The Finger Lakes of New York State hide many secrets. Formed during the last ice age sculpted by massive glaciers, the valleys and hills offer stunning views from the shore. Including the views from Skaneateles, a cozy small town on the shores of a lake that shares its name.

Join Us as we explore Skaneateles, walking the waterfront, checking out shops, and much more.

Quick Overview/Getting There

Skaneatles is a small village of 2,500 but is also within the Syracuse Metropolitan area which has a population of 662,000 and only takes about a half hour drive to get to from downtown.

The area was settled in the late 1700s and the village was incorporated in 1833.

Waterfront Park

We found plenty of on-street parking right in the village center along route 20. If route 20 sounds familiar it is the longest of the designated non-highway routes in the US spanning from Boston, Massachusetts to Newport, Oregon.

We walked down to Cliff Park and took in the expansive lake views with stately home lining the banks with idyllic hills in the background. Right downtown is a 600 foot pier for 360 degree views. It was really cool seeing the boathouses.

This is also where the historic Judge Ben Wiles boat is docked where you can book tickets for sightseeing and dinner cruises ranging from $52 to $80.

Exploring Downtown

We then walked Route 20, which acts as Skaneateles’ Main Street, taking in the historic architecture and popping into shops, including one that used to be an old bank.

We got to the end of the commercial strip and checked out Thayer Park right on the waterfront.

Skaneateles Bakery

We needed a pick-me-up by this point and went to Skaneateles Bakery where we were dazzled by a plethora of baked goods. We ordered Banana Bread Iced Lattes and got a cinnamon roll to share to go. This roll was an absolute unit which we enjoyed overlooking the lake.

Things to Do

We only had a short time to spend in Skaneateles which was enough to explore the shops, but we could see this town being an amazing place to stay for a quiet retreat or as part of a longer road trip of the Finger Lakes.

Some things you might want to check out include: The Barrow Art Gallery, the Skaneateles Historical Society, local wineries and the Charlie Major Nature Trail which just so happens to pass by Skaneateles Brewing Company.

Or you can time your visit with an annual festival such as the classic boat show which happens in July, The Skaneateles Music festival which takes place across four-weeks during the summer that brings world-class classical, jazz, and folk musicians to the area. If snowy winters are more your jam, there’s also the renowned Dickens Festival which starts the day after Thanksgiving every weekend until Christmas eve, featuring an interactive street theater production that brings Charles Dickens a Christmas Carol to life with over 40 costumed actors who interact with holiday shoppers. There’s horse-drawn wagon rides, street caroling and hot roasted chestnuts.