Skaneateles

Pronounced "skinny atlas", the name means "Long Beautiful Lake" in Iroquois. It is the primary source of drinking water for nearby Syracuse.

Skaneateles is a "drive to" destination in the Finger Lakes region of Central New York.
Auburn, New York is a small city just West of the Village and has a remarkable offering of history, theater and dining.

Although you will need a car to get here, after you are in the Village, everything is an easy walk to everything else.
There is also a local airport located on Benson Road.
Skaneateles is on the north shore of Skaneteles Lake. It is a storybook village with beautiful houses, a quaint downtown, and one of the cleanest lakes in the world.

The most obvious thing to see is the Lake, and fortunately it is impossible to NOT see it. The Village, population 2500, is on the Northern edge of the lake. Two public parks bookcase the very small central business block.
If you choose to drive around the lake, expect spectacular views especially if you travel South on West Lake Road (Route 41A) and return by East Lake (Route 41). It is fairly easy to seem lost at the extreme south end, just remember you are in a distinct valley. Keep your eyes on the horizon and keep going in that direction.
Mid-Lakes Navigation Company offer seasonal boat rides to see the lake. One is the morning Mail Boat Cruise which actually delivers the U.S. Mail to lakeside cottages (July 1-Tuesday after Labor Day). This is a tradition on Skaneateles Lake for over 100 years. Evenings is a fabulous Dinner Cruise, tel: 315-685-8500 or 800-545-4318 for more info on their lake and Erie Canal Cruises or vacations (ask for Aimee or Gail). Visit Mid-Lakes Navigation at

Be sure to come back this summer for the Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show. Over 80 beautiful boats grace the shore of Skaneateles Lake. This event is free and open to the public.

• Skaneateles Festival

  address: multiple locations
  Since its beginnings in 1980, the Skaneateles chamber music festival has grown into a world-class event that attracts internationally known musicians. The 2010 festival runs from August 12 to September 4.

• Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles

  phone: +1 315 685-0552
  Every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Skaneateles is transformed into a Victorian English neighborhood. It's a kind of street theater without lines. Dozens of professionals and amateurs alike dress in period garb, then wander the streets and shops talking and walking with whomever they meet. Christmas carols, carriage rides, and chestnuts roasting on open fires can also be found throughout the season. If you get cold, stop at the Boutique Hotel on Fennell Street for complimentary hot chocolate and donuts. Often the Dickens characters hang out there and will sing anything you want.

• Mirbeau Inn and Spa

  address: Us rt-20
  Five star luxury spa and restaurant.

• Skaneateles Suites

  phone: +1 315 685-7568
  Has a free program called "Secret Places." Just stop by and see them for a kind of customized walking / driving tour of out of the way places. Much fun.

• Mid-Lakes Navigation Co

  address: 11 Jordan St
  Offers boat cruises on the New York canals and Skaneateles Lake.

• Gazella Training, Fitness, and Yoga

  phone: +1 315 729-8645
  address: 3986 Jordan Road
  Gazella offers group exercise classes (including bootcamp, body fusion, cardio kickboxing and Zumba), yoga, pilates, TRX suspension training, personal and small group training, cycling and triathlon coaching, and nutrition and wellness counseling. One day drop-ins and weekly passes are available.

Skaneateles has over 40 unique shops and boutiques. Make sure you get off the main street (Genesee Street) and check out the shops on Jordan and Fennell Streets.

• Drooz and Company

  address: 1410 E Genesee St
  The very definition of "eclectic", this boutique touts itself as a "modern day general store", with a little bit of everything. The proprietor has an eye for unique finds and stocks her whole store with them. They also have a full schedule of classes focusing on fun crafts and useful information. It's located just east of the village proper, so there's plenty of room for the lounge (with self-serve coffee, tea, and snacks, and free Wi-Fi), and the classroom space.

• Gallery 54

  phone: +1 315 685-5470
  address: 54 E Genesee St
  Fine arts and fine crafts by local artists.

• Moro's Kitchen

  phone: +1 315 685-6116
  address: 28 Jordan Street
  A modern Italian-American restaurant with house-made pasta and a small but interesting menu.

• The Krebs

  phone: +1 315 685-5714
  address: 53 West Genesee Street
  A local establishment since 1899, the restaurant offers sea food and a mix of American cuisine. A Sunday brunch is also available. Downstairs dining is very formal, upstairs is more casual. Locals always go upstairs.

• Rosalie's Cucina

  phone: +1 315 685-2200
  address: 841 West Genesee Street
  Classic and authentic Tuscan style Italian food with complete wine cellar. Worth trip. Expensive, doesn't accept reservations.

• Dougs Fish FryLocal fish fry mentioned in all kinds of travel magazines.

• Sherwood Inn

  address: 26 West Genesee St
  Established in 1807, the Sherwood Inn has both a tavern and formal dining room (in addition to the upstairs guest rooms). The menu is reasonably priced Americana.

• Johnny Angels Heavenly Hamburgers

  phone: +1 315 685-0100
  address: 22 Jordan St
  Ground Black Angus burgers; bison, Kobe, turkey, ostrich, veggie & more. Breakfast daily, beer and wine, homemade soups, salad entrees, dinner entrees.

You can get a great coffee drink at Vermont Green Mountain. The Sherwood Inn tavern offers a great fireplace to enjoy a glass of Finger Lakes wine. The Bluewater Grill has great margaritas!

• Skaneateles Suites

  phone: +1 315 685-7568
  address: W. Genesee Street
  hoose from a variety of lodging options including a small boutique hotel, private bungalows, apartments, and vacation rentals. Long term rentals are also available.

• Skaneateles Suites Boutique Hotel

  phone: +1 315 685-2333
  address: 12 Fennell Street
  Free unrestricted Wi-Fi. Just sit on their porch and log in for free.