and…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

While many people are fussing over red roses, chocolates, and perfect dates this time of year, we'd like to take a moment to honor the oft-unsung hero of every relationship- our bestie.  They've been there through every breakup with a pint of ice cream and every first date with outfit advice.  They are always there to spill the tea, share a laugh, and make mischief.  So this year, remember to…

If the thought of visiting an art gallery brings to mind standing in front of stodgy old paintings with your hands in your pockets while quietly murmuring contemplations, think again.  The Dowd Gallery has turned art on its ear with the recent installation of the (re)Play Exhibit.  David B. Smith's collection of textiles, objects, installations and sculptures encourages the viewer to interact,…