Canandaigua, Owasco, Skaneateles, Seneca…these exotic-sounding places aren’t islands in the Caribbean or far-flung European destinations. Rather, they’re glittering, shimmering lakes located in Upstate New York, and they draw tourists to their shores year round for water sports, skiing, and explorations of the charming towns. The Finger Lakes region ends up surprising many people with its generous vacation offerings, and you certainly could be the next to experience this welcoming place.
Deciding to go to the Finger Lakes is a good first step; now, make sure that the whole affair will be carried off with style by paying close attention to the issue of lodging. This hard-earned trip to the water should be worth your while (meaning time and money), so place you and your companions in quality accommodations that not only meet your basic needs, but surpass your expectations for what a getaway should be.
Wrap your mind around the concept of a vacation rental by imagining one of the star properties: a rustically elegant cabin located right on the shores of Skaneateles Lake. A place like this allows the beauty and away-ness of the great outdoors to be enjoyed without having to lug around camping gear or live without running water. Upper New York is a lovely place of gorges, forests, streams and trails, and the lake of course is ready to provide hours of fun. Waterskiing, fishing, swimming, boating, tubing and anything else you can think of exists as a possibility on any one of the major Finger Lakes.
The open air patio and dock access make it easy to feel connected to the lovely surroundings, and ample woodland paths entice visitors to set out towards another stretch of shoreline, one of the nearby villages, or no where in particular. Breezes, shade and cool water sweeten a hot and humid summer day, while having a comfortable home from which to come and go lightens the load of responsibility from everyone’s shoulders, even the one usually in charge of planning it all and making sure things go smoothly.
Enough beds, bathrooms and living space will ensure that no one steps on each other’s toes and not-very-rustic additions like a full kitchen, entertainment center and internet access provide even more reason to feel at home. The surroundings and plethora of activities will definitely make everyone feel that they’ve escaped the pressures of the real world, but you won’t feel totally cut-off or denied any basic amenities, either. It’s the perfect balance that brings people to the vacation home, and soon you’ll join the exclusive club.
Actually, you don’t have to be a VIP to rent a cabin in the woods, a cottage on the lake, or any other kind of vacation home, for that matter. Special deals often arise, bargains can be found, and when going in on a place with friends or extended family, the per person cost is often quite reasonable. Taking into account what you receive for what you pay, it usually turns out to be a satisfying exchange.
As with anything else, it’s important to do some research ahead of time to become acquainted with the ins and outs, so go online and begin looking at the array of Finger Lakes Vacation Rentals. There are many to choose from, each with its own personality and set of attractive qualities, so enjoy the process of picking the right cabin for your needs and start looking forward to your lake escape.
Upstate New York, particularly an area like the Finger Lakes, has the potential to be overlooked and generally ignored by travelers from other parts of the country. Don’t make the same sad mistake as these folks; this region is filled to the brim with year-round opportunities for leisure and laughter and shouldn’t be missed.
Beginning with the obvious, the lakes are the true reason for all the hubbub. Eleven separate bodies of water formed by long-ago glacial activity mark the landscape with indelible beauty and provide pleasure-seekers with an endless span of surfaces over which to glide, swim and float. The seven largest lakes receive the bulk of the attention and attract visitors to this otherwise purely agricultural region.
Nature reigns supreme from Otisco Lake to Conesus Lake but believe that there are plenty of man-made diversions to be taken advantage of. Seneca and Canandaigua each have annual Trout Derbies and casual anglers are welcome to fish the stocked lakes all summer long. Boats can be brought from home or rented here, so whether you choose to visit one of the big ones or a smaller stretch of fresh water, having fun on the lake is a sure bet.
As might be expected, the whole of Ontario County has a certain openness to recreation. In other words, golf fans can relax, because there’s plenty to appease them. Nine public courses that accommodate all skill level make their home here, showcasing the rolling green hillsides, views of the glittering lakes and the occasional wide-open countryside vista. Things have changed since the days when the Iroquois were the primary inhabitants of this blessed land, but much of the original splendor remains.
Not that summer is the only time to visit the Finger Lakes. Bristol Mountain Winter Resort offers ski conditions that are no joke, and the surrounding landscape looks incredibly lovely draped under a blanket of snow. Sleigh rides, winter shopping, holiday festivals and lights and the sheer thrills of downhill and cross-country schussing should be enough to tempt travelers into the snow. There’s always a glass of Finger Lakes wine waiting at the end of the day, too.
There are over 70 wineries to be found in this region, the largest collection of vineyards in New York. Between the Lake Effect and the local dedication to producing a fine product, this has become a fine place to tour, sample and buy quality wine and support the local economy. A bottle makes a great souvenir for all those poor souls who couldn’t make the trip, too.
Regional cuisine is another pleasant little detail to look forward to. Grape Pie is probably the most famous and unusual local creation, so be sure to save room if you’re visiting during the fall. All grape products, especially those made with the much-coveted Concords, are a hit, as is a plate of fresh lake trout. Area restaurants cater to all tastes, however, so expect to find everything from pizza to comfort food in Lake Country.
To truly capitalize on the idea of comfort, pick out a cozy vacation house or cottage along one of the lake’s shores or tucked back into the countryside. Nothing promotes deep relaxation like putting your feet up on your very own dock and gazing across the water, or cooking up the catch of the day on the grill in the backyard and finishing it off with a homemade pie picked up down the street. Finger Lakes Vacation Rentals are plentiful and provide more convenience and charm than average lodging situations, and they tend to smoothly and easily enhance what already has the makings to be a wonderfully low-key vacation event.
Caitlin Moore has sinced written about articles on various topics from Food And Drink, Travel and Leisure and Vacation Rentals. HomeAway.com displays over 75,000 vacation rental listings for travelers looking for comfort, convenience and class.. Caitlin Moore's top article generates over 301000 views. to your Favourites.