Upstate New York has many natural spectacles, appealing sights that draw people away from the great cities of the Northeast to greener and wilder pastures. The Finger Lakes is one such gem, a region of water, wine, and wonder.
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Formed by glaciers over the past 2 million years, the region consists of 11 lakes just south of Lake Ontario. The name comes from the fact that the lakes are much longer than they are wide (as is typical for glacial lakes).
The pleasures of spending time on the water, whether fishing, paddling, swimming, or idling, need not be elaborated upon. But there’s much more to do in the region. Many enjoy making short road trips on the 5/20 route which passes a number of roadside attractions and wineries.
Situated on the southern tip of Lake Seneca, Watkins Glen has wine trails, state parks, hikes, and waterfalls. Indeed, there are over 50 waterfalls in the region, all worth checking out between meals at local restaurants and visits to historical sites and museums.
A short spell of living a simpler life, even if just for a few days, can do much to rejuvenate the body and mind. The placid waters of the Finger Lakes is a great place to find what you’re looking for, whatever that may be.
Continue reading to learn about 10 Vrbo vacation rentals in the Finger Lakes. Each property has lakefront access and Upstate charm.
Sunset Haven$196/nightly avg
A mid-century home enmeshed in a millennia-old landscape, Sunset Haven offers couples and small groups a joyous getaway at Lake Cayuga. A string of memorable moments will unfold as you sit out on the lake or enjoy the scene from the open-plan living room. The home has a dock and an outdoor patio complete with a large hot tub. It is a homey affair, nothing fancy, but guests will find it stylish nonetheless. In addition to the master, there is a room occupied by queen, twin, and trundle beds.
Seneca Memories$334/nightly avg
Take in Seneca Lake from this lovely cottage on the western shore. The home has high ceilings and plenty of windows. From the kitchen cabinets to the dressers, the home is fitted with many examples of fine craftsmanship. The home gym and the dining room are surrounded by lake-facing windows on three sides. There are four bedrooms with queen or king beds (one of which is a Murphy bed) and each bedroom has its own bathroom. Naturally, the house has outdoor seating, a dock, and access to watercraft.
Renovated Cabin At The Waters’ Edge$400/nightly avg
Located in the quiet town of Branchport at the northwestern end of Keuka Lake, this quaint cabin is your gateway to the joys of the entire Finger Lakes region. The town’s marina is just three doors down should you wish to rent a boat to moor at the home’s private dock. The home is a comfortable one enhanced by views of the lake. It has three bedrooms, a kitchen that is both spacious and stylish, and lovely outdoor sitting areas on the grass and deck.
Peaceful Paradise On Lake Cayuga$675/nightly avg
Just 20 minutes north of Ithaca, this waterfront house rental is great for groups with business in that city who cherish a secluded base. Whether you’re coming for a graduation, family retreat, or just to experience the idyllic wine country, this four-bedroom house is full of opportunities for water lovers. It has a dock, canoes, kayaks, and inflatables. There’s also a ping-pong table for terrestrial fun. The great room is enhanced by a beautiful decorative fireplace of warped stone and there are places to dine indoors and out.
White O’Morn$540/nightly avg
From the eastern shores of Lake Owasco a sunset is more than just a pretty sight; it is a sign that you are in the right place. Such is the scene every evening at White O’Morn, a cozy three-bedroom cabin in the Finger Lakes. Up to eight guests can discover the local charms from the comfort of this three-bedroom home. It has a deck, dock, living area, and a kitchen with all the convenient features you enjoy at home (plus gorgeous granite countertops that may even rival your own in terms of beauty).
O’Cottage$648/nightly avg
Your family and friends will surely thank you for booking this fantastic four-bedroom cottage on Lake Keuka. It comes with everything you need for summer fun: a fire pit, kayaks, inflatables, and a swimming platform that the kids will love. The ground floor is kept afloat by beautiful timber beams and has multiple living areas for those days when you can’t agree on what to watch or which games to play. A private queen bedroom is detached from the rest of the second floor. Across the house and above the kitchen, three more bedrooms are to be found: two more queens and a dormitory with five beds. Best of all, each bedroom has views of the lake.
Keuka Blue$800/nightly avg
A beautiful vacation home on a beautiful lake, Keuka Blue is an elegant home on the western branch of Lake Keuka. It stuns inside and out but is especially appealing when viewed from the water. There are plenty of opportunities to take it from such vantage points as the cottage is stocked with canoes and kayaks (motor boats and watersports craft can be rented nearby). External staircases provide added privacy to each of the three bedrooms while connecting all of the home’s fabulous outdoor areas. This great location has Adirondack chairs, a fire pit, a dock, and bunting; all the things an Upstate cottage ought to have.
Modern Log Cabin On Skaneateles Lake$727/nightly avg
A contemporary structure with a delightfully rustic feel, this log cabin is a surefire ticket to an enjoyable family vacation. The property (which can only be accessed by 4-wheel drive) has 200 feet of lakefront property, spacious deck areas (on the water and attached to the home), and a well-developed firepit which everyone will want to gather around.
The delights don’t end at the front door. The interior is an ecosystem of rock and wood, an homage to the local surroundings done up in the classic log cabin style and complete with a wood-burning fireplace in the great room. The house has two kids’ rooms with twins, two queen rooms, and a workout room. The owners will offer up their pontoon boat to interested guests.
Stunning Skaneateles Home$956/nightly avg
The glacial lakes are doubtless the highlight of the Finger Lakes region, but there are other wonders to see. One such marvel is this extraordinary house on Lake Skaneateles. It is not only an architectural stunner but also a practical venue for family fun. Children will enjoy climbing the spiral staircase up to the tower, and everyone can appreciate the views.
The master bedroom has an ensuite with a jacuzzi bathtub. The second bedroom, with its own balcony, is excellent as well. A third room on the ground level will serve well as the children’s room. With so many superb spots to take in the beauty of the lake, some guests might even struggle with getting up to go out on the water.
Pair Of Cayuga Cabins$1,250/nightly avg
Arranging trips for large groups is tough, but the prospect is made much easier by properties like this one, a pair of two pet-friendly cabins on Cayuga Lake. Recent renovations spruced up the outdoor space, which is grand because the views and atmosphere outside are terrific. The main cabin has a master suite, a queen bedroom, an upstairs loft with twins, and a stunning moose head over the fireplace which any hunter will envy. The basement doubles as a game room and bedroom. The second cabin has two bedrooms and a den. Both buildings have rustic wooden fixtures. The lakefront land includes a swimming cove, dock, boat hoist, and four kayaks to play with.
To discover even more things to do in and around The Finger Lakes, check out: