There is so much beauty to discover during your stay in the Finger Lakes region! From hiking trails along the Finger Lakes gorge to kayaking trips, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy. It’s no wonder one of the favorite local activities is hiking! Discover our favorite parks where you can find some of the best Finger Lakes waterfalls!
We’ve listed a couple of our favorite NY state parks with waterfalls, but there’s so much more to enjoy during your stay. Download our free Vacation Guide for a full list of the best state parks, hiking trails, watersport rentals, restaurants, and FLX attractions in the area. Find out for yourself why the Finger Lakes region of New York is the best place for your lake vacation.
Visit the Best Finger Lakes Waterfalls
Taughannock Falls State Park
Enjoy over five miles of Finger Lakes trails when you visit the waterfall at Taughannock Falls State Park. Aside from having the biggest gorge in Ithaca, NY, the Taughannock waterfall is the tallest in New York State.
You’ll be able to get the best views from the park’s rim trails, specifically the North Rim Trail and the Gorge Trail. The North Rim Trail is over a mile long and follows the gorge’s northern rim. This path leads to the main falls overlook.
The Gorge Trail is very easy and is less than one mile long. It leads to a viewing area at the base of the main waterfall and is open all year-round.
2. Cascadilla Gorge Trail
If you’re in town to visit Cornell University, make sure to take advantage of the gorgeous Cascadilla Gorge Trail. This famous path, which you can access from downtown Ithaca, has been impeccably restored and preserved, making it one of the easier trails to hike. In total, the trail runs just over one mile and features eight stunning waterfalls.
3. Watkins Glen State Park
A blog about Finger Lakes waterfalls isn’t complete without featuring Watkins Glen State Park! In total, this site features 19 waterfalls. Wind through beautiful stone staircases, bridges, and tunnels while hiking the waterfall trails. If you only have time to visit one of these sites, be sure to see the Watkins Glen waterfalls!
8. Buttermilk Falls State Park: Find out how Buttermilk Falls got its name when you see the flowing and foaming cascade as it flows towards Cayuga Lake.
Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties
There’s nothing better after a day of visiting Finger Lakes waterfalls than returning to a gorgeous vacation home. When you book with Finger Lakes Premier Properties, you can rest assured that you’ll be staying in luxurious accommodations with 24/7 customer service.
Consider booking Aurora Escape, a beautiful seven-bedroom, five-bathroom estate that is on the east side of Cayuga Lake. With Aurora Escape, you’ll be able to enjoy the proximity to Ithaca, NY, and the many wonderful nearby attractions while also resting peacefully with the quiet serenity of this lakeside retreat. This is a fantastic home for vacations with extended family or reunions with friends!
Are you wondering how you can keep your guests coming back year after year? Little touches make a big difference. Revisit your post season inspection that you had this past fall with our Owner Services Department and check some items off your list this Black Friday! Black Friday must haves for your rental below!
What most people don’t know is that vacation rentals go through more wear and tear than a standard family home. Updating these small items in your home each year will keep your rental fresh, comfortable, and convenient for your guests.
1. Bedding
Bedding, including mattress toppers, pillows, comforters, and quilts, are some of the most frequently replaced items for vacation rentals. Refreshing the linens is crucial for the aesthetics of the bedrooms. Guests value an up kept bedspread and will notice the condition in both the listing photos and upon arrival. Make sure you’re providing a great first impression!
65% OFF All Bedding
70% OFF Memory Foam Pillows and Toppers
70% OFF Charter Club Down Pillows
Lauren Ralph Lauren Pillows only $6.99, originally $20.00
Your rental should have a good collection of pots and pans for day-to-day cooking. Remember, keep in mind your property’s maximum occupancy when stocking your kitchen. If your home can accommodate 10 people or more, you’ll want to be sure you have a set of pots and pans sized to cook for such a large party. If your property is sized for 5 or less, you may want to forego the larger pots and pans and just have a standard size set. One thing many homeowners don’t think about is providing serving bowls or platters. Most families eat together on vacation and will need platters to put their perfectly grilled chicken on and large serving bowls for that delicious salad. Black Friday must haves for your rental below!
A common mistake in vacation rentals is not providing enough dishes to serve all the guests your property can sleep. Ideally, you should have twice the number of plates, bowls, and water glasses to accommodate your rental’s maximum capacity (e.g. If your property sleeps 5, you should have at least 10 plates). It makes it much easier for guests if they can serve a complete meal even if a few dishes are already loaded in the dishwasher.
We recommend investing in matching dishware, silverware, and glassware from a common household goods store such as Target, Walmart, or Kohl’s. You’ll be able to easily replace broken items with matching ones, and your dinnerware will be attractive but inexpensive.
Finally, remember the needs of your guests traveling with children if you intend to attract families. Parents will be grateful if you provide, sippy cups and children’s dinnerware for their little ones.
Food Network 16-pc. dinnerware set service for 4 only $42.49, originally $119.99.
Corelle 12 pc. dinnerware set service for 4 only $49.99, originally $84.99.
A coffee maker is an extremely common amenity in most hotel rooms, and your guests will expect you to have one in your rental. In addition, Some homeowners also invest in a K-cup machine such as a Keurig, which requires less maintenance and is easier for renters to use.
Mr. Coffee 12-cup Coffee Maker only $9.96.
Keurig K-Compact Brewer Black only $40, originally $59.
When you host families, there are bound to be leftovers. And just like any home, you may notice there are a plethora of unmatched storage containers in the pantry. Simplify the cooking experience for your guests with new storage containers.
Anchor Hocking 30-pc. Glass Set only $20.
Mainstays 60-pc. Meal Prep Storage Set only $7.
Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Storage Set 38-pc. only $7.
Here are more Black Friday must haves for your rental below!
Want to take it a step further than just updating the essentials? Purchase one of these items below to enhance your vacation rental listing and your guests stay! Attract new guests with new features in 2020!
6. Appliances
Most rentals already installed the essential appliances, so we’ll assume you have these in place. Be sure they’re all easy to use and that they still work properly – we’ve seen plenty of rental experiences ruined because an outdated oven runs hot and ruins someone’s family meal. Black Friday must haves for your rental below!
Frigidaire 34-Bottle Wine Chiller only $199, originally $399.
LG 48-Decibel Dishwasher only $399, originally $699.
Frigidaire Easy Care Stainless Steel 25.5-cu ft side by side refrigerator only $799, originally $1,299.
Maytag 3.8-cu ft washer and 7-cu ft Electric Dryer, only $398 ea., originally $699 ea.
While many people vacation in the Finger Lakes to get a break from reality and enjoy the outdoor scenery, they still appreciate the convenience technology offers. This is especially true of the millennial generation who are spending more of their disposable income on vacations.
Guests appreciate smart TVs with cable or a movie streaming service to relax at night, such as Roku. Besides entertainment, a TV contributes to the overall atmosphere and helps your guests feel more at home. If you already have one TV in the living room, you may consider placing additional TVs in each bedroom.
Is your rental lacking a focal point to draw visitors to stay at your rental? Are you wishing for more year-round bookings? Creating a game room or adding entertainment to a common area or empty garage could catch the eyes of a new demographic of guests. Purchase one of these inexpensive games and draw in those family reunion stays and sports junkies. Your rental could be an entertainers paradise. Black Friday must haves for your rental below!
Foosball/Soccer Game Table only $282.14.
3-in-1 7 foot Game Table only $701.23, originally $949.99.
If you are like the people vacationing in the Finger Lakes, you probably chose your vacation spot for the outdoor spaces to savor the scenery. If you want to increase bookings, create an enjoyable outdoor atmosphere for your guests.
One way you can do this is to provide outside furniture. However, throwing a few wooden chairs out in a yard that receives direct sunlight probably isn’t going to do the trick. Instead, you may want to invest in plush furniture that is both comfortable and decorative, but durable enough to withstand the elements. Perhaps some comfy cushions or a recliner would be appropriate so that guests can unwind and relax. It will have them craving your outdoor patio all year round!
When it comes to amenities, do not skimp. Amenities are all those extra things that put the cherry on top. Even the smallest things can make or break a guest’s experience which can affect reviews and repeat visits.
FLPP includes the traditional amenities but you may wish to throw in additional amenities such as a universal charger and adapter to eliminate the fears of travelers who forgot their own.
However, remember that guests are vacationing in the Finger Lakes. If you want to increase bookings, consider adding lake-specific amenities such as paddleboats or kayaks as part of the vacation rental. Another amenity guests look for is a hot tub, especially our year-round renters. In addition to the extra draw, you will be able to increase rates as well. Black Friday must haves for your rental below!
Click below to see the complete list of all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals. If shopping in stores isn’t your thing, then purchase your items on Cyber Monday and have them shipped right to us. We will make sure they are put in your rental and ready for your next guests arriving.
Small Business Saturday is November 30! Change up your
shopping routine this year and support your favorite local Finger Lakes
businesses. Our small town shops are full of handcrafted goods, unique art, and
highly personal gifts for anyone on your list – especially the Finger Lakes fan
in your life!
Here are a few promos and events you won’t want to miss this
Small Business Saturday:
Is it any wonder that the Finger Lakes is a prime region for fishing in the United States? When you add the 11 gorgeous Finger Lakes, plus all the smaller ponds, streams, and rivers, you get an angler’s dream trip! Find out everything you need to know for the ultimate Finger Lakes fishing trip!During your Finger Lakes fishing trip, be sure to enjoy the many other things this region has to offer. Download our free Vacation Guide to get a full list of local recommendations. From museums to restaurants, you’ll find a little bit of everything in our Vacation Guide.
Finger Lakes Fishing: Your Ultimate Guide
Which Finger Lake Has the Best Fishing?
If you were to ask a handful of local anglers about the best lake for fishing, it’s pretty likely that you’d get a variety of answers. Each of the 11 Finger Lakes is pretty well-stocked, with a great variety of fish living in the waters.
What Kind of Fish Are In the Finger Lakes?
Seneca Lake is best for lake trout fishing, and is also known as, “The Lake Trout Capital of the World.” Keuka Lake also has a phenomenal selection of trout, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and landlocked salmon. The Finger Lakes offer an abundance of smallmouth and largemouth bass, yellow perch, and northern pike as well.
Most of the lakes are considered two-story fisheries, meaning that they contain cold water and warm water species. Where you go for fishing depends on what you’re hoping to catch and your preference.
When Is the Best Time to Fish in the Finger Lakes?
Fishing is a year-round activity in the Finger Lakes. During the summer, the weather is ideal for anyone wishing to spend the day on a boat in the middle of a peaceful lake.
In the winter, ice fishing is a popular activity.
Do the Finger Lakes Freeze?
Though some of the larger lakes, like Cayuga, may not freeze completely over, there are sections of most of the lakes near the shoreline that provide great ice fishing. The only lake that doesn’t freeze is Seneca Lake.
Finger Lakes Fishing Regulations
Before you head out on your day of fishing, be sure to check the regulations for the Finger Lakes. 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.
Where to Book a Finger Lakes Fishing Charter
Visitors unfamiliar with the Finger Lakes should consider booking a local fishing charter. A great option is Summit to Stream Adventures. Captain Mark offers charters on Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, and Keuka Lake. The charters last for five hours and cost $350 for up to five people. A fishing license is required for all charters.
Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties
However you decide to enjoy Finger Lakes fishing, be sure to return to a gorgeous home from Finger Lakes Premier Properties. We have an incredible selection of rentals on seven of the 11 Finger Lakes. Consider booking one of the homes with non-motorized water crafts, like kayaks or canoes. These crafts make it easy to get out on the water quickly!
Consider renting Stonepoint, a six-bedroom, three-bathroom home that can accommodate up to 18 guests. This spacious property is perfect for vacations with groups of friends of the extended family. The yard features a dock, which is perfect for fishing. You won’t even need to leave the property!
When it comes to winter, there are two types of lakefront homeowners – those who weather the storms and those who head for warmer water. If you own or are considering buying a lake house, but not interested in sticking around for the Finger Lakes snowfall, you’ll need to winterize your home.
Winterization protects your lakefront asset and forces you
to understand your home, inside and out. Plus, you’ll return to fewer
maintenance issues, so you can jump right into summer.
Properly prepare for winter and check these items off your
to-do list:
Visit the Grand Canyon of the East and enjoy an exciting rafting trip! Letchworth State Park is one of the most scenic, stunning sites in New York State. That’s why it was voted one of the best attractions in the state! Aside from the fantastic hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing opportunities in the park, one of the most popular activities is the white water rafting. Enjoy miles of rapids when you go white water rafting in the Finger Lakes! Before you put your water shoes on and hop onto the nearest raft, do your research on the best things to do in the Finger Lakes region. We’ve crafted a complimentaryVacation Guide to the Finger Lakes to ensure you have the best time on your vacation this year.
Where to Go White Water Rafting in the Finger Lakes
Letchworth State Park
The main river that runs through Letchworth State Park is the Genesee, a 22-mile-long stream. Rapids form in several parts of the river, but are mild in most places. The river is perfect for rafting novices or anyone looking for a more gentle ride.
The easiest way for an out-of-towner to raft the river is to hire a guide. Adventure Calls Outfitters, Inc. in Castile, NY, offers tours from April to the end of October.
You can also rent a wetsuit for just $7, which is necessary for the spring and fall to combat the chilly water temperature. Make sure to bring $10 for the gate fee to enter Letchworth State Park.
Other Things to do in Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park features some truly gorgeous views, ready to be discovered by you and your crew! One of the major highlights of the park is that it features three major waterfalls along the river.
If you enjoy birdwatching, be sure to visit the Letchworth BCA (bird conservation area) that is located within the park. This area attracts everything from thousands of Canada Geese in the winter to songbirds in the summer.
The park also offers the perfect setting for history and performing arts programs, guided walks, tours, a summer lecture series, a pool for swimming, and hot air ballooning.
If you’re interested in learning more about the flora and fauna of the area, attend one of the many educational events and lectures at the park.
They host everything from nature walks to birdwatching excursions. Check their calendar before visiting to make sure you don’t miss out!
Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties
After your day of white water rafting at Letchworth State Park, return to your rental properties from Finger Lakes Premier Properties. We have the most incredible selection of homes on seven of the lakes, including Conesus Lake, which is close to the park.
Consider booking Waterside Cottage, a gorgeous three-bedroom, one-bathroom home that is located on the west side of Conesus Lake. It is less than an hour away from Letchworth State Park and offers an adult kayak as well as two child-size kayaks available to renters.
Take a look at our full catalog of homes and book today! We look forward to having you.
Vacation rentals may feel like a new trend, but the short-term rental industry has been around for decades in destinations worldwide, including the Finger Lakes. With third party booking sites, like VRBO and AirBnb making vacation rentals more popular and plentiful than ever before, its important to explore what responsible renting looks like and how short-term rentals can continue to add value to our region.
Here are just a few of the ways that the Finger Lakes benefit from vacation rentals:
Vacation rentals uphold the lake culture of our communities.
The Finger Lakes are a traditional summer vacation destination. Our shorelines are lined with seasonal homes and cottages, where families have experienced lake life together for generations. Short-term rentals support the culture of our lake communities, extended stays in the region, and the need for more property tax revenue.
Vacation rentals supplement hotel room supply.
Local hotels book up fast for peak season. Short-term rentals not only supplement hotel room supply, but can better accommodate larger groups and niche travelers. Finger Lakes Premier Properties has hosted over 80,000 guests since 2015. The more tourists our region can lodge, the more we encourage economic growth for local businesses and communities.
Vacation rentals keep family homes in the family.
Short-term rental income makes it possible for families to afford the increasing costs associated with owning a lake house. This allows the tradition of gathering at the lake to continue for years to come.
Vacation rentals support property values.
In 2018, 32% of investment property owners planned on renting their home as a short-term rental, up 24% from 2017. The demand for lakefront homes is growing because of increased demand for short-term rentals.
Vacation rentals create opportunity.
Short-term rentals make the lakefront experience affordable and accessible to everyone. Families have private, recreational access to the water, regardless of whether they have the means to live on the lake. In addition, the vacation rental industry creates a variety of skilled and unskilled jobs throughout the region.
What does Responsible Renting look like?
Vacation rentals managed by professional property managers add significant value to the community by expanding the tax base and attracting direct and indirect spending in our area. Unfortunately, popular listing sites have portrayed the ease of owning a vacation rental without highlighting the importance of managing the experience for the guest, owner, and local community. Read more about what responsible renting looks like here.
To learn more about professional property management services for your short-term rental, visit our website.
