This Is The Friendliest Small Town in The Finger Lakes
Nestled on the pristine shores of Skaneateles Lake, the “Jewel of the Finger Lakes,” is the friendly town of Skaneateles, New York; the name comes from an Iroquois term meaning “long lake.” The pretty lakeside town with around 2,500 residents is an idyllic getaway about 25 miles west of the nearest big city, Syracuse. Known for its crystal-clear blue lake, historical and cultural gems, and festivals showcasing its community spirit, visiting Skaneateles feels like coming home to see friends and family, even if it’s your first trip.
Step Back in Time
From its rich history, when land was promised to soldiers returning from the Revolutionary War, to the lure of lake’s potential as a power-generating source by rich New York City industrialists to its mid-20th-century reputation as a summer resort for the wealthy seeking the rejuvenating powers of its waters, Skaneateles has grown into a vibrant blend of past and present.
The Skaneateles Historic District
Take a stroll through the 17-acre historic district, home to numerous beautifully restored 19th-century homes and buildings, all preserved examples of Federal, Italianate, and Greek Revival architecture. These include the spectacular Reuel E. Smith House, which looks like it was made of real gingerbread, the 1829 Thayer Mansion, and the Sherwood Inn, originally built in 1807 as a stagecoach tavern and now a beloved historic inn and restaurant.
Skaneateles Historical Society Museum
Dig deeper into the history of Skaneateles at the Skaneateles Historical Society Museum. It's housed in The Creamery, which was built in 1899 as a venue where around 200 local farmers would sell their milk. The building was sold to the Best Ice Cream Co. and then to the Borden Milk Co. a year later. In 1989, it was given to the Village of Skaneateles, which restored the building. Now the permanent home of the historical society, the museum's permanent collections include artifacts from the town’s deep agricultural roots, railroad history, and interactive displays of the lake’s significance to the village.
The Barrow Gallery
This gallery, located in a brick annex adjacent to the Skaneateles Library, showcases works by the 19th-century artist John Dodgson Barrow, renowned for his portraits and landscapes of the region. Considered part of the Hudson River School, a movement that profoundly influenced American art history, this group consisted primarily of landscape painters who celebrated the beauty of the Hudson River Valley, the Catskills, and the Adirondacks. On weather-permitting Fridays, join a friendly one-hour walking tour around town, visiting the landmarks that tell the artist’s story.
Get Outside in Nature
Skaneateles is the perfect place to live your best lake life, offering so many ways to embrace the great outdoors. Whether you’re paddling yourself across the crystal-clear waters, hiking the scenic trails around the lake, or simply letting Mid-Lakes Navigation take the wheel on a brunch cruise or a Cruise, Brews and BBQ, the opportunities to connect with nature are endless.
Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Lake is the heart of the community, both as a place to spend time in this underrated gem for nature lovers and as the local hub where you’ll find the picturesque gazebo, perfect as a spot to meet up with friends and enjoy a day boating, kayaking, or simply strolling along the lakefront. There’s no shortage of companies, like the Skaneateles Marina and Skaneateles Lake Boat Rental, where you can rent pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
Clift Park
This picturesque park, located in the middle of downtown Skaneateles on the north shore of the lake, features swimming areas, picnic spots, and a gazebo for photo ops. Live music is performed by the lake in Clift Park every Friday in July.
Bahar Preserve and Carpenter Falls
Carpenter Falls is a stunning 90-foot waterfall located within the 53-acre Bahar Nature Preserve on the west side of Skaneateles Lake. It is ideal for hiking and nature photography. The spectacular waterfall flows from a notch in a caprock and plunges dramatically into a round pool. Adventurous hikers can use a steep gorge trail to see the 60-foot Angel Falls. Other trails along the gorge's rim provide dramatic views of the 100-foot-deep Bear Swamp Creek ravine.
Charlie Major Nature Trail
This is a peaceful 0.8-mile trail that follows the old Skaneateles Short Line Railroad, perfect for walking and cycling. Along the way, you’ll cross the Skaneateles Creek via three photogenic wooden bridges, see the remains of the heyday of railroading in the region, and remnants of the water-powered industries, including paper mills, grist mills, and distilleries, that thrived there.
Celebrate the Spirit of Skaneateles
The charming village with a warm small-town feel knows how to throw a party; celebrations, events, and festivals are held year-round. One unique tradition celebrating its 75th anniversary this June 2025 is when Skaneateles High School graduates, dressed in caps and gowns, jump into Skaneateles Lake at the end of the commencement ceremony.
SkanFest
SkanFest is a four-week summer music festival featuring world-class performances in various venues around the village. It has drawn comparisons to the renowned Tanglewood Music Festival in the Berkshire Hills in Massachusetts. The annual event showcases diverse performances across various genres from Bach to bluegrass. This year, the music starts on July 31 and plays until August 23, 2025.
Dickens Christmas
During the holiday season, the village transforms into a Victorian-era setting, with characters like Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and the Ghost of Christmas Present from Charles Dickens's novels wandering through the streets performing interactive street theater. Live music, eggnog, horse-drawn carriage rides, roasted chestnuts, and Father Christmas are on hand to greet children. The 2025 festival kicks off after Thanksgiving and runs every weekend through Christmas Eve.
Antique and Classic Boat Show
The signature event of any Skaneateles summer season is the annual Antique and Classic Boat Show. The show has a long history in the Finger Lakes region, now in its 47th year, and welcomes over 10,000 visitors annually. This year also marks the 31st anniversary of the show since it relocated to Skaneateles. The event will take place at the Clift Park waterfront, near the iconic gazebo, from July 25 to 27, 2025, featuring more than 80 boats on display both in the water and on land, live music, a boat parade, and activities for children.
Discover Skaneateles: New York’s Friendliest Small Town
From quaint boutiques and art galleries to lively festivals and outdoor adventures, Skaneateles continues to welcome visitors like old friends. Whether you’re exploring its storied streets or relaxing by its clear-blue lake, the town is a cherished destination where you can stroll through its charming historic district, enjoy adventures in nature, and immerse yourself in friendly festivals that celebrate the true spirit of Skaneateles.
