Archive for the 'Keuka Lake' Category
Lakefront Changes on Keuka Lake
February 6th, 2010 categories: Community Issues, Information - Other Areas, Keuka Lake, Restaurants
As in most areas, there are usually landmarks that just seem to have been there forever. The same holds true for Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes. There was once a little (and I mean little) store on the East side of Keuka Lake called “Froggys“. You knew you were there because it had a huge green frog outside of the store. Everyone knew what you were talking about when you said Froggys, and just as important, they knew what area of the lake you were referring to. The place was sold and the frog became history. Towards the end of its existence, the old store had become one of those places that made you question whether it was even open. You know, something you would see in the movies.
Along came a young forward thinking man that decided to tear the old place down, build a new, larger, cleaner and more updated facility, and offer a deli. Since this stretch of road covers around 20 miles from Penn Yan to Hammondsport without any other stores, I see this as a wise decision to rebuild. The name of the new facility is “The Olney Place” on Keuka, Market and Deli. The best part about it for the owner, is that it is opened seasonally allowing him to pursue other interests during the winter months when most lakefront properties sit empty.
Once Spring arrives, so do the lakefront owners. I am sure they will all be meeting at Olneys, grabbing a fresh cup of coffee or maybe even the sandwich “Special of the Day”, and then discussing everything they missed during the winter. The area will be bustling.
As someone that has brought clients there for a quick lunch and a nice cold drink between home viewings, I can tell you first hand, they do have great food there. The selection of sandwiches will make you hungry, even if you thought you were not. The store is clean and has a great selection of items for your lakeside needs.
So when you are driving around the lake this summer, or you are stopping by your lakefront home, stop into Olneys, pick up something cold to drink, grab a sandwich and then tell Seth that Mary sent you.
Finger Lakes Information brought to you by Mary St George
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Keuka Lake - 10 Reasons To Buy Your Vacation Home Here
April 11th, 2009 categories: Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake is one of the 11 Finger Lakes . It is distinctive from the rest of the Finger Lakes because of its unusual Y shape. In the past it was also called or referred to as “Crooked Lake”. It is conveniently located a short drive South from the New York Thruway and a short distance North from State Route 17 (US86).
So lets get onto the reasons to purchase your vacation home on Keuka Lake.
- A great investment - properties on Keuka Lake have continued to appreciate even in the midst of the housing decline - Yates County has not seen the effects of the housing crisis
- Beautiful clean lake-water - lake is approximately 18 miles long attracting all types of water-sports from kayaks, fisherman and sailboats - in the winter you can find ice boats
- Mostly residential except for the three villages located on the three points of the lake which consist of Penn Yan, Branchport and Hammondsport
- Diverse property types - from cabins to luxury custom built homes - traditional to contemporary
- Lake Real Estate is more affordable than other areas of the country making it more desirable as an investment
- Increasing desirability as rentals - increasing income value
- Surrounded by rolling hillsides covered with vineyards that slope down towards the lake
- Wineries, wineries, wineries…if you enjoy a great wine, you can visit any number of the wineries in the area and find a great selection to suit even the most discriminating taste buds from Ice Wines to Dry Reds with many of the wineries boasting award winners
- Many local events, fairs, art shows, farm markets, antique shops, local artists, museums
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Keuka Lake is Coming Alive !
April 5th, 2008 categories: Keuka Lake
Taking a drive from Branchport to Penn Yan you can see that Spring is finally here. The snow is gone and the ice has melted on Keuka Lake ending the fishing season for the ice fishermen. Gone are the little blue huts dotted in groups on the lake. Traffic in the area has picked up.
Homeowners on the lake, both year round and seasonal are visiting the stores to pick up outdoor supplies such as rakes, shovels and lawn bags to spruce up their landscapes. The seasonal owners are checking on their vacation homes to determine what work needs to be done to get their homes ready for the summer season. On a day like today with the temperature hovering around 60 degrees, it just feels great to be outdoors to work on the yard, maybe chat with your neigbors that you have not seen all winter just soak up some of that long awaited sunshine.
It is time to get the grill and outdoor furniture set up, prepare the lake edge for the dock, think about your outdoor projects for the summer and the all of the parties and get togethers you will be having with friends, family and neighbors.
Seeing all of the activity going on … I can just picture summer just around the corner. I can also see myself relaxing by the water with a nice glass of wine and just taking in the beauty of the area, boaters on the water, the smell of a barbecue going, the sounds of music coming from across the lake. What a life, to be able to take advantage of all Keuka Lake has to offer.
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A Diamond in the Rough - Keuka Lake
April 5th, 2008 categories: Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake is one of the gems of the Finger Lakes. Who says? I say. I have the luxury of living by this magnificent lake, nestled among the rolling hills of vineyards and meticulously maintained farmlands. It is what you could refer to as an “out of the way” place, yet still in commuting distance to major cities such as Rochester and Syracuse NY. What makes it great? How about some of the best wineries where you can both taste and purchase award winning wines. There are vintages to support all tastes, sweet, dry, red or white. Or maybe you are into something different such as the distinctively different “Ice Wines”.
Now that I have tickled your tastebuds with the thought of a great Chardonnay, lets move on to the food of the region. Just a short distance away, you will find the New York Wine & Culinary Center. The stars include both the guest chefs that are highly renowned in their field such as Rachel Ray, as well as the diverse menus offered to the diners. Most of the meals are prepared with the local region in mind, always using the best produce the area has to offer in new and unique ways. And if cooking is your style, you can sign up for a cooking class with the visiting chefs to the center.
OK, so this may not be the dining experience you are looking for. If elegance and refined dining is more your style, then start at the Esperanza Mansion overlooking beautiful Keuka Lake (and the views are spectacular) as shown in the attached pictures.
Or maybe your style is a secluded lakeside dining experience. The Waterfront Restaurant or Lakeside Restaurant will fill this request. Both serve daily specials and usually will have some type of live music. Come by boat or car. Either way you will enjoy the experience. You will also have the option to dine indoors or out.
How about something more fun and lively? The Switzerland Inn is the place to be. You will always find a lively crowd here with live music, friendly service and great food. http://www.theswitz.com/index.html
Enough about food…how about the fact this lake is just great for sitting back and relaxing. Unwind at the end of the day in your favorite chair, look out over the lake watching boats touring around, or maybe a fisherman hoping to take in a great catch of perch or trout, or just take in the spectacular beauty of it all. It is all here for your enjoyment, be it serenity or adventure.
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