Spotlight

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…

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…

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,…

January is national soup month, and what better way to fight off the cold, dreary days than with a steaming bowl of soup?!  Here in Cortland County, local establishments are serving up everything from the classics to the unique. Below is a list of some of our favorites, perfect to fuel your next adventure. YORI HOUSE - Move over chicken noodle, there's a new soup in town. Yori Houses's Katsu…

It might be the new year, but we're taking it back...way back. Vintage is king in Cortland County, and we've got the low down on the best places to find everything from retro ware to antique decor. So, strap in and hold on to your wallets; we're ready to do the time warp.  CROWN CITY CURIOSITIES 75 E. Court St, Suite 304, Cortland NY (607) 834-0084Open Friday 10-5pm or by appointment   Crown…

Experience Cortland will be featuring a Cortland County artist at the Visitors Center throughout the year. The program was developed to showcase local art to travelers and locals in hopes that they might bring a piece of Cortland County home. Feel free to stop by during regular business hours to view her work or at her Facebook page Maslin's Guarden. Maslin's Guarden sprouted from a lifelong love…

Experience Cortland will be featuring a Cortland County artist at the Visitors Center throughout the year. The program was developed to showcase local artwork and photography to travelers and locals in hopes that they might bring a piece of Cortland County home. Feel free to stop by during regular business hours to view the work or at her website Art By Emily Gibbons. Emily Gibbons'…

Gamers rejoice! After a 13-year hiatus, Area 51 has returned to Cortland! Offering a cornucopia of fun, from old-school box games to RPGs, collectibles, and everything in between- Area 51 & The Crowe's Nest is a sci-fi fan's paradise. We asked owner Fran Crowe if he could spare a couple of minutes from his new shop to answer a few questions.  What inspired you to open Area 51 & The Crowe's Nest?…

According to Webster's dictionary, the definition of Hygge is a quality of coziness that makes a person feel content and comfortable. It's also often used as an adjective meaning "cozy or comfortable." With cool November days upon us and the sun slipping below the horizon far too early, we could all use a healthy dose of hygge in our lives.  So grab a blanket, light a candle and brew some tea…

The Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), along with many local Cortland County tourism partners, are pleased to announce the launch of Cortland Curiosities: A Strange and Forgotten History Trail. The trail tells the history and lore behind the County’s interesting, wacky and occasionally spooky past. The launch features nine county-wide themed driving paths and…