Spotlight

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…

Move over pumpkin, there's another fall flavor in town. Cortland County is famous for it's apples and these local eateries are showcasing just how delicious it can be. This is just a sample of culinary treats the county has to offer. Click here for a full list of eateries.  CARMEL APPLE MACCHIATO Start your day with a caramel apple macchiato from Coffee Mania and make your taste buds sing. If…

Hollenbeck's Cider Mill doors are open for the 2021 season. Masked guests are welcome to peruse the shelves of glittering preserves, watch apples pressed into cider and find themselves enveloped in the ethereal scents of fresh pies and doughnuts once again. Hollenbeck's hours are 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday - Sunday, until the apple boxes are empty.  If your fall traditions include wandering through…

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…

Whether you're looking for heart pumping, adrenaline rushing scares, or kid-friendly fall fun, there are endless ways to celebrate Halloween in Cortland County.  For more details, and plenty more great events, check out the Experience Cortland events calendar. TRINITY VALLEY CORN MAZE Thursday- Saturday Sept. 18- Oct. 31 |10-4p.m.| Trinity Valley Dairy| $7 Thursday & Friday / $9 Saturday & Sunday…

The next time you're planning to get some fresh air, don't leave Fido at home! Dogs make excellent walking companions whether it's your usual stroll around the neighborhood, or an adventure through the woods. Cortland County has a variety of dog-friendly paths available that are for both the experienced hiker or the novice pup who hasn't done much exploring.  Keep reading for a list of…

If you’re a history buff, visiting Cortland County is a no-brainer. Just a few days spent in the county is enough to give you a taste of the area’s very diverse history. We promise adventure, a little beauty, and a whole lot of history in two days in Cortland County. DAY ONE Start your trip with a locally roasted caffeine boost at Coffee Mania; then venture to Cortland County’s…

For those seeking artistic discovery, Experience Cortland’s weekend arts and culture itinerary is here to help you make the most of your time with us! DAY 1 Start your trip with a locally roasted caffeine boost at Coffee Mania; then venture to the Cortland Corset Building for a little retail therapy. Cinch Art Space is packed with the work of over 50 local and regional artisans and craftsmen…

Experience Cortland, the Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau, has been honored with a Tourism Excellence Award for the “Spirit of Cortland” video series produced during the COVID pandemic. Destination marketing organizations, museums, attractions, and other tourism related businesses gathered virtually at 11:30 AM on Thursday, May 6 to honor the efforts of their peers. The 2021 New…

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9! Check out these fun ideas for spending time with Mom—from Mom and me paint and sips, drive-in concerts and virtual shopping events to find the perfect gift. BRUNCH WITH MOM If you're still searching for brunch ideas or still haven't made reservations, we found a couple Cortland County eateries offering some help to let you mom know she's appreciated on her big…

Live music is back at the Center for the Arts of Homer! The Center will welcome its first concert to Whiting Theatre in June, while also hosting musicians at Dwyer Memorial Park with their Concert in a Car Series starting in early May.  The following concerts have been scheduled or rescheduled. Once a new dates has been settled on, the staff will alert you via their email systems, website and…

Cortland County has an abundance of year-round, all-season, outdoor adventure opportunities so it's hard to narrow it down if you've only got one day. From hiking, zip-lining and paddling, outdoor excitement is around every corner. So dust off your gear. Let us show you how to spend a day in the Cortland County great outdoors! TINKER FALLS Greet the day with gusto at the Tinker Falls Trail, which…

Treat yourself to something sweet this weekend at the “49 & Holding” Maple Festival Drive-Thru Extravaganza! The event will be a placeholder for the annual CNY Maple Festival, which was supposed to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. Guests will be able to enjoy all their favorite maple products and select festival food from the comfort of their cars during the drive-thru event. Keep…

There's nothing wrong with rice and canned beans, but sometimes the only thing that will satisfy a rumbling stomach is a heaping dish of food from your favorite restaurant. Lucky for everyone, Cortland County restaurants have stepped up and are providing comfort (in food) during these uncomfortable times.  For anyone who'd prefer to stay home and practice social distancing, below is a list of…

Whether you're looking for knick-knacks, doohickies or possible hidden treasure, Marathon's new antique store is the place to go! Exit 9 Marketplace has opened at 79 Cortland Street in Marathon, showcasing a variety of small businesses in the local area. The former RiverBend Antiques building is owned by Kelly and Kim Davis (Thompson), who's return to the Cortland County village is a homecoming.…

Experience creativity in Cortland County! Cortland Repertory Theatre's annual Community Arts Exhibition, Creative Cortland, is on full display in the downtown location. The gallery features various painters, digital artists, sculptors, and more form the local area. The exhibition began three years ago, as a way to showcase the talented creatives who live and work in the local area, including SUNY…

Travel Responsibly: In an effort to limit the impact of COVID-19, please wear your mask and practice social distancing in all public spaces per official guidelines. Advance tickets or RSVPs are highly recommended or necessary at many spots. Your best bet: plan ahead. The CNY Living History Center is open with safety protocols put in place, but the fun of exploring and learning is still…