Make Downtown Part of Your Holiday Season
By Lloyd Purdy, Executive Director, Cortland Downtown Partnership
Something is different downtown. There's always something new to see or do in downtown Cortland and this holiday season is no exception. As historic facades on downtown shops are restored, the charm of downtown shopping returns to Cortland this holiday season. Downtown Cortland combines the best of unique shopping, first-class dinning and traditional holiday celebrations. So make sure Downtown Cortland is a part of your holiday.
Kick off your holiday shopping spree with Cindy & Joe Delaney at Trend's/Jodi's Hallmark where downtown shopper will find 20% off the entire store Sunday November 19th. Visit Josh Wang from Tasteful Elegance at 211/2 Clinton Avenue for a variety of Asian themed merchandise from teapots to Lucky bamboo. After a morning of shopping you'll be ready for a stop at M & D Deli, the Blue Frog or the Deli Downtown for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee.
Shoppers with a longer greeting card list than wish list, should visit Fritz Mullen at 28 Main Street for special order holiday cards. For the reader on your shopping list stop by Mando Books for a holiday special - local books are priced two for one. When shopping and the holidays get to be too much, make an appointment with Invigorations as 55 Port Watson Street for a Relaxation Package that includes a massage, facial and heat treatment.
By Lloyd Purdy, Executive Director, Cortland Downtown Partnership
Something is different downtown. There's always something new to see or do in downtown Cortland and this holiday season is no exception. As historic facades on downtown shops are restored, the charm of downtown shopping returns to Cortland this holiday season. Downtown Cortland combines the best of unique shopping, first-class dinning and traditional holiday celebrations. So make sure Downtown Cortland is a part of your holiday.
Kick off your holiday shopping spree with Cindy & Joe Delaney at Trend's/Jodi's Hallmark where downtown shopper will find 20% off the entire store Sunday November 19th. Visit Josh Wang from Tasteful Elegance at 211/2 Clinton Avenue for a variety of Asian themed merchandise from teapots to Lucky bamboo. After a morning of shopping you'll be ready for a stop at M & D Deli, the Blue Frog or the Deli Downtown for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee.
Shoppers with a longer greeting card list than wish list, should visit Fritz Mullen at 28 Main Street for special order holiday cards. For the reader on your shopping list stop by Mando Books for a holiday special - local books are priced two for one. When shopping and the holidays get to be too much, make an appointment with Invigorations as 55 Port Watson Street for a Relaxation Package that includes a massage, facial and heat treatment.
Downtown restaurants are another great place to relax after a day of shopping or after a special event. A holiday night on the town that begins with Cortland Repertory Theatre's annual holiday show at Grace Episcopal Church, 13 Court Street, on Saturday December 9th or Art's at Grace's annual performance of the Messiah on Sunday December 10th is not complete without a night cap from Lucky's, Tuscan Grill, or Jack Danielson's.
Shopping and dining downtown is made even easier with a downtown gift certificate. Downtown gift certificates are a great holiday gift for those extra picky people on your list. Downtown gift certificates are honored by a variety of downtown retailers and can be purchased in any denomination from Dale Taylor at Sarvay Shoes at 50 Main Street, the Cortland Downtown Partnership at 9 Main Street, and from Leslie Wineburg at Bernard's located at 107 Main Street.
Downtown is the cultural heart of our community and the place we go to meet friends and carry on traditions. Holiday Festivities begin the first of December at 4 p.m. with the raising of the First Night Ball of Lights into position at its new location on the Cortland Standard building. The First Night Ball of Lights is a symbol of the bright future of downtown Cortland. Hanging the Ball of Lights from the Cortland Standard will help us carry on the tradition of the First Night , while proving our community's resilience and perseverance over the challenges of this past year.
Holiday festivities continue downtown on December 2nd with the YWCA's Holiday Gala, a free holiday party for children and families from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a chance to make a day of it downtown. Stop by Sheridan's Jeweler's and see what Chuck has brought in just for the holiday or visit Nordic Sports and let Al, Charlotte or Freddie help you get ready for ski season in their newly remodeled store. The lighting of the City's Christmas tree at 6 p.m. Saturday evening followed by dinner at downtown restaurant like Hollywood, Barsoni's Pizza or Pita Gourmet is a great way to end a day of family, festivities and shopping.
If you're having trouble getting into the holiday spirit stop by the historic Beard Building at 9 Main Street and look at the Winter Nights & Lights exhibit. Artwork produced by area artists line the walls of the Beard Building Gallery. Abstracts, landscapes, oils, watercolors and photography make a very diverse exhibit that illustrates what Winter Nights & Lights means to local artists. The exhibit begins November 9th and runs through January 5th 2007. The Beard Building Gallery is free and open to the public.
The holidays in downtown Cortland are a time for family and especially children. Whether they've been naughty or nice this year bring your kids to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Market Place Mall on Saturday December 9th and Saturday December 16th between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bob and Linda from Cyberpop Photography will be taking pictures of kids with Santa so you'll have a keepsake to remember. While you're there stop by the Pumkin Patch and see what Becky has in store for those toddlers on your gift list. The Guardian Angel, also located in the Market Place mall is another source for a special holiday gift.
As you search for that special keepsake for the holiday make sure to visit Spirit & Life at 31 Main Street. Kitty has hand painted ornaments for the tree made by a local artisan as well as imported Fontanini collectable figurines. Downtown Cortland offers a unique and memorable holiday experience that includes the 1890's House Annual Wassail Party. Sunday December 10th from noon to 5 p.m. the doors of this historic 1890's House, decorated for the season, are open to the public. Live holiday music and the scent of warm mulled cider and baked goods spread holiday cheer for downtown visitors with a taste for holiday tradition.
Downtown Cortland is the heart of our community. Celebrate the New Year with friends, family and neighbors during First Night. Welcome a new year full of promise and potential with music, fireworks and a countdown that includes downtown Cortland's famous Ball of Lights. Festivities begin at 11 p.m. This year, the corner of Main Street and Tompkins will be closed to traffic and the Youth Bureau's Show Mobile will be set up at the empty clock tower lot for downtown visitors to better enjoy the music and fireworks. Make dinner downtown a part of your First Night tradition with a meal from Harry Tony's, the Community Restaurant or Star Bistro. They're bound to be busy so check early for reservations
