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Archive for June, 2011

Finger Lakes Wine Tasting Tours along the Cayuga, Keuka and Seneca Lake Wine Trails

June 26th, 2011 by KC Christopher

wine tasting along the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes area in New York state is a world-class wine producing region, attracting many visitors who wish to go wine tasting along the Cayuga, Keuka and Seneca Lake Wine Trails.

A convenient and safe way to do this is by arranging a wine tour with a local transportation company so that you can enjoy a worry-free experience without the need for a designated driver.  An added bonus is having your own tour guide along, with a driver who is capable of tailoring your tour to fit your preferences and desires.

The Halsey House’s close proximity to these wine trails brings us many customers eager to experience wine tasting in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere the Finger Lakes wineries are known for.  We recommend a few local transportation companies that always treat our customers with great service and knowledgeable winery and restaurant suggestions.  Two of our favorites are Guilt Free Touring and Quality Wine Tours.  Whether you are looking for an intimate tour for two or you bring friends along to share the fun and the costs, these companies always delight our guests.  Pricing begins at around $250 for car and driver for a party of two.

Experience! The Finger Lakes touring van

Another exciting option is to join a tour designed to show you just what is so special in this magical place of ours.  Experience! The Finger Lakes offers daily guided tours for up to twelve people.  This tour company isn’t just about wine tasting.  Mitch and I recently had the opportunity to accompany our fellow innkeepers on the Wine, Cheese & “Moo” tour.   We had the pleasure of visiting Keely’s Cheese Co. and Finger Lakes Dexter Creamery, local artisan cheese-makers, and learned about the cheese-making process while sampling their cheese.  Then we moved on to King Ferry and Long Point wineries where we had the chance to pair the cheese with local wines.  This was a wonderful chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at great local businesses.

Experience! also offers an amazing collection of tours including Culinary & Wine, History of the Area, Gorges and Waterfalls, Hiking or custom tours personalized for you.  We highly recommend that you add one of their tours to your itinerary while you are visiting the Finger Lakes.

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Clarke’s Cottage on Hidden Pond, Our Finger Lakes Vacation Rental

June 6th, 2011 by KC Christopher

view from the north lawn of Clarke's Cottage

 

In 2010 we proudly added our vacation rental house, Clarke’s Cottage on Hidden Pond, as a sister property to the Halsey House for folks traveling to the Finger Lakes.  This five bedroom country home sits on almost seven acres of rolling lawns and fields and features a very large and private swimming pond.

 

 

Stunning vistas of the upstate NY countryside can be seen from every window in the house.  When we completely gutted and rebuilt the interior of this house, we added large windows to take advantage of these views.

the sun rises over Hidden Pond on a clear day in June

picture window in the kitchen of Clarke's Cottage

The gourmet kitchen offers beautiful professional stainless-steel appliances, granite counters, a picture window with a view of the red barn and a wide open design to accommodate several cooks.  The island allows observers to sit and chat with the cooks during meal prep.  This kitchen is fully furnished with all the cookware, appliances and serving dishes you will need, and of course wine glasses and corkscrew!  You can also take the cooking outside with a gas grill and picnic tables within view of the pond and lawn.

 

whirlpool bath for two in master bedroom

 

The plush comfort of the furnishings and high-end amenities such as the master bathroom’s whirlpool tub, luxury pillow-top beds and reclining couches and chairs, have guests wondering if there is any reason to leave the property during their relaxing stay.

 

Did we mention outdoor fun?  We have added a six person hot tub and fire pit, located between the house and the pond.

the hot tub and firepit with view of the pond

Imagine sipping on your first cup of coffee while sitting in the hot tub and watching the sun rise over Hidden Pond, with the breeze cooling you face.  And we can think of no better way to spend an evening then enjoying a bottle (or two, or three) of Finger Lakes wine with family or friends, watching a crackling fire and a million sparkling stars in the nighttime sky.  Make a meal roasting hot dogs and marshmallows on a stick over the open fire.

 

Peacefulness, privacy, relaxation.  You will be planning your next visit to Clarke’s Cottage before you even leave here.

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