A clear blue lake alongside a main street filled with unique shops and restaurants combine for a one-of-a-kind, relaxing experience. The village of Skaneateles sits at the north end of the eastern Finger Lake by the same name. Its tree-lined streets with flowerpots tended by the local garden club, and well-kept historic homes bring you back to a time with a slower and easier pace of life.
This year the Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles will celebrate 200 years of entertaining travelers coming and going along historic Route 20. The Sherwood was built by Isaac Sherwood in 1807, back when Route 20 was just a dirt trail for stagecoaches. The inn has been restored to all its original beauty (with all the modern conveniences) and boasts 24 unique rooms, some with a fireplace and Jacuzzi. A tavern complete with a woodburning fireplace, an elegant dining room, and two dining porches let visitors enjoy the lake view. The Sherwood is just one of over 30 lodging possibilities in the Skaneateles area. There are bed and breakfasts, a hotel, a four-star inn and spa, and more conventional roadside motels.
Be sure to get out on Skaneateles Lake when you come to visit. It is one of the cleanest lakes in the world – so clean, in fact, that it is the unfiltered drinking water source for the city of Syracuse. You can rent a boat, kayak, sail, or canoe or let Mid-Lakes Navigation do the driving aboard the Judge Ben Wiles. Mid-Lakes offers lunch, dinner and sightseeing cruises, and you can even help deliver mail to lakeside cottages during the months of July and August. Several local companies also offer fishing charters.
Skaneateles is sure to be your “stress-free zone” this summer!
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Population
Village – 2,660
Town – 7,323
Established: 1833
Landmarks: The Gazebo in Clift Park is the site of summertime concerts; the Krebs restaurant – four generations serving a traditional seven-course meal; The Pier, a 500-foot-long jetty to walk right out onto the lake; and Doug’s Fish Fry are all world renowned!
What’s in a name? Skaneateles, pronounced “skan-ee-at-less,” is an Iroquois word meaning “long lake.” It’s the home of Welch Allyn, an innovator of medical equipment; Tim Green, announcer for FOX sports and former Syracuse University and Atlanta Falcons football player; the John D. Barrow Art Gallery; and the teasel industry, which thrived in the 1800s.
Recognition: The vacation spot of choice for President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton.
Events in Skaneateles:
• Concerts in the Park – Every Friday night in July and August
• The Curbstone Festival – Third weekend in July
• Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show – Last weekend in July
• The Skaneateles Festival – Chamber Music by the Lake in August
• Skanraces – swimming, biking and running – Labor Day weekend
• Dickens Christmas – Every weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas
Website: www.skaneateles.com
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JULY
July-September…Antiques and Collectibles Yard Sales
During the first weekend of each month (July 4-5, August 1-2, September 5-6), anyone wishing to set up and sell antiques and collectibles may do so on the Lawn of New Hope Antiques, 5963 New Hope Road, New Hope. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.newhopeantiques.com
315-497-2688
Every Friday…Skaneateles Community Band
Listen to all of your favorite songs lakeside in Clift Park at 7:30 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket. Rain place: Austin Park Pavilion.
315-685-0552
July 9-10…Skaneateles Library Book Sale
Tons of books and great buys at 49 E. Genesee St., Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
315-685-5135
July 16-18…Curbstone Festival & Sidewalk Sales
Shop for great values from all the unique shops in Skaneateles. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
315-685-0552.
July 24-26…Skaneateles Antique & Classic Boat Show
Antique and classic boats on display in the water and on land, plus three concerts, a boat parade at 3 p.m. on Saturday, kids activities, shopping, raffles and more. The Syracuse Model Boat Club will also have boats on display, and the Skaneateles Historical Society will be hosting historic tours of the village on Sunday. Lakeside in Clift Park.
www.skaneateles.com
315-685-0552
AUGUST
Every Friday…The Skaneateles Community Band
Listen to all of your favorite songs lakeside in Clift Park at 7 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket. Rain place, Austin Park Pavilion.
315-685-0552
12-September 5…Skaneateles Festival
Eighteen different concerts throughout the month including chamber ensembles and orchestra.
www.skanfest.org
315-685-7418
SEPTEMBER
Skaneateles Labor Day Race Weekend
Finger Lakes premier race weekend includes the Skinnyman sprint triathlon, Escape From the Judge open water one-mile swim, Coon Hill Grind uphill time trial four-mile run and “I’m All That” competition.
www.skanraces.com
Third Thursday of each month, September-June…Explore Stella Maris Retreat Center
Spend time resting, praying, reading and walking the grounds. Be nourished in body and spirit in any way that fits your needs. Arrive any time after 9 a.m. $15 offering includes lunch.
315-685-6836
OCTOBER
October 3-4…Fall in Love with Art Artist Studio Tour.
Art will be on display at studios throughout the community of Skaneateles.
315-685-0552
October 4…Octoberfest
German food, beer and entertainment lakeside, hosted by the Sherwood Inn, 26 W. Genesee St., noon to 6 p.m.
315-685-3405
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Outdoor Activities
Baltimore Woods Nature Center (BWNC) is just five minutes from Skaneateles on Bishop Hill Road in Marcellus. The site includes a system of nine trails covering a distance of six miles and is open to the public every day. Visit www.baltimorewoods.org or call 315-673-1350.
Explore the lake, either on your own in a rented kayak, canoe or pontoon boat, or with a guided charter! Rentals are available from The Sailboat Shop (315-685-7558), the Skaneateles Hotel (315-685-2333) and Skaneateles Marina (315-685-5095). Captain Dick from Lakeview Charters (315-237-1019) will get you out on the lake to catch that big one! The Sherwood Inn (800-3Sherwood) has a beautiful antique Chris Craft to cruise you around for romance unmatched.
Special Area Promotions
For something new this year, Skaneateles now has its own winery: Anyela’s Vineyard, located four miles down West Lake Road from the village of Skaneateles. Enjoy breathtaking scenery and superb wine in a beautiful setting. Indoor and outdoor seating.
www.anyelasvineyards.com
Take a “Buffalo Safari” and view a herd of North American Plains buffalo in their natural environment. Tours are available May through October at the picturesque PDH Buffalo Farm on scenic route 41A in Sempronius. Call 315-496-2925 to schedule your safari. Visit www.pdhbuffalofarm.com.
