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Cortland
County, New York's motto is “The
Gateway to the scenic Finger
Lakes region.” A mostly rural
county, it lies situated between Ithaca,
Binghamton
and Syracuse.
Fifteen towns and three villages make up the
county, with Cortland
serving as the county seat. The population
numbers at almost 49,000 according to the Census
2000.
This picturesque area proudly
retains its wonderful historic
downtown areas, where antique
shops thrive. Each season offers
its own unique activities. Spring
brings the Central
New York Maple Festival in the
town of Marathon,
where there the tradition of tapping
the trees for syrup has been practiced
since the days when Indians inhabited
the region. The opening of trout
season begins, and Cortland County’s
130 miles of rivers and streams
delight the locals and visitors alike.
'Bluegrass on the Green' rings out
from the quaint, historic village of Homer.
Summer reigns as the best time for
hiking and biking through the 30,000
acres of state forestland. Twenty-five
lakes and ponds offer boating,
swimming and fishing while five golf
courses surrounded by
breathtaking beauty await.
Autumn remains the most spectacular
season in Upstate New York, and
Cortland County boasts some of the
finest fall foliage. Local towns and
villages proudly celebrate their rural
heritage with harvest festivals such
as the Cincinnatus
Corn Fest and the Great
Cortland Pumpkinfest. Hunting
season is beautiful in the vividly
changing forests. Winter gleams in its
entire snowy splendor and Cortland
County offers three excellent ski
areas. Greek Peak Ski Resort, Labrador
Mountain, and Song
Mountain all display marvelous
slopes for downhill skiing, while the
surrounding areas contain miles of
trails for snowmobiles and
cross-country skiers. Many romantic
bed & breakfasts and quaint
cottages can be rented through every
season.
With all the natural beauty,
tourism remains strong in Cortland
County, but that is not the only
industry. The Cortland County Business
Development Corporation, founded
in 1982, plays a large role in
bringing new corporations and firms
into the area. Over $90 million in new
investment programs have been spent in
the last few years. Designated as one
of New York’s Empire
Zones, there are many state and
local incentives in place to enhance
new business growth.
With a central location in the
middle of New York, and excellent
highway access to every region, as
well as Washington DC, economists call
Cortland County the ‘heartland of
future growth’. Manufacturing,
medical and health services, metal
fabrication and a strong wood products
industry all thrive here, along with
other businesses.
Cortland County, New York is
small-town America at its finest. With
a deep respect and admiration for its
past, and a bright and prosperous
future waiting, Cortland County has
much to offer residents and visitors
alike and serves Cortlandville,
Marathon, Cincinnatus and Virgil.
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