Skaneateles, New York: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Are you ready to find the hidden gems of the Finger Lakes region? Look no further than Skaneateles, New York. This charming lakeside village is on the shores of the crystal-clear Skaneateles Lake. It offers many activities and experiences that will capture your heart and make you want to come back.

Skaneateles is known as the "Jewel of the Finger Lakes." It invites you to dive into its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. You can enjoy top-notch dining, boutique shopping, outdoor adventures, and historic sites. This picturesque place has something for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Skaneateles, New York, offers a total of 13 activities and points of interest for visitors.
• The Finger Lakes region is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and local wineries.
• Skaneateles is a charming lakeside village with a thriving residential and business community.
• Visitors can enjoy a variety of seasonal experiences, from wine tasting to Dickens Christmas celebrations.
• Skaneateles is a convenient base for exploring the wider Finger Lakes region and its many attractions.

Skaneateles Lake - The Crown Jewel

Skaneateles Lake sits in the Finger Lakes region's heart. It's the gem of the village of Skaneateles, New York. This lake is over 16 miles long and a mile wide. It's famous for its clear water and peaceful beauty.

Boating and Sightseeing on Skaneateles Lake

Visitors can see the lake's beauty by taking a boat tour with Mid-Lakes Navigation. These tours let you see historic homes, forests, and hills. You can choose from afternoon or sunset cruises for a memorable experience.

Swimming and Beach Activities

Skaneateles Lake is protected, so swimming is only allowed in some areas. There's a lifeguarded swimming spot in the summer. You can also enjoy sunbathing and picnics at Clift Park, with its beautiful gazebo and lake views.

Skaneateles Lake is known for its clear water and beautiful views. It offers many activities for visitors to enjoy. It's a peaceful place to experience nature's beauty.

"Skaneateles Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in the country, and it's the focal point of the village year-round. The lake's stunning shoreline and tranquil waters make it a true gem in the Finger Lakes region."

Outdoor Adventures in Skaneateles

Skaneateles is a small town with less than 10,000 people. It's right by one of the Finger Lakes in New York. This place is perfect for hikers and nature lovers who want to enjoy the outdoors.

Hiking the Charlie Major Nature Trail

Hiking the Charlie Major Nature Trail is a top activity in Skaneateles. This trail is a mile long and follows an old rail line from 1840 to 1981. You'll see old railroad parts and beautiful nature.

Exploring Carpenter Falls

If you're up for a longer hike, try the Carpenter Falls trail. It's a 2-mile loop with three big waterfalls, including a 90-foot one. It's a great way to see the beauty of the Finger Lakes.

"The outdoor adventures in Skaneateles offer a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty that surrounds this charming lakeside town."

Choosing to hike the Charlie Major Nature Trail or Carpenter Falls will give you an amazing experience. These adventures are perfect for those who love nature and the outdoors.

Art and Culture in Skaneateles

Skaneateles is a vibrant place for art and culture. It has two top galleries that show off the work of local and regional artists. Visitors can dive into the creative vibe of this charming town in the Finger Lakes.

John D. Barrow Art Gallery

The John D. Barrow Art Gallery has been open for over 100 years. It has a great collection of paintings by Hudson River School artist John D. Barrow. Guests can enjoy the timeless beauty of landscapes that show off the Finger Lakes' natural beauty.

Gallery 54

Gallery 54 is run by artists and focuses on the modern art of the Finger Lakes/Central New York area. It has a wide range of art like paintings, mosaics, pottery, jewelry, and photography. This gives visitors a chance to see the lively art scene in Skaneateles.

These two galleries let you connect with the art and culture of Skaneateles. They are perfect for anyone who loves art or just enjoys the creative energy. A visit to the John D. Barrow Art Gallery and Gallery 54 is a must when you're in this beautiful town.

Historical Attractions in Skaneateles

Skaneateles, New York, has a deep history that goes back to the revolutionary times. Visitors can explore this fascinating past at the Skaneateles Historical Society and Museum. This museum is in a 1840 stone building and has many artifacts, photos, furniture, and exhibits. These items tell the story of the town's past.

Skaneateles Historical Society and Museum

At the Skaneateles Historical Society and Museum, you can learn about the area's industrial past. This includes the Skaneateles woolen mill and Hall carriage shop. There's also a collection of vintage boats and shipwrecks from Skaneateles Lake. These items show the region's maritime history.

Knowledgeable guides are there to share more about the exhibits and stories of Skaneateles' past. They make the history come alive.

If you love history or just want to experience the charm of the past, don't miss the Skaneateles Historical Society and Museum. It's a place that takes you back in time. You'll leave with a greater appreciation for the town's rich heritage.

Bahar Nature Preserve

The Bahar Nature Preserve is a peaceful spot in the Finger Lakes area. It's perfect for those who love nature and adventure. Located near Skaneateles, New York, it lets you dive into the beauty of nature.

The preserve has many hiking trails. These trails go through green forests and by the Bear Swamp Creek ravine. You'll see tall hemlock trees with beautiful branches above you.

But there's more than just hiking. The preserve has 65 feet of lake shore on Skaneateles Lake. Here, you can kayak or canoe and see the preserve from a new view.

One special thing about the preserve is the old grapevines. They wrap around the trees, making it look like a fairy tale. This adds to the preserve's charm.

If you want a quiet break or to enjoy nature, the Bahar Nature Preserve is perfect. It has many natural wonders and things to do. This place will amaze and inspire everyone who visits.

Skaneateles, New York: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Skaneateles is in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region. It offers many attractions and activities for all kinds of travelers. You can find outdoor adventures, historic sites, boutique shopping, and great food here.

Skaneateles Lake is perfect for nature lovers. It's great for boating, swimming, and enjoying the view. You can take a scenic cruise or rent a kayak to see the lake's beauty. Hikers will love the Charlie Major Nature Trail, a peaceful loop that shows off the area's wildlife and scenery.

History fans will enjoy Skaneateles' rich past. Visit the Skaneateles Historical Society and Museum or the John D. Barrow Art Gallery. This gallery has been showing local art for over a hundred years. Don't miss the annual Dickens Christmas celebration, a magical event that turns Skaneateles into a Victorian wonderland.

Shoppers will find unique items in the charming boutiques along Genesee Street. You can buy special gifts, handmade jewelry, and unique home decor. Food lovers will enjoy Skaneateles' dining scene, from classic diner food to farm-to-table meals at places like The Krebs and Rosalie's Cucina.

Skaneateles has something for everyone. From its beautiful nature to its vibrant culture, it's a must-see destination. It offers a mix of relaxation, exploration, and indulgence.

Shopping on Genesee Street

Genesee Street is in the heart of Skaneateles, perfect for boutique shopping and finding local artisans. This area is full of unique fashion, gifts, and home decor. It shows off the talent and creativity of the region.

Boutique Shopping and Local Artisans

Walking down Genesee Street, you'll see stores like Cate & Sally. They offer timeless apparel and accessories. Retro Rosie has vintage-inspired style with a great collection of clothing and accessories. And for dessert lovers, Cocoa Bean has gourmet chocolates and sweets, great for yourself or gifts.

The Skaneateles Artisans collective is a place you can't miss. It features work from talented local artists. You can find unique jewelry, paintings, ceramics, and more. It's a way to take a piece of Skaneateles' artistic community home with you.

Looking for the perfect souvenir or just enjoying a day of shopping? Genesee Street is a great place. It celebrates local craftsmanship and creativity.

"Genesee Street is a shopping destination not to be missed. The charming boutiques and local artisan shops offer a truly unique and memorable experience."

Dining in Skaneateles

Skaneateles is famous for its amazing dining scene. It offers a wide range of culinary experiences. You can enjoy classic American diner food at Charlie's or try fancy breakfast and brunch at The Krebs.

Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots

When the sun goes down, the town's restaurants come alive. You can find authentic Mexican food at Elephant and the Dove or farm-to-fork American dishes at the historic Krebs. These places highlight the area's focus on local ingredients and new culinary ideas.

Local Wineries and Craft Beverages

There are also local wineries and craft beverage makers, like Anyela's Vineyards. Here, you can taste top-notch wines and craft beers with beautiful lakeside views. Skaneateles offers a true taste of the Finger Lakes region. It has something for everyone's taste.