travel by Tori McNeely
Two counties, twice the fun
PHOTO: BREAK THE ICE MEDIA
Winter in Upstate New York is enjoyed with equal parts breathtaking beauty, cozy culinary experiences and wintry outdoor activities. In particular, Cortland County and Oswego County present the best elements of the snowy season. Depending upon which county you choose to visit first, these fun-filled destinations are just three hours from Ottawa, give or take. Whether you’re considering a family vacation or a friend’s weekend away, these two counties offer twice the fun for everyone.
Cortland County Hampton Inn
Conveniently located just off the I-81, the Hampton Inn promises a comfortable stay for those seeking to explore Cortland County. With free Wi-Fi, private ensuites, a heated indoor pool and complimentary breakfast, you will feel right at home in one of 68 cozy rooms. PHOTO: TORI MCNEELY
Bru 64
Just a few doors down from the pub, you will find local hotspot Bru 64. Coffee shop by day, live entertainment venue by night. Owners Judd and Kelly are as passionate about craft coffee, beer 40 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020
and wine as they are about the town they live in. Grab a cold one and catch a performance by some outstanding musicians when you stop by Bru 64. Brix Pubaria
Brix Pubaria is a casual eatery located in the heart of Cortland on Main Street. Boasting an industrial atmosphere with exposed brick walls and hardwood floors, Brix Pubaria serves some of the best brick-oven pizza in the county. Lime Hollow Nature Centre
Lime Hollow’s Executive Director, Glenn Reisweber’s (a.k.a.“Fun Glenn”) passion and appreciation for the great
PHOTO: TORI MCNEELY
outdoors is contagious. Since 1993, this exceptionally well-maintained nature centre offers locals and tourists alike an opportunity to connect physically, emotionally and spiritually with over 447 acres of pure outdoor bliss. With 12 miles of entrance-fee free trails, dense forest, plenty of ponds and more, a visit to Lime Hollow is a chance to get lost in the wonder of nature. Rex’s Pasta
Featuring homemade, authentic Italian cuisine like Mama’s Spag and Balls and Aunt Josie’s Special cavatelli, the only thing larger than the portion sizes at Rex’s Pasta are the staff ’s hearts. This family-owned restaurant is run by sisters Haley and Heather, who named the establishment after their father, Rex. Greek Peak Mountain Resort
Greek Peak Mountain Resort is Central New York’s largest ski resort and home to 55 trails and an average of 122 inches of snowfall each year. Whether you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, crosscountry skiing or snowshoeing, this is one Cortland County experience you don’t want to miss out on. Is it your first time hitting the slopes or looking
