Spotlight

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…

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,…

Freshly fallen snow on bluebird days just begs us to get outside and play. Whether you are an avid outdoorsman or new to cold-weather adventures, Lime Hollow Nature Center offers two ways everyone in the family can explore the woods in winter. Lime Hollow's Nordic Center provides cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals. Let a knowledgeable staff member help you to choose the right size equipment…

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. Born and raised in Cortland, Molly Reagan is the proud mom of two vivacious…

Equal parts funky and functional, the Truxton Outpost is exactly what this neck of the woods needed. Upon stepping through the cowbell cladded door, I am greeted by the chatter of a bustling café, and a friendly hello from behind the counter. The entire place smells of baked goods, fresh coffee and pine. I feel as though I've been transported to some tiny frontier town. Coming in from a cold…

This blog is the second 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…

  It's holiday break, the house is in chaos and the kids are bored. Now what? Have no fear, we've compiled a list of what to do and where to go, to get your kids out of the house and out of your hair. Come play in Cortland County, we've got just what you're looking for.  CASCADES INDOOR WATER PARK2177 Clute Rd., Cortland(607) 835-6300 At a balmy 84 degrees, this waterpark is a little…

Travel Responsibly: As per state guidelines, masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places - including the Cortland County Visitors Center - unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement through January 15, 2022.  Check out our updated safety guidelines for Cortland County and New York State. The Cortland County Visitor's Center is excited to host a Winter Pop-Up…

The stress of holiday shopping begins the moment you drop the fork on Thanksgiving, but we're here to remind you can skip all the chaos by shopping at local, small businesses in Cortland County. The area has a variety of small, one-of-a-kind shops that visitors and locals will find deals they can't resist, whether for themselves or loved ones. We promise you'll even have energy left to savor a…

Country Blessings is a quirky and charming space. At first glace, it appears like any other antique shop, but as you begin to wander through the nooks and alcoves, your eyes come to rest upon some unique and unexpected treasures. Long forgotten relics, carefully curated, suddenly seem innately modern and artfully sophisticated. No inch of space is wasted, in this clever little shop and, what began…

This blog is the first 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…

As soon as I set foot in the door I feel as though I've been transported back to northern California. Familiar sites and smells overtake me; scented candles and hand blended teas, bright textiles and vibrant paintings. Artisan Elements has truly captured the art collective experience. As I walk the aisles, I marvel at the eclectic selection. The shelves are home to all sorts of lovely trinkets;…

Standing under the only stop light in town, you'll often hear a distant clip clop as an Amish horse and buggy makes it's way down Main Street. Comprised of a patchwork of buildings, both historic and new, hemmed in by the Tioughnioga River, Marathon is radiating quintessential small town charm, perfect for a wandering day trip. FIRST STOP BREAKFAST Reilly's Cafe It's been said that breakfast is…

Marathon New York is beginning what they hope grows to an annual tradition. Sponsored by the CNY Maple Festival, the Marathon Community Fall Fair promises to be a day full of food, shopping and fun.  Keep reading for all the details.  WHEN IS IT HAPPENING? This community wide event will take place November 6th, from 9 a.m.- 4p.m. Parking will be available at the Marathon Civic Center, located at…

It's that time of year, when the weather begins to drive us indoors. Early evenings leave us curled around the fire or stirring soup over the stove, contemplating feathering our nest. Whether you're a budding artist or just appreciate locally crafted goods, Cortland County is full of everything you need to make you feel inspired to create or simply create a more cozy space this fall. POTTERY WORKS…

Navigating your way through a corn maze is an essential fall activity for families, and Trinity Valley Dairy Farm has pulled out all the stops once again to create a fresh, challenging maze for their visitors! Everyone - not just kids - can enjoy a fun-filled, fall trip to Family Fun Days & Corn Maze starting Saturday, September 18.  Enjoy acres of outdoor family activities in the fresh country…