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.