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!

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!

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.

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

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.

Book Now!

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.

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

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!

Here Are the Best Things to Do in Corning, NY

Experience America’s Most Fun Small Town when you explore Corning in the southern Finger Lakes region. From glass blowing to hiking to wine tasting, there’s never a shortage of things to do in Corning, NY! But, if you do decide to venture away from this fun-filled town for a little bit (since it’s close to places like Keuka Lake or Watkins Glen), make sure to take a look at our free Vacation Guide to the Finger Lakes. It includes local favorites when it comes to the best restaurants, attractions, outdoor adventures, and wine trails along the lakes.

Things to Do in Corning, NY

History, Art, and Culture in Corning

Corning Museum of Gass

It’s something we use every day, but do you understand what goes into the making of glass? It’s a fascinating process that you have to see for yourself! Corning Museum of Glass offers live glass demos any time or day of the week, or you can explore the art galleries that date back centuries.

Once you’re ready to try your hand at glassworking, you can make your own beautiful glass art. With a hands-on glass blowing lesson, make an intricate ornament, bead, pendant, or tumbler to remember your time in Corning. Or, give someone the perfect glass art gift!

Heritage Village

Step into history and explore the Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes. The historic area all started with the Benjamin Patterson Inn in 1796 and continued to expand as several other buildings joined the village. You can take a one-hour guided tour, and discover the Browntown Schoolhouse, Cooley Blacksmith Shop, garden, general store, and more.

Outdoor Recreation in Corning

Spencer Crest Nature Center

Looking for a little bit of fresh air and sunshine? You can explore 250 acres of natural systems and displays at Spencer Crest Nature Center. Walk the dog on some of their gorgeous hiking trails, visit the museum, or try x-country skiing in the winter months!

Food and Wine in Corning

Gaffer District

Explore downtown Corning, New York, and visit Gaffer District. This delightful area has some of the best small businesses, Instagrammable streetscapes, restaurants, and boutiques.

Chocolate Trail

The first thing you need to do in the Gaffer District for anyone with a sweet tooth is travel the Chocolate Trail. For blocks, you can encounter the most decadent and delectable chocolate in all of Corning. If your mind is limited to believing chocolate is only for eating, think again! On the Chocolate Trail, you’ll also discover chocolate soap, cigars, and mixed drinks!

There may be tons of trails to look out for in the Finger Lakes – chocolate trails, hiking trails, cheese trails, but one of the most popular Finger Lakes trails are the wine trails! Finger Lakes wine country is a must, so make sure to check out the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and Keuka Lake Wine Trail for the finest wine in New York!

Relax in a Luxury Finger Lakes Vacation Rental

Unwind after a day of exploring the charming town of Corning in a luxury Finger Lakes Vacation Rental. Our vacation homes are the best place to rest your head and recharge before a new day of lake adventures. We offer gorgeous lakefront rentals in New York that allow you to be close to the best outdoor recreation, shopping, and historic sites. So, what are you waiting for? Check our availability and start planning your dream lake-cation today!

4th of July Events in the Finger Lakes – 2020

We have updated information for July 4th, 2020 in a new blog post reflecting changes due to COVID-19.

Click Here for the Updated Blog

The Finger Lakes is bursting with exciting ways to make your Independence Day crackle — and this summer, we have a wealth of celebrations that will rocket your family to a whole new level of vacation fun. From the Waterfalls to beyond, here’s your guide to patriotic events in the Finger Lakes where you’re guaranteed to have a booming time this Fourth of July! Check out our list below of July 4th Finger Lakes events for 2020.

Conesus Lake – Friday, 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.

Conesus Lake Rentals

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

Honeoye Lake Rentals

Canandaigua Lake

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.

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

Canandaigua Lake Rentals

Keuka Lake

Fly-in/drive-in breakfast on July 4th – details below!
July 4th Red, White, and Blue 5k Run at 7:00 am at Branchport United Methodist Church.
Branchport Fire Department Chicken BBQ at 12:00 pm on July 4th.
Branchport Parade at 2:00 pm on July 4th Starts at Camp Good Days, ends at the Finger Lakes Museum ( Old Branchport Elementary School).
Enter your boat into The Boat Parade on July 5th. The parade starts at the Branchport end of the lake on Saturday, July 5th at 8:45 pm – it will head south along the west branch for an hour then cut over to the West Bluff and head back.
Fireworks at 10:00 pm in Branchport on July 4th.
July 4th – 6th Fireman’s Carnival in Hammondsport.
Fireworks on Saturday, July 5th at 10:00 pm in Hammondsport.
The Windmill Farm & Craft Market is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on Friday, July 4th.
Don’t miss the Annual St. Luke’s Church Bake Sale from 9:00 am until its all gone on July 4th at the 4 corners in Branchport.

The Fly-in Breakfast – Celebrate the 4th like a local!
2487 Bath Road, CR-17, Penn Yan, NY 14527

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 beautiful Keuka Lake.

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

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

Keuka Lake Rentals

Seneca Lake

Carnival – Friday, July 3rd Geneva American Legion – gates open at 6:00 pm.
Firework Show – Friday, July 3rd Geneva American Legion at 10:00 pm.
Fireworks Sunday, July 5th in Watkins Glen at Clute Park at 9:30 pm.

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

Seneca Lake Rentals

Cayuga Lake Fireworks

Fireworks Celebration on Friday, July 3rd – 6:00 pm at Stewart Park with food, entertainment, and activities.
Fireworks – Stewart Park at 9:30 pm on Friday, July 3rd (Rain date July 5th).
Myers Park – Fireworks on Monday, June 29th at 9:30 pm.
Americana Vineyards Birthday BBQ Bash 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm on Saturday, July 4th 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.

Americana Vineyards 4th of July Birthday BBQ Bash!

July 4th – 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm

5 local bands
7 local food vendors
4 local craft breweries + distilleries
Fireworks finale @ 10:00 pm

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!

Click below to browse our selection of Cayuga Lake rentals.

Cayuga Lake Rentals

From cozy lakeside cottages in tranquil neighborhoods, to large family reunion rentals situated near community restaurants and attractions. Our vacation rentals in the Finger Lakes can easily feel like a familiar home away from home. Here are the most exciting places in the Finger Lakes to celebrate Independence Day.

Book your July 4th home at the best rate by calling our local vacation planners at (844) 366-6992.