Uncategorized Archives - Finger Lakes Premier Properties Blog

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!

Celebrate Our Independence On Cayuga Lake!

Cayuga Lake Fireworks

Fireworks Celebration on Saturday July 3rd at 10 pm in Seneca Falls along the canal.

All You Need To Know For Your 4th!

Canandaigua Lake

1:30 PM Parade on Main Street – Parade will go south on Main Street from the County Court House to Lakeshore Drive on Sunday July 4th.

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

Keuka Lake

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.
Festival of Lights on July 4th at 10 pm – light your flares and stick them in the beach to light up the lake.
Fireworks at 10:00 pm in Branchport on July 4th.
July 2nd & 3rd Fireman’s Carnival in Hammondsport.
Friday July 2nd Sam Pallett plays live from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Carnival
Fireworks on Saturday, July 3rd at 10:00 pm in Hammondsport.
The Windmill Farm & Craft Market is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on July 3rd & July 5th.
Bake sale from 9:00 am until its all gone on July 4th in Branchport.

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

Seneca Lake

Fireworks Sunday, July 4th in Watkins Glen at Clute Park at dusk.
Sampson State Park will have fireworks from a barge out in the lake on Saturday July 3rd. There will also be live music and food for sale.

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 Pebble Beach arund 10 pm.

Honeoye Lake – Fireworks on July 3rd from a boat in the middle of the lake going from south to north. Flares can be lit around 9:30 pm.

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!

The Best Ways to Spend Spring in the FLX

Spring is often overlooked as a time to visit the Finger Lakes, but for many travelers it’s the perfect way to cure cabin fever lingering from the long winter months. Plan a wine tour, fishing trip or weekend getaway with fewer crowds, lower rates, and our 3for2 Discounts. Our vacation rentals still feature the same great views and gorgeous sunsets, and are often equipped with cool weather activities, like billiard games and hot tubs.

In addition to spending quality time at your lakeside home, here are some suggested itineraries for your spring stay:

Canandaigua Lake

The Naples area is full of glens and gullies with beautiful waterfalls to experience – the best and easiest to access being in Grimes Glen State Park. Post hike, head into Naples for a tour of the old Witmer Wine Complex, home to Hazlitt’s Red Cat Wine Cellars. Your spring visit should include stopping at Monica’s Pies for a famous grape pie. Head north for dinner at Brew & Brats at Arbor Hill Winery and enjoy dessert back at the lake house!

Recommended Rentals: Cliffside Sunrise, Livin’ on the Edge

There’s something for everyone in Downtown Canandaigua! Spend all day discovering your new favorite shops and restaurants or plan your spring visit around one of these attractions:

Stop and smell the flowers at the Spring Wildflower & Orchid Show at Sonnenberg Mansion & Gardens. Celebrate the arrival of spring with guided tours, educational talks and family activities. A true history buff will want to continue onto the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum and the Ontario County Historical Society.
See what New York Kitchen has going on during your stay. This culinary center is home to a tasting room, restaurant, and food truck and holds events year round, like cooking classes, Beer Bingo, comedy nights and more.
Let your favorite wineries come to you! Spend your evening strolling around downtown and sampling local wine and food on the Canandaigua Wine Walk.

Recommended Rental: Lake Vista

Cayuga Lake
North

A day of hiking and bird watching at Montezuma Wildlife Refuge is naturally followed by a spirit tasting at Hidden Marsh Distillery at Montezuma Winery. Bring home a bottle of your favorite to make craft cocktails next to the lake.

Recommended Rental: Cayuga Sunshine

Experience the real “Bedford Falls” – Seneca Falls is dedicated to being the inspiration for Its A Wonderful Life. This small town is also home to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and countless museums and historic landmarks. Take a sunset walk along the canal and end the evening with small plates at 84 Fall.

Recommended Rental: Lakeview Landing

Many Cayuga Lake Wine Trail stops are clustered at the northern end of the lake – take a whole day and try them all, from Swedish Hill to Thirsty Owl. For the craft beer fan, there’s Fleur de Lis Brew Works, a French inspired beer parlor, and further south, Lost Kingdom Brewery and Firehouse Distillery, which has an actual firetruck mounted to the wall – the perfect Instagram photo op!

Recommended Rental: The French Cottage

Cayuga Lake
South

A hike to the iconic waterfall at Taughannock Falls State Park is a must for any Cayuga Lake stay. While near the town of Trumansburg, stop into Americana Vineyards and Bacchus Brewing for tastings or lunch at the Crystal Lake Cafe. Schedule your stay during Maple Weekend at Wellspring Forest Farm to take a sugar bush tour and taste local sap and syrup made right on the farm while enjoying live music and food.

Recommended Rental: A Shore Thing

Ithaca is a city like no other. Be sure to check out the Ithaca Farmers Market in the morning, then hike the roaring spring rapids of Buttermilk Falls. Head across the street to Ithaca Beer Co. for pub fare and tasty brews or over to the Commons for a unique shopping and dining experience.

Recommended Rentals: The Lily Pad

If you’re staying on the East side of Cayuga Lake, be sure to check out the village of Aurora, home to Mackenzie-Childs – take a tour of the Farmhouse and shop their collection of eclectic home décor. Get lunch at the Fargo Bar & Grill, then head up to Long Point Winery and Aurora Ale & Lager Co. for libations. End your day at Treleaven Winery for their Barrel Room Music Series or Trivia Nights.

Recommended Rental: Aurora Escape

Spring Travel Tip: April and May offer the perfect conditions to fish for Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, Perch, and northern pike on all the Finger Lakes and its tributaries.

Honeoye Lake

A day trip along Route 20A will bring you to Golden Oak Alpaca Farm and Store for local goods and alpaca products, Wizards of Clay for handmade artisan pottery, then land you at Noble Shepherd’s Brewery for local craft beer tastings and live music every Saturday night.

Recommended Rental: Riesling Rod & Reel

Start your Sunday with the ultimate Bloody Mary from The Honeoye Boathouse Grill. This over-the-top cocktail comes complete with a giant lobster tail and half a cheeseburger! Walk off brunch with a spring hike through Harriet Hollister Spencer State Park, offering the most breathtaking and instagrammable views of Honeoye Lake.

Recommended Rentals: Heart of Honeoye, Good Vibe Getaway

Keuka Lake

Penn Yan is filled with modern amenities and old world charm. Start your day with breakfast at the Penn Yan Diner followed by a tour of the historic Oliver House Museum. Take a stroll through Downtown and shop stores stocked with locally crafted goods, like Staving Artist Woodwork – they use the staving from wine barrels to create home décor and furniture that is uniquely Finger Lakes. Travel just outside the town’s limits for a tasting at Abandon Brewing. Take in unobstructed views of Keuka Lake for as far as the eyes can see while the trees are just starting to bud.

Recommended Rental: Crooked Lake Lodge , Sailfish Cottage

A day trip to Hammondsport, the “Coolest Small Town in America,” is a must this spring. Venture out to the Finger Lakes Boating Museum and Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum before stopping into the Brewery of Broken Dreams for a tasting. If you prefer wine, no worries! Nearby wineries include Bully Hill Vineyards, Heron Hill Winery and Dr. Konstantin Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars. Stop into Crooked Lake Creamery for a sweet treat mid-day.

Recommended Rental: Pinot Point

Spring Travel Tip: Travel by boat once OnKeuka Water Taxi starts their Spring 2021 season!

Seneca Lake
North

Go fishing! Geneva is the “Lake Trout Capital of the World” and host to the National Lake Trout Derby on Seneca Lake – plan your stay in May to get in on the action. For excellent fishing anytime this spring, cast off the dock of your lakeside rental or charter a fishing boat for the day with an experienced guide.

Recommended Rental: Lake Orchard View

Take a day to explore walkable downtown Geneva – stop into the quirky shops that line the streets, see what’s happening at Smith Opera House, or taste your way through the diverse dining options, from English-American Beef and Brew to The Elephant Thai restaurant. Walk to downtown breweries, like Lake Drum and Twisted Rail, then cross the street and watch the sunset over Seneca Lake at the newly reconstructed waterfront park. The lake view goes on for miles!

Recommended Rental: Five Gates

You can make a day out of tasting at the northernmost Seneca Lakes wineries, including Three Brothers Estates, Zugibe Vineyards, Ravines Wine Cellars, and White Springs Winery, to name a few. Make Ventosa Vineyards your final Sunday stop for live music, crispy oven-baked pizza and gorgeous views from their Tuscan villa style patio.

Recommended Rental: Lakeside Lookout

Seneca Lake
South

Watkins Glen State Park is worth seeing in any season. Water levels may be higher than usual due to winter snow melt, creating more intense cascading waterfalls. Don’t miss the Spring Run of Rainbow Trout on Catherine Creek this spring for some of the best fishing of the year! Spend the rest of your day in downtown Watkins Glen – pick up locally roasted coffee for the morning from Seneca Sunrise Coffee or stop into Babcha’s Pierogies, a hidden gem serving meals you swear were cooked by your grandma!

Recommended Rental: Merlot Bungalow

Stretch your legs and dirty some paws with a spring hike through Finger Lakes National Forest. Nearby is a pocket of some of the Finger Lake’s best breweries – Lucky Hare, Two Goats, Grist Iron, and Scale House Brewing, all within minutes of each other and each with their own stunning views of Seneca Lake. Best of all, many of these places welcome your furry friends!

Recommended Rental: Gracie’s Place

Just west of Watkins Glen sits a 175-acre Farm Sanctuary. Opening back up in May, you can take guided tours and spend the day with happy, healthy farm animals. They also offer helpful resources for cruelty free dining during your stay.

Recommended Rental: Falling Waters

Spring Travel Tip: Available through the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, the Wine passports allow you to explore wine country during the off-season without breaking the bank. Learn more!

Spring events on Seneca Lake: Pasta and Wine Weekend, National Lake Trout Derby, Spring Run of Rainbow Trout

For more recommendations and a complete list of all there is do in the Finger Lakes this spring, contact our local vacation planners.

Plan the Perfect Getaway from Washington, DC, to the Finger Lakes

Make time for a vacation this year! It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Don’t forget to stop and breathe. Unplug and get away from it all when you travel from Washington, DC, to the Finger Lakes region for a quiet retreat. Take in the beauty of nature, far away from the city. Read on to learn more about planning the perfect getaway. Then, be sure to download a free copy of our Vacation Guide for thoughtful local insight on what to do during your stay.

Get a Copy of the Guide

3 Tips for Planning the Perfect Getaway from Washington, DC, to the Finger Lakes

1. Determine the Best Mode of Transportation for You

Planes, trains, and automobiles! Deciding on your mode of transportation is the first step to planning your getaway to the Finger Lakes region. Here are some of the most common of methods for travel for guests arriving from DC:

By Car | Travel Time: 6 hours

Whether you’re driving your own car or a rental, you can expect this 332-mile drive to take you about six hours before you reach your destination. One of the best perks of traveling via car is that you’ll be able to stop wherever you like on your way up here!

By Train | Travel Time:

Amtrak has service to Ithaca, NY! Once you arrive in Ithaca, the Finger Lakes are just a quick 45-minute drive away. This is an excellent option for anyone that is planning to rent a car during their stay but wants to experience a little train travel.

2. Map out Must-See Stops Along the Way

Corning

Corning is a charming small town just an hour away from the Finger Lakes region. While you’re there, we recommend checking out the fascinating Museum of Glass! It’s the largest museum of glass art and artifacts in the world.

Elmira

Elmira is just a short 25-minute drive from Corning. Here, you can do many things ranging from visiting Mark Twain’s grave to strolling through Eldridge Park. While you’re in town, grab a bite to eat from the Turtle Leaf Café!

Wine Country

The Finger Lakes is known for its surrounding wine country. There are three major wine trails that you can discover! Wind and wine your way through the Cayuga, Keuka, and Seneca Trails. Get a taste of the best wines the region has to offer.

Ithaca

Ithaca is just 45 minutes outside of the Finger Lakes region. If you love the outdoors, you’ll love stopping here for an adventure! Visit Robert Treman State Park, Buttermilk Falls State Park, Cayuga Lake, and the Cascadilla Gorge Trail to stretch your legs in nature. You can also stop to check out Cornell University!

3. Settle into Your Waterfront Vacation Rental

Now that you have an idea of how to plan an unforgettable vacation from Washington, DC, to the Finger Lakes, it’s time to decide on the most important part of your getaway: where you will stay! Make the most of your experience in the area when you stay in a beautiful waterfront vacation rental through Finger Lakes Premier Properties. Our beautiful properties set the scene for a restful retreat. Make your dream vacation a reality, and check out our rentals today!

View All Available Rentals

Finger Lakes Babyquip Rentals

Baby Equipment Rentals

Did you know that you can bring your child’s favorite toys/blanket and forget the rest?

That’s right, you wont have to pack a high chair, stroller, pack and play, bassinet, changing table. Or any other type of baby equipment that your bundle of joy needs on a daily basis.

Babyquip rentals are here in the Finger Lakes and ready to provide you all your baby essentials and less stress while giving you the best vacation. Now let’s be honest, you have needed this vacation for a very long time now. Repeat, VERY long time. Consider this rental a gift to you and your traveling crew.

Bassinet delivered to FLPP rental in 2020.

No more, playing jenga while packing the car, no more hauling heavy babyquip around, down stairs to the cottage, back up to the car and vice versa. No more complaining about who is carrying which piece to the house. Just grab your bundle of joy and your duffle and head to your vacation rental. Want to know more? Check out the 3 simple steps below.

AND, if you like it that much, check out the grocery delivery service we partner with right here so you don’t even have to go grocery shopping and haul groceries to the house either!

Crib and rocking chair delivered to FLPP rental in 2020.

That’s right, a true vacation for the very busy parent you are!

3 Simple Steps:

Simply Click Here
Choose the items you need and checkout
Arrive to your vacation rental with all your items waiting for you

Cleaning and sanitizing is incredibly important and something that both BabyQuip and Finger Lakes Premier Properties takes very seriously. You can learn more about cleaning and sanitizing procedures by clicking here. All items are laundered or cleaned with natural, child-friendly products.

Lakefront Housing Market – A Review of 2020 and Forecasting for 2021

Just as the market was about to boom in the Spring of 2020, the novel coronavirus swept the world and closed its doors. For the lakefront real estate market in the Finger Lakes, this interruption was brief and bounced back into a record-breaking year with some of the most unusual trends we have ever seen.

2020 Finger Lakes Lakefront Real Estate Report – January through December

2020 Lakefront Market Report for the Finger Lakes Region, NY — Statistics above are provided by Finger Lakes Premier Properties Real Estate Department.

Let’s Talk About Growth

We started 2020 discussing the seller’s market and how it would be a stellar year for those looking to cash in on their lake homes. Turns out that was a massive understatement! Across the lakes the average sale price shot up 18.33% and the Average Days on Market (ADM) reducing by 11.29%. When you look at specific lakes, you’ll notice the localities with the lower average price show the most success year over year. Part of that could be attributed to those who originally purchased the home as an investment were quick to cash in and reap the benefits. But you’ll notice, overall, there were not nearly as many transactions in a year when the conditions were so perfect to sell.

The lack of lakefront inventory in 2020 did not surprise any realtor. Those who had their slice of Finger Lakes paradise were not easily persuaded. With the sudden switch to work remotely, and many companies being slow to return to the office, homeowners and their families had the added luxury of finally being able to utilize their second home for longer periods of time. Additionally, if they were not enjoying it themselves, it was easy to find someone who would.

In 2020, the demand for vacation rentals across the nation exceeded that of traditional hotels. As the leading property management company across the Finger Lakes we can attest that our region has thrived as a popular family destination in this unprecedented year. Our full-circle of property services allows homeowners both near and far to enjoy the financial benefits of renting, without the endless hassle of self-managing.

Competing for Lakefront

It’s no secret that the past couple of years have been a seller’s market both on and off the lakes. But throw in a global pandemic, and the demand for personal and private shoreline in an established tourism destination raises the stakes, and the offers. In fact, our real estate team saw a 167% increase during last 8 months of 2020 of qualified buyer inquiries specifically looking for lakefront homes.

Not only were there more buyers, but they were more competitive. Typically, lakefront buyers are willing to wait for the perfect home that checks all of their boxes. This past year they were willing to sacrifice some of their must-haves in order to secure a home for them and their families to simply have a destination of their own. And fast.

As you can see from the market report above, across the region homes sold 11% faster than the previous year. Some lakes, such as Keuka Lake, have consistently been in high demand selling almost 74% faster than in 2019. Thanks to technological advances including virtual tours and video-chat walk throughs, the playing field was leveled as it was no longer a matter of who could visit the home first, but who could get a competitive offer in and accepted. These trends are continuing to push through the first months of 2021 as available listings remain low and the pandemic prolongs families and professionals to return to “normal” life.

Forecasts for 2021

The lakefront real estate market in 2021 is going to continue to be a seller’s market. The first quarter is usually a slow period for selling homes, but if we continue at the pace we are seeing, it is nearly standstill with no new inventory.

As mortgage rates continue to stay low buyers are willing to push their budgets a little more. Many buyers will consider renting as another opportunity to offset the cost of buying. However, until the economy is more stable and (hopefully) the pandemic subsides, buyers are still not going to be willing to overpay for any home, even lakefront.

Homeowners who are ready to sell will see multiple offers, if priced right. Typically, an owner will know they’ve priced too high if their home doesn’t move within the first couple weeks of listing. That timeframe with the increased demand will be dwindled down to just days. In 2020, our real estate team was able to sell lake homes 23% faster than the regional average. We have developed a successful process to match the right buyers to new listings, easing the property transfer for both parties.

Want more information?

Whether your considering buying or selling a Finger Lakes waterfront home in 2021, our real estate team is here to answer any questions you may have. Our 28 years of lakefront experience combined with our focus solely on lake living, we are best suited to provide you an easy experience to achieve your real estate goals this year.

Start start looking for your next lake home, click here to browse all lakefront listings in the Finger Lakes.

Homeschooling From a Vacation Rental Is the Best Way to Do Virtual Learning

For Mom and Dad, it’s a getaway. For the kids, it’s a field trip! With virtual learning becoming the new norm, it’s so much easier to plan a trip without having to pull the kids out of school. That’s why homeschooling from a vacation rental is a great idea! Before we dig into the details of why you should let the kids do their work from a vacation rental, make sure to request access to our free Finger Lakes Vacation Guide. This useful resource contains a list of all the best places to eat, drink, and enjoy the wonderful outdoors during your time in the Finger Lakes – socially distanced, of course! Get the guide and start planning out your field trip itinerary.

Here’s Why Homeschooling from a Vacation Rental is a Great Idea

Hands-On Learning Makes for the Best Field Trip

There’s so much history, culture, and art in the Finger Lakes. Your child is sure to love a trip to any of our local museums. Some of the Finger Lakes’ best children’s museums include the Strong National Museum of Play and the Corning Museum of Glass.

Strong National Museum of Play is a great place to not only let your young children run wild and play but also let their imagination run wild! They can experience unique hands-on exhibits like the butterfly garden.

Have an artistic little one? They’re sure to love the Corning Museum of Glass. Both the kids and the adults will find it fascinating to see the interactive glassblowing demonstrations. Plus, they can make something cool to bring home like a tumbler cup, ornament, or pendant!

The Recess and After-School Activities Portion of Homeschooling Are Fun

Let your child have a break from virtual classes in the most fun way possible. The Finger Lakes are a place to get a breath of fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors. After school, go for a hike to the most stunning waterfalls, kayak across our magnificent bodies of water, ski the thrilling slopes, or try ice fishing! You probably won’t be able to get this kind of recess or physical education at a public school! Plus, it’s not every day that the chaperones (parents) can enjoy this kind of fun, either!

Recharge in a Luxury Finger Lakes Vacation Rental

After a day of remote learning and an afternoon of exploring the area, head back to your luxury Finger Lakes vacation rental. Our spacious homes are the perfect place for a getaway while social distancing, considering there are so many incredible outdoor activities and experiences to be had along the water. Plus, all of our rentals are near fantastic attractions like wine trails and museums!

Browse through our list of properties and choose the one that best suits you and your family. A Little Solitude is ideal for your next family vacation. This one-bedroom hideaway accommodates four people and has a gorgeous view of Canandaigua Lake. So, what are you waiting for? Check our availability and start planning your next lake-cation today!

4 Tips for Working Remotely That You Need to Know

Got the quarantine blues? Why not change up your scenery and work from somewhere new? Below, you’ll find our best tips for working remotely from the Finger Lakes. If you’ve ever worked from home, you know it has its unique challenges. That’s why we advise taking a trip to your happy place in upstate New York. Get productive in one of our luxury vacation rentals along the lakes.

Then, take a break and explore the Finger Lakes of New York. Our area has plenty of great spots to get a breath of fresh air, take a walk, and unwind. It’s a great place to get inspiration, spark creativity, or just spend some quality time with your family and nature. For the best experience, make sure to request access to our free Vacation Guide. This useful tool includes our favorite restaurants, shops, and outdoor recreation along the lakes. Take a look for yourself and start planning your trip now!

What Are Some Tips for Working Remotely in the Finger Lakes?

Work from Coffee Shops

It will help to get out of bed and be productive if you have somewhere to be. Wake up for your regular working hours, dress for success, and head out the door to some of the best cafés in the Finger Lakes region.

1872 Café

Open up your laptop and get to typing at this beautiful little coffee shop. 1872 Café in Rochester, NY, is perfect for a productive day and a cup of joe. Or, start your work day off with a delicious matcha latte. Fun fact: matcha does wonders for your concentration and productivity. It’s the perfect beverage to get you into work mode. Then, stay for lunch and fuel up with the1872 Burger. It’s a fantastic way to check out the food and beverage scene of a new town while still getting work done.

The Dalai Java

For the perfect, cozy atmosphere to work remotely, check out The Dalai Java in Canandaigua, NY. This cute café has fantastic coffee and superb breakfast sandwiches.

At the Dalai Java, coffee is roasted with care, bringing out unique flavors to wake you up, and enlighten and inspire you to conquer all of your work for the day.

2. Take Breaks

Sometimes, all you need is a little time for yourself to get the burst of energy and inspiration you need to be your best self. Have lunch on a private dock outside of your Finger Lakes Premier Properties vacation rental. Or, spend time with nature and visit some of the most beautiful sights in Upstate New York.

3. Walk It Off

The Finger Lakes is full of wonderful outdoor activities. We recommend hiking at one of the stunning gorges, like the one at Watkins Glen State Park. Take a short walk somewhere or take a whole day to yourself in the middle of a stressful week.

4. Work From a Luxury Vacation Rental On the Finger Lakes

It helps to change up your home office view every once in a while, so why not take a relaxing trip to Upstate New York? We offer large homes on the lake that can accommodate the entire family. Our homes are a great, quiet space to take phone calls, video calls, and to stay focused.

exterior of finger lakes vacation rental

There are so many activities in the Finger Lakes for everyone. Plus, the kids will love exploring the museums and hanging out by the lake between virtual learning sessions. Our vacation rentals are also the perfect place for social distancing because you have everything you need from the comfort of your rental. Make memories cooking a meal with your loved ones in a full, gourmet kitchen, or have a game night in an entertainment room.

So, what are you waiting for? Hurry, and browse our homes for the perfect work space now!

3 Reasons Why You Should Prepare Your Vacation Rental NOW for 2021

Finger Lakes travel trends for 2020 showed a significant shift in accommodation preferences. Demand for private vacation rentals has soared above traditional hotel stay by travelers. As the year progressed and our reservations inquiries swelled by 61% year-over-year, one thing was clear, people still want to vacation.

What is the outlook for vacation rental demand in 2021?

Demand for Finger Lakes vacation rentals continues to soar. In fact, our bookings for next year (2021) are up 56% compared to this time last year! Our private rentals have become the preferred choice of accommodations for travelers seeking comfortable, clean, and dependable lakeside spaces.

Our guests and owners value the services included with their premier property. Such services include our 24/7 guest services, professional housekeeping standards, keyless check-ins, and travel planning assistance by our local agents. As we continue to accommodate inquires for our short term rentals, we want to ensure our owners and prospective rental homeowners are optimizing our partnership for the 2021 season.

Why list your home for rent now? Isn’t the season slowing down?

Many assume this is the time when we are winding down for the year. Not true. Yes the rush of peak season is behind us, but with arrivals still 88% higher this fall than last, the momentum continues. Plus, our inquiries for 2021 bookings are flowing in! Now is the time we work with our owners in preparation for next year with optimizing their home, online listing, and rates for the next year.

If you are interested in joining for the 2021 season, now is the best time to get the most out of our partnership for three reasons:

It’s all about the photos! Joining now will allow us to optimize your listing with premier photography before the leaves fall. We will send our staff photographer to your home to get interior and exterior photos PLUS a virtual tour. Photos are one of the most important assets to your listing and will help generate demand for your home.
Take advantage of expert recommendations. Our partnering owners have full access to our team of industry experts. When you join, talk to our Owner Services team about possible upgrades. From remodels, furniture upgrades, to bonus amenities, these will help secure bookings, enhance your guest’s experience, and capture more revenue. If you join this fall, you’ll have more time to make these enhancements before your first guest checks in.
Secure 2021 revenue now! With demand up 56% for 2021 vacation rentals, joining now will get more traffic to your listing and secure more bookings for next year. Secure revenue now for 2021 at the best rates possible.

Want to learn more about partnering with us?

Whether you are currently renting your home, looking to purchase an investment home, or are just starting to explore what it means to be a vacation rental owner, we’re here to help.

We have a dedicated Owner Services Team ready to answer any questions you may have about renting your lake home with Finger Lakes Premier Properties. Contact us today for more information by calling 855-585-5877 Option 4 or by inquiring here.

The Naples Open Studio Trail Is One of the Best Fall Events in the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region is known for being one of New York state’s premier wine-growing regions. With more than 100 wineries across the Finger Lakes, it’s become a wine lover’s destination! Did you know that’s a thriving arts scene in this area, too? View local artists’ best work at the Naples Open Studio Trail. This annual two-day event takes place the first weekend of every October and boasts captivating demonstrations, self-guided art tours, and more! Learn more about this exciting event below!

When you’re ready to start planning your trip, download our free Finger Lakes Vacation Guide. This free resource is filled with local insight on the best things to do in the area, including more annual events!

Everything You Need to Know About the Naples Open Studio Trail

2020 Event Details

The Naples Open Studio trail is set to take place on October 3-4, 2020. Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, this event will follow New York state’s safety and social distancing guidelines. This means that all trail-goers will be required to wear a mask and keep a safe distance from those not in their group. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe during this time!

About the Event

The Naples Open Studio Trail is one of our favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes in the fall. This self-guided art tour around Canandaigua Lake invites guests to stop at more than a dozen art studios along the way. You can also view some amazing fall foliage!

Each studio showcases a different medium, including ceramics, metal, and woodworks! During the first weekend of every October, visitors are welcome to purchase their favorite pieces to take home. It’s the perfect way to remember your trip to the Finger Lakes forever.

This year, there are nine main artists with unique specialties. From wine barrel creations to custom denim pieces, you’re sure to find a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork! There are also four guest artists this year. Be sure to check the trail map beforehand, so you know exactly where to stop!

Stay Nearby at a Home with Finger Lakes Premier Properties

Settle into a home with Finger Lakes Premier Properties during the Naples Open Studio Trail. The trail follows a path around Canandaigua Lake, where we have 54 properties for rent! It’s the perfect way to enjoy both days of this exciting event in the Finger Lakes. We also boast a diverse portfolio of rental homes across the entire Finger Lakes region. With nearly 300 rental properties to choose from, you’re sure to find a vacation home in your desired location!

Browse a full inventory of our Finger Lakes rental homes to start planning your trip!