Month: June 2018

Some of the Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in the Finger Lakes, NY

Get the best view of the Finger Lakes during your getaway! Whether you’re on a romantic trip with your loved one or simply want a one-of-a-kind experience, a hot air balloon ride is the perfect way to spend a morning or evening. There are some stellar companies offering great hot air balloon rides in the Finger Lakes, NY. Discover our picks for the best places to enjoy a ride in the region.

These hot air balloon rides in the Finger Lakes, NY, are just the beginning of an incredible adventure! There are so many other wonderful things to do in the region. Download our free Vacation Guide to get a full list of our recommendations. Our Vacation Guide has everything from the best wineries and restaurants in the region to the best hiking trails! Download it today to get started.

Enjoy the Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in the Finger Lakes, NY

Liberty Balloon Company

Founded in 1977, Liberty Balloon Company is a family-friendly company that’s been flying the Finger Lakes for 40 years. They have four launch sites: Letchworth, Canandaigua, Deer Run Winery, and the Genesco Airport. Liberty Balloon Company has an amazing selection of packages, from their Standard Package that is $260 per person to the Ultimate Romance Package, which is $1295 per couple, a private ride for two and is the perfect opportunity for someone to propose! Browse their incredible selection of package and book.

Southern Tier Balloon Tours

If you’re staying in Ithaca, NY, near Cayuga Lake, you’ll definitely want to book with Southern Tier Balloon Tours. These flights depart twice a day, in the early morning after sunrise and soon after sunset. The wind is the most gentle at these times. If you’re looking for an incredible adventure, book the Finger Lakes Ultimate Package! It costs $1795 and includes a relaxing flight over Cayuga Lake, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne, and a history lesson of the region.

Balloons Over Letchworth

If you’re looking for hot air balloon rides near Letchworth State Park, there’s no better place to start than Balloons Over Letchworth. This is the only company allowed to launch from the park, and a ride with them includes outstanding views of Niagara Falls. The rides are only $285 per person, and they last about an hour.

High Hopes Balloon Company

If you’re wondering, “How can I find hot air balloon rides near me?” then High Hopes Balloon Company is the company for you! They have some of the most launch sites in the region. The rides are just $250 per passenger. You can also have a private flight for two for just $595. Their launch sites include off of Canandaigua Lake, Conesus Lake, and Gananda.

Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties

Now that you’ve decided on the best place to book hot air balloon rides in the Finger Lakes, NY, it’s time to reserve a rental home! Finger Lakes Premier Properties has the best selection of rentals in the region. You won’t be able to find a better inventory of lakefront homes anywhere else!

Consider booking Sunset Bay, a beautiful two-bedroom, one-bathroom rental near Cayuga Lake. This quaint, cozy cottage has everything you need to enjoy a wonderful getaway. Toast marshmallows at the fire pit or relax with a beautiful view of the lake on the covered deck.

Browse through our full selection of properties and book today! We look forward to having you.

4th of July Events in the Finger Lakes

 

Don’t miss out on all the 4th of July Events in the Finger Lakes!

Every town across America celebrates Independence Day with BBQ’s, parades, and fireworks. Here in the Finger Lakes, you can get all of that and then some.

Our region is booming with fantastic events to enhance your July 4th vacation at the lake! Check out some of our local favorites below then reserve your vacation rental today!

Book your July 4th home at the best rate possible by calling our local vacation planners at (855) 629-1625.

View All Rentals!

How to celebrate the 4th like a local – The Fly-in Breakfast!

July 4th Events in the Finger Lakes

Join in on the annual July 4th Fly-in/Drive-In Breakfast at the Penn Yan airport in the heart of the beautiful Finger Lakes Wine Country. This is one of the longest continuing and largest breakfasts anywhere in the country.

 

 

Located at the Penn Yan Airport overlooking Keuka Lake.
2487 Bath Road, CR-17, Penn Yan, NY 14527  

  • Serving from 6:30 am to 11:30 am.
  • Breakfast – Adults $10, children $5
  • Scenic airplane and helicopter rides for purchase.
  • Static airplane displays.
  • Musical entertainment by the Dundee Steel Drum Band.
  • Jet Blue Round Trip Airfare Raffle.

For questions please call: (607) 292-6485

Celebrate Our Independence On Cayuga Lake!

Cayuga Lake Fireworks     July 4th Events in the Finger Lakes

  • Fireworks Celebration on July 3rd – 6:00 pm at Stewart Park with food, entertainment, and activities.
  • Fireworks – Stewart Park at 9:30 pm on July 3rd (Rain date July 5th).
  • Myers Park – Fireworks on June 30th at 9:30 pm.
  • Americana Vineyards Birthday BBQ Bash 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm on July 7th finishing with fireworks at 10:00 pm.
  • July 4th Celebration – Vine’s Park-Corner of 318 and 5&20 beginning at 4:00 pm-food, games and fun for all, finishing with fireworks at dark.
  • The Boat Yard Grill – BBQ, MUSIC, FIREWORKS – July 3rd starting at 7:00 pm and going to 10:00 pm.

 

Americana Vineyards 4th of July BBQ Bash!

July 7th – 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm July 4th Events in the Finger Lakes

Pack up family & friends and join Americana Vineyards for the biggest party of the summer!  Great food, drink, music and fun all day, topped off by a full-blown fireworks finale at 10:00 pm! Admission $5 adults, kids under 13 free!

All You Need To Know For Your 4th!

Canandaigua Lake  July 4th Events in the Finger Lakes

  • 10:00 AM Parade on Main Street – Parade will go south on Main Street from the County Court House to Lakeshore Drive on July 4th.
  • 3:00 PM Community Picnic at Kershaw Park – Live Music begins at 6:00 PM in the gazebo on July 4th.
  • 9:45 PM Fireworks at Kershaw Park (North end of the lake) on July 4th.
  • Craft & Climb at Bristol Ariel Adventures on July 3rd from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
  • July 4th BBQ at Bristol Mountain Ariel Adventures – Enjoy a complimentary hot dog and refreshments after your climb on the 4th from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Click here to see what rentals are available on Canandaigua Lake.

 

Keuka Lake  July 4th Events in the Finger Lakes 

  • Fly-in/drive-in breakfast on July 4th from 6:30 am to 11:30 am at the Penn Yan Airport.
  • Fire Department Chicken BBQ in Branchport at 12:00 pm on July 4th.
  • Branchport Parade at 2:00 pm on July 4th.
  • Boat Parade starts in Branchport on July 3rd at 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
  • Fireworks at 10:00 pm in Branchport on July 4th.
  • July 5th to the 7th Fireman’s Carnival in Hammondsport.
  • Fireworks on Saturday, July 7th at 10:00 pm in Hammondsport.
  • The Windmill Farm & Craft Market is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on July 4th.
  • Bake sale from 9:00 am until its all gone on July 4th in Branchport.
  • PJ Elliott LIVE at The Switzerland Inn on Keuka Lake on July 4th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Click here to see what rentals are available on Keuka Lake.

 

Seneca Lake  July 4th Events in the Finger Lakes

  • Carnival – July 3rd Geneva American Legion – gates open at 6:00 pm.
  • Firework Show – July 3rd Geneva American Legion at 10:00 pm.
  • Fireworks Friday, July 6th in Watkins Glen at Clute Park at 9:30 pm.
  • Sail on “True Love” for an unforgettable sunset sail! Lucky Hare Brewing will be offering tastings on board! Appetizers will be provided – July 3rd at 6:30 pm.
  • Lakewood Vineyards – Do It Yourself Steak Dinner – on July 7th – $84/ couple includes a bottle of wine. Please call the winery at 607-535-9252 for reservations.

Click here to see what rentals are available on Seneca Lake.

 

Conesus Lake – July 3rd 10:00 pm lake residents set up road flares along the beach for the ring of fire. Free fireworks display at the north end of the lake at dusk.

Honeoye Lake – Fireworks on July 3rd from Sandy Bottom Beach Park at the North end of the lake at dark.

Owasco Lake – Sunday, July 3rd at Emerson Park at the North end of the lake. Featuring 8:00 pm concert and fireworks starting at dusk. Parking at the park is $5.00 per car.

Get the Inside Scoop on the Finger Lakes Trail

If you’re looking for the ultimate Finger Lakes hiking experience, you’re in luck! The Finger Lakes Trail is an outstanding system of paths that wind through the region. This system contains the main trail, which is 580 miles long, and six branch trails as well as 29 loop trails and spur trails, which total 412 miles. In total, there are over 1,000 miles of gorgeous hiking, making it the longest continuous footpath in the state of New York. Discover what you need to know about this great system of trails.

Before you hike the Finger Lakes Trail, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant or cafe. Download our free Vacation Guide to get a complete list of our favorite eateries in town. Finger Lakes is quickly becoming home to one of the hottest food scenes in the country. Experience the best of this slice of foodie paradise when you visit any of the great places on our Vacation Guide. Download it today!

About the Finger Lakes Trail

The Finger Lakes Trail network was first conceptualized in 1961 when Wallace “Wally” Wood went hiking on the Appalachian Trail. He wanted to take that concept back to New York, with a hiking trail that winds through the southern section of the state. In 1962, his vision came to life, and the Finger Lakes Trail Conference was formed.

The Finger Lakes Trail system is, first and foremost, an outstanding example of the passion that local residents have for hiking and preserving our natural features. The trail network is maintained by volunteers from 15 organizations and about 60 sponsors.

Lace up Your Hiking Boots

So how long is the Finger Lakes Trail? With so many branch trails and loops, it can be difficult to measure out the exact length. Most people estimate it around 1,000 miles, give or take. The trail runs through eight state parks: Allegany, Darien Lakes, Letchworth, Watkins Glen, Robert H. Treman, Buttermilk Falls, Bowman Lake, and Oquaga Creek. If you’re staying in a vacation home from Finger Lakes Premier Properties, you’ll want to visit Letchworth, Watkins Glen, or Buttermilk Falls State Park. These sites are near Consensus Lake, Seneca Lake, and Cayuga Lake, respectively.

If you want a more comprehensive guide of the Finger Lakes trail, mile by mile, check out the Finger Lakes Trail Conservation’s website! They have a great interactive map which shows each segment of the trail.

Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties

If you’re planning to hike the Finger Lakes Trail, be sure to book a vacation home from Finger Lakes Premier Properties. You won’t find a better selection of lakeside houses from any other rental management company. No matter the size of your group or the reason for your visit, you’ll find just what you need in our inventory.

Consider booking Dean Lake House, a property that is just a four-minute drive from Watkins Glen State Park. This four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is perched on the edge of the lake and is perfect for hikers. You’ll love soaking in the Jacuzzi tub after a day of exploring, or enjoying the view of Seneca Lake from the veranda.

Take a look at our full selection of homes and book today! We look forward to having you.

3 of the Best Things to do on a Finger Lakes Family Vacation

The most special and cherished memories are made on family vacations. There is something just so wonderful about enjoying a change of scenery with the ones you love. Planning the itinerary for a trip with the family, however, isn’t always easy, especially if you’re unfamiliar with an area. We can help! Here are some of our top kid-friendly places to visit, perfect for your Finger Lakes family vacation!

Are you looking for some great restaurants to dine at during your Finger Lakes family vacation? Download our free Vacation Guide! We’ve listed some of the best restaurants, wineries, and breweries in the region. Yes, you’ll even find some kid-friendly wineries too! The Finger Lakes is quickly becoming known as one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the United States. Experience it all when you visit! Download our free Vacation Guide to start planning your food tour of the region.

Plan Your Finger Lakes Family Vacation

Visit a Museum

Upstate New York is a region that is rich with history, which means that there are plenty of great museums and historic sites to add to your Finger Lakes itinerary with kids. Learn about transportation at the Finger Lakes Boating Museum or the Glen H. Curtiss Aviation Museum. If you’re a lover of art, visit the Johnson Museum of Art, which is associated with Cornell University. There’s also the Arts Center of Yates County, the Rockwell Museum of Art (which is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute) and the many sites on the Finger Lakes Art Trail. Museums are a great option for days with inclement weather, as they are one of the best indoor activities in the Finger Lakes.

Visit a Farmers Market

Great restaurants mean that there are some fantastic local farms supplying them with ingredients. Enjoy the produce for yourself by visiting a farmers market! The Canandaigua Farmers Market is smaller, only hosting around 30 vendors who live near town. It is the only farmer-run market in Ontario County and features fruit, vegetables, flowers, meats, and eggs. The Ithaca Farmers Market has been around since 1973, with over 160 members. This market has everything from prepared meals to artisanal gifts. You can shop for dinner and for a souvenir in one handy spot! The Windmill is another great option, with around 100 vendors selling produce and crafts. You’ll often get to hear live music or see performances during your visit.

Have an Adventure

If you’re looking for something a bit more thrilling, head to Bristol Mountain Aerial Aventures! They offer four different experiences at the park. The first is a zipline canopy tour, which will give you the most incredible view of the Finger Lakes. Next is the Aerial Adventure Park at Bristol Mountain, which features different courses, each with varying levels of difficulty. There’s the Kid’s Adventure Park, making this a great attraction for anyone traveling to the Finger Lakes with a toddler. In October, you can enjoy the Scaerial Adventures, which features some spooky courses!

Roseland Wake Park is a great summertime attraction. You can learn how to wakeboard in a safe environment. It’s the only full-sized cable wakeboarding park in the Northeast, so take advantage of it while you’re in the area!

Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties

A key part of planning any Finger Lakes family vacation is booking the most beautiful, comfortable, and spacious accommodations. Finger Lakes Premier Properties has the most incredible selection of rental homes in the region. No longer do you have to sacrifice privacy and comfort on your annual getaway! Book one of our stunning rentals and stay in luxury.

Consider booking Little Placid Lodge, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom property that’s perfect for a family traveling! Enjoy the view from the balcony or roasting marshmallows in the fire pit in the yard.

Check out our full selection of homes and book today! We look forward to having you.

Owning a Lake House and What You Need to Know

Are you debating the pros and cons of a lake house? We can help make up your mind! For many people, owning a lake house is the next big step after purchasing a car and primary home. However, buying a lake lot is a big investment and is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Unless you’ve had years of experience in owning and managing secondary properties, you’re going to need some help sorting through the ins and outs. A good vacation management company is just what you need! So whether you just bought a lake house or reading this before buying, we can help set you up for success!

The Basics of Owning a Lake House

Questions to Ask When Buying a Lake Property

Before you jump into searching for the perfect home, ask yourself this: what are your plans for this property when you’re not using it? We all dream of escaping to the lake every weekend and relaxing by the pool. However, the reality tends to be very different. It’s like a gym membership; some people are diligent about taking full advantage of their lake house, but others can let it go by the wayside. Often, the solution to this is taking an honest look at your busy seasons and when you’re available to vacation there. Then, during the months where you are not using the lake house, consider renting it out to vacationers.

The second question you need to ask yourself is whether you have the time to commit to maintaining your property. Even the most stunning waterfront property is going to look shabby next to an overgrown lawn. If you’re not able to use the lake house year-round, or you don’t want to spend half of your time at the lake house cleaning, consider scheduling regular maintenance from a company that specializes in vacation homes. Finger Lakes Premier Properties has its own staff of experts who will treat your lake property with care and attention it deserves. From basic housekeeping to more extensive maintenance, we cover it all!

Is a Lake House a Good Investment?

Just with any other topic on the subject, the answer to this question is a firm “maybe.” If you plan on purchasing a lake house with the intention of reselling it for a profit, consider trends of vacation areas. The best places to buy a lake house today may be out of your budget and make turning a profit on it difficult. However, there are up-and-coming areas of the country that are becoming more popular. The Finger Lakes region is a great example of this. While the beauty of this area isn’t a secret to New Yorkers and some Canadians, out-of-state travelers looking for a destination may not be aware of this region. As the Finger Lakes becomes a more popular and desired place to visit, the home value will go up.

On the other hand, if you plan on making a return on your home through renting it out to guests, the success of your investment can depend on many things. You may have a beautiful home in a hot location, but if you don’t have good advertising, you won’t get guests. You might have good advertising, but you’re unsure what a fair price is and you’re either not getting guests because you’re charging too much, or you’re not charging enough and losing profits.

Again, a vacation rental management company (like Finger Lakes Premier Property) can help you with every aspect of owning a lakefront property. From setting the price to advertising, a good management company will be there for you in any way they can. Remember, we want this to be a good long-term investment for the both of us.

Manage Your Home with Finger Lakes Premier Properties

Are you ready to experience owning a lake house? Finger Lake Premier Properties is ready to help you through this process. We offer real estate services to help you find the home of your dream, as well as vacation rental management services that will assist you in turning a profit on your house.

Still wondering if buying a lake home is a good idea? Give us a call or contact us through this form! We look forward to hearing from you.

Top 6 Frustrations of Vacation Rental Homeowners

…and how Finger Lakes Premier Properties can help!

On the surface, jumping into the vacation rental business seems like a no-brainer for open-minded homeowners. Fluff the pillows, snap a few photos, list on a booking site, and collect the cash… done. At Finger Lakes Premier Properties (FLPP), we often hear about the frustrations homeowners have with maintaining their vacation rental themselves. The good news, we are here to help! We’ve outlined the top 6 frustrations below to inform prospective vacation rental owners, and to reaffirm current owners that they are not alone.

Problem #1: How do I determine my rental rates? Do they need to change? If so, how often and by how much?

FLPP has the solution: FLPP offers a Yield Management program at no cost to you! This optional program provides a systematic adjustment of pricing and length of stay designed to drive occupancy and revenue based on your home’s characteristics and demand. When a new reservation is secured you will receive a confirmation. Each confirmation includes the rate the guest was charged for their stay. FLPP offers an online Owner Portal for all the need-to-know information about your home! For example, it provides access to your year to date income, a dashboard of income and expenses for a given time period, and access to the rental calendar. Making an Owner Reservation from this portal is quick and easy!

Problem #2: I am no longer able to complete a screening process through third-party booking sites.

FLPP has the solution: FLPP’s screening process ensures that the guest’s expectations are met/exceeded. This screening communicates our policies and procedures with prospective guests who must sign a rental agreement to complete the booking. FLPP speaks to all of our guests by phone to ensure age limits are met, pet policies are understood, and that parking and occupancy requirements are understood.

Problem #3: I am spending hours cleaning, maintaining, and completing maintenance tasks at the property on turn over day.

FLPP has the solution: We can help! We offer a turn-key full-service option. Our services ensure our owner’s properties are well cared for at all times. We take pride in the quality and consistency of our cleaning and maintenance services. Our services are tailored to ensure our owners and vacationing guests achieve their goals.

Problem #4: I have had untimely payments after a guest has stayed.

FLPP has the solution: FLPP provides owners with monthly statements by the 10th of each month, or the bank’s next business day. Statements provide a summary of your rental proceeds along with any expenses or charges from the previous month.

Problem #5: The third-party booking sites are not always responsive in answering my questions.

FLPP has the solution: FLPP has a dedicated team in the Owner Services Department. They are here as your advocate! They can answer questions, accept any feedback or comments related to your home, reservations, or guests. We respond within 24 – 48hrs, 7 days a week to all questions.

Problem #6: Third-party booking sites do not provide a 24/7 helpdesk to my guests.

FLPP has the solution: For your convenience, we provide 24/7 guest services year-round by phone. You will no longer need to be available to answer guest calls during their stay. Our Penn Yan office is staffed 7 days a week. During the summer we are open 9:00 am – 8:00 pm (all week) and 9:00 am – 5:00 pm during the off-season (Monday – Friday).

There are millions of successful vacation rental homeowners around the globe, and not all of them use a property management company. Your level of knowledge and effort determines your success. As the leading vacation rental company in the region, we want to ensure the demands of entering the industry are understood by every homeowner, whether or not they partner with us.

Ultimately, you’re responsible for a family’s lodging and become the backbone of their entire vacation. This is a huge responsibility. At FLPP, we have full-time employees for housekeeping, maintenance, guest services, reservations. Anything a guest could possibly need is a phone call away, and we’re always happy to help.

Finger Lakes Premier Properties has been in the vacation rental business for 25 years. Contact us today at (877-386-6022), or via email at newowners@flpplake.com, for information about our property management program.

How to Have a Great Day at Buttermilk Falls State Park

If you’re staying near Cayuga Lake and you’d like to hike some of the most gorgeous and well-maintained trails in the Finger Lakes region! Buttermilk Falls State Park, near southern Ithaca, is a fantastic summertime destination. With plenty of swimming, hiking, and a gorgeous waterfall, it’s no wonder why. Discover everything you need to know before visiting the park during your stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties.

Are you looking for more trails to explore, like the ones found at Buttermilk Falls State Park? Download our free Vacation Guide! It’s the best resource for new visitors to the Finger Lakes region. Inside, you’ll find our picks for the best restaurants, shops, attractions, museums, historic sites, and more! Are you planning on going on a Finger Lakes wine tour? Our Vacation Guide has the best wineries and vineyards in the region. Plan your trip in no time when you use our free Vacation Guide! Download it today.

Visit Buttermilk Falls State Park

Buttermilk Falls State Park is open all year-round, though it is an especially popular spot in the summer thanks to the wonderful swimming and hiking opportunities found in the park. There is an $8 vehicle fee to enter the park, as well as fees for reserving the shelters or cabins. Use of the popular swimming area and hiking trails, however, it completely fee-free!

Hike the Trails

Buttermilk Falls State Park contains almost five miles of hiking trails, most interconnected, ranging from easy to difficult. In total, hiking the main waterfall trails will take you about an hour. One of the most popular hikes is along the Gorge Trail. Though a strenuous hike, this trail will lead you past the rushing falls and up the stone staircases to an outstanding view. This trail is only open from early May to early November.

Spend the Day Swimming

When you see the designated swimming area in Buttermilk Falls State Park, you might feel as though you were transported back to the days of rope swings and swimming holes. The falls create a natural pool at its base, allowing guests to take a leisurely swim in the calm waters while enjoying a view of the gorgeous falls.

Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties

After your visit to Buttermilk Falls State Park, return to a beautiful rental home from Finger Lakes Premier Properties! We have an incredible selection of properties around seven of the Finger Lakes. Whether you’re looking for pet-friendly rentals or specific amenities, you can find your dream rental in our inventory. Many of our houses include hot tubs, non-motorized watercrafts, or docks attached to the property that are free for the guest’s use!

If you’re looking for a way to save during your Finger Lakes getaway, take a look at our many specials. We are always updating our deals, so be sure to check before you book your stay in order to save big on your reservation!

Take a look at our full selection of properties and book your home today. We look forward to having you.