Spotlight

Plan a visit to the 1890 House Museum on a sunny afternoon and find yourself bathed in a kaleidoscope of rainbows. The architectural treasure is located in the heart of downtown Cortland, built for the late 19th-century inventor and industrialist, Chester Wickwire. Those who venture in will be treated to ornate decorative stenciling, parquet flooring, and oak and cherry woodwork, but it is the…

Although spring might be playing pee-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 EAT If cooking a tasty Easter brunch is not on your to-do list this year, several Cortland County restaurants offer feasts, dine-in, or…

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 of them taking a piece of Cortland County home. Feel free to stop by during regular business hours to view the work. Come meet Rose in person, April 1, from 12 pm.-3 pm, at the Winter Farmers…

The Cortland County Visitors Center is celebrating its last market for the season. The indoor farmers market has been designed to fill your dinner plate. Small but mighty, this winter market is sure to have everything you need for the perfect meal. Carefully curated with a selection of makers and farmers, local to Cortland County; the upcoming month you'll find fresh pork, roasting chickens,…

Calling all comic book and pop culture fans! Cortland’s lone comic bookstore, Heroes and Villains, will be holding its 5th Annual Heroes and Villains Con.  The one-day event on Saturday, April 2 will be held at the Cortland Corset Building at 75 East Court Street in Cortland, N.Y., and will run from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be a combination of professional artists and writers and…

It's officially maple season, here in Cortland County and we have three ways you can celebrate all things syrup. Each weekend beginning March 19 through April 2, the sap will be running throughout the county. 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 EVENT DATESMarch 19, 20…

Downtown welcomes, Just Chill, Cortland's newest shopping parlor, where you'll find everything you need to treat yourself or someone you love. Shelves brim with handcrafted candles, artisan teas, jewelry, soaps and lotions. Displays of perfectly coiffed gift baskets line the walls. Sassy cards, wine glasses and cocktails kits make assembling the perfect gift box easy. Come in and design a gift…

Math and pie lovers unite! Monday, 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…

As soon as you walk into the Elfcup Boutique, you can't help but smile. A cheerful amalgam of vintage and modern, classic and cheeky- there is something to be found for everyone's taste. We asked Sam Daniels, the owner of downtown Cortland's newest boutique, to take a moment to answer a few questions for us. What inspired you to open Elfcup Boutique? I’ve always wanted my own brick and mortar…

Experience Cortland is rounding up unique and cool 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. Just 10 miles outside of…

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 of them taking a piece of Cortland County home. Feel free to stop by during regular business hours to view the work. Come meet Chelsea in person, March 4, from 12 pm.-3 pm, at the Winter…

The Cortland County Visitors Center welcomes back their monthly, indoor farmers market, designed to fill your dinner plate. Small but mighty, this winter market is sure to have everything you need for the perfect meal. Carefully curated with a selection of makers and farmers, local to Cortland County; the upcoming month you'll find fresh pork, roasting chickens, potatoes, squash, winter greens,…

Cortland County is home to beautiful, historic libraries, each filled with a world of books and their own unique charm. From February 21-26, they invite you to map your own literary adventure, explore five of them, discovering the best reading nooks and creative corners. Cortland County is hosting its first-ever Library Crawl! Pack up the whole family and stop by any of the participating libraries…

The kids are all home for winter break. The skies are grey. The temps are low. Cabin Fever is real. No worries, Cortland County has just the cure for the winter blues! Here is a list of our seven places to play when winter is at its worst.  THE BIG SCREEN Everyone loves a good movie, but did you know you could combat boredom by bringing your favorite game system to Crown City Cinemas? Watch your…

Black History Month is underway, and there are many ways to honor and recognize the importance of Black history and culture both nationally and in our local communities. Here at Experience Cortland, we are celebrating by highlighting a few stand-out Black-owned businesses in the tourism industry.  To support additional, non-tourism-related black entrepreneurs in Cortland County visit the Chamber…

Looking for the purr-fect Valentine's date? One who won't judge you for wanting to stay in and snuggle in your paw-jamas? Well, comb your whiskers and fluff your tail, the Cortland County SPCA is hosting its first-ever, Blind Date with a Cat!  HOW IT WORKS This event is by appointment only, so first things first, you must call the shelter to register at (607) 753-9386. At that time an…

Cortland County is home to more than charming farm communities, outdoor adventures, and a blossoming downtown. It's also home to a group of innovative, creative artisans who grow, brew, and make some of our very favorite things. For the sake of brevity, below you find a collection of nine of our favorites, though in reality there are far too many to count. Remember, each time you buy local, not…

Tis' the season for romantic get always, chocolate, and flowers. Or, perhaps Gal-entines, filled with brunch and besties is more your style. Either way, Cortland County has everything you need to make whatever holiday you celebrate extra sweet. Romantic Getaway Experience the perfect cozy couples weekend at Hope Lake Lodge. Celebrate your love, reconnect, relax, and rekindle. The Romantic Getaway…

Shake off the cold and come into the Center for the Arts, for the 12th annual Community Arts Challenge. Discover the vibrant, thought-provoking, and unique pieces created by Cortland County citizens. The gallery is home to a cornucopia of mediums; from felt to stone, photography to oil, fiber arts, and metals, it is a feast for the eyes. Take your time examining and contemplating each piece,…

Looking for the perfect brunch spot this weekend? Check out these six Cortland County eateries, where the crisp waffles, runny eggs and funky breakfast fusions are plentiful, and the cocktails are sure to make your weekend just a little bit brighter. HAIRY TONY'S Nosh: I have three words for you.  S'Mores French Toast. Graham cracker-crusted French toast with marshmallow cream and chocolate syrup…