If you have driven by the intersection of Lake Ave and State Route 14A, you surely have seen signs of life.  Yes, the previous home of the Beverage Baron is now the Eastside Grill and Market ( The Market part will be open soon).  I finally stopped by today between appointments showing homes, partially because I was hungry and because I wanted to introduce the Eastside Grill to my readers. 

They have a nice menu to choose from when it comes to fast foods.  Rochester visitors will like the fact that they have included Red Ossier beef sandwiches to their menu.  Oh my… Kielbasa, and Zweigles add even more local flavor to the menu.

Ken Eveland, the owner was hard at work with  a nice steady lunch-time crowd.  I asked him about a sign and he said ” We have been just so busy, we may not get to it until the Fall.”   To me that says business has been good to him.

I wish them well and as they say, it is one of the busiest corners in Penn Yan when it comes to traffic.  With the arrival very soon of the “lake people” and tourists, Ken should stay very busy.

You can visit them on-line Eastside Grill & Market, on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/eastsidegrillatlakekeuka and on Twitter  http://twitter.com/#!/eastside_grill

By the way, my lunch was great – I had a Philly Steak sandwich and an order of sweet potato fries.

This information brought to you by Mary St.George, Associate Broker, Wine Trail Properties, 315-719-8377

Looking around the ice cream cooler recently in our local Byrne Dairy store, I came across Mercer’s Wine Ice Cream.  My first thought was  ” Wow ! What took them so long ? “  After all, I live in the middle of the Finger Lakes Wine area, the second largest wine-producing area in the US.

I have had home-made wine flavored sorbet in a restaurant for dessert before, but have never seen mass-produced wine ice cream.  

Of course I had to visit Mercer’s website and found out they have been in business for many years, developing from many other companies and names.  They began a little North from my location and that may be why I had never come across this company in the past.

Mercer’s Wine Ice Cream is available in the following varietals:

• Cherry Merlot
• Chocolate Cabernet
• Peach White Zinfandel
• Port
• Red Raspberry Chardonnay
• Riesling

When I visit ice cream stands this summer, I will be on the lookout for wine flavored ice cream.  The more I think about it, the more I believe that every home-made ice cream stand in the Finger Lakes should be selling at least one type of wine flavored ice cream.  

I did find that one of my favorite ice creams stands is making many, many flavors of Wine Sorbet.  I only remember one.  So here is the list from Cayuga Lake Creamery

Americana Vineyard Barn Raising Red Dark Cherry Sorbet *

Americana Vineyard Sweet Rosie Strawberry Sorbet *

Buttonwood Grove Winery Reisling Orange Sorbet *

Buttonwood Grove Winery Blackberry Briar Blackberry Sorbet *

Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery Cranberry Essence Orange Sorbet *

Cobblestone Farm Winery Merlot Dark Cherry Sorbet *

Goose Watch Winery Strawberry Splendor Strawberry Sorbet *

Goose Watch Winery Melody Lemon Sorbet *

Lucas Vineyard Riesling Orange Sorbet *

Montezuma Winery Cranberry Bog Orange Sorbet *

Montezuma Winery Northern Harrier Dark Cherry Sorbet *

Sheldrake Point Vineyard Summer Blush Chocolate Ice Cream *

Sheldrake Point Vineyard Reisling Raspberry Sorbet *

Six Mile Creek Vineyard Dolce Vita Raspberry Sorbet *

Swedish Hill Vineyard Doobie Blues Orange Sorbet *

King Ferry Winery Merlot Raspberry Sorbet *

King Ferry Winery Mystère Raspberry Sorbet *

What a great way to enjoy the Finger Lakes flavors of wine on a hot summer day…Did I mention that I just happen to take my clients for a nice refreshing ice cream cone now and then ?

This information brought to you by your favorite lakefront realtor, Mary St. George, Associate Broker, Wine Trail Properties, 315-719-8377

I wanted to be like them, only instead of being the authority on how to blog and what to blog, I wanted to be the real estate authority for the lakefront properties in the Finger Lakes,by blogging in my area. 

As things go, I took the classes, learned a lot of things about HTML, SEO, how to integrate photos and written text into an informational dialogue that folks would read.  So far so good.  But as I said, “As things go”, I was side tracked with another career at the time and only practiced real estate part-time and did not have enough time in my busy schedule to “Blog”.

Now that I am back into Real Estate full-time, I am finding more time to blog and enjoying it more than ever.  I am finally realizing, that the more I blog, the more feedback I receive.  Once folks start to find your blog, they start to interact with your site, it increases your site’s ratings, and people start to see you as a local “authority”.  Folks are looking at  my website for information about Keuka Lake and Canandaigua Lake. 

As you can see since you are visiting my site, that my blog is titled ” The Chair On The Lake” .  I try to keep the site informative and fun at the same time.  I blog about real estate in the area, events, restaurants, design ideas, decks and docks,  and local businesses that contribute to the enjoyment of those visiting these wonderful Finger Lakes.

I love any feedback you have to give, as this is a continual learning process for me.  My intent is to use more videos in my blogs and to keep the blogs minimal in content.   This is now 2012 and my blog has evolved and I would like to keep it that way.  I will continue to learn with the Real Estate Tomatoes and hopefully all of the knowledge I gain will make my blogs more enjoyable to read.

In the mean time if you have any real estate needs at all, I am a licensed real estate associate broker with Wine Trail Properties.  I can assist you with buying or selling a property.

This information brought to you by Mary St. George, your favorite lakefront realtor in the Finger Lakes, 315-719-8377

For Keuka Lake listings in all price ranges, be sure to contact myself  Mary St. George, Seth Olney or Dave Reeve.   All three of us have an intimate relationship with the lake…

photo supplied by Rebecca Ames

Whether you are looking for a private and remote setting on The Bluff of Keuka Lake, the flat and most requested side, the East side, or the more affordable properties for sale on the West side of the Lake, we can connect you with the appropriate property for your Keuka Lake enjoyment.

Currently there are 96 properties available on Keuka Lake for sale ranging from $2,150,000 for a home located at 14899 Keuka Village Rd, Dundee, NY ( also known as the home John Travolta was to be purchasing) to a mobile home with lakefront rights located at 9239 Bass Alley, Hammondsport, NY 14840 for $89,900.  And of course the homes range in prices, with the average listing price being around $515,000.  Keuka Lake offers luxury properties as well as small weekend get-a-ways.

For those folks fortunate enough to have owned property on Keuka Lake currently and are thinking about selling, we can assist you with the selling process, marketing  and preparation to sell your home in the most efficient and seamless manner possible.   We are Keuka Lake, and we will sell your home.

Our sellers and buyers like our integrated approach to marketing.  We utilize all available media such as radio, television, magazines, internet portals and websites to blogs and newsletter in both email and printed formats.  Our website is mobile phone friendly and our skills are unique. 

We maintain the personal feel with our boutique style of doing business.  Our office is where ever you would like it to be.  We can work together online, at our office, at lunch or breakfast at the Olney Place, or where ever suits your needs. 

So give us a call or drop us an email.  We are here to serve you needs at your convenience.

This information brought to you by your favorite lakefront realtor, Mary St. George, Associate Broker, Wine Trail Properties, Your Personal Connection to Lakefront Living, 315-719-8377

Recently Julie Sherwood, senior reporter with the Messenger Post, contacted me about the rumors circulating, concerning Faith Hill and her husband Tim McGraw purchasing Canandaigua Lake property.  I was flattered that she came across my blog article talking about the rumor. You can find her complete article in the Sunday Messenger Post on the front page.  We would love to see this Country Western duo purchase a vacation home on Canandaigua Lake or even Keuka Lake.

Michael Loccisano, Getty Images

Julie also referenced one of my clients that purchased a wonderful property on Canandaigua Lake.  You will see the kind words that they have for Canandaigua and the people in Canandaigua.

http://www.mpnnow.com/news/x1809305467/Sold-on-the-lake-Canandaigua-Lake-property-is-increasingly-coveted?zc_p=2&img=2

Everyone I know, knows that I love real estate, especially when it comes to selling real estate on Canandaigua and Keuka Lakes.  I love the other lakes as well, it is just that I am around Keuka Lake and Canandaigua Lakes more than the rest.    I love seeing what owners have done to their properties and of course always amazed at some of them. Lauren Dixon of Dixon-Schwabl, was also quoted in the article and is a lovely person.  I still remember her from her reporting duties on one of the news channels in Rochester.  The interior of her home on Canandaigua Lake was showcased in a magazine a few years ago and it was quite trendy.

But yes above and beyond the aesthetics of the properties on Canandaigua Lake, is the information that drives the numbers. what creates the desires and attraction to Canandaigua Lake ?  Why do people put Canandaigua Lake and Skaneateles Lake in the same searches when looking for lakefront properties to purchase ?  Why do some buyers of lakefront property prefer Canandaigua Lake over Keuka Lake?   These are all items I look at and talk to clients about.  I love finding out what drives their decisions.

Breaking down the numbers to date from last year during the same period, shows another great year for property sales on Canandaigua Lake.

If you are looking to buy or sell on Canandaigua Lake, just give me a call and lets talk about it  315-719-8377

This information brought to you by Mary St. George, Associate Broker and lakefront realtor, Wine Trail Properties

Everyone on the East side of Keuka Lake and even into farther reaches, knows about Olneys.  They have a huge selection of beer, a great deli with some unique sandwich offerings, home-made cookies and salads, beautiful photos for sale and gift items.  If you go into the deli and need something specific, Seth will make sure he carries it for you. 

I forgot to mention the owner is Seth Olney and besides being an owner of a great deli on Keuka Lake, he is also a real estate agent with the same brokerage that I am associated with, Wine Trail Properties.

I tend to stop into Olneys to talk shop with Seth when he is not busy ( and he is always busy) and I get to witness his great customer service. 

A customer came in today looking for a bowl of his home-made soup and it was sold out.  Seth was in the process of making a new batch.  The customer was told “We will text you when the soup is done.”  The gentleman smiled, purchased his favorite case of beer and said he would be back when the soup was done.  That my friends is great customer service.

 Did I mention they sell gas as well ?  Actually, it is the only place to purchase gas for your boat from there, going North into Penn Yan.  The other marina across the water stopped selling gas a couple of years ago.

Seth wants to make your purchases as easy as possible.   “Soup’s On !! ”

So let him know how he and his staff can assist you. You can find them on Facebook, call them at 315-536-5454 or visit their website The Olney Place .  They accept all major credit cards.

If you are looking to purchase a lakefront home on Keuka Lake or maybe thinking of selling your current vacation home on Keuka Lake, contact Seth or myself and we will put things in motion for you.

 This information brought to you by Mary St. George, Associate Broker, Wine Trail Properties, 315-719-8377

                                                                                image supplied from Ferris Hills website

Ferris Hills, known as the premier senior community in Ontario County, overlooks the gorgeous Canandaigua Lake in a peaceful and tranquil setting, and offers the best amenities around for senior living.  If you would like to learn more about this fabulous community, stop by and visit their Open House this Sat May5th, 2012 from 10 AM to 3 PM.

• It is Cinco de Mayo, so you will be entertained with Music by Trio Los Claveles.
• You will get to be a judge for a Top Chef cook-off
• Door prizes will be given out, including an elegant dinner at Ferris Hills
• Staff will be available to answer your questions
• End your tour with a “make your own Sundae station”

-For more information visit their website www.ferrishills.com or call 585-393-0410

This truly is an amazing place that will allow you greater freedom with the upscale lifestyle that you are accustomed to.

Per website instructions:

Ferris Hills is best accessed from the 3300 block of West Lake Road (County Road 16) in Canandaigua, via Peg Rayburn Drive.

The staff would like to see  you,

 Live the Good Life at Ferris Hills!

This information brought to you by Mary St. George, Associate Broker, Wine Trail Properties, 315-719-8377

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If you are going to be in the Canandaigua Lake area this weekend, stop by and take in the beauty.   On your way to the lake, you can stop by historic downtown Canandaigua to participate in their Annual Wine Walk.  This year since it is the 5th of May, Riesters Appliance will be offering Margarita tastings.  Here is a list of the participating vendors:

JD Smith Chiropractic
181 South Main Street #5
585-233-7331 Website
Winery: Bet The Farm

Finger Lakes Gallery& Frame
175 South Main Street
585-393-4995Website
Food Stop: Wegmans

Sweet Expressions
169 South Main Street
585-394-5250Website
Winery: Lakewood Vineyards

American Made
143 South Main Street
585-919-2828 Website
Winery: Anthony Road Winery

Riesters Appliance
25 Ontario Street
585-393-4850 Website
Special: Cinco De Mayo Margarita Tasting

Icon Salon and Spa
84 South Main Street
585-394-2150Website
Winery: Serenity Vineyards

Rockcastle Florist
100 South Main Street
585-394-2542 Website
Winery: Ravines Wine Cellars

RVE Bike and Skate
168 South Main Street
585-393-5680 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 585-393-5680 end_of_the_skype_highlighting Website
Winery: Prejean Winery

Olde Homestead Country Store
222 South Main Street
585-919-2305 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 585-919-2305 end_of_the_skype_highlighting Website
Food Stop: Steamboat Landing

You may also download a map of participating merchants at the following site.    Map of Merchants  You can also look for the purple balloons in front of each participating vendor and have the opportunity to purchase a commemorative wine glass for $5.00

Enjoy your shopping, enjoy your wine tasting and most of all just enjoy your day in the midst of the beautiful Main Street that Canandaigua has to offer.

This information brought to you by Mary St. George, Associate Broker, Wine Trail Properties, 315-719-8377 – Call me if you are looking fro Canandaigua Lake property – you will be happy you did !

One of the most requested items on a checklist for vacation rentals on the Finger Lakes, is a campfire area.  After a long day on the water, with cooler temperatures creeping in for the night, families love to sit around a fire by the lake to just sit and chat, with conversations covering the days activities, to favorite stories from vacations gone by.  It is a bonding place.  It is where memories are created and ingrained.  It is a place for laughter and for those cool nights a place to gather a little extra warmth before calling it a day. 

So when we think of campfires we think of a stack of wood burning in the middle of the pit.  Some things have changed and some owners now have gas flamed fire pits.  They are a little more formal, much less work and cleaner.

Most vacationers still feel better with a home-made fire pit.  I came across this option on the internet and wanted to share it with you.  It is called a Swedish Log Candle.  It is definitely a conversation starter.  You can find instructions at Survivaltek.com a site that  I would say is dedicated to those that like the great outdoors.

You only need one log to get started, but you will need a chainsaw.  Take a look at the finished product.

Let me know what you think and if you have tried one of these fires.  I would love to hear from you.

This information brought to you by Mary St. George, Associate Broker, Wine Trail Properties, 315-719-8377