If you are looking for a tranquil escape from the city, you don’t need a passport to find a stunning waterfront getaway.
Tucked away in Onondaga County, the village of Skaneateles perfectly mirrors the layout and charm of a historic European lakeside town.
Located on the northern shores of its namesake lake, this vibrant upstate destination is widely regarded as one of the absolute finest villages in the Finger Lakes region.
The name itself stems from the Iroquois term for the adjacent water, meaning “long lake.” Today, that clear blue lake serves as the breathtaking backdrop for a bustling downtown filled with unique shops, bed and breakfasts, and highly-rated restaurants.
Whether you are seeking a quiet winter escape or a lively summer vacation, here is why this charming hamlet needs to be on your upstate radar.
A surprisingly radical history
While it looks like a peaceful resort town today, Skaneateles has a deeply rich and well-documented history dating back to the Revolutionary War. The area was originally settled by veterans who were awarded land grants as compensation for their military service.
By the mid-19th century, the town became a fierce hub for reform movements. Thanks to the active local Quaker congregations, Skaneateles eclipsed nearby Syracuse as a major anti-slavery town and a documented stop on the Underground Railroad.
The village was even home to an unorthodox utopian farm in 1843 known as the Skaneateles Community. Locals dubbed it “No God” due to the atheistic views of its members. While the commune ultimately dissolved in 1846, you can actually still visit the surviving infrastructure. The original “Community Place” is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and operates as a local bed-and-breakfast.
Year-round festivals and lakeside events
Skaneateles has a well-developed infrastructure tailored for visitors, boasting a massive calendar of events that keeps the town buzzing all year long. In fact, the local population entirely doubles during July and August.
If you are planning a trip, you might want to align your visit with one of their massive seasonal draws:
- Antique and Classic Boat Show: Held the last full weekend in July, this massive summer tradition draws up to 12,000 visitors to the waterfront.
- Merchants Annual Curbstone Festival: Beginning the third Thursday in July, this massive three-day sidewalk sale turns the village streets into an open-air market for over 10,000 shoppers.
- Skaneateles Festival: Throughout the month of August, the town hosts world-renowned musicians for a beloved chamber music concert series.
- Dickens Christmas: Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the streets are flooded with an estimated 5,000 visitors every weekend for a classic, immersive holiday celebration.
- Winterfest: Taking place the last Friday and Saturday in January, locals brave the cold for an Ice Walk, a Polar Bear Plunge, and the popular Taste of Skaneateles.
Getting out on the water
You simply cannot visit Skaneateles without getting out onto the pristine water. Throughout June, July, and August, the Mid-Lakes Navigation boat cruises cater to thousands of leisure travelers looking to experience the lake’s beauty firsthand.
If you prefer to stay on land, you can grab a blanket and head down to the water on Friday nights in July and August for relaxing community band concerts right by the lake. And if you are looking to elevate your afternoon, a trip to Anyela’s Vineyards is a premiere attraction that offers stunning views and incredible local wine.
