The Spotted Sandpiper keeps local focus

Nestled at the end of a private winding road, tucked away on 4 acres that boast 400 feet of secluded frontage on Cayuga Lake, lies one of Trumansburg’s best-kept secrets. The Spotted Sandpiper, located at 9305 Kingtown Beach Rd., is introducing visitors from all over the U.S. to the Finger Lakes region.

The Spotted Sandpiper is the largest private lakefront vacation rental property in the Trumansburg area and is 7 minutes from downtown Trumansburg, 3.5 miles from Taughannock Falls State Park and 20 minutes from Ithaca.

“We have two houses, nine cabins, with another one being constructed, two yurts, three glamping tents and four vintage Airstream/Streamline campers that have been remodeled. We have a bunk house right on the beach,” owner Katelin Olson said. “The bunk house has two sets of bunk beds and air conditioning. It can be rented in combination with the lake house and lake cottage during summer season and holiday weekends. It is located right on the beach between the lake house and lake cottage.”

Olson and her husband purchased the property in December 2018 and opened The Spotted Sandpiper in May 2019. Previously, the property had been a vacation rental as well as a marina that was equipped with gas pumps and a snack bar.

“The 2022 season is the most normal summer we’ve had since prior to the pandemic, and we’re happy to continue to welcome new visitors to the area,” Olson said. “Even though the health crisis isn’t completely over, guests are more relaxed this year than in 2020 or 2021.”

As Olson explained, the vacation spot had only one season under its belt when the pandemic hit.

“We were fortunate that our property was well suited for social distancing and that each of our units already had their own amenities, such as barbecues, fire pits, kitchens and bathrooms,” Olson said. “Guests were able to spread out on the beach and docks and enjoy the Finger Lakes without getting close to other groups. Many of our guests that season came from urban areas, and people were simply grateful to get out of their homes. Maintaining guest and staff safety since the start of the pandemic has been our highest priority.”

The convenient location makes this lakeside getaway popular with families and friends traveling together for family reunions, wedding rentals, birthdays and other gatherings. The Spotted Sandpiper can accommodate more than 100 guests in a variety of units that are available in a range of prices. Guests are able to use the property as a landing place for experiencing the best of the Finger Lakes due to its central location being within 30 minutes of six state parks, numerous wineries and activities being held throughout the Finger Lakes.

The Spotted Sandpiper also offers complimentary small watercraft, including a canoe, several paddleboards and a number of youth and adult kayaks that the property’s guests can borrow. It’s known as a pet-friendly business, and about one-third of guests bring an animal companion. Guests’ past animal companions have ranged from Great Danes to parrots.

“We encourage our guests to patronize area businesses, and we love hearing their stories of exploring their favorite destinations in the Trumansburg area,” Olson said. “When we took over the property, our children were 7, 6 and 2. We added a fourth in 2021. It’s been a great business for the kids to participate in. They get to enjoy the property and serve as our youth ambassadors, playing with kids from all over the United States. They answer guest questions, help with the landscaping and serve as quality control for new boats, water toys or games we purchase for the property.”

The Spotted Sandpiper is open from the third weekend in May until Nov. 1 and also hosts occasional winter guests. From well-lit yurts built in the Mongolian architectural style that have domed ceilings made of thick, three-season vinyl, to a 2,200-square-foot, two-story lake house situated directly on a private beach, this hidden gem of the Finger Lakes has accommodations to suit everyone.

The lakeside resort offers a cozy, comfortable and secluded introduction to the Finger Lakes region for those looking for a relaxed and authentic lakeside vacation. Having hands-on owners who live close by lends to the sense of community that curious travelers can ease right into.

“We love welcoming people to the Trumansburg community,” Olson said. “We try and support the community and we encourage people to go out and explore it and spend money throughout the community. We provide lists of local restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and wineries to all our guests. Some of our guests have ended up settling in the area permanently and have even become personal friends.”

Information on The Spotted Sandpiper can be found on its website at thespottedsandpiper.com and on its Facebook page at facebook.com/SpottedSandpiperVacationRentals/.

Trumansburg Connection appears every Wednesday in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@VizellaMedia.com.