Overview
Skaneateles is in the Finger Lakes region of New York.
5 things to do · 5 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Skaneateles
Skaneateles Festival
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
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 …
Mirbeau Inn and Spa
Five star luxury spa and restaurant.
Skaneateles Suites
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
Offers boat cruises on the New York canals and Skaneateles Lake.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 80°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Jul. (climate data from nearby Ithaca)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SYR Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Syracuse — 20 mi away (major hub). Directions
- ITH Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, Ithaca — 32 mi away. Directions
Skaneateles is a "drive to" destination in the Finger Lakes region of Central New York.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Skaneateles Festival, Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles, Mirbeau Inn and Spa
- Lunch Moro's Kitchen
- Afternoon Skaneateles Suites, Mid-Lakes Navigation Co
- Dinner The Krebs
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Understand
Pronounced "skinny atlas", the name means "Long Beautiful Lake" in Iroquois. It is the primary source of drinking water for nearby Syracuse.
Get in
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.
Get around
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.
See
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
Do
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.
Do Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles
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.
Buy
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.
Shop Drooz and Company
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.
Eat
Eat Moro's Kitchen
A modern Italian-American restaurant with house-made pasta and a small but interesting menu.
Eat The Krebs
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.
Eat Rosalie's Cucina
Classic and authentic Tuscan style Italian food with complete wine cellar. Worth trip. Expensive, doesn't accept reservations.
Eat Dougs Fish Fry
Local fish fry mentioned in all kinds of travel magazines.
Eat Sherwood Inn
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.
Drink
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!
Sleep
Nearby
Auburn
City / town · 30 listings · 7 mi away
Weedsport
City / town · 1 listings · 10 mi away
Syracuse
City / town · 89 listings · 16 mi away
Seneca Falls
City / town · 20 listings · 19 mi away
Cortland
City / town · 10 listings · 27 mi away
Wolcott
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Geneva
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Sterling
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My experience
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