Property FAQ
Yes, each cottage has its own parking space directly next to it with room for additional vehicle close by.
Yes, we are connected to the public water supply through the Hector Water District. We are not on well water.
Yes, Seneca Lake has clean & clear water, thanks in part due to the Zebra mussels that inhabit the lake and help filter the water. However, because of these small zebra mussels that attach to rocks & docks, we advise all our guests to wear water shoes or sandals when entering the lake to protect your toes from getting scratched. Though it is a rare occurrence on Seneca Lake, being the deepest of all Finger Lakes and therefore having lower temperatures than the others, we always advise guests staying in the summer to check with Seneca Pure Waters Association at https://senecalake.org/ for any information regarding algae blooms.
We provide lake access to our guests through a communal sundeck and boat dock. However, we do not have a lifeguard on duty here, so should guests choose to go in the lake, it is "Swim at your own risk." Also, guests need to be aware that boats of other guests could be docking while they are in the water.
Only 3 out of our 29 cottages are pet-friendly and we have weight & breed restrictions for dogs to stay. Please refer to our full pet policy.
Yes, there are many local companies that offer such rentals and some even have a delivery option to bring items directly to your cottage. We do not have any such rentals directly through us. Please refer to our reference guide for a list of kayak/canoe rental companies.
Yes, we have boat & trailer parking available in our uppermost field, above our first row of cottages at the property and there is a boat launch available for a small fee just 2 miles south of us at Smith Park. Please Note: Boats cannot be parked directly next to your cottage(s) and our boat dock is for temporary tie-offs to load & unload passengers only. Please refer to our full boat & dock use policy.
No, we are not a wedding venue, we only offer lodging for your guests and large group blocks & rates. There are many great wedding venues nearby us though!
A few choices of the many venues around us that we’d recommend are:
No, we provide all linens for both bedroom and bathroom, along with all necessities, like tissues, paper towels, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, hair dryer, and iron. We also have a Pack N’ Play available upon request. Note: You would simply have to bring your own crib sheet for this item.
It depends on how far away you’ll be travelling from. Per NYS environmental law, you must reside within a 50-mile radius of our property to haul wood into the area. So, if you’re more than an hour’s drive away from us, you’d need to purchase firewood once you arrive in the area. We have firewood bundles available for sale and deliver them directly to your porch deck before you arrive.
Yes, our rates are lowest on weekday nights for stays on Sundays through Thursdays and highest on the weekend nights of Friday and Saturday. Our rates are also discounted seasonally with our peak season rates in effect for summer between Father’s Day weekend through Labor Day.
In comparison:
- April is 40% off
- Remainder of Spring season is 20% off
- Autumn is 10% off
- November is 25% off
Yes, our property and the surrounding area are inviting for all families & children. We have a playground and walking path right at the property, along with lake access. There are plenty of waterfalls, hiking, & a swimming pool at Watkins Glen State Park. Just 10 minutes from the property is Clute Memorial Park with roped off shallows, sandy beach, large playground, volleyball nets, picnic area, basketball courts, splash pad, snack shack, and skate park. There are countless other state parks and activities for children all around us. Most of the wineries and breweries are also family friendly with yard games and grape juice slushies or root beer for the kids.
Area FAQ
Some great places to visit when the weather isn't great for outdoor adventures -
Ithaca area:
The Sciencenter, which is mostly indoors, is great for kids of all ages to explore science related activities, they also have an outside playground. The State Theatre or Hanger Theater is a great place to catch a stage show, they often offer performances for children.
Watkins Glen area:
If you are in the mood for a movie, consider The Glen Theater in Watkins Glen.
Trumansburg:
Atlas Bowl, check their website for open bowl times.
Corning area:
The Palace Theater in Corning offers a cozy atmosphere to enjoy a newly released movie. The Kids Rockwell Art Lab is a fun place to check out after you have visited The Rockwell Museum in Corning. Blow some hot glass at The Corning Museum of Glass or Hands on Glass Studios; it's fun for all ages.
Clute Park in Watkins Glen updated its playground last year, it is a must-see. Another fun playground is at Lodi Point State Park, north of Single Island Shores. They have a smaller one for younger children and a larger one for older children. While there, keep an eye out for "lake glass" along the shore. Both parks charge a parking fee.
There is much to do in the Finger Lakes region in the spring. Watkins Glen International hosts its opening day event, where you can drive your car around the historic track for adonation fee. April 1st marks the opening day for trout fishing in NYS, Catherine Creek is nearby and a great place to catch some trout from April-October. You must obtain a fishing licence through the NYS DEC website or Wal-Mart in Watkins Glen.
Seneca Lake also offers great fishing spots where you can catch pike, bass, perch, and more. Check out this website for some great information about fishing in our area and how to obtain a fishing license. Seneca Lake Fishing Guide - A guide to fishing in Seneca Lake
The Finger Lakes National Forest is a great place for all of these activities. The forest spans over 16,000 acres and features more than 30 trails. For more information visit their website, Finger Lakes National Forest - NYSDEC.
Greek Peak is about an hour away and also has great trails for mountain biking, Greek Peak Bike Park – Thrilling Downhill Trails for All Levels.
Not for the average cyclist or hiker. There are many, very steep hills in this area. Even when biking or walking on the surrounding flat roads, most do not have wide shoulders and the speed limits for motor vehicles can vary from 30 MPH up to 55 MPH on the same 15-mile stretch of roadway. We always tell our guests to have a car, SUV, or truck for transportation in our area.
Seneca Lake hosts the Seneca7 event, which features a 77.7-mile relay race, usually consisting of 7 runners. In October, Corning offers the Wine Glass Full and Half Marathon, as well as a 5K race.
The Catherine Valley Trail, a compact stone-dust trail starts in Watkins Glen and travels 13 miles south. This is a great place to run, walk, or bike.
Our area comes alive in the fall as the leaves begin to change color. The weekend after Labor Day the Village of Watkins Glen transforms the city streets to reenact the original racing track for The Grand Prix Festival. Apple picking at Apples and Moore, right outside of Watkins Glen is a must for fresh apples and their donuts are the best in the area. This is a great time of year to visit the local farmers' markets throughout the area, including, Watkins Glen, Montour Falls, Corning, and Ithaca. Many towns, including Montour Falls and Corning, also host Harvest Festivals. For a lively weekend set in the 1880s check out the Days of Incandescence. This three-day, Halloween-time festival in Corning celebrates the creation of the first glass light bulbs for Thomas Edison. Another favorite fall activity is the Finger Lakes Rail Riders; it's a beautiful way to see all the fall foliage. If you are feeling adventurous, check out Southern Tier Balloon Tours in Ithaca, NY to experience our gorgeous area from above.
In Watkins Glen, the Watkins Glen Racing Museum and the International Motor Racing Research Center are must-visits for race fans. Visit the Glenn H. Curtis Museum in Hammondsport, which highlights the aviation and motorcycle pioneer; the National Soaring Museum in Elmira to learn the heritage of motorless flight; the Wings of Eagles War Plane Museum in Big Flats; the Mark Twain Study and Exhibit in Elmira, and Heritage Village in Corning, where you can step back in time. The Museum of Earth in Ithaca is also a favorite.
Within an hour of our location, there is so much to see and explore in any direction you head, some other favorites that aren't mentioned above are-waterfalls, so many waterfalls, from Montour Falls to Ithaca, be sure to check out some of the best falls, Aunt Sarah's, Havanah Glen, and Deckertown Falls in Montour Falls, Taughannock Falls, Trummansburg, take a ride on the Seneca Legacy in Watkins Glen to view the Hector Falls, Buttermilk Falls and Robert Treman State Park.
In every direction there are countless galleries, art and glass museums, especially in Ithaca and Corning areas.
Not only are there great wineries but also be sure to check out our local creameries, like the Shtayburne Farm Creamery, Crosswinds Farm & Creamery, or Sunset View Creamery.
Also, in our area there are places to skydive, go horseback riding, pick fruit, explore farms, Outlaw Speedway and so much more!
The best time to visit the Finger Lakes is from late spring through early fall (May through October). The Gorge Trail within Watkins Glen State Park typically opens in mid-May and closes in November for winter. Waterfalls throughout the region are flowing the best at the end of April through early June. Peak summer months (June-August) offer the best weather with all seasonal businesses open & operating, but larger crowds. September and October provide beautiful fall foliage with fewer visitors.
Dogs are NOT allowed on the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park for safety reasons. However, dogs are permitted on the North Rim Trail, South Rim Trail, and in camping and day-use areas. A maximum of two pets are allowed, and they must be leashed (6-foot maximum length) at all times. Proof of rabies vaccination may be required.
Weekdays before 10 AM are ideal to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes or trail runners with good traction - the stone steps can be slippery, especially after rain. Avoid sandals and flip-flops. Dress in layers as temperatures in the gorge can be 10-15 degrees cooler. Bring a light rain jacket as you'll get misted by waterfalls. In summer, wear moisture-wicking clothing. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle.
Yes, a seasonal shuttle bus operates between the three park entrances (Main, South, Upper) for $6 per person each way. The shuttle runs weekends only from late May to late June, daily from late June through early September, then weekends only through mid-October. The shuttle is especially useful if you hike one direction on the Gorge Trail and want to return to your starting point without hiking back.
Yes, the Finger Lakes region has numerous waterfalls beyond Watkins Glen State Park. Nearby options include: Hector Falls (10-minute drive, visible from roadside on Route 414), Excelsior Glen Falls, Aunt Sara's Falls, Eagle Cliff Falls, Shequaga Falls in Montour Falls, Deckertown Falls, and Taughannock Falls State Park (215-foot waterfall, 30 minutes north). Letchworth State Park, called the 'Grand Canyon of the East,' is 1.5 hours away.
Ancient glaciers formed these 11 long, thin lakes in central New York State and are a sight to behold with Senece Lake being the deepest of them all, reaching depths of 618 feet down. From east to west, the significant lakes are Otisco, Skaneateles, Owasco, Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua, Honeoye, Canadice, Hemlock, and Conesus, each with its unique charm. Seneca, Cayuga, Keuka, and Canandaigua are the four major lakes due to their length and volume of water.
Downtown Watkins Glen offers boutique shopping, with many quaint stores featuring all local goods. The City of Corning provides excellent shopping, as does the village of Hammondsport. The Wind Mill is a great stop on the weekends in May – October for an excellent, outdoor market with a multitude of stands full of hand-made, Mennonite & Amish goods. The Waterloo Premium Outlets on the North of Cayuga Lake is another great option that’s not too far from Hector. The City of Canandaigua boasts a vibrant downtown shopping district. In Ithaca (on the Southern end of Cayuga Lake, there is an excellent farmers market on the weekends, and the Commons is a unique place to shop.
Cornell University in Ithaca is a world-renowned Ivy League school. There is also Ithaca College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, Keuka College in Penn Yann, Elmira College, and LECOM in Elmira. Community colleges include Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, Corning Community College in Corning, and Thompkins Cortland Community College in Ithaca.
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