Homer,
New York is a unique and charming village at the
Eastern edge of the state’s picturesque Finger
Lakes region. Founded in 1791, Homer retains a
proud historical heritage and delights in its
small-town atmosphere and mellow pace of life.
Entered in the National Register of Historic Places
in 1973, Homer’s historic
district is rich in architectural heritage,
showcasing Greek Revival, Queen Anne and Italianate
Style homes. The Homeville
Museum contains treasures dating from the Civil
War through Desert Storm.The
old-time gazebo on the Village Green still serves
the community as the site of summer concerts and
special events. July’s Bluegrass on the Green
draws audiences from all over the region to tap
their feet to the lively tunes. Christmas on the
Green brings back memories from older times as
ancient carols are sung. Entertainment that is more
contemporary comes alive at such places as Homer's
Playwright Dinner Theater or the Cortland
Repertory Theatre at nearby Little
York Lake. Six parks
grace the town itself.
The
Census 2000 counted Homer’s population as just
over 6,000, showing an unemployment ratio well below
state average. The town took its name from the blind
Greek poet Homer who wrote the Iliad and the
Odyssey.
Homer
lies in breathtaking Cortland
County, hailed as the ‘Gateway to the Scenic
Fingers Lakes.’ Like Homer itself, Cortland County
remains a largely rural area, ideally situated
between Ithaca,
Binghamton
and Syracuse.
Winter draws skiers and snowmobile riders to the
region, with Courtland's offering of three major ski
resorts. The wonderful fall foliage brings with it
many harvest festivals, such as the Cincinnatus
Corn Fest and the Great
Cortland Pumpkinfest. The County’s 130 miles
of fine trout-fishing rivers and streams, and more
than 30,000 acres of forested state land make the
region an outdoorsmen’s paradise.
Tourism
remains a major industry in Homer and the county,
but not the only one by far. The Cortland County Business
Development Corporation, founded in 1982, plays
a large role in bringing new corporations and firms
into the area, spending over $90 million in new
investment programs 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. Located in
the exact middle of New
York State, with excellent highway transport to
all regions of it, as well as the. D.C.
area and Canada, economists call Cortland County the
‘heartland of future growth’.
As
the area around it grows and prospers, Homer, New
York is assured of a wonderful economic future which
will include small-town charm and historic heritage.
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