The Village of Skaneateles is the perfect place to get away and enjoy the pace of lake life. Lined with unique boutiques and restaurants, enjoy a stroll along Genesee Street US-20 with its scenic lake views.
Skaneateles is the best shopping village in the Finger Lakes Region, specializing in art, home decor, toys, and clothing. And it’s perfectly walkable.
Plan Your Day Trip to Skaneateles
Breakfast
But first, coffee. Enjoy an early morning sun rising over the lake with a savory breakfast sandwich, a sweet pastry, and a warm beverage from Skaneateles Bakery, Patisserie, or the bakery at Rosalie’s Cucina.
Morning
From Clift Park, set sail with Mid-Lakes Navigation, offering several themed cruises. On board the one-of-a-kind Mailboat Cruise, you’ll help deliver mail to camps and cottages inaccessible by roads. It’s one of the few remaining U.S. Mailboats still in operation. The three-hour cruise departs Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m, July 1 through Labor Day.
Lunch
Choose between Doug’s Fish Fry and the Sherwood Inn. Or, drive down West Lake Road to Anyela’s Vineyard, with an exceptional view overlooking Skaneateles Lake.
Afternoon
Stroll around the village along Genesee, Jordan, and Fennell Streets, where you’ll find unique boutiques like Imagine, Nest 58, DROOZ and Company, The Local Branch Co., First National Gifts, Skaneateles Artisans, Hobby House Toys, Skaneateles 3000, Lolë, Talbot’s, Vermont Green Mountain Specialty Company, Roland’s, Aristocats & Dogs, Pride + Joy, Skaneateles Antique Center, and more.
Or, relax and refresh with a massage at Mirbeau Spa. Extend your time in the resort with complementary amenities and services, and wander through the gardens, with a design inspired by Claude Monet’s paintings.
Or, hike the 1.4-mile loop trail through Hinchcliff Family Preserve to view the lake above Staghorn Cliffs.
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.
Or keep it casual at Johnny Angel’s Heavenly Burgers with ice cream from Skaneateles Scoops.
Signature Events
Antique & Classic Boat Show
July
View hundreds of historic boats on display from Skaneateles Pier in Clift Park during the weekend-long event. Enjoy a boat parade, contests, and nautical-themed activities.
Skaneateles Festival
August
Enjoy this month-long concert series featuring world-class musicians. Hosted by Anyela’s Vineyard on Saturday evenings, pack a picnic to pair with a selection of wines available for purchase.
Skaneateles Dickens Christmas
weekends from late November–late December
The month-long weekends-only festival is a memorable way to kick off the holiday season. The merrymaking begins on Bright Friday—the day following Thanksgiving—with the World’s Smallest Parade and continues every Saturday and Sunday leading up to Christmas.
Most activities center around Clift Park and the Sherwood Inn, with Charles Dickens and a cast of characters roaming the streets, shops, and restaurants, greeting guests, and spreading holiday cheer. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride around the village, caroling and plays at the gazebo, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
Skaneateles Dickens Christmas 2022
My favorite time to visit Skaneateles starts the day after Thanksgiving when the little lakeside town kicks off the annual Dickens Christmas.
From Vidler’s to the Aurora Theatre to the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement, the early 1900s are alive and well on Main Street in East Aurora.
Routes 5 & 20 is a 67-mile stretch of scenic highway where NY-5 & US-20 converge, following an ancient foot trail of the region’s first people.
Explore the Finger Lakes Region
The Finger Lakes Region is one of the most beautiful places on earth and right in our backyard! It is easy to get out there and explore.
Where are your favorite places to see, shop, and eat in Skaneateles, NY
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