March 2021 - Finger Lakes Premier Properties Blog

Should You Visit the Finger Lakes in June?

Any time of the year is a great time for a lakecation, but the Finger Lakes in June is especially magical. The combination of exciting festivals and events combined with fun activities and gorgeous weather makes this time of year a magical potion made for success! For a handy guide to all of the best year-round attractions, make sure to request access to your own Vacation Guide to the Finger Lakes region. Our guide includes our favorite local restaurants, shops, outdoor recreation, and scenic areas so that you have access to local insight when putting together your trip itinerary.

Your Ultimate Guide to the Finger Lakes in June

Finger Lakes Weather in June

Kick Off Summer With Great Weather

You need to visit the Finger Lakes region in June because the weather is perfect! During the day, you can expect temperatures to hover just below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is ideal weather for all your outdoor adventures.

Activities You Should Do in June

Outdoor Recreation

The Finger Lakes part of New York state is known for being an outdoorsman’s paradise! The lakes offer a variety of state parks to explore. Watkins Glen State Park, Letchworth State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, and Keuka Lake State Park are just a few that you can choose from among at least 25 state parks in the area!

Each of these parks offers gorgeous scenery, a bit of history, and a ton of fun with hiking trails, biking trails, waterfalls, picnic areas, and swimming areas!

Finger Lakes Wine Trails

Taste local wines when you explore the different Finger Lakes Wine Trails, including Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Canandaigua Wine Trail, and Cayuga Lake Wine Trail! Travel the perimeters of the lakes, trying as many wines as you can! There’s a large selection of tasting rooms and vineyards all throughout the Finger Lakes, and you could plan a whole trip around wine tastings!

Where to Stay in June

The best place to stay in the Finger Lakes this summer is with Finger Lakes Premier Properties. Stay in a large vacation rental on a lake for the perfect FLX vacation in June! Our rentals offer top-notch amenities, like panoramic lake views, docks, complimentary kayaks and canoes, fire pits, game rooms, and much more! Plus, they’re close to the best attractions in the area so you can easily explore the state parks, shopping centers, restaurants, museums, and wineries.

Summer Memories is a great place for you and your family to stay as it features seven bedrooms and six-and-a-half baths! You’re sure to create the best memories here when you hang out in the air-conditioned gazebo, head out on the water with the paddleboat, or grill out on the propane BBQ grill.

Check our availability, and book this dream home today!

Best Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day From Your (Vacation) Home

Each Memorial Day we recognize the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country in grand, festive ways. This year will be different just like last year as we all sacrifice many of our traditions and find new ways to celebrate and remember the meaning of the holiday.

New York State continues to urge residents and visitors to practice responsible social distancing and where a mask when not seated in public. Keep the essence of Memorial Day alive this year with some of our recommended ways to celebrate from your Finger Lakes vacation home.

Plan Ahead for a Stocked Fridge

Any vacation and celebration is largely circled around delicious dishes, recipes, and sweet treats. There is no change there for this year, except to invite the extended family that couldn’t be there last year.

While you’re preparing your shopping list, take a list at our Memorial Day Pinterest board for some savory inspiration.

One great advantage of renting a vacation rental is that your accommodations come equipped with a kitchen. All of our rental home kitchens include dinnerware, silverware, bake ware, utensils, and even a grill to accommodate your meal serving needs. However, experiencing local fare when traveling is an expected vacation experience.

Don’t worry, even though last year you may not have been able to sit down in your favorite local diner or pub, this year you can! Click the links below for the local resources by lake:

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

Don’t forget the beverages!

Seneca Lake wine trail vacation rentals — Guest photo by Sandy B.

Our local wine trails, breweries and distilleries are offering tastings like normal. Be sure to check their website to see the max number of people allowed in your group and whether or not you need a reservation. Click on the link below for their resources:

Exploring the Finger Lakes

If you choose to leave your lakeside rental this Memorial Day weekend and explore some of the natural wonders of our region, please plan ahead.

No matter where you choose to trek, contacting the park ahead of time is recommended. Some parks have not reduced access or sometimes closed mid-day in order to eliminate overcrowding in popular settings.

For more information on where to go and the precautions parks are taking, click below.

Just Relax Lakeside

Seneca Lake vacation rental campfire — Guest photo by Tarun R.

You rented a lakeside vacation home, enjoy it! The lake itself provides plenty of entertainment for days. Take a look at the description of the vacation rental you reserved, and you may find some additional perks for added entertainment through your stay.

Many of our vacation rentals come with non-motorized watercraft including kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, etc. There is no better way to social distance than by being on the water! Better yet, pack a fishing pole and make sure your NYS Fishing License is ready for catching dinner from the lake.

Games rooms and lawn games are another feature to add some fun to your stay. However, not all rentals provide these. If your family has a favorite game for some friendly competition, make sure to bring it from home.

There is no better way to end each day then to gather around a campfire as the sun sets behind the rolling hills. Most of our rentals provide fire pits, but double check. You’ll also want to buy local wood on your way from either a roadside stand or grocery store. Remember that shopping list, don’t forget the s’mores!

You can always relax in one of our rentals knowing we have the most dependable cleaning standards. We are confident in our services and even provide a housekeeping guarantee to ensure all of our guests feel safe and comfortable throughout their Finger Lakes vacation.

Everything You Need to Know to Create the Best Finger Lakes Bucket List

Are you dreaming of a trip to the Finger Lakes region of New York? This area encompasses more than 9,000 square miles of beautiful landscape and 11 narrow lakes. Whether you want to spend your days lounging by the lake, exploring the area’s most beautiful hiking trails, or attending a wine tasting, there’s something for everyone to do in the Finger Lakes. Create your ultimate Finger Lakes bucket list with the recommendations below!

Looking for more things to do during your trip? Download our free Finger Lakes Vacation Guide. This hand planning tool is filled with local insight on dining, shopping, entertainment, lodging, and more!

Top 10 Items to Add to Your Finger Lakes Bucket List

Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, some of these attractions may be temporarily closed or have adjusted operating procedures. Please check each attraction’s website for the latest information. Thank you for understanding!

1. Finger Lakes Wine Trail

Did you know that the Finger Lakes region is New York state’s premier wine country? Our region is home to more than 100 wineries. With so many options, it can be difficult to choose which wineries to visit. We recommend choosing a winery tour from a Finger Lakes Wine Trail. Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga Lake all have their own wine trail.

Read our blogs linked below for more information on the following Finger Lakes wine trails:

2. Finger Lakes Cheese Trail

There’s no better pairing than wine and cheese. Naturally, the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail is the perfect complement to your winery trip. Visit some of these family-owned and operated farms along the Finger Lakes cheese trail during your trip. Purchase a bottle of wine from your favorite winery and a block of cheese from one of the farms to recreate your Finger Lakes foodie experience at home!

3. Finger Lakes Beer Trail

If wine and cheese aren’t quite your speed, don’t worry! There’s an attraction for beer lovers in the Finger Lakes, too. There are many top-rated breweries along the Finger Lakes beer trail that you need to visit. There’s no better way to cool down after a day exploring the outdoors than with an ice-cold beer!

4. Lounge at the Lake

No trip to our area would be complete without a visit to one of the 11 Finger Lakes. Five of our favorite Finger Lakes include Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake, Canandaigua Lake, and Honeoye Lake. From lazy boat rides to prime fishing holes, there are many ways to enjoy a day on the water.

5. White Water Rafting

Experience the “Grand Canyon of the East” with white water rafting in Finger Lakes. Letchworth State Park boasts a 22-mile-long stream that forms rapids in several portions. The rapids are mild in most places, making it the perfect place for first-timers. If you’ve always wanted to go white water rafting, it’s the perfect place!

6. Watkins Glen State Park

Natural beauty is at every turn in the Finger Lakes. Take in the most enchanting views at Watkins Glen State Park! This nearly 800-acre New York State Park boasts countless incredible sights. The best of all is the Gorge Trail. This stunning, two-mile hike highlights 19 waterfalls and several gorges. The trail is open from May to October, so it’s a must for your Finger Lakes summer bucket list!

Check out this Watkins Glen trail map for more information on the Gorge Trail.

7. Buttermilk Falls State Park

Would you rather spend the day swimming or hiking? When you visit Buttermilk Falls State Park, you don’t have to choose! This New York state park has everything you need for an exciting summer day in the Finger Lakes. This trail boasts nearly five miles of hiking trails that range in difficultly, so outdoorsmen and women and off all skill levels can find a suitable route. If you’d rather swim, take a dip in the natural pool at the base of the falls.

8. Taughannock Falls State Park

Taughannock Falls is one of the most outstanding natural attractions in the Northeast. This towering, 215-foot waterfall is a must-see during your trip to the Finger Lakes region. Taughannock Falls State Park has trails for hikers of all skill levels.

9. Corning Museum of Glass

Winery tours and outdoor recreation are a couple of Finger Lakes staple activities. Did you know that there are some incredible museums and galleries here, too? If you appreciate the finer things, we recommend a visit to the Corning Museum of Glass! The most popular exhibits are the contemporary glass galleries, which highlight more than 70 beautiful glass creations. The museum also offers a Make Your Own Glass class, which allows guests to create a beautiful glass masterpiece of their own!

10. Rent a Home With Finger Lakes Premier Properties

The last thing to add to your Finger Lakes bucket list is an amazing place to stay. Look no further than Finger Lakes Premier Properties! We offer more than 250 properties across the Finger Lakes region. Whether you want a quiet place for a romantic weekend or a house large enough for your entire family, we have what you’re looking for. Be sure to check out our current specials, too, to see how you can save on your stay!

Browse a full inventory of our Finger Lakes vacation rentals to start planning!

The Best Reasons to Stay in a Vacation Rental vs. a Hotel

Are you planning a group or family vacation to the Finger Lakes region of New York? Aside from destination, lodging is the most important choice in planning your trip. Consider the benefits of staying in a vacation rental vs. a hotel for your getaway! When you stay in a house rental with Finger Lakes Premier Properties, you can save money, have more privacy, access to awesome amenities, and so much more. Read on for everything you need to know about renting a vacation home in the Finger Lakes region!

After you decide where to stay, it’s time to start creating your itinerary. We can help! Download our free Finger Lakes Vacation Guide for information on things to do during your stay.

Top 5 Reasons to Stay in a Vacation Rental vs. a Hotel

1. Save Money

Let’s face it, family vacations are expensive. Browse this study on regional travel and tourism in the Finger Lakes. Between airfare and lodging for several people, you can easily rack up thousands of dollars. So, saving money wherever you can is crucial. Staying in a vacation rental is a cost-effective way to travel with a large group!

Why book multiple hotel rooms when you can stay in a rental property that can accommodate your entire group? Even better, you can save money on your rental by booking directly through our website (say “goodbye!” to hidden, third-party fees) and by browsing our selection of current specials!

2. Optimal Privacy

Don’t want to be kept awake at night from the sound of your hotel room neighbors or guests in the hallways? Book a vacation rental for optimal privacy! A whole-house rental means you’ll have the entire place to yourself, so you won’t have to deal with other guests.

3. Cook Meals at Home

When you stay in a hotel, you have to dine out for every meal. Want to save money on eating out? Stay in a vacation rental where you can cook meals in a well-equipped kitchen. Be sure to take a look at our vacation rental meal prep tips for information on grocery delivery services, tips for cooking at your rental, and more!

4. Awesome Amenities

Trade in the hotel’s indoor pool for a hot tub! Our Finger Lakes rentals offer amenities that hotels simply can’t match. Our amenities include pet-friendly stays, hot tubs, fireplaces, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and more!

5. Travel With a Larger Group

Did you know that 44% of people aged 18-35 travel with their children? Kids can go stir crazy in a hotel room, which is another great reason to book a vacation rental instead of a hotel room. Our rentals offer space for the kids to run around and play. Some of them are even large enough to accommodate family reunion-sized vacations!

Rent a Home With Finger Lakes Premier Properties

Now that you know the benefits of staying in a vacation rental vs. a hotel, it’s time to decide. Do you want to save money and enjoy all the comforts of home during your trip? If you answered “Yes!”, then book a vacation rental with Finger Lakes Premier Properties! Choose from a wide selection of more than 250 homes across the Finger Lakes region. Our rentals offer great locations, so you can stay near the activities on your itinerary.

Browse a full inventory of our Finger Lakes rental homes to start planning. We can’t wait to show you all the benefits of staying in a rental!

Do You Want to Know Our Finger Lakes Best-Kept Secrets?

Looking to stay away from crowds during your next New York vacation? Easy. Take a trip to the most relaxing yet thrilling destination in the state! And, to help you navigate your way around the area, we want to share with your our Finger Lakes best-kept secrets. You’ll find numerous ways to make memories with your favorite people when you go on adventures around our magical lakes.

For more local insight on the Finger Lakes region, make sure to download our free Vacation Guide. It includes our top picks for restaurants, wineries, outdoor recreation, shopping centers, and more! Request your copy, and start planning the trip of a lifetime now!

Our Finger Lakes Best-Kept Secrets

Robert H. Treman State Park

For wild beauty, winding trails, and 12 waterfalls, we recommend that you experience Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca, NY. There, you’ll find nine miles of rugged yet beautiful scenery. The stream-fed pool beneath the waterfall is the definition of a Finger Lakes hidden gem. Take a dip in the water to fully experience the natural beauty of the park!

She-Qua-Ga Falls

In the midst of the tiny village of Montour Falls, NY, you’ll discover the magnificent She-Qua-Ga Falls. This gigantic waterfall will put you in shock at the sight of it. The hidden attraction is located just south of Seneca Lake, where you’ll find hundreds of runoffs between 300-foot cliffs. For a moment of quiet and calmness, we recommend you visit the park between At the Falls Bed and Breakfast and a residence.

Finger Lakes Beer Trail

You’ve heard of our numerous Finger Lakes wine trails. You may have even heard of our cheese trail. But, you probably have not heard about our Finger Lakes Beer Trail! You need to add this selection of incredible breweries to your Finger Lakes bucket list. With more than 75 breweries to choose from, this trail spans about 210 miles of the Finger Lakes. It’s one of the best getaway ideas for you and your friends. Make it a multiple-day trip and take your taste buds on a journey through this FLX best-kept secret!

Best Kept Secrets of Fishing in the Finger Lakes

Some of the best fishing happens in the Finger Lakes. No matter what season it is, you’ll be able to catch something great all year-round. There are so many different species of fish in our lakes and many of them are caught in different seasons. For our best-kept fishing secrets, make sure to take a look at our local’s fishing guide!

Finger Lakes Number One Best Kept Secret

The best hidden gem you’ll find in the region is a cozy place to stay with all of your loved ones. Choose to stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties for the ultimate family vacation or getaway with your friends. We offer a large selection of Finger Lakes vacation rentals on several different lakes.

Your family is sure to love our Best Kept Secret vacation home on Canandaigua Lake. This 4-bedroom dream home includes a jacuzzi tub, dock, and incredible views of the water. Reserve this hidden gem and start planning your lake-cation today!

The Best Reasons to Visit the Finger Lakes in April

You don’t need to wait until the summer to plan an epic vacation to the Finger Lakes region of New York State. You can explore our area’s wineries, state parks, and more with a trip to the Finger Lakes in April! It’s also the best time to visit the Finger Lakes region to enjoy fewer crowds. So, what are you waiting for? Read on for more information about planning a trip to the Finger Lakes in the spring including popular activities and where to stay!

When you’re ready to start planning your trip, request our free Finger Lakes Vacation Guide. This planning tool is filled with local insight on the best things to do, see, and more during your trip to the Finger Lakes region during any time of year!

Top 3 Things to Do in the Finger Lakes in April

Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the Spring Wine & Cheese Event listed below is subject to change. Please visit the event’s website for the latest information. Thank you for understanding!

1. Spring Wine & Cheese Weekend

The Finger Lakes is the largest wine region in New York State. So, it’s no surprise that this area is home to more than 100 wineries and some amazing wine-centric events! Be sure to attend the Spring Wine & Cheese Event hosted by the Seneca Lake Wine Trail when you visit in April. This annual event celebrates the art of wine and food pairings, and each attendee will receive a variety of samples of wine and cheese-themed dishes.

2. Waterfall Hikes at State Parks

The Finger Lakes region is known for its natural beauty. Lounging by the lakeside isn’t the only way to soak up the magical views this area has to offer. Waterfall hikes are one of the most popular spring activities in the Finger Lakes region! Spring is the best time to view these waterfalls, as the winter’s remaining snow melts, creating more water to cascade down the rock faces.

Watkins Glen State Park is the best place to go for a waterfall hike. This New York state park is home to 19 waterfalls, which are accessible via the parks’ beautiful stone staircases, bridges, and tunnels.

Can’t get enough of what Watkins Glen State Park has to offer? Be sure to check out additional Finger Lakes waterfalls!

3. Stay in a Rental With Finger Lakes Premier Properties

Now that you know about all the best things to do in the Finger Lakes in April, it’s time to decide where to stay. If you’re searching for a beautiful Finger Lakes rental home that can accommodate your every need, look no further than Finger Lakes Premier Properties. Discover the largest selection of beautiful lakeside and off-lake rentals when you browse through our inventory.

Browse a full inventory of our Finger Lakes rentals to start planning your trip. We can’t wait to show you around!

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!

The Best Places to Hike a Finger Lakes Gorge

Watkins Glen State Park

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!

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

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!

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.