Quarantined in the Finger Lakes

Creating memorable experiences in the Finger Lakes isn’t only for the out-of-towners. Here at Finger Lakes Premier Properties, we strive to be a resource for everyone to enjoy their time in the our picturesque region. During this period of social distancing and limited travel, in order to #flattenthecurve, we’ve provided some inspiration for making the most of our time apart.

Take A Breath of Fresh Air

Local and New York State Parks are still open, but visit responsibly. As Spring weather welcomes warmer temperatures, you’re bound to see more people stretching their legs at public parks. Luckily for us, there is a plethora of parks with great trails for hikers of all levels.

The New York State Parks have only closed access to playgrounds, athletic courts, and sporting fields to reduce the spread of COVID-19. To explore a park near you, visit their website.

Another one of our favorite resources for creating new adventures is GoFingerLakes.org. You can download the app or visit their site to find the best spots for hiking, biking, paddling, and outdoor recreation across our 6,000-square-mile area. On this site, you can even use their advance search for the best locations for waterfalls, pet-friendly trails, bird watching, and more.

The Lake is Open!

It may be obvious, but the lakes offer great activities for responsible social distancing. Take advantage of the free entertainment they provide from paddling to fishing.

No matter what species of fresh water fish you’re looking for, the Finger Lakes has it. For family outings you can cast from most public and state parks for a lakeside activity. For the serious anglers, different lakes are better for certain types of fish. For example, Seneca Lake attracts fishermen for its Perch and Trout and hosts tournaments each year. In addition to the lakes, the ponds and streams throughout the region also offer plentiful opportunities for casting a line or net, which can be brought home for a fresh dinner. For more information about fishing in the Finger Lakes, click here. Before you grab your fishing pole, take a look at New York State regulations and licensing by clicking here.

If you own a kayak or canoe, take advantage of your extra time and get paddling. If you don’t live lakeside, you can launch from parks scattered along the shores of each lake. For fresh scenery and the chance to view wildlife, paddle an inlet where you can also find some great fishing spots. Click here for resources on where to launch.

Savor the Flavors

Just because you can’t sit down in your favorite restaurant doesn’t mean you have to fend for yourself at every meal. Create a special evening or make a picnic out of it by ordering take out from local restaurants. Below you can review menus of favored venues around our region offering to-go or delivery options.

Canandaigua Restaurants with Take Out:

Naples Restaurants with Take Out:

Penn Yan Restaurants with Take Out:

Hammondsport Restaurants with Take Out:

Geneva Restaurants with Take Out:

Watkins Glen Restaurants with Take Out:

Seneca Falls Restaurants with Take Out:

Ithaca Restaurants with Take Out:

(check back as we will be updating this page with more options)

Don’t forget the wine and beer! You may not be able to do a tasting on site, but you can still purchase your favorite bottles and growlers while supporting our local beverage industry. Find complete lists by visiting the wine trail and beer trail links below.

We hope everyone stays healthy, safe, and connected during this unprecedented time. Join us on Facebook as we will be posting live photos, videos, and updates from our picturesque region.

Coronavirus and the Finger Lakes

The safety of our guests, owners and staff has always been one of our core values.  In observance of the recommendations of the CDC, we are practicing social separation during the next 8-week Coronavirus (COVID-19) lifecycle peak, and as a company we are taking the following actions:

– Our employees are practicing safe social separation and working remotely (as appropriate).

– We continue to maintain the highest housekeeping standards so that you’ll experience a sanitized, clean, and disinfected home to enjoy. We continue to use commercial grade disinfectant, and our housekeeping staff will increase their focus on “high touch” items like light switches, doorknobs, remotes, etc. 

– We are providing specialized advice to our customers to ensure that the anticipated post-social separation pent-up demand can be accommodated. 

For Guests with a 2020 Reservation

We are closely monitoring the local and national COVID-19 situation.  We understand the uncertainty of it all. However, our region continues to be a low-risk area. 

At this time, we are recommending our guests hold off on changing their travel plans through the next 8-week COVID-19 lifecycle peak. With vacation rentals being the prefered accommodation for practicing safe distancing, we are anticipating an increase in demand and want to ensure our guests who already have reservations are able to keep their scheduled vacation.

To ensure the safety of our staff, guests, and owners, our Housekeeping Department will continue to maintain the highest housekeeping standards so that you’ll experience a sanitized, clean, and disinfected home to enjoy. We continue to use commercial grade disinfectant, and our housekeeping staff will increase their focus on “high touch” items like light switches, doorknobs, remotes, etc. We do not oursource any linens, towels, or cleaning supplies and have maintenance teams on hand around the clock to assure you have the best vacation possible.  

If you have any questions about your reservation, our Reservations Team are here to help you. Please feel free to call 888-414-5253 or email us at vacation@flpplake.com for assistance.  

Planning Your Next Finger Lakes Vacation

The Finger Lakes Region continues to be a favored “drive to” destination. Our vacation rentals offer open spaces, inhouse entertainment, and outdoor areas for families to practice safe distancing at a picturesque location.

In addition to the peaceful lakefronts, our region offers a variety of natural parks and recreation spots to create new experiences. Even though our vacation rentals offer fully equipped kitchens, we know our guests enjoy frequenting local restaurants. Fortunately, many are still offering takeout options. We are working on compiling these resources for your next visit. 

To ensure the safety of our staff, guests, and owners, when you stay in one of our vacation rentals you will have the piece of mind that:

– We offer keyless entry to a majority of our rentals. You will not need to check-in at our office or a front desk. We will provide you the keyless code prior to arrival so you can go directly to your vacation home and enter it at check-in time.

– Our Housekeeping Department will continue to maintain the highest housekeeping standards so that you’ll experience a sanitized, clean, and disinfected home to enjoy. We continue to use commercial grade disinfectant, and our housekeeping staff will increase their focus on “high touch” items like light switches, doorknobs, remotes, etc between every reservation. We do not outsource any linens, towels, or cleaning supplies and have maintenance teams on hand around the clock to assure you have the best vacation possible.

– We have a 24-hour Manager on Duty to provide assistance if needed.

– We offer and recommend Travel Protection Insurance for every new reservation.

With the current situation, we anticipate an increased demand for our vacation rentals in the near future. To ensure you and your family are able to enjoy a safe and memorable vacation at the home and dates of your choice, click here to begin planning your next stay with us. 

Finger Lakes COVID-19 Resources

For up-to-date information on the COVID-19 status, please use the resources below:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Official website for New York State

Conesus Lake: Livingston County

Honeoye Lake: Ontario County

Canandaigua Lake: Ontario County, Yates County

Keuka Lake: Yates County, Steuben County, Schuyler County

Seneca Lake: Yates County, Ontario County, Schuyler County, Seneca County

Cayuga Lake: Seneca County, Cayuga County, Tompkins County

Wine Trails:

Finger Lakes Wine Country

Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail

Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

Best Kept Secrets of Fishing in the Finger Lakes!

The fisheries of the Finger Lakes are stocked full of yellow perch, trout, northern pike, bass, panfish, rock bass and so much more! Read below the inside scoop on fishing the Finger Lakes from an award winning local angler. Finger Lakes fishing seasons, what bait to use, and where all the secret spots are.

Finger Lakes Fishing Seasons

Smelt runs from the beginning of March to the middle of April. Have a NYS fishing license and there’s a flowing creek by your lakefront rental? Head out there after dark with a dip net, bucket and flash light and start dipping for smelt. Smelt may be dipped in a net not exceeding 14 inches in diameter anytime between 7 pm to 2 am and the daily limit is 8 quarts per person. Smelt taste the best deep fried.

smelt dipping

Crappie fishing is open all year with a daily limit of 25 crappie per person. The colder the water the better they are to eat so fishing for these in the late fall, winter and spring is ideal. Considered a large crappie: 3-4 lbs.

crappies caught along sugar creek flowing into keuka lake in the spring

Yellow perch is a favorite fish to eat in the Finger Lakes. On the market they go for at least $15.00/ lb. Known for their tiger stripes with yellow bellies these feisty fish will put on a quick fight and taste delicious. Yellow perch season is open all year and the daily limit is 50 yellow perch per person. They are typically caught on minnows, worms or small plastics. Perch are great for fish chowder, fried, pan seared, and my favorite; blackened and made into fish tacos. Considered a large yellow perch: 2-3 lbs.

monster yellow perch caught on keuka lake with small plastic bait

Trout season in the Finger Lakes is open year around. Rainbow trout run the streams in April and a popular spot to get in on that action is at the base of Canandaigua Lake in Naples. Watch as anglers wade in the stream and hook on a trout, that runs their line nearly out of the reel. If you haven’t witnessed this its an amazing spectacle. If you prefer to fish in the lake you can jig and troll for lakers with flies, spoons, or stick baits. You can purchase locally made flies specific to the Finger Lakes from Cme Trolling and spoons from The Sutton Company. Considered a large trout: 10+ lbs.

lake trout caught on Cayuga lake with a fly by local business owner of cme trolling

Bass season opens the 3rd Saturday in June to November 31st. To catch these you are best using a top water bait or Rapalas. They gather in coves, under docks, around pilings and shoals. Bass are okay to eat and put up quite a fight but we encourage catch and release. Considered a large bass: 4-10 lbs.

Bait and Tackle

  • Fishy Business – Live bait and tackle, great resource for Keuka Lake. (Branchport, NY)
  • Cme Trolling – Hand tied fishing flies, meat rigs and handmade bullet heads. Great resource for fishing Cayuga, Owasco, and Skaneateles Lakes. (Virgil, NY)
  • Beverage Baron – Live bait supply , Fishing licenses, and snacks for boat. (Penn Yan, NY)
  • The Sutton Company – Home to the world famous Sutton Spoons. (Naples, NY)
  • Kleins Archery – Live bait Shop. (Dryden, NY)
  • Fuzzy Guppies – Fishing Tackle. (Waterloo, NY)
  • Bears Bait & Tackle Shop – Live bait shop. (Trumansburg, NY)
  • Ted’s Tackle – Bait and tackle. (Lakeville, NY)
  • The Bait Barn – Live bait and supply store. (Naples, NY)

Fishing Tournaments

NYS summer and winter classic fishing tournaments
  • NYS Summer Classic Fishing Tournament – 2 Month long Tournament where you can fish any body of water in NYS. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners for the Rock Bass division and 1st & 2nd place for the Yellow Perch division were caught in the Finger Lakes for the 2019 summer tournament.
  • NYS Winter Classic Fishing Tournament – 2 Month long Tournament where you can fish any body of water in NYS. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for the Yellow Perch division were caught in the Finger Lakes for this past winters tournament.

Whether you are coming to the Finger Lakes for a month, a week or just one day you can participate in this state wide tournament. click here to find the perfect lakefront rental to stay at while fishing the Finger Lakes. Many homes come with docks and or boat hoist to keep your boat safe while you rest up for the next day of fishing.

Fishing Regulations

Before you head out on your day of fishing, be sure to check the regulations for the Finger Lakes fishing seasons. If you’re traveling in from out-of-state, make sure to purchase a fishing license ahead of time! Or you can take advantage of the state’s free fishing days, which allows anyone to fish the fresh waters of New York without a license.

For more information on fishing in the Finger Lakes click here!

What to Do When You Vacation From Pittsburgh to the Finger Lakes

Are you looking to escape the city lifestyle for a week of relaxation? Make the trip from Pittsburgh to the Finger Lakes for a week of fresh air, nature, boating, art, food, and so much more! The Finger Lakes region is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Pittsburgh and is just a five-hour road trip away! 

For more help when it comes to planning your relaxing FLX retreat, make sure to take a look at our free Vacation Guide! We’ve created this guide so that you can cut out the stress of trip-planning and focus on the best activities. Our handy guide includes the best restaurants, attractions, outdoor activities, and entertainment in New York state! 

Download our Free Vacation Guide

Things to Do During Your Pittsburgh to Finger Lakes Getaway

The Finger Lakes’ close distance to Pennsylvania, being only about five hours away, makes it the perfect lake destination for your relaxing or adventurous getaway. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite things to do around the lakes!

Wine Trails

The Finger Lakes region is known for its abundant wine production. There are so many spectacular wineries and vineyards to explore on several different wine trails. Some wine trails to discover, include Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, and Keuka Lake Wine Trail.

As if all of these wine trails weren’t enough, there’s also a Finger Lakes Cheese Trail, as well as a Chocolate Trail in Corning, NY! It doesn’t get any better than that! 

Corning Museum of Glass

Art lovers and science lovers alike can agree that the Corning Museum of Glass is a must while exploring upstate New York. You can choose from a variety of activities, including touring the museum or even creating your own glass sculptures!

Corning Museum of Glass offers in-depth glass blowing demos that allow you to make your own pendants, ornaments, and more! Plus, they make perfect gifts to bring back home!

Outdoor Recreation on the Finger Lakes

There are so many fun ways to spend a day out on any of the Finger Lakes. Thrill-seekers will love jet skiing or tubing down the wispy lakes, while those looking for a peaceful morning of serenity might want to try kayaking or canoeing.

Many of our lake rentals offer complimentary watercraft, such as kayaks, canoes, and rowboats! Plus, you’ll find some vacation homes also come with their own private docks. If not, you can always find kayak rentals, boat rentals, and more from local businesses!

Relax in the Best Finger Lakes Vacation Rentals

lake effect vacation rental exterior

Stretch your legs after a road trip from Pittsburgh to the Finger Lakes, and relax in a luxury vacation rental on the lake! Our vacation rentals at Finger Lakes Premier Properties feature premium amenities like private docks, complimentary watercraft, hot tubs, game rooms, full kitchens, and more!Reserve our Lake Effect rental on Canandaigua Lake for the full lake effect. Experience ultimate relaxation when you gather the family at this four-bedroom dream home. You’ll be near so many Finger Lakes attractions, and it’s only 20 minutes from Geneva, NY. So, what are you waiting for? Check our availability and book your Finger Lakes vacation today!

browse our full list of properties

Responsible Renting in the Finger Lakes

Vacation rentals are one of the fastest-growing markets for travelers in the United States. In our 27 years of managing vacation homes, we’ve never seen the amount of growth the Finger Lakes market is experiencing. With this growth, comes growing pains, but we believe Responsible Renting is the foundation to resolving short-term rental issues.

Learn more about why our region needs Responsible Renting:

Infographic for Responsible Renting
Responsible Renting InfographicDownload

Our goal is to develop resources that vacation rental owners, neighbors, and local townships can use to educate themselves and their communities about the benefits of short-term rentals and their economic impact on the region. We are also collaborating with advocacy groups, like VRMA and Rent Responsibly to help create a sustainable future for the vacation rental industry.

Contact Owner Services to learn more about current restrictions and to report possible regulations affecting your township.

(855) 947-0336 Ext. 4 | ownerservices@flpplake.com

These Are the Best Finger Lakes Activities for Kids

The Finger Lakes region of New York is one of the best destinations for your family vacation. Lakes full of adventure, museums to pique curiosity, and family memories to last a lifetime. There is an abundance of Finger Lakes activities for kids that are sure to bring a smile to the little ones’ faces!

For more things to do in the Finger Lakes with kids, make sure to access our free Vacation Guide! This useful guide contains the best kid-friendly things to do in the area so that you know where to eat, sightsee, hike, and shop! If you’re ready to plan the family vacation of a lifetime, unlock your own Vacation Guide!

Download our Free Vacation Guide

Finger Lakes Activities for Kids

Strong National Museum of Play

Let your curiosity guide you through the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester. Your kids will want to stay at this fun and interactive museum all day long, especially since there are so many activities to squeeze in! Your child will love riding the historic carousel and passenger train or taking part in the hands-on exhibits. 

Then, explore nature in the butterfly garden or enjoy quiet time in the designated quiet area with a book nook and calming aquariums. The Museum of Play is a must during your FLX vacay!

Corning Museum of Glass

Looking at glass might not seem exciting for a child – but what about making glass? The Corning Museum of Glass makes it possible with glassmaking demonstrations and interactive glassblowing sessions!

The best part? It’s fascinating and fun for kids and adults of all ages! Besides creating your own tumbler cups, ornaments, pendants, beads, and sculptures, you can also visit exhibitions that are sure to have you thinking about glass in a whole new light.

Finger Lakes Ice Creameries

When the weather warms up in the Finger Lakes, I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! That’s why there are so many options for ice cream shops around the lakes.

Have you ever tried custard made from duck eggs? You can try this unique, frozen treat at Spotted Duck Creamery between Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake. We think it’s a lot richer and creamier than your typical custard, but you be the judge!

For an adults-only sweet treat, make your way over to Montezuma Winery and Hidden Marsh Distillery in Seneca Falls. They make wine-infused ice cream that you just need at the end of a long day!

Places to Release Energy Outdoors

Spend Quality Family Time in the Best Finger Lakes Vacation Rentals

Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a group getaway, we offer luxury rentals of all sizes! Escape the stresses of daily life and relax by a lake from the comfort of your Finger Lakes Premier Properties vacation home!

outdoor patio furniture with lake view

Seneca Winds is fantastic for your next family vacation or couples retreat. These two cottages sit on Seneca Lake, and you can rent both Sailwinds and Fairwinds cottages together. Plus, Fairwinds is pet-friendly! The kids will have a great time in these cottages because they include an outdoor foosball table, a fenced-in yard, a Pack ‘N’ Play, a BOSE surround sound stereo, kayaks, and a canoe!Check our availability and start planning your summer vacation on the lakes today!

Financing Your Lake House in 2020

You’ve decided to dive in and buy your dream house on the lake, but how do you finance this life changing decision? From vacation rental income to second home mortgages, you have many options when it comes to affording your lake house in 2020.

Here are some tips to make buying a lake house a sound financial decision.

Finance during a year of stability.

mortgage interest rates to consider when financing your lake house

The real estate market experienced a year of declining interest rates in 2019. With few economic risks and low inflation, borrowing costs are expected to remain low, making 2020 a great year to take on debt for a long-term purchase.

According to Bankrate, the rate on a 30 year note fell from an average of 4.68% at the beginning of January 2019 all the way down to 3.9% by Christmas. This is really good news for homebuyers.

The lakefront real estate market ended on high note in 2019, with average sales price for lakefront homes projected to continue increasing this year. If you haven’t read our analysis of last year’s lakefront market, start hereand learn why 2020 is the year to finance your lake house.

Consider your use and classify appropriately.

how will your lake house be used?

When financing your lake house, you will need to classify your property based on how it will be used. Typically your lake house will fall into one of three categories for financing: primary residence, secondary residence, or investment property. The type of home you buy will affect your interest rate and may require you to have a higher credit score.

Secondary Residence vs. Investment Property

If you plan to use your home as a short-term rental, you can still classify the property as a secondary residence instead of an investment property, taking advantage of lower interest rates and qualifying for mortgage interest tax deductions. This will vary by lender, but typically your lake house can remain a secondary residence if your home is rented no more than 180 days a year and you occupy the home at least 10% of the time you would rent it. You will have to report rental income on your taxes if you rent for 15 or more days. Learn more about mortgage classification here.

Look for niche lending options.

Niche lending options for financing your lake house

With vacation rentals gaining popularity over the last few years, most lenders should have a base level of knowledge when it comes to financing your lake house for short-term rental use. If possible, seek out a finance professional familiar with the vacation rental industry. You lakefront sales specialist may have recommendations for you.

If you don’t intend to rent out your lake house, there are plenty of lending options to meet you where you are financially. Many banks, such as M&T, offer bridge loans to help you purchase a new home before your existing home sells. You can also tap into the equity of your primary home to fund the down payment for your second home (cash-out refinance). Learn more about your lending options here.

Determine your Vacation Rental Income Goals

If your lake house is a second home or investment property, vacation rental income could factor into what kind of lake house you can afford. Your rental rate is determined by the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, amenities, and updates your home has. The larger and more modern the house, the higher the sales price – but also consider that you’ll most likely be able to rent it out more often and for a higher rate.

Our real estate team can provide a vacation rental income analysis for any lakefront home in the Finger Lakes. We provide income projections for the lake houses you’re considering and you can compare side by side how much each will earn, making it easy to determine the level of financing you’ll need.

Consider the extra costs.

Costs to consider when financing your lake house

Your lake house will incur higher costs than a traditional or primary home. Here are a few expenses to budget for when determining how much lake house you can afford:

Flood Insurance

Being so close to the water might warrant purchasing flood insurance. Though not required by New York State, your mortgage lender may mandate that you purchase a policy in addition to homeowners insurance. Flood damage isn’t typically covered by homeowners insurance and less than 50% of flooding incidents are covered by federal disaster assistance.

Maintenance

You’ll likely need a larger maintenance budget for your lake house, especially if it’s a second home or investment property. Lakefront property components, such as docks, decks, boathouses and beachfronts, will need routine maintenance, pressure washing, replacement, clean up, and more.

If your lake house is a secondary residence or investment property, consider hiring a management company to perform these tasks for you. In addition, property managers having a year-round presence at your home can reduce the chances of a break-in and quickly address storm damage or pests to avoid long-term issues and higher costs later on.

Lifestyle

There’s a reason you’re buying a lake house – you want the lake lifestyle! You’ll want to set aside some funds to buy that boat you’ve always wanted, and don’t be surprised when the family asks for a couple kayaks and a jet ski! Prioritize which gear you’ll need once the house is yours – and plan for more fun purchases later on.

What’s the best thing you can do when purchasing your lake house? Work with a professional that specializes in lakefront real estate. With 95% of our sales being on the water, our team is ready and excited to answer your questions and find the right lake house for you! Call us today (855) 683-8429.

Lake Houses For Sale

6 of the Best Places to Hike a Finger Lakes Gorge

The Finger Lakes region of New York is known for its long, wispy lakes, but have you seen the gorge trails in our parks? Add ‘Finger Lakes gorge’ to your vacation itinerary because they are absolutely gorgeous! The many streams and creeks that funnel from our lakes have carved beautiful, deep valleys in the land. These gorge trails often lead to incredible views of massive waterfalls and hidden treasures. Find out everything you need to know about the hiking trails around a Finger Lakes gorge!

Once you’ve worked up an appetite from all the hiking, make sure to use our free Vacation Guide to find the best places to eat in the area! This useful tool also includes the best places for shopping, outdoor recreation, and other attractions in upstate New York!

Download our Free Vacation Guide

The Best Places to Hike a Finger Lakes Gorge

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park waterfall canyon in Upstate New York

The most popular of the parks in this area, Watkins Glen State Park, features 19 waterfalls and plenty of stunning Finger Lakes gorges. During your tour of this park, you’ll wind through beautiful stone staircases, bridges, tunnels, and around trails leading to waterfalls.

Discover why USA Today nominated this pretty site as Best State Park in the U.S.

Grimes Glen Park

For dramatic falls and swirling pools in which visitors can soak, visit Grimes Glen Park! This site features two unbelievably beautiful 60-foot waterfalls. If you decide to explore this location, wear comfortable and waterproof shoes. This Finger Lakes gorge is a bit tricky to hike. Grimes Glen County Park is south of Canandaigua Lake.

Taughannock Falls State Park

Taughannock Falls State Park, west of Cayuga Lake, features the biggest gorge in Ithaca, NY! That’s not the only impressive thing you’ll see during your visit. The waterfall in the state park is the tallest in New York State! That’s right – even greater than Niagara Falls! 

taughannock falls state park waterfall frozen

There is an easy mile-long Gorge Trail within the park that leads to a stunning view of the falls. For a more difficult Finger Lakes trail, try hiking the Rim Trails!

Cascadilla Gorge Trail

If you’re visiting the campuses of Cornell University, stop by Cascadilla Gorge Trail. This trail runs just over a mile and features eight stunning waterfalls. The path runs along the south end of Cascadilla Creek. This trail is only open during daylight hours from early spring to November.

High Tor

You’ll find a little bit of everything at High Tor! There are ponds, waterfalls, rivers, gorges, forests, and open fields within this 22-mile trail. This area is in the town of Naples, NY, south of Canandaigua Lake.

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Autumn scene landscape of waterfalls at Buttermilk Falls State Park

Buttermilk Falls State Park is another popular attraction, and it’s no wonder why! It is one of the most photogenic parks in the Finger Lakes region. In total, this FLX trail runs a little over eight miles and is one of the more accessible trails just south of Cayuga Lake.

More Finger Lakes Gorges to Explore

  • Fillmore Glen State Park
  • Letchworth State Park

Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties

After a day exploring a Finger Lakes gorge, return to a luxurious vacation home with Finger Lakes Premier Properties. Consider booking one of our stunning properties with a hot tub, perfect for soothing any sore muscles after a day of hiking! 

hot tub with lake view

The Trottage is a gorgeous two-bedroom, one-bathroom resort-style cabin, nestled on the shores of Seneca Lake.

Take a look at the rest of our beautiful properties and book today! We look forward to having you.

browse our full list of properties

9 Shamrockin’ Events in the FLX

St. Patrick’s Day is upon us once again, and we’ve picked the region’s 9 shamrockin’ events in the FLX for you to paint green this month and on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day itself. So, dust off your lucky leprechaun hat, grab your gold jewelry and let your inner Emerald Islander run loose for a week of legendary events.

Whatever your ancestry, get into the Irish spirit for St. Patrick’s Day this month. From live bands and food pairings to beer releases and charcuterie, here are some ways to celebrate the Emerald Isle.

Get One Night Free when you stay this march! Click below to browse over 20 vacation rentals offering this discount.

Get One Night Free!

Winery Celebrations

Varick Winery – March 14th 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Varick Winery! Play along in their coin game and drink their green wine! Enjoy Irish fare, Corned Beef & Cabbage!

Sheldrake Point Winery – March 14th 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Grab your friends, and spend the afternoon with Sheldrake Point Winery. They’ll be getting in the St. Paddy’s Day spirit with a lively performance by local Celtic band Doolin O’Dey. Enjoy wine by the glass and local cheese and charcuterie in their Garden Room.

Treleaven Wines – March 14th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a little early with the Treleaven crew! Throw on something green and head on out to Treleaven for great food, drinks, and live music by The Ampersand Project beginning at 6:00 pm.

Irish or not, they will have something for everyone to enjoy – including a delicious St. Patrick’s Day menu from Simply Cookie.

Brewery Celebrations

GAEL Brewing – March 15th 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the only Irish-American microbrewery in Upstate NY. Come for the craic. Brand New Beer Release!!! – NY Kitchen Kolsch brewed especially for our beer pairing dinner at NY Kitchen on Thursday March 19th. Live music with the Party Nuts Lite in the Brewing Area from 1:00 pm -4:00 pm. Free food by Pete Weaver with Corned Beef, Cabbage, Potatoes and More!!! They will also be open on St. Patrick’s Day Tuesday March 17th from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm. Slainte.

Steuben Brewing – March 17th 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm The perfect setting for St. Patrick’s Day- Traditional Irish music & food, special beer releases and lots of good company.

Events

St Patrick’s Day at Monk’s! – Monks on the Commons – March 14th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Get your Irish on!! Enjoy rousing Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes, and songs along with a cold pint!

Smith Opera House – March 20th – 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm It’s the annual ST PAT’S PARTY at The Smith Opera House in Geneva NY! One of the Town Pants favorite regions in the world, and the best place to dust off those green suits and party like the Irish! Slainte!

Seneca Cheese Company – March 13th 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm Check out The Seneca Cheese Company for a unique St. Patrick’s Celebration semi-acoustic Rock show.

Premier local rock bands An Artist’s Depiction, The Season, and The Variables will rock the house with special semi-acoustic versions of their songs. Expect this show to have an unusually entertaining balance as they combine the infamous lore of Friday the 13th with the lucky holiday weekend of St. Patrick’s Day – and all the while, mingling the energy of upbeat rock music with the classy cheese and drink pairings of the only artisan cheese tavern in the area.

Seneca Cheese Company – March 14th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Enjoy a special St. Patrick’s Celebration Performance with the Smoking Loons, live at the Seneca Cheese Company!

Plan your itinerary with these 9 shamrockin’ events in the FLX this March.

Book a getaway to the Finger Lakes for this March and get ONE NIGHT FREE! Click Book Now to secure your free night by using promo code “3for2020” at check out.

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Finger Lakes Wine Varieties You Need to Try

From the rolling hills of vines to the long and wispy lakes, the Finger Lakes is one of the best New York vacation destinations. One of its most unique traits is its beautiful wine trails. You can explore the Finger Lakes wine varieties when you travel the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, or Keuka Lake Wine Trail. On these trails, you’re likely to come across wine varieties like riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet franc, French-American, and Native American varietals.

But, before you hit the trails, you can start planning your wine-lovers’ getaway with our free Vacation Guide. We’ve put together the ultimate vacation-planning tool to help you create an itinerary full of the best attractions, outdoor activities, shopping, entertainment, and restaurants in the Finger Lakes region.

Download our Free Vacation Guide

Finger Lakes Wine Varieties

European Varieties

The Finger Lakes wine country is known for its vast selection of riesling and chardonnay wine. Vitis Vinifera grapes are plentiful in the region of upstate New York and usually become dry or semi-dry wines.

European Varieties Include:

  • Cabernet Franc
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Gamay
  • Lemberger
  • Merlot
  • Pinot Noir
  • Chardonnay
  • Gewurztraminer
  • Riesling

Native American Varieties

Sparkling wines are top-rated on our wine trails. If you’re familiar with the history of the Finger Lakes and the names of all of our lakes, it’s no surprise that we have fantastic Native American varietals. The majority of these wines have a strong grape flavor and aroma.

Native American Varieties Include:

  • Catawba
  • Concord
  • Isabella
  • Vincent
  • Delaware
  • Diamond
  • Niagara

French American Varieties

In contrast to the Native American types, French American varieties have less of a grape flavor. Many of the red wine varietals have a peppery flavor, while many of the white wines have a fruity flavor and floral aroma.

French American Hybrid Varieties Include:

  • Baco Noir
  • Chambourcin
  • Chancellor
  • Dechaunac
  • Marechal Foch
  • Rougeon
  • Cayuga White
  • Melody
  • Seyval Blanc
  • Vidal Blanc
  • Vignoles
  • Traminette

Wineries, Vineyards, and Tasting Rooms

Lakewood Vineyards

Lakewood Vineyards in Watkins Glen is a stand-out vineyard on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. This family-owned business has been growing grapes along Seneca Lake since 1952. You can take a guided tour and tasting, or bring a large group to their Wine Cellar Tasting room for flights of wine. 

Fox Run Vineyards

Discover Fox Run Vineyards, an award-winning wine lovers attraction, along Seneca Lake. You can take a detailed tour of the winery and vineyards, or visit in August for the Glorious Garlic Festival for food, wine, and live music!

Un-wined in the Best Finger Lakes Vacation Rentals

vacation rental on lake with dock

Finger Lakes Premier Properties offers stunning lake homes spread throughout the Finger Lakes Region. That way, you can choose the vacation rental that best suits your style, or stay near the FLX attractions that interest you the most! Heron House is in the heart of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and can accommodate eight people. This gorgeous home has impressive views of the lake, as well as phenomenal amenities. Tell stories around the fire pit or let the kids release their energy on the pirate ship playground. It’s the perfect setting for your family vacation. If you’re ready to book your lake-cation, check our availability and reserve your getaway today!

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