10 Best Things to Do in Skaneateles, New York

By VacationIdea Staff on November 14, 2022 - Updated

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Skaneateles, New York is a historic and quaint area in the state’s Finger Lakes region, home to many activities and attractions that attract both locals and tourists alike. Visitors can view historic artifacts at the historic Creamery, sample spirits and wine at the Last Shot Distillery and Anyela's Vineyards, take a scenic boat ride on Skaneateles Lake, hike to Carpenter Falls, and much more. Special events also take place throughout the year, such as the Skaneateles Festival, Dickens’ Christmas, and Fall Fest.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Skaneateles Lake

The green-blue waters of the scenic Skaneateles Lake is a gem and perhaps the highlight attraction of Skaneateles. Set among forested ridges, the serene and beautiful lake is the sixth largest of New York’s Finger Lakes. At around sixteen miles long and three-fourths miles wide, Skaneateles Lake, which means “long lake” in Iroquois, stretches across three different counties. Bicycling and boating are both very popular outdoor recreation activities at the lake. While there aren’t any marked bike trails, there is a 32-mile road circuit. Skaneateles Lake is also used as a water source, so there are relatively strong environmental controls.

2.Anyela's Vineyards

Anyela's Vineyards is a unique vineyard in the Finger Lakes Wine Country of New York as they protect their vines from the colder weather after the harvest in the fall. The vines are carefully removed one-by-one from the trellises, then buried in the property’s rich earth in order to insulate their sensitive primary buds. During the spring, the vines are re-trellised for maximum exposure to the sun. Visitors can stop by Anyela's Vineyards for a wine tasting from noon until 5:00pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tastings are first-come, first-served and include Signature and Select Tastings, as well as flights.

2433 West Lake Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152, Phone: 315-685-3797

3.Carpenter Falls, Skaneateles, New York

Carpenter Falls is a loop trail a little more than a mile in length and offers a moderate hike and three waterfalls for hikers to explore. This trail is used primarily for nature trips, walking, and hiking, and is best visited between the month of March through the month of October. Dogs are allowed on the Carpenter Falls trail as well. The Carpenter Falls itself is the main highlight of the hike, reaching ninety feet tall and powerfully falling through the massive limestone caprock overhang into the deep pool of water below. The views here are amazing, however, the climbing is dangerous.

4.Last Shot Distillery, Skaneateles, NY

First opening its doors in December of 2015, the Last Shot Distillery is situated adjacent to the area’s Charlie Major Nature Trail, just two miles away from downtown Skaneateles, New York. The mission of the distillery is to bring new perspectives to the “art of distilling,” as well as creating a family business that’s centered around the community and historic traditions they love. Open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the tasting room of the Last Shot Distillery offers samples of their small-batch spirits, as well as craft cocktails. Guests can also take a tour or purchase bottles and other merchandise.

4022 Mill Road, Skaneateles, NY, 13152, Phone: 315-554-8241

5.Lockwood Lavender Farm, Skaneateles, New York

The Lockwood Lavender Farm is the charming area of Skaneateles in New York’s picturesque Finger Lakes district is a fiber and flower farm that spans across approximately 120 acres. Tucked within a hillside overlooking the region’s beautiful Skaneateles Lake, the lavender farm was established back in the year 1854 and has been owned and operated by five generations of the Lockwood Family. Operating as a working farm, the lavender farm is accessible, but has unpaved pathways and uneven terrain.

1682 W Lake Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152, Phone: 315-685-5369

6.34 State Historic Luxury Suites in Skaneateles

Blending the privacy of luxuries of a boutique hotel and the charm of a historic inn, 34 State Historic Luxury Suites offers a unique retreat in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Once the former home of artist John D. Barrow in the late 19th century, the distinct property is located in the historic village of Skaneateles and just steps away from the beautiful lake and the main street with its boutique shops and restaurants. 34 State features elegant and whimsical interiors with several works of artist John D. Barrow adorning the walls, as well as in the Library, and a seamless blend of modern décor and period pieces. A communal lounge is a perfect place for relaxing with comfortable sofas, armchairs, and a cappuccino and espresso maker, and a guest pantry has a fridge, ice maker, and glassware for guests to use. A lovely outdoor terrace offers views of the garden, and there is free parking on site.

34 State St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, Phone: 315-730-4690

7.Sherwood Inn

The Sherwood Inn is situated along the northern shore of the scenic Skaneateles Lake, right in the middle of the historic Skaneateles village, the “Eastern Gateway” of New York’s Finger Lakes, with all of its charming old homes, galleries, and quaint shops. Along with the numerous dining establishments with a superb reputation in the area, the inn offers several dining options as well, including the Dining Room, the Sherwood Tavern, and the Bluewater Grill, which provides lakeview dining. The Sherwood Inn has been a popular vacation destination for families for many generations, including the country’s former First Family.

26 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, Phone: 315-685-3405

8.The Krebs, Skaneateles, NY

Established back in the year 1899, The Krebs in the idyllic lakeside village of Skaneateles, New York is a fine dining, historic restaurant. The restaurant focuses on a modern approach to the classic cooking techniques, with a result of American cuisine that is both exciting and familiar. The Krebs prides itself on making every effort to create a memorable dining experience for its guests, from its meticulously sourced wines to its expert execution of American fare to its excellent service. Much of the restaurant's menu is sourced locally, showing support for both local Finger Lakes wineries and local farmers.

53 West Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, Phone: 315-685-1800

9.Valentine's Delicatessen, Skaneateles, NY

Valentine's Delicatessen specializes in high quality pizzas made with dough that’s made fresh every day. The restaurant always uses quality, fresh ingredients, offering a wide variety of toppings. In addition to pizza, the delicatessen also serves an array of deli sandwiches, subs, and wraps with a range of breads and ingredients. The menu also features salads, numerous appetizers, gyros, calzones, and wings with an option of around twenty different sauces.

18 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, Phone: 315-685-8804

10.Skaneateles Historical Society at the Creamery, Skaneateles, NY

Skaneateles Historical Society Museum at the Creamery showcases a collection of artifacts consisting of hundreds of different items associated with farming, commerce, the press, architecture, art, transportation, recreation, and manufacturing. Opened in 1899, the Skaneateles Creamery Company was a place where local farmers could sell milk and other dairy products to the residents of the area. The Creamery today is used as a museum that highlights local history and locally made items, such as boats, chairs, wooden toys, and carriages. Among the exhibits at the museum is one devoted to the Skaneateles Creamery Company and the dairy farming industry.

28 Hannum St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, Phone: 315-685-1360