Tag: Ithaca

Quarantined in the Finger Lakes

Creating memorable experiences in the Finger Lakes isn’t only for the out-of-towners. Here at Finger Lakes Premier Properties, we strive to be a resource for everyone to enjoy their time in the our picturesque region. During this period of social distancing and limited travel, in order to #flattenthecurve, we’ve provided some inspiration for making the most of our time apart.

Take A Breath of Fresh Air

Local and New York State Parks are still open, but visit responsibly. As Spring weather welcomes warmer temperatures, you’re bound to see more people stretching their legs at public parks. Luckily for us, there is a plethora of parks with great trails for hikers of all levels.

The New York State Parks have only closed access to playgrounds, athletic courts, and sporting fields to reduce the spread of COVID-19. To explore a park near you, visit their website.

Another one of our favorite resources for creating new adventures is GoFingerLakes.org. You can download the app or visit their site to find the best spots for hiking, biking, paddling, and outdoor recreation across our 6,000-square-mile area. On this site, you can even use their advance search for the best locations for waterfalls, pet-friendly trails, bird watching, and more.

The Lake is Open!

It may be obvious, but the lakes offer great activities for responsible social distancing. Take advantage of the free entertainment they provide from paddling to fishing.

No matter what species of fresh water fish you’re looking for, the Finger Lakes has it. For family outings you can cast from most public and state parks for a lakeside activity. For the serious anglers, different lakes are better for certain types of fish. For example, Seneca Lake attracts fishermen for its Perch and Trout and hosts tournaments each year. In addition to the lakes, the ponds and streams throughout the region also offer plentiful opportunities for casting a line or net, which can be brought home for a fresh dinner. For more information about fishing in the Finger Lakes, click here. Before you grab your fishing pole, take a look at New York State regulations and licensing by clicking here.

If you own a kayak or canoe, take advantage of your extra time and get paddling. If you don’t live lakeside, you can launch from parks scattered along the shores of each lake. For fresh scenery and the chance to view wildlife, paddle an inlet where you can also find some great fishing spots. Click here for resources on where to launch.

Savor the Flavors

Just because you can’t sit down in your favorite restaurant doesn’t mean you have to fend for yourself at every meal. Create a special evening or make a picnic out of it by ordering take out from local restaurants. Below you can review menus of favored venues around our region offering to-go or delivery options.

Canandaigua Restaurants with Take Out:

Naples Restaurants with Take Out:

Penn Yan Restaurants with Take Out:

Hammondsport Restaurants with Take Out:

Geneva Restaurants with Take Out:

Watkins Glen Restaurants with Take Out:

Seneca Falls Restaurants with Take Out:

Ithaca Restaurants with Take Out:

(check back as we will be updating this page with more options)

Don’t forget the wine and beer!

You may not be able to do a tasting on site, but you can still purchase your favorite bottles and growlers while supporting our local beverage industry. Find complete lists by visiting the wine trail and beer trail links below.

We hope everyone stays healthy, safe, and connected during this unprecedented time. Join us on Facebook as we will be posting live photos, videos, and updates from our picturesque region.

Lakefront Real Estate Sales Report: Quarter 2 Highlights

Finger Lakes Premier Properties is the region’s lakefront specialists for sales across the region. Our team of highly knowledgeable, experienced, and successful Buyer and Seller Specialists provide a complimentary analysis of lakefront market trends each quarter.

As we enter the second half of 2017, the real estate market stays strong. Annually, the Finger Lakes has generated over $30 million, with FLPP accounting for 23% of these total sales. Below is the Quarter 2 Lakefront Sales Report. If you have more questions, contact our sales team today by calling 888-599-4810.

Analysis of lakefront homes sold on seven of the Finger Lakes, statics aggregated from MLS.

As shown in the chart above, the number of sales decreased 26% as compared to last year, increasing buyer competition. Homes are in high demand on Seneca and Keuka Lake, with multiple offers coming in on homes in the mid-price range of $300,000 to $600,000.

The decrease in average sale price along most lakes indicates that this year’s buyers are looking at the affordability of lakefront homes. Buyers are aware of the current market and are quick to make an offer on homes priced fairly. This could be attributed to the ADM on Conesus and Honeoye Lakes dropping by at least 40% this year. On the other hand, homes priced at $600,000 and above, tend to sit a bit longer.

The increased advertising and media attention on vacation rentals, along with the addition of Uber and Lyft to the Finger Lakes, is creating more demand for both vacation experiences in these homes as well as ownership of these lakefront residences. Listing your home as early as mid-August will put you ahead of the game but still allow you to enjoy the lake through the end of this summer. With the market strong and interest rates low, this is prime time for buying and selling lakefront homes.

For more information about buying or selling lakefront property in the Finger Lakes, contact our Buyer Specialists, Justin Hausner, or our Sales Manager, Cynthia Emerling by calling 888-599-4810 or email Sales@FLPPlake.com.

 

Alleviate PTSD by Exploring the Finger Lakes

June 27, 2017 | By Zak Klick

As June 27th marks the U.S. National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day, it seems fitting to highlight our region’s natural remedies for those suffering from past trauma.  While nothing is guaranteed, much research has been done associating the positive effects of exploring the outdoors to those suffering from PTSD and depression.

For example, in 2015, University of Michigan researchers surveyed Veterans before and after a multi-day wilderness recreation experience, which involved camping and hiking in groups of between six and 12 participants.

One week after the experience, veterans reported a greater than 10 percent enhancement in several measures of psychological well-being, a 9 percent increase in social functioning, and a nearly 8 percent gain in positive life viewpoint.

Since our area is rich in waterfalls and forestry, we thought it would be appropriate, on this day, to offer calming places to visit the outdoors.  Without much further ado, here are some of the best outdoor locations we, the Finger Lakes Premier Property staff, could locally advocate for planning your next outdoor adventure.

Upper, Middle + Lower Falls in Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park

The Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth State Park is home to three of the largest and most stunning falls you’ll find along the west side of the Finger Lakes. About 25 minutes from some of our vacation rentals along Consesus Lake, this expansive park features the main attraction at the Upper and Middle Falls, with over 50 smaller cascades scattered throughout the park. With activities planned year-round from guided tours and white water rafting, to snow tubing and cross-country skiing, this attraction is ideal for an outdoor adventure any time of the year.

Watkins Glen Waterfalls via Stone Stairs

One of the most iconic waterfall destinations in the Finger Lakes is the Watkins Glen State Park, where you can walk under, over and through 19 waterfalls. As you climb over 800 steps through the park you will be completely immersed in nature with plenty of resting stops along the way to enjoy some quiet moments of solitude. Located right in downtown Watkins Glen and minutes from Seneca Lake where you can continue to enjoy a peaceful getaway in the Finger Lakes.

 

Shequaga/Montour Falls South of Watkins Glen

Just south of Watkins Glen you’ll find the Shequaga Falls in downtown Montour Falls. Find a comfortable spot at the base of the massive falls that are easily accessible for most, and enjoy the thrilling sounds of the water crashing into the basin below. If you’re looking to hike, follow the 5 mile Montour Falls Historic Trail Loop to explore more falls and lookout points.

Lucifer Falls + Lower Falls in Robert H. Treman State Park

A very popular summer swimming hole for locals is at the Lower Falls or Lucifer Falls in Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca, NY. In addition to taking a relaxing dip in the fresh water from the falls, the park’s rugged gorge called Enfield Glen continues for 9 miles of winding hiking trails past 12 waterfalls, including the 115-foot Lucifer Falls.

Buttermilk Falls in Buttermilk Falls State Park

Autumn scene landscape of waterfalls at Buttermilk Falls State Park

A local favorite is Buttermilk Falls State Park at the south end of Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, NY. Hike the park’s Gorge and Rim Trails to take in the view of cascading Buttermilk Creek, enjoy a soaring cliff jumping adventure, and cool off in the natural-fed swimming pool at the base of Buttermilk Falls, the largest of the park’s 10 falls.

 

These are only a few of the locations in the Finger Lakes where cascading waterfalls may be able to provide soothing comfort for anyone, even those experiencing PTSD symptoms. Once again, this is a supplemental treatment for those wanting additional help and not a proven form of relief.  Those suffering from severe psychological dysfunction should contact a medical professional for assistance.

For more information about PTSD, its symptoms, support, and more, visit the website for the National Center for PTSD.