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Cortland Ohio has something for everyone, with a blossoming downtown to explore, an assortment of outdoor activities and town parks to enjoy year-round, and must-visit restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world, including authentic Italian and mouthwatering Mexican options.
On the eastern shore of Mosquito Lake sits a little community with a big heart and more than a dash of small town charm. Cortland started out as a spattering of log cabins and a lumber and grist mill. With the introduction of the railroad in 1868, four trains traveling through the area grew what was then called Baconsburg into a town with several churches, two newspapers, stables, and businesses.
Fast forward some 150 years, and the village that was renamed for Cortland, New York, may look a little different, but it’s kept every bit of its sense of community and hometown pride.
There are more than five things to love about Cortland, but here are a few to get you started:
Mosquito Creek Lake And State Park
Mosquito Lake has something for everyone. The manmade reservoir provides drinking water for the City of Warren, but it’s also a recreation hub for visitors. The roughly 10-mile-long by 1-mile-wide lake is a great place to fish, boat, jet ski, kayak, paddle board, or swim. Mosquito Lake State Park offers camping, hunting, disc golf, and picnicking, plus a nature play area and plenty of special programs for kids and adults. You’ll also want to check out the dog park, and the trails for hiking, horses, mountain biking, and even snowmobiles.
The lake is also a fantastic animal habitat and is a favorite spot for nature photographers and bird watchers. You’ll find warblers, blue jays, woodpeckers, and sparrows – and plenty of big birds, too. Ospreys and hawks call the lake home, as well as dozens of bald eagles!
Cortland Food
Trumbull County is known for its great food. Ask any former resident – when returning ‘home’ they have a whole list of must-visit restaurants. The area does Italian especially well, and Cortland is no exception. Two Cortland restaurants are on Trumbull County Tourism Bureau’s Italian Food Trail: Brother’s Pizza and Vasilio’s Italian Restaurant.
Everyone has an opinion about what’s best at Brother’s Pizza, but their Italian sub sandwich might be the winner. If that’s not your style, don’t worry – everything on the menu has homemade (every day) bread and crust. Brother’s also makes a mean white pizza. Unlike most white pizzas that use banana peppers, Brother’s features a little bite with hot peppers and oil.
Vasilio’s Italian Restaurant offers two local favorites: deep dish and “Old World” pizza. If you’re unfamiliar, Old World or Brier Hill pizza has thick sauce, peppers, and parmesan cheese – and is beloved by many in Trumbull County. Vasilio’s also has plenty of specialty pizzas, traditional Italian dishes, and even breakfast!
Still thinking about all that mouth-watering bread and cheese? Check out Cocca’s for delicious pepperoni rolls.
Of course, Cortland doesn’t just do pizza and pasta. Cortland’s El Torero offers great Mexican food, margarita pitchers, and a good time (just ask my friends, we ate there every Sunday for at least a year). For All-American fare and breakfast favorites, Cortland has Top-Notch Diner and Four Star Diner. Or, if you’re looking to watch the game, Iron House Bar and Grill offers a relaxed atmosphere with wing and drink specials.
Town Parks
In addition to bordering Mosquito Lake State Park, Cortland is home to several great local parks. The 144-acre Eastlake Metro Park is part of The Trumbull County Metroparks system and offers hiking, nature observation, sledding, and cross-country skiing.
Cortland City Parks also have plenty to offer. Pearl Park has basketball courts, a playground, and fields. It’s also home to the city’s splashpad, which is a favorite cool-off spot for kids in the summer. Willow Park offers tennis courts, pickleball, a skate park, a basketball court, walking trails, a playground, and baseball fields.
A Blossoming Downtown & Thriving Local Businesses
Main Street has long been the heart of Cortland is home to favorite annual traditions like the Cortland Street Fair. In recent years, new shops and restaurants have popped up on the thoroughfare. Cortland Main Street Coffee is the perfect walk-in spot to grab a warm drink. Then, you can also check out Totally Dog, Daybreak Music and Entertainment – and of course there’s Pizza Joe’s! You didn’t think we were done with pizza yet, did you?
Pop over to High Street and you’ll find plenty more local businesses.
Including the Galleria of Arts and Antiques, Quilter’s Fancy, Stanley Grace Boutique, and Little Charlie’s Bake Shop. If you’re looking for the right gift, antique, or art piece, you can find it in Cortland.
Community Pride
Cortland residents have a lot of community pride. Folks are friendly and helpful. Neighborhoods are filled with well-maintained homes and manicured yards. Residents love their special Cortland events, including the Street Fair, Oktoberfest, and food truck nights.
With a great school system, the community is overwhelmingly supportive of the local kids in their athletic, academic, and artistic endeavors. And the neighborhood keeps tabs on the Lakeview Middle School robot lawnmower when it makes its occasional escapes from the school grounds.
From skating at the Cortland Roller Rink to watching the sun set from the eastern shore of the lake, Cortland is one of those places that just feels like home. Whether you’re from Cortland or not, it’s a community that will welcome you.
