25 Best & Fun Things to Do in Skaneateles (NY)

Looking for the best and fun things to do in Skaneateles, NY?

The city of Skaneateles, New York, is a picturesque and historical city in the state’s Finger Lakes. It is a place of abode to so many attractions and activities that attracts so many, both local and tourists.

You can visit and have a sip of wine and spirits at Angela’s Vineyards and Last Shot Distillery, go hiking to Carpenter Fall, enjoy a nice boat cruise on Skaneateles Lake.

There are special celebrations that happen throughout the year, like the Fall Fest, Skaneateles Festival, and Dickens Christmas.

For a fun time, here are the top things to do in Skaneateles, NY.

Things to Do in Skaneateles

1. Skaneateles Lake

One of the best places to visit is Skaneateles Lake, located in upstate New York and should be on your list of places to visit when you’re in Skaneateles.

The lake is quite beautiful with a blue-green color making it so unique and awesome to watch, you might as well come with a camera to take beautiful photos to post on your Instagram.

The Skaneateles lake is serene and beautiful. The lake can be found amidst wooded slopes and is the sixth-largest of the Finger Lakes. Here is a good relaxation spot for families, friends, and colleagues to have quality time together. You can as well go fishing when you’re here.

You can tour around the lake, which has a 32-mile road with no clear bike paths. However, cyclists can ride on these paths. The lake is of great importance to this region as it acts as a means of water supply.

Because of its economic importance, Skaneateles lake has strong environmental regulations that visitors should abide by. Here is also a beautiful spot to have your wedding. It holds lots of memories that’ll gladden your heart.

2. Charlie Major Nature Trail

One of the best things to do in Skaneateles is to have a stop at the Charlie Major Nature Trail, and it’s one of the best spots to be if you intend to have a quality vacation with your partner.

If you and your partner seek to explore nature to its fullest, here is an awesome place to visit, you can have lots of memories together as you have a romantic tour together.

You can engage in hiking or take pictures of wildlife, beautiful waterfalls, and trees with your camera to post on your Instagram. The walkways are easily accessible for tourists.

Visitors are allowed to bring their bikes to ride on the trail. The park is also furry-friendly. The Charlie Major trail is a nice place to visit and should be on your bucket list of things in Skaneateles.

Address: Finger Lakes, Skaneateles, NY, United States

3. Valentine’s Delicatessen

If you’re looking to have good-quality pizzas in Skaneateles, the Valentine’s Delicatessen is the ideal spot to be. The pizzas made here are freshly made with dough.

Its pizza is top-notch because of the fresh and quality ingredients used during preparation, providing different types of food toppings.

Aside from pizza, the restaurant also treats its visitors to a wide variety of wraps, deli sandwiches, different types of baked bread, subs, and many more.

The menu to find here is sumptuous; they include calzones, salad, plenty of appetizers, twenty different sauces of various kinds, and wings. The restaurant is open for visitors from Mondays through Thursdays from 9am-9pm, and on Saturdays from 9am-10pm and on Sundays from 10am-9pm.

Address:18 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152,

4. The Krebs

The Krebs was founded in 1899. It is one of Skaneateles’ finest restaurants located in the perfect lakeside village in this region. It has a long history line and should be on your bucket list of places to visit when you’re here.

The restaurant’s adoption of modern-day cooking patterns has made them stand out over the years, with myriads of people coming in to have a taste of its dishes.

If you want to have a memorable dining experience with friends, partners air family members, here’s the perfect place to be and enjoy their wide variety of delectable dishes.

Most of the ingredients used in the preparation of these dishes are locally sourced, thus providing support for indigenous farmers and local finger Lakes Wineries.

Address: 53 West Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152

5. Revive Cryo & Wellness

After touring the city, you might want to visit the Revive Cryo and Wellness to give your body a nice treat. It is situated in the scenic city of Skaneateles, and it is known to be one of a kind in the city.

The wellness center offers various natural methods for body vitality and fitness growth.

The staff you meet here are friendly with professional know-how on the body system, and they go as far as telling visitors various ways to keep their bodies in good shape.

The Revive Cryo and wellness is built to cater to the entire well-being of an individual. It offers modern techniques and the latest equipment that’ll keep you relaxed and in good shape.

Address: 764 W Genesee Street Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152, United States

6. Haba

Haba is a. family-owned and operated company that has a history stretching back to 1939. Part of its goal is to provide classic, educational kiddies toys to help their creativity and bring families together.

Here is more like a children’s spot. You can bring your kids along when you visit so they can pick their favorite toys. The products to find here are durable, providing the kids with quality entertainment over time.

The Staff you’ll meet here are welcoming, and the environment is serene and beautiful. You’ll love everything about this place. There are lots of toys for kids of different ages.

Parents and Grandparents are not left out of the fun as there are quality products for them to have some fun time with.

Address: 4407 Jordan Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152, United States

7. Fleur de lis Floral Design

The Fleur de lis Floral Design is situated in the beautiful Skaneateles Lake, an entrance to the Finger Lakes in the Central part of New York. It is one of the most desired and visited event floral and wedding companies in this region.

The Company was established in October 1974, 10 years after it started, operations were done on a rented hall at 62 E Genesee Street.

Lis Floral got its own space in 1983 when Richard and Sandra Schmidt made the building purchase. The building was previously

known as Tucker Hardware and accommodated different businesses, like gas stations, waterfront, and marina.

Renovation was done in the buildings’ interior and exterior. The basement was transformed into a retail area together with the suites and apartments.

Address: 26 E. Genesee St. Skaneateles, NY 13152

8. Shot Well Memorial Park

One of the best things to add to your fun list of things to do in Skaneateles is to visit the Shot well, Memorial Park. There’s a whole lot of fun activities to engage in when you visit.

The Shotwell family handed over the park to the city in remembrance of Skaneateles war veterans. The ambiance is serene, with lots of beautiful sites to behold.

The Park has a fountain with monument walls with the names of the veterans inscribed and the wars they fought, such as Vietnam 9/11, WW1, WW2, Korea.

Their staffs are courteous and welcoming. Visitors keep coming because of the warm hospitality they receive on visit coupled with the great views.

Address: 28 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, United States

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9. Thayer’s Park

Thayer Park began operations in 1874, and the name was derived from Joel Thayer, who is the owner of the property who transformed the entire area into a picturesque private garden.

The picturesque park is situated in the downtown business area of Skaneateles and expands to St James Episcopal Church.

The region is made up of different types of trees that are mature. Some of these mature trees are very close to the lower side of the hill.

These trees make up for the beautiful and awesome landscape of this area. The Thayer Park gathers myriad people of different sizes and ages to have quality fun, including runners, strollers, and people who love to sit close to the lake admiring nature at its finest.

The park has a landmass of 3.25 acres and is also known as the Neighborhood Park. It has two layers; the upper layer consists of a large soccer pitch, with a complete accessible parking lot from Winchester drive.

The lower part is made up of grasses and contains deciduous and coniferous trees. The Lowe region has a drinking fountain, playground, a complete restroom, an automatic irrigation system, and park benches.

Address: 66 E Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, United States

10. Carpenter Falls

If you’re planning on having a trip to Carpenter Falls, here is one of the ideal places to visit when you’re in Skaneateles. Hiking here is fun and should top your bucket list of things to do in Skaneateles, NY.

A trip to this place is awesome if you’re still planning to add to your vacation list of what to do in Skaneateles. To reach the falls, it could take one different route.

March to October are the ideal time to hike in Carpenter Falls. Although snow is prevalent during wintertime, it doesn’t stop hikers from having fun outside.

The Carpenter Falls has a height of about a 90-foot waterfall, and it is the best view you want to gaze upon when you visit here. You might want to bring your camera along to take beautiful photos

Swimming is prohibited in the pool under the waterfall, although you’ll be having this urge to swim in the lovely pool

Address: 3800 Appletree Point Rd., Skaneateles, NY 13152

11. Sherwood Inn

The Sherwood Inn is situated in Central Skaneateles. The Sherwood Inn provides visitors with an ideal setting to chill out and enjoy beautiful views of these lovely Skaneateles Lake.

The Sherwood inn was established in 1807 and has been a genesis of nature, showing its kindness to the people of this region.

During the 1918 influenza epidemic that struck the area, the Sherwood inn was previously known as Packwood House, used as a temporary clinic.

The residents of this area teamed up to provide food and medical aids to assist those hit by the flu. The Sherwood inn has various top-notch dining locations, including the Bluewater Grill, Dining Room, and the Sherwood Tavern.

The Sherwood inn has, over time, been a perfect vacation spot for families, colleagues, and even the former first family of the United States.

Address: 26 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152

12. Last Shot Distillery

If you’re a fan of great liquor, the Last Shot Distillery is one of the places you don’t want to miss out on when you’re in Skaneateles and should top your bucket list of things to do in Skaneateles.

The distillery uses only ingredients that are locally sourced to produce their liquor. The drinks are produced in batches using quality grains like malt, wheat, rye, and corn.

The distillery began operations in December 2015 to carry out research and produce tasty spirits. The owners of this distillery intended to make a huge impact in the “art of distillating”.

Visitors are allowed to have a guided tour around the factory to gain firsthand knowledge of the various processes involved in making spirits. You can visit the tasting room as well, and it’s open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to try out their cocktails and other spirits.

Address: 4022 Mill Road, Skaneateles, NY, 13152

13. Anyela’s Vineyards’ Wines

Angela’s Vineyard is a notable vineyard situated in Finger Lakes Wine. During the autumn season, the grapes are preserved properly from the cold to help preserve the sugar content and thus the wine quality

The vines are carefully removed from the trellises and buried in the rich soil to preserve these fragile young buds. At springtime, re- trellises are done to expose the vines to enough sunlight.

Visitors can tour the facility to be knowledgeable on the wine processes carried out to actualize winemaking. You can also visit their tasting room on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm.

The environment is lovely and serene. If you have a good sense of quality wine, this should top your list of what to do in Skaneateles.

Address: 2433 West Lake Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152

14. Skaneateles Historical Society

The Skaneateles Historical Society is a place for history lovers to come see and have a deep knowledge of the historical information this place holds and the various ways it has impacted greatly in this region.

The museum was once used as a creamery. But was transformed into a museum and has been a huge attraction for visitors and residents.

In the 1840s boat sailing was a famous activity adopted by people of this region for leisure. You can find exhibits of these boats on a large scale as they are part of this region’s history and heritage.

A father and his son during the 1870s began construction of boats, and this has lingered until this day. These boats could be seen in display at the historical society display.

Visitors can also find exhibits of teasels that are grown locally since the region is popularly known as ” The Teasel Capital of the World.”

Address: 28 Hannum St, Skaneateles, NY 13152

15. Skaneateles Artisans

The Skaneateles Gallery Under the Stone is a gallery situated under the historic Old Stone Mountain in the picturesque Finger Lakes town of Skaneateles.

The owner of this art gallery is Teresa Vitale, and she oversees the smooth running of the art gallery. The gallery is a fine collection of top-notch artworks from different artists from Finger Lakes and New England.

The gallery houses artworks ranging from glass, gems, photography, wood, paintings, wearables, ceramics, furniture, and many more.

The art gallery is simply an interesting place to come visit and bless your eyes with the finest artworks from this region, from talented artist

Address: 3 Fennell St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, United States

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16. John D. Barrow Art Gallery’s

One of the best places to visit when you’re in Skaneateles is the John D. Barrow Art Gallery. It is a place for artists of various categories, whether you’re pursuing a career in art or a professional artist.

The ultra-modern gallery has been in existence for years now and has grown over time with outstanding art collections and paintings done by John D. Barrow.

John D. Barrow was seen as a second-generation artist of Hudson River school because of his landscape paintings.

In the gallery, you’ll be opportune to learn firsthand the history of John D. Barrow and the secrets behind his paintings. 268 paintings are open to the public to see in the gallery, and a short explanation is done for each art piece and what it stands for.

Address: 49 E Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, United States

17. Mid-Lakes Navigation

One of the best things to do in Skaneateles, NY,  is a visit to the Mid-Lakes Navigation. Here nature welcomes you to enjoy it to its fullest.

The tour boat company is family-owned and operated. It carries out its operations on Skaneateles Lake.

You can have boat cruises, romantic dinner cruises, customized excursions, birthday parties, weddings, scenic excursions, and other celebrations on the Lake.

When onboard, breakfast, dinner, and lunch are served to visitors at whatever time of the day you visit. There’s a gift store to buy souvenir items or gifts for your friends and loved ones.

Address: 3 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, United States

18. Bahar Nature Preserve

If you’re a fan of history, the Bahar Nature Preserve is an incredible place to visit and should be on your checklist of things to do in Skaneateles.

In this preserve, you’ll love to see the hemlock trees, the 100 foot deep Bear Swamp

creek ravine situated inside the preserve and the hemlock trees.

The trees found in the Bahar Nature Preserve contribute to the sustenance of the grapevines. The vines as well aid the younger grapevines to grow considerably beside them.

The entire floor of the woodland has moss and ferns, giving the area a fairy tale look. Here is an ideal spot to go for kayaking or canoeing as the lakeside shoreline has a height of 65 feet.

Address: 3800 Appletree Point, Skaneateles, NY 13152, United States

19. Lockwood Lavender Farm

The Lavender wines have a huge landmass of 120 acres covered with beautiful lavender fields. The attraction is a beauty to behold and should be on your bucket list of things to do in Skaneateles.

The Lockwood Lavender wines have been a property of the Lockwood family for five generations and have 120 acres. A tour during the summer on this colorful field is everything a tourist should look out for.

It is interesting to know that over 30 different species of Lavender can be found on this farm and have served different purposes over the years.

You can also bring your camera when visiting to take beautiful photos of this scenic landscape to share on your Instagram and share your memories with friends and colleagues.

Address: 1682 W Lake Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152

20. Dickens Christmas Festival

This is one of the best things to do in Skaneateles during the Christmas Festival known as “Dickens Christmas Festival”. It is a perfect place to spend your time.

During the festival, visitors can be fully part of street dancers dressed in 19th-century attire. Thanksgiving day is when the celebration begins and lasts till Christmas day.

You can also shop for beautiful clothes in a popular street named Genesee that is occupied by delightful boutiques such as Care and Sally, Skaneateles 300, and Emma James

There’s a whole lot of celebration during the holiday season, lots of activities to engage in with family, friends, and colleagues at work, and it should be on your list of things to do in Skaneateles.

Address: 18 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152,

21. DROOZ & Company

Drooz and Company is a special store situated in Skaneateles that provides quality curated art, decor, gifts, furniture, and antiques.

There is something for everyone who wants to pick something unique, no matter your size, age, or gender.

The Drooz and company provide art classes for people interested in pursuing a career in art, which is done from time to time. Giving people the opportunity to interact, share knowledge and keep their excitement going.

Address: 36 E Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, United States

22. LakeHouse Pub

If you’re searching for a place to spend quality time after hours of touring through the city, the LakeHouse Pub is the ideal place to be and should be on your checklist of places to be when you visit.

The LakeHouse Pub has an endearing environment that’ll always make you want to come to visit. Its major goal is to serve its visitors with lots of entertainment and attract myriads of people.

The Pub hosts gifted local artists as you treat yourself to delicious roast beef sandwiches. You can also try out their hot whisky cider for much better enjoyment.

This is a sure place to visit after long hours of touring around the city. Hospitality and comfort are what LakeHouse has to offer its visitors, which has been their mantra over the years.

Address: 6 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, United States

23. Lakeland Winery

The Lakeland Winery is the right spot to be if you’re a fan of liquor. The Lakeland winery was started by a wine lover named Andrew Watkins, the first winery in the New York state.

The wines made in the factory are so tasty, and there are various flavors to try from. The ingredients used in the making these wines are locally sourced and grown with no artificial additives.

The tasting room is something you want to check out when you’re in the facility and check out their different flavors of wind and the various processes involved to actualize it.

You can also have a bottle of wine to take to your friends and family to share the delectable experience with them. Winery hours are from Friday 4pm-7:30pm, Saturdays from 12pm- 7pm, and on Sundays from 12pm-4pm.

Address: 877 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse, NY 13209, United States

24. Cliff Park

One of the fun things to do in Skaneateles is to stroll around Cliff Park. Cliff Park is a tush town park located in downtown Skaneateles. 

The Park has a small swimming area, but the water is gorgeously Caribbean blue and amazingly clear. 

Cliff Park also features a gazebo, a beautiful stone sitting area with gardens, and a fountain. 

You can use the park for free, but you have to pay a small fee to swim. Boat tours are available for interested visitors. Dogs are not allowed at Cliff Park. 

Address: 15 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, United States

25. Shotwell Memorial Park

Why don’t you visit Shotwell Memorial Park and see the names of war veterans? It is one of the fun things to do in Skaneateles. 

The Shotwell Memorial Park was given to the city by the Shotwell family to commemorate Skaneateles War Veterans. The Park is situated across the street from the Sherwood Inn and sits opposite Cliff Park. 

Shotwell Memorial Park is serene with terraced grounds, a fountain, walkways, and a monument wall inscribed with the names of soldiers from different wars such as the First World War, The Second World War, the Korean War, the Vietnam war, and 9/ 11. 

Address: 28 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, United States

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Plan your trip to Skaneateles

If you choose to have a quality getaway and take your mind off mundane activities, Skaneateles is the ideal place to be with family, colleagues, and friends.

There are lots of attractions with plenty of relaxation and fun spots. The lakes here are serene with clear running watts, the community is filled with lots of historical information, and there’s a whole lot to learn from this city.

Make your bucket list of things to do in Skaneateles, NY, this piece can always come in handy, so pin it.