Tag: COVID-19

Finger Lakes Wine Trail Update!

The wine trails throughout the Finger Lakes are committed to providing a safe and clean space for you to enjoy, and ask that you also make the commitment to adhere to the policies put in place at each winery! Many of the requirements the wineries have in place are mandated by the New York State Liquor Authority and the State of New York in order to be open.

It’s important to know that things may look different, but that same feeling of being in Finger Lakes Wine Country will persist. We truly believe these changes have made room for many positive experiences. All tastings are seated where you are able to select a flight or receive a tasting experience with a server. Wineries are also required by the state to serve food with any alcohol consumption. This is typically a light snack such as crackers, pretzels or cheese for example. (Which we think is great anyway while you’re sipping on wine!)

Explore the Finger Lakes Wine Region

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the many wineries in the Finger Lakes, there’s an easy solution. Visit the wineries on a Finger Lakes wine trail! Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga Lake all have their own wine trail.

Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail

First, the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail. Features 30 miles of Finger Lakes wine and food experiences! Sip their world-class wines and enjoy beautiful vistas along the rolling hillsides of Canandaigua Lake.

Get exclusive tastings at each of their wineries, and a 25% savings, when you purchase their tasting passport. Passports are good for a year after purchase, so you can spend valuable time meeting with their tastemakers. The Passport provides complimentary tastings at each winery and also additional price discounts for the purchase of wine with the use of the passport. One passport is valid for one person, not valid for groups of more than eight. Please note, due to COVID-19, our wineries are now open, but reservations are required for tasting.

Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail

Keuka Lake Wine Trail

The Keuka Lake Wine Trail. While this trail may not be the longest running, Keuka Lake was home to the first bonded winery. This region specializes in Vinifera wines, as this area was where they were first planted.

“The Keuka Lake Wine Trail is a great option if you’re looking to slow down, immerse yourself in the local wine scene and enjoy the unique and breathtaking views Keuka Lake has to offer.

There are six wineries a part of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail who all have something different to offer with their own style, but all share important commonalities you’ll certainly appreciate.

Our wineries put a strong focus on:

  • Customer service
  • Education
  • Approachable experiences
  • Safe and comfortable environment to enjoy.

We look forward to welcoming visitors this year to the tasting rooms and are happy to be a resource for those who have questions to help them prepare for a memorable and safe experience to the Keuka Lake Wine Trail.” said Chelsea Race, Marketing Manager of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail.

For tips, resources, and information about the wineries please visit here. You’ll find everything you would want to know before visiting, current winery hours and offerings and who requires a reservation.

Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Explore the largest wine trail in the state of New York! The Seneca Lake Wine Trail, formed in 1986, features 35 wineries, a distillery, two cider producers, two breweries, and a meadery on its path. This trail is known for its hearty grapes, though the wineries on the list have won plenty of awards for the delicate Rieslings.

“The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is planning to host two wine and food pairing events this spring. The first is Pasta and Wine on Friday, March 19 (THIS FRIDAY). The second is Spring Wine and Cheese on Friday, April 16. Of course, these dates are tentative and subject to change, but we are eager to get back to welcoming visitors to sample our fabulous wines with delicious food.

In terms of visiting our wineries, each winery on the Trail sets their own policies, but by and large, you either make a reservation or visit as a walk-in. About half of our member wineries require reservations and half simply take visitors on a walk-in basis. It’s important to do some research in advance of a visit and we provide a handy one-page guide on our website to help visitors do just that.” said Brittany Gibson, Executive Director of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

The key things to remember are:

  • Masks are required any time you’re not seated.
  • Please make reservations where recommended or required.
  • Keep it small. Traveling in large groups is discouraged for now. Most wineries cannot accommodate groups beyond 4 or 6 people. Please preview each winery’s policy on our website.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail has the honor of being the first-organized and longest-running wine trail in the country! It was first established in 1983 and includes 14 dog-friendly member wineries, as well as cideries, a meadery, four distilleries, and a taproom.

“The wine trail itself is starting to see a bit more positivity and hope as far as the future goes. We’ve been working our tails off to reconfigure our spring events to be able to bring them to our guests in the safest way possible.” Says Katherine Chase, Executive Director of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. “Coming up on April 16, 17, and 18 is our ever-popular Bacon on the Lakein event. Again, this event has been adapted to meet all of the regulations and mandates that the tasting rooms must follow to remain compliant. It’s a bit different than seen in previous years but we think the new way will be even more enjoyable!

Though not officially launched quite yet, we’re also planning an event on the 2 weekends in May between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. We’re putting a fun new twist on a classic event and introducing “Flights and Florals.” This event will feature- you guessed it- wine and potted flowers for the guests to take home. Stay tuned for more information on that event, and visit cayugawinetrail.com for further event information.”

The wineries as individuals seem to be feeling the same positivity and hope, as they’re continuously rolling out new event and activities for everyone to do. Whether it’s special holiday food pairings or entire events, they’re starting to introduce more and more. Masks are still 100% required until guests are seated, and social distancing does remain in effect. Each winery is a bit different as far as groups and reservation policies go. The wine trail’s website has a comprehensive chart with all 14 wineries in one spot to help guests plan their day and see who’s open when and what their restrictions might be. Click below for all the details!

Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties

While exploring the Finger Lakes wine region, rest each night at one of the most stunning homes in the area. Finger Lakes Premier Properties has the best selection socially distanced vacation rentals. We have over 260 vacation rentals on six of the 11 lakes, including Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga Lake. Plus, with our 24/7 customer service, you can rest knowing that you will be well taken care of!

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

Book Now!

With so many wonderful things to do and see in the Finger Lakes wine region, we can’t possibly put it in just one blog. Download our free Vacation Guide to get a full list of local recommendations. From the best area restaurants to beautiful hiking trails, you’ll find everything you need to plan the ultimate Finger Lakes vacation! You’ll even get more recommendations for the best Finger Lakes wineries. Download it today to get started!

Lakefront Real Estate Update for June, 2020

The first quarter of 2020 seems like a blur as COVID-19 took an immediate hit on every industry, including the Finger Lakes lakefront real estate market. What was surprising, however, was it did not stop. In fact, across the region there were more lake homes sold this quarter than in 2019.

Lakefront Real Estate Market Report for Quarter 1, 2020


Analysis of lakefront homes sold on 7 of the Finger Lakes for January through March of 2020. Statistics aggregated from MLS.

The number of new listings decreased dramatically. This allowed additional exposure for homes already listed or any homeowner willing to take the innovative virtual solutions to list their home. This resulted in a slight increase in the number of total sales as we ended the first quarter.

Typically, lakefront buyers for our region are willing to wait for the perfect home at the right price. This, combined with the average time online increasing dramatically through March, meant that prospective buyers were searching more and ready to commit as soon as listings came online. The real estate section of our site, FLPPlake.com, saw a 50% increase in traffic year-over-year from March through May. We continue to see online trends with new listings and virtual tours being the most sought-out content.

The circumstances around the untypical spring real estate boom proved to be lucrative for sellers. With the decrease in the number of listings available and the favorable interest rates for buyers, average sale prices increased across the region. We are continuing to see this in the second quarter as there are still a limited number of listing.

Lakefront Sales Update for June, 2020

The demand continues to swell the quarter for the Finger Lakes lakefront market. The unstable stock market turned the attention of investors to safer options, including real estate. These investors are keeping their eye on the Finger Lakes. Our region has been highlighted as a more affordable waterfront market. Additionally, the Finger Lakes continues to thrive as a picturesque travel destination with easy access to multiple urban markets. And these investors are not just looking for a second home to shelter with their family. They see the surge in the vacation rental industry as a safer choice for accommodations and vision a new lake home investment as a sure-win situation. Our rental management team confirms this trend with demand for vacation rentals being the highest we’ve seen in our 27 years of lakefront property management.

Finger Lakes Premier Properties sold this Seneca Lakefront home in just 1 day in May!

As of June 1, 2020, Finger Lakes real estate services have fully reopened with New York State Governor Cuomo’s phased plan. Our agents are now able to resume in-person home showings with responsible social distancing. We historically have and will continue to provide innovative virtual services to out of town buyers. The biggest challenge for our team is showing homes before they sell.

For more information on current lakefront trends on any of the Finger Lakes, contact our sales team today. They are ready to help you achieve your real estate goals this year by taking advantage of this unique market opportunity.

To contact our sales team either call 888-599-4810 or email sales@flpplake.com.

Celebrating July 4th in the Finger Lakes – 2020 Edition

Most of the annual July 4th celebrations including large events, parades, and firework displays have been canceled in the Finger Lakes region due to the COVID-19 restrictions. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate our pride for the USA.

For those seeking greater experiences, we’ve provided our recommendations for creating new patriotic traditions in the Finger Lakes.

Booking the Perfect Lake House

The dates surrounding the July 4th weekend are the most popular of the year for booking a lakefront vacation rental. With family travel plans being diverted this year because of COVID-19, you may still have a chance to secure the perfect home to enjoy a Finger Lakes Independence Day, but book soon!

The key to creating the perfect lakeside getaway is finding the home that checks all your boxes. Unlike hotels, vacation rental homes are not all created equal, but that is also part of the fun. Some families require open layouts with bedrooms on the first floor or level lakefronts for easy access for children. Many of our homes also offer virtual tours allowing you to tour the home before you book, ensuring it fits your vacation style. Identifying these needs will be key for an enjoyable getaway for everyone in your group and will also help our local vacation planners find the right home for you.

It’s all about the amenities

Get more out of your vacation by taking advantages of the additional amenities that come with most vacation homes. Many of our homes come with perks such as kayaks (non-motorized watercraft) and hot tubs. These are searchable features on our website. Some other key features include game rooms, lawn games, fire pits, and bonus lake houses. These amenities can be found in the property descriptions or the amenities section on the property pages.

More ways to get on the lake

Motorized boats are not included with any of our rentals. However, local marinas can help you get out on the lakes during your stay with rentals of boats, kayaks, and any accessory you need to enjoy the water during your stay. Like our rentals, these will also be reserved well in advance for the busy holiday weekend so please plan accordingly.

Click Here for Marinas and Boat Rentals

For expert help on creating the perfect Independence Day getaway, contact our local vacation planners who are familiar with all of our 280+ homes across the Finger Lakes.

Plan Ahead for Easy, Delicious, and Festive Meals

One of the best advantages of staying in a vacation home is you have a fully equipped kitchen and grill for making your favorite meals throughout your stay. But again, planning ahead is key especially with new COVID-19 guidelines in place for shopping.

In today’s digital world it is easier than ever to order groceries online and have them ready for curbside pick-up. Reduce the need to go into stores by using these methods to pick up all of the items you need for a delicious getaway. Search your route to your rental beforehand then see what options are offered or check out the list below:

  • Conesus Lake: West’s Surfine Food Mart,
  • Honeoye Lake: West Wise Honeoye
  • Canandaigua Lake: (North) Canandaigua Wegmans, Tops, Aldi’s, Walmart; (South) Rennoldson’s Market
  • Keuka Lake: (North) Tops, Morgan’s, Aldi’s, Oak Hill Bulk Goods; (East Lake) Olney Place; (South) Hammondsport Grocery
  • Seneca Lake: (North) Geneva Wegmans, Walmart, Sauder’s; (South) Top’s, Walmart
  • Cayuga Lake: (North) Waterloo Tops, Waterloo Walmart, Cayuga Corner, Sauder’s, Auburn Wegmans, Auburn Walmart; (East side) Union Springs Shurfine Supermarket, the Produce Place; (South) Ithaca Wegmans, Tops, Target, Aldi’s, Anabel’s Grocery, Green Star Food Co+op

Need some festive inspiration for what to serve through the July 4th weekend? Check out our Pinterest Board while you are creating your shopping list!

Creative Ways for a Memorable Lakeside Holiday

There is no doubt this will be one of the most memorable Independence Day’s in our Nation’s history. Make the most of social distancing by celebrating with a small group of your closest family and friends at your lake rental. Here are some of our guest’s favorite ways to celebrate at their lakefront vacation rentals:

  • Bring your favorite (most competitive) lawn game and plan a tournament
  • Create a Patriotic Picnic
  • Decorate your boat/kayak in red, white, and blue and create your own water parade
  • Patriotic Kid Crafts and Games
  • Watch a patriotic movie (Have a projector? Make an outdoor theater)
  • Create your own Finger Lakes wine/beer tasting by picking up similar styles from different tasting rooms (see below)
  • Spark up the sparklers at night
  • Lakeside campfire with s’mores

Explore the Finger Lakes Responsibly

If you choose to leave your lakeside rental this July 4th weekend and explore some of the natural wonders of our region, please plan ahead.

Parks, Trails and Waterfalls

Be aware that without the annual festivals and events, our popular parks will likely be busier than usual with locals and travelers all seeking a memorable holiday weekend. If you are staying through the week, planning on visiting these locations during a week day may be an option for less traffic. And although most parks have reopened, there are restrictions and new guidelines. Always research the venue prior to getting into the car to avoid closures.

For resources on finding trails and parks, visit:

Beverage Experience Seekers

Our region is hoping to be in Phase 3 of New York State’s reopening plan by July 4th, which includes tasting rooms across our wine trails and craft brew trail. However, each day is different and we cannot guarantee the availability of visiting tasting rooms. One thing is certain, tasting room policies, procedures and experiences will be much different this year with new protocols in place to keep staff and patrons safe.

As of right now, most tasting rooms are offering pick up and delivery options of your favorite craft drinks. While we understand it isn’t the same experience, perhaps picking up bottles of fresh vintages and enjoying them lake side may not be the worst way to savor the flavors of the Finger Lakes.

Below are links to the beverage trails for you to get the most current information on what will be available during your visit to the Finger Lakes.

Plan a Lakeside Celebration for Another Time

Without the organized parades and fireworks this year, who says you can’t create your own festive vacation on a different weekend of the summer. This will also provide you with more flexible dates with possible lower rates to get more out of your next vacation.

Don’t forget to take a peak at our specials page which includes Mini-week specials (stays of 6 days or less depending on the property) or deeper discounts on select lake homes.

Find Summer Specials Now

If your reason for visiting the Finger Lakes includes must-have experiences such as wine tasting, museum touring, or sitting down at your favorite restaurant, stay up to date on the New York State’s Phases for reopening by visiting our COVID page.

The Premier Advantage of Booking a Vacation Rental

If one thing is certain during these unprecedented times, it is that travel will look different going forward. We will be more conscious of space and human contact. Our choices of transportation, locations, and especially accommodations will have more inquisition in the planning stages of your next vacation. But yes, travel will happen.

While you are listing the needs and wants of your next getaway, a private home to host your next vacation may be key to creating the best trip yet. Here’s why staying at one of our rentals gives you a premier vacation advantage.

No Contact Check-in

From the moment you pull out of your driveway to the time you arrive at your lakefront rental, you will not come in contact with any of our staff. There is no lobby, no desk to check-in at, simply drive to your private home to check in. Key less entry systems are on all of our rentals, providing you less stress, convenience, and a safe start to your vacation.

Cleanliness Standards

The elephant in all our minds is the cleanliness of the vacation rental prior to arrival. We continue to maintain the highest housekeeping standards so that you’ll experience a sanitized, clean, and disinfected home to enjoy. We continue to use commercial grade disinfectant, and our housekeeping staff has increased their focus on “high touch” items like light switches, doorknobs, remotes, etc.  For more information on our cleaning standards, click below.

Our Cleaning Standards

Private Spaces Inside and Out

Keuka Lake Vacation Rentals
“This house was perfect for our family! It is so beautiful inside. Everything was very clean and well kept. It felt like home. The mattresses were very comfortable, unlike some homes we have stayed at in the past. The kitchen was well stocked and had everything I needed to cook all the meals for the week. There is plenty of outside seating to accommodate all guests. We caught pike, large and smallmouth bass, and a catfish right off the dock. There were 2 kayaks that came with the property. We enjoyed the house so much we are going to book it for the same week next year. This home exceeded our expectations!”

Travel with the peace of mind knowing you don’t have to share a home with other guests or the owner of the rental like you would if you rent through VRBO/Airbnb. You’re also eliminating the contact you would have in lobbies or common areas of a hotel. The entire home is for your full enjoyment and relaxation.

In addition to the social distancing advantage, there are economic benefits of staying in a vacation rental when it comes to dining. All of our vacation homes come will fully equipped kitchens. You’ll eliminate the search for safe dining or take out and be able to cook every meal, snack, and baked dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen. If you plan ahead, you can even order all of your groceries online and pick them up curbside on your way to your rental.

Take a step outside of your rental to find your personal paradise. The only people you will be sharing the beach, porch, yard, outdoor kitchen with is the people in your group. No need to worry about crowded beaches, or your spot getting stolen from another vacationer. Some lakefront homes in our region are in close proximity to neighbors. Be sure to review the photos or ask our vacation planners if you’re looking for a secluded home, we have plenty of these too!

Search Homes Now

Entertainment is Included

Finger Lakes rentals
“We booked a Honeoye Lake home for a quiet week away. It was perfect. My favorite was taking our 2-year old son out for a paddle in the provided kayak each day. His favorite was probably the s’mores at night.” – L.B., September, 2014

One of the best benefits of staying in a vacation rental is you have the space and amenities to keep you entertained for days! Below is a list of commonly found amenities to help you enjoy your time on vacation safely.

  • Game rooms
  • Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards
  • Fire pits
  • Hot tubs
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Free WiFi (for those that continue to work or school from home)

Many of our amenities are search options on our site. If you need assistance of finding the perfect home to suit the needs of your group, contact our vacation planners at 888-414-5253.

For more information on how to safely experience the Finger Lakes region through the COVID-19 changes, click here.

Search our entire vacation rental inventory by clicking book now below. No matter which rental you choose you will always receive the premier vacation rental advantage.

Book Now!