Skaneateles is a peaceful and picturesque village located an hour and a half southeast of Rochester. The beautiful village streets are perfect for strolling, and the views of Skaneateles Lake make for a great backdrop as you explore the charming shops and restaurants in the area. The village is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with various galleries, shops, and restaurants showcasing the work of local artists and artisans. For a glimpse into the area’s rich history, walk around the Skaneateles Historic District, where you can admire the beautifully restored 19th-century homes and buildings that line the streets.
Plan Your Day Trip to Skaneateles
Breakfast
Enjoy the early morning sun rising over the lake with a savory breakfast sandwich, a sweet pastry, and a warm beverage from Skaneateles Bakery, Patisserie, or Rosalie’s Cucina. Head to Clover’s for a classic diner-style breakfast.
Morning
Mid-Lakes Navigation offers a variety of themed cruises from Clift Park, including the unique Mailboat Cruise. During this three-hour cruise, which runs most days from July 1 to Labor Day, you can help deliver mail to locations that are unreachable by roads. It’s one of the few remaining US Mailboats in operation.
Please note that the Barbara S. Wiles mailboat will not operate in 2025 while the vessel undergoes maintenance. However, you can still enjoy a Skaneateles Lake cruise onboard the Judge Ben Wiles.
Alternatively, you can unwind with a massage at Mirbeau Spa in a cozy wine-country estate accentuated by a landscape inspired by Claude Monet’s paintings.
Lunch
Enjoy a casual meal at Doug’s Fish Fry, something upscale at The Sherwood Inn, or drive down West Lake Road to Anyela’s Vineyards for an exceptional view overlooking Skaneateles Lake.
Afternoon
Stroll around the village along Genesee, Jordan, and Fennell Streets, where you’ll find shops like The Local Branch Co., First National Gifts, Skaneateles Artisans, and more.
Alternatively, you can hike through Hinchcliff Family Preserve to view the lake from above Staghorn Cliffs or check out the accessible boardwalk leading to the Carpenter Falls overlook.
Dinner
Make a reservation at one of these popular restaurants: The Krebs, Rosalie’s Cucina, Moro’s Kitchen, Elephant and The Dove, or Bluewater Grill.
Signature Events
Antique & Classic Boat Show
Late July
Visit Clift Park to enjoy dozens of historic boats on display at Skaneateles Pier. The two-day event features a boat parade, contests, and nautical-themed activities.
Skaneateles Festival
August
Skanfest takes place over several weeks at multiple venues throughout the village. The festival attracts a diverse array of local and international musicians, including renowned classical ensembles, jazz groups, and folk performers. Besides the concerts, Skanfest also features lectures, workshops, and other special events. It’s an excellent opportunity for music lovers to experience some of the world’s best musicians.
Skaneateles Dickens Christmas
weekends from late November–late December
The World’s Smallest Parade kicks off this monthlong weekend festival on Bright Friday (the day after Thanksgiving). The festival continues every Saturday and Sunday, leading up to Christmas. You’ll find Charles Dickens and other characters roaming the streets, shops, and restaurants, greeting guests and spreading holiday cheer. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides around the village, caroling and plays at the gazebo, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
Contact Information
Anyela’s Vineyards 2433 W. Lake Road, (315) 685-3797, anyelasvineyards.com
Bluewater Grill 11 W. Genesee St., (315) 685-6600, bluewatergrillskaneateles.com
Carpenter Falls Unique Area 6063 Appletree Point, Moravia, (607) 753-3095, dec.ny.gov
Clover’s 22 Jordan St., (315) 665-8247, cloversskan.com
Doug’s Fish Fry 8 Jordan St., (315) 685-3288, dougsfishfry.com
Elephant and The Dove 9 E. Genesee St., (315) 685-2123, elephantandthedove.com
First National Gifts 2 E. Genesee St., (855) 810-9076, firstnationalgifts.com
Hinchcliff Family Preserve Covey Road, Homer, (607) 275-9487, fllt.org
The Krebs 53 W. Genesee St., (315) 685-1800, thekrebs.com
The Local Branch Co. 4 Jordan St., (315) 975-7540, thelocalbranch.co
Mid-Lakes Navigation 3 W. Genesee St., (315) 685-8500, midlakesnavigation.com
Mirbeau Spa 851 W. Genesee St. Road, (877) 647-2328, skaneateles.mirbeau.com
Moro’s Kitchen 28 Jordan St., (315) 685-6116, moroskitchen.com
Patisserie 4 Hannum St., (315) 685-2433, patisserieofskaneateles.com
Rosalie’s Cucina 841 W. Genesee St. Road, (315) 685-2200, rosaliescucina.com
The Sherwood Inn 26 W. Genesee St., (315) 685-3405, sherwoodinns.com
Skaneateles Artisans 3 Fennell St., (315) 685-8580, skaneatelesartisans.com
Skaneateles Bakery 19 Jordan St., (315) 685-3538, skaneateles-bakery.squarespace.com
Explore More
2025 Dickens Christmas: A Skaneateles Tradition
Experience the magic of the 2025 Skaneateles Dickens Christmas with festive performances, carriage rides, and a cast of merry-making characters.
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Where are your favorite places to see, shop, and eat in Skaneateles?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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