Skaneateles Lake is the only Finger Lake not connected to the Erie Canal System, and serves as the drinking water source for Syracuse and other municipalities.
You can drive around the entire lake—from the Village of Skaneateles to the Town of Scott and back—in 60 minutes.
Village of Skaneateles
The Village is located on the northern tip of the lake. You’ll find dozens of boutiques along Genesee St (US-20) and Jordan St specializing in art, home decor, toys, clothing, and food.
It is the best village in the Finger Lake Region for window shopping and finding unique lake-themed souvenirs. Head over to Hammondsport on the southern end of Keuka for another shopping destination.
The traffic through Skaneateles seems pretty used to having pedestrians crisscrossing US-20 at regular intervals so take advantage of the many cross-walks.
Exceptional dining options
Eat at Doug’s Fish Fry, Skaneateles Bakery, the historic Sherwood Inn, Blue Water Grill or Rosalie’s Cucina. Really, Skaneateles seems to specialize in great food—you can’t go wrong!
Take a Mail Boat cruise
Every lake has boat cruises, but a 3-hour Mail Boat Cruise is a unique experience! Mail has been delivered by boat on Skaneateles Lake for 120 years, except during the two world wars. Many of the summer cottages are not accessible by road (sounds lovely!)
Visit Skaneateles Lake in December!
Head over for Dickens Christmas and explore the town with jovial costumed “Christmas Carol” characters. The official kickoff to the festivities is the day after Thanksgiving with a tiny parade. You’ll even find chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
We’ve been a few times with weather ranging from heavy snow to mild 60’s, but my favorite was the year we had the lightest, fluffiest snowfall with a little lake breeze. It is the perfect event to start the holiday season!
Other points of interest
There are three boat launches; Skaneateles Marina and a DEC launch on the west-bank, Fuller Park (Town of Scott) on the south-end.
Stop by Anyela’s Vineyards (the only winery on Skaneateles Lake) and Lockwood Lavender Farm (pick your own in season).
Explore Bahar Preserve and Carpenter Falls, High Vista Nature Preserve, Ripley Hill Nature Preserve, High Hickory Wildlife Sanctuary, or Hinchcliff Family Preserve.
Dickinson Conservation Area is accessible by boat only. You can still appreciate it in this beautiful drone-captured video of Staghorn Cliffs!
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Where is your favorite spot on Skaneateles Lake?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!