• About
  • Blog
  • Working together
  • Testimonials
  • Contact

Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
/
March 23, 2016

Weekend Getaway to Cortland, NY

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share

Nestled in upstate New York, just 30 minutes outside of my old stomping grounds of Syracuse (go Orange!), lays the quaint, historic city of Cortland. A winter ski destination and close in proximity to the wineries of the Finger Lakes, it was the perfect little weekend getaway for a fun father/daughter road trip.

Where we stayed

The adventure began at Hope Lake Lodge, part of the Greek Peak Mountain Resort just outside of Cortland in Virgil, NY.  This large hotel is adorned with all kinds of rustic, cabin charm. A larger than life lobby, complete with vaulted log ceilings and a cozy fireplace greets you as you enter the lodge.

Hope Lake Lodge, part of the Greek Peak Mountain Resort just outside of Cortland in Virgil, NY_girlgonetravel.com

Hope Lake Lodge, part of the Greek Peak Mountain Resort just outside of Cortland in Virgil, NY_girlgonetravel.comOur room was warm and inviting too with our own personal fireplace and balcony overlooking the ski slopes.

What we did

Lucky for us the resort is chock-full of activities. Lack of snow prevented us from getting on the slopes but the resort’s Adventure Center was the next best bet. Activities include zip lining, snow tubing, ropes course, and a mountain coaster just to name a few. We tested our limits on the zip lining course and it was well worth it!

Dad getting in tourch with his adventurous self! - GirlGoneTravel.comDad and daughter ziplining FTW. GirlGoneTravel.com

The other big ticket item is the indoor waterpark inside the lodge. It’s a big draw for families with young children. So if you’re looking for a romantic getaway or don’t enjoy being surrounded by lots of families on your vacations, this particular resort might not be the place for you. That said, we skipped the waterpark and opted for a relaxing dip in the indoor/outdoor heated pool.

On our second day we ventured into the historic city of Cortland, just a 15 minute drive from the resort. We headed to the MainStay Massage & Day Spa for a completely relaxing facial and massage. What sets the MainStay apart from any other spa is that it’s run by a lovely family in a beautiful Victorian home that dates back to 1881. It exudes history and charm. In fact, Scott, the owner could give you a whole timeline of the building’s history if you just ask. The home and the staff were so warm and inviting. It was such a unique spa experience, and next time I’m in the area I’m sure to book another appointment!

Our next stop was wine-tasting at the Finger Lakes Tasting Room. We tried five wines from New York’s Finger Lakes region and it was such a treat. I of course had to take a few bottles home to enjoy later!

After wine the only natural choice for our next activity was beer! We headed down the block to the Cortland Beer Company to see what they had on tap. With such a wide variety to choose from I was surprised to learn that all of their beer is brewed right on the premises! If you go, be sure to try the Choco-Chipotle beer! Goes down smooth with a hot kick to finish. Unlike anything I have ever had!

Beer tasting in Cortland, NY. - GirlGoneTravel.com Beer tasting in Cortland, NY. - GirlGoneTravel.com 

Where we ate

Walking along Main Street in Cortland there seem to be a lot of great places to eat and grab a drink. Our time was limited so we ventured to Wild Ginger Asian Fusion for some traditional hibachi. They offer a wide array of Japanese, Thai and Chinese cuisine. Be sure to make reservations for the hibachi tables where they cook right in front of you!

Downtown Cortland, NY. - GirlGoneTravel.com

Being that most of our time was spent at the resort we dined at their main restaurant for most meals. The Acorn Grill serves up no-fuss, classic American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It can get a little crazy for breakfast in the morning with all the kids running around but the buffet allows you eat quick and head out to face the day!

Steph for GirlGoneTravel.com in Cortland, NY

Overall it was a great little weekend getaway with my Dad. Over the course of two and a half days we sought out thrills on the zip lining course, relaxed at the spa, and wined and dined our way through historic Cortland. It was a lovely getaway, and if there had been snow on the ground I’m sure we would have spent some time on Greek Peak itself! Maybe next time 🙂

Want to see more of our weekend in Cortland? Check out our video!

All photos are property of Girl Gone Travel® and may not be used without direct consent from the publisher.

Thank you to Greek Peak Mountain Resort and their Finger Lakes partners for their hospitality. All opinions are my own.

Related

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share
Pin this Post
Share this Post
Stephanie Klose

Stephanie is a freelance writer who can be found snuggling up in bed with her two favorite dachshunds, Penny and Charlie, or gallivanting around New York City in search of the best chocolate ice cream cone. Whether it is stateside or across the pond, there isn’t a place she wouldn’t go for a little adventure. You can connect with her on on Twitter @StephGoneTravel and Instagram @SMKlose.

You May Also Like...

Christmas Tree Hunting in Long Island, NY

December 12, 2008

Fort Tryon Park, Washington Heights, NY

December 10, 2008

Winter afternoon in the Bronx Zoo, NY

December 16, 2008

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Previous Post
The Face of Adventure Travel
Next Post
Planning a Road Trip through Italy

About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

Categories

  • Asia5 Post(s)
  • Caribbean17 Post(s)
  • Central America4 Post(s)
  • Europe53 Post(s)
  • North America316 Post(s)
  • Oceana1 Post(s)

Contact

  • carol@girlgonetravel.com

Follow @girlgonetravel

I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

#myflx
These days you will find me walking in the rain, c These days you will find me walking in the rain, chasing waterfalls, and anything nature filled. Such is spring in the Finger Lakes 🌷

#fingerlakes #lifeinthefingerlakes #cascadillagorge #ithacany
I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

Copyright © 2023 Girl Gone Travel | Privacy Policy | Copyright Notice