Skaneateles
Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, Skaneateles is perhaps the most charming town in Central New York for a relaxing, picturesque getaway.
I had been living in NYC for five years, but never ventured anywhere above the Catskills area (I know, I know). When the opportunity came up to visit Central New York with a couple of friends, everyone we knew seemed to collectively recommend one town: Skaneateles.
“Skan…what?”
“Skaneateles. It comes from the Iroquois word for ‘long lake,” one said, pronouncing the name like skinny-atlas.
Never one to just take suggestions blindly, I decided to do some research on the town. But wow — the photos alone took my breath away, and a unanimous decision was made. We had to visit.
When we arrived at the lakeside town, we were greeted with views that mirror those you see on postcards. Skaneateles glittered with its clear blue glacial lake, charming boutique shops, and friendly mom and pop diners (in addition to the exclusive country clubs, spas, and upscale dining here and there). It may be a small town, but there’s no shortage of fun activities that appeal to all sorts of interests, as we soon discovered. After all, there’s a reason Skaneateles is one of the most popular destinations in Central New York.
What to See, Eat, and Do in Skaneateles
The best way to take in the views of Skeaneateles is perhaps right on the lake via a cruise, a fishing charter, or a sailing boat. But if you prefer to start on dry land (like we did), you can begin your adventure with a pleasant stroll on Genesee Street, the main thoroughfare. From there, you can easily access everything that Skaneateles has to offer, and if you keep walking towards the east side of Genesee Street, you’ll start seeing some eye-catching mansions and heritage properties. Old money at its finest — and then some.
Go shopping: Treat yourself at boutique stores like Skaneateles 300, The Local Branch Co., First National Gifts, and Nest 58. If you’re visiting during the December holidays, I’ve been told that Skaneateles is known for its annual Dickens Christmas Festival, which begins the day after Thanksgiving and rolls out every weekend until Christmas.
Never go hungry (or thirsty): Arguably the most hyped restaurant in Skaneateles, Bluewater Grill offers direct views of the pier and serves satisfyingly big portions. If you’re here for dinner and feeling up for a drink afterwards, venture into the neighboring venue, Blue Goose, a popular late-night bar. Other favored restaurants nearby include Doug’s Fish Fry for seafood, Lakehouse Pub for live music and tap beer to go along with your food, and Johnny Angel’s Heavenly Burgers. If you’re into wine, the Skaneateles/Syracuse area is home to a few quality wineries, like Anyela’s Vineyard and 1911 Tasting Room at the Apple Hill Campus.
Explore the Skaneateles lakefront: Drink in the views from the pier, Shotwell Memorial Park, and Clift Park. Fun fact: The gazebo in Clift Park is easily one of the most recognizable icons of Skaneateles. Another fun fact: Clift Park offers the only public swimming area in Skaneateles. Local residents can swim for free by showing a season swim pass from the Town Hall or Skaneateles Community Center, while visitors pay a small fee to the lifeguards on duty.
Go out on the water: Year-round, the lake is the focal point of the town. Accessible at points along Genesee Street like Thayer Park, Skaneateles Lake is a glistening playground for boating enthusiasts and fishing folks with a New York State Fishing License. True to its name, the lake seems to extend endlessly, with some dreamy rolling hills and lush trees in the far distance. You’ll also definitely see a few fancy Chris Craft lake boats zipping around on the clear blue waters. If you don’t have your own boat — or don’t want to man your own boat — there’s always the Mid-Lakes Navigation service, which runs sightseeing tours on the lake.
Summer in Skaneateles is a dream. And our visit was so memorable that we wanted to bring a bit of it home and keep the memories alive. That’s why we created our very own Skaneateles adventure tee!
