Explore Skaneateles, NY | The Homelife Pro of Skaneateles, NY

A guide to enjoying Skaneateles, New York

A tribute to Skaneateles, NY (my hometown) is the newest part of my website and it will take a little time to populate properly. For now, I’ll just share the basics and with time I’ll fill in the gaps to make this a true resource. If you would like a personal tour of our village, I’d love to show you around the area. Just reach out and we can plan a fun day to take in this beautiful part of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Skaneateles

How do you pronounce Skaneateles?

Definitely NOT “Skan-e-at-a-leez”, which is what I hear as the most common mispronunciation. It’s safe to say either “Skinny-at-less” or “Skanny-at-less” and not sound too far off. “Skan-eat-elle-us” is also wrong, lol.

Why is the water so clear?

A few decades ago, zebra mussels invaded the lake. Unfortunately, they harm the lake’s ecosystem by removing algae that are needed to keep the native lake inhabitants healthy. If you step on zebra mussels you can cut your foot, so they can be quite a nuisance. They are the reason the water is so clear.

What boat access is available on Skaneateles Lake?

◦ DEC Boat Launch is about 2.5 miles down West Lake (41A), however, parking can be a challenge.
◦ Skaneateles Marina is about 5 miles down the west side of the lake and is a great place to rent a boat.
◦ Skaneateles Lake Boat Launch is at the southern tip of the lake.

Is there public swimming on the lake?

Skaneateles has public swimming available during the summer at Cliff Park, which is directly across the street from the Sherwood Inn. Aside from that, the truth is that it’s very hard to swim on the lake without renting a boat or making friends with a property owner who has lake access.

What trails are in the area?

◦ The Charlie Major Trail is a 1.5-mile well-groomed level walk just outside the village down Fennell Street (which turns into Mill Road). If you time it well, there’s access to the Skaneateles Brewery and Last Shot Distillery right from the trail!
◦ Carpenter Falls is a 2.9-mile trail that takes you from Appletree Point Road (off of 41A) and down to the lake. It is best to do in the warmer months as the best fun is when you get wet in the falls, although you can stay dry by keeping up away from the water.
◦ Skaneateles Conservation Area is a lot of fun with 3 trails that meander up and down to a large pond. You’ll find it out Old Seneca Turnpike just after the dump (yes, I know but it’s still a great spot to hike).
◦ Baltimore Woods Nature Center has a 2.2-mile loop that is between Skaneateles and neighboring Marcellus. It’s a great family spot.
◦ Bear Swamp Yellow Loop Trail is 3.5 miles of groomed trails down at the very south end of the lake.

Who owns the big stone home on West Lake Street?

To be fair, there are so many large and beautiful homes on Skaneateles Lake that I hate to point out just one. That said, this particular home captivates the view from Cliff Park and so, this makes it a FAQ I hear over and over. The owners, I’ll keep their names private, use this as a second (or third, fourth, etc) home that they enjoy with their family.
They are the owners of a scrap metal business throughout the northeast. Locally, they are the owners of several restaurants including The Krebs, Elephant and the Dove, Clover’s, and the (soon-to-be-open Hidden Fish).
To be honest, they are very generous to the community and are frequently in town with guests and family.

What famous people have homes or vacations on Skaneateles Lake?

Skaneateles is well-known for its celebrity visitors, many of who eventually purchase homes on the lake.
◦ Years ago, when the Clintons were in the White House, they would visit Skaneateles. That’s interesting to note as during the time, the area was heavily Republican. They stayed at a local home on the lake.
◦ The Baldwin family (Billy, Alec, and Stephen) were regular summer vacationers although I haven’t personally seen them in years. One summer, when Hailey and Justin Beiber were dating (or engaged, I forget), they created quite the ruckus and had more than one restaurant have to shut its doors due to the prying eyes of locals. Billy often served as a celebrity bartender at The Krebs as he’s personal friends with the owners.
◦ Jason Newsted, who was the bass guitarist for Metallica, owns a home on the lake.
◦ Thom Filicia owns a home on the east side of the lake. He also decorated The Krebs and the Elephant and the Dove, possibly even the new Hidden Fish although I don’t know for sure. Thom, who spends a good amount of time in Skaneateles, is an interior decorator who gained his fame during the original cast of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”.
◦ Joe Biden, so I read, has had dinner at Rosalie’s Cucina. Rosalie’s is a fun spot to visit as the walls are adorned with signatures of famous and not famous patrons.
◦ Derek Jeter??? No, from all that I’ve been informed, he never ended up purchasing on Skaneateles Lake although he did look.
In addition to celebrities, there are many wealthy business people who have made Skaneateles a getaway with stunning homes best viewed from the water.

Where is the best place to get coffee?

Until the day arrives that I open my own coffee shop (investors, please feel free to contact me … seriously), right now the village has a few options. My favorite is Good Skan, which is right in the middle of Valentine’s Pizza and Deli and the Village Bottle. There’s also the Skaneateles Bakery and Vermont Green Mountain. If you’re just looking for a simple black coffee, my sister prefers Byrne Dairy. Go figure!

What draws people to live in Skaneateles?

One of the primary employers in the area is Baxter (formerly Hillrom and Welch Allyn) makes medical equipment. Tessy Plastics also draws aIn addition to the local business, Skaneateles is known as one of the cleanest lakes in the country with stunning homes and an exceptional village of shops and restaurants. As far as the residents, it is not an inexpensive place to live although if you can afford it, the schools are highly regarded.
A challenge of all the growth along the lake with homes that boast stunning architecture and landscaping comes with property taxes that have increased significantly over the past two decades. Many families that have owned lakefront property for generations and aren’t necessarily wealthy are being forced to sell as they can no longer afford the property taxes of owning on the lake.

Walk, Run, or Crawl throughout Skaneateles

2-Mile Walk or Run

START at THE SHERWOOD INN
A. Right/West from The Sherwood Inn
B. Left at the Skaneateles Fire Department
C. Left at the point where Kane Avenue meets West Lake Street
D. Past the Skaneateles Country Club
E. Right on W Genesee Street
FINISH: Return to Sherwood Inn

3 Miles Walk or Run

A.The Sherwood Inn
B. Left onto West Lake Street to the gravel path
C. Right on Kane Avenue (cross street for sidewalk)
D. Cross Genesee Street at the Skaneateles Fire Station
E. Right onto W Elizabeth Street
F. Right onto Leitch Avenue
G. Right back onto E Genesee Street
H. Return to the Sherwood Inn

6-Mile Run

A. Start through the village and continue up Genesee Street.
B. Turn left on E. Lake Street at the light.
C. Turn right at the end of E. Lake Street onto Onondaga Street.
D. Take your first left onto Highland Avenue.
E. Take a left on Jewett Road.
F. Turn right on State Street (321) and then quickly take a left onto East Street.
G. You can continue straight until E. Elizabeth Street or run down the paths around the Skaneateles High School to E. Elizabeth.
H. Continue down Elizabeth Street until you reach Orchard Road. Take a left on Orchard Rd and then a right on Genesee Street.
I. Continue up to Mirbeau Inn & Spa and circle their front parking lot before returning to Genesee Street.
J. Run back down the hill on Genesee Street until you return to The Sherwood Inn.

1-Mile Village Drinking Crawl

Don’t forget to eat, drink water, and pace yourself!
A. Meet at The Sherwood Inn (Tavern) to start your crawl.
B. Walk west up the hill to Mirbeau Inn & Spa. They have a very comfortable lounge with beautiful gardens.
C. Continue back down toward the village, stopping at The Krebs for a high-end luxury cocktail on their ever-changing menu.
D. Your next stop is at the Elephant and the Dove for a Margarita or Paloma.
E. End at the Lakehouse Pub (locals call it “The Pub”) for your last cocktail before crashing for the night.

Eat and Drink

There are many wonderful establishments to find food and beverage, most of which are within walking distance. Over time, I’ll add my own impressions to help you make a selection of where you should eat!

The Sherwood Inn (Main Dining Room)
The Sherwood Inn (Tavern)
Gilda’s
Blue Water Grill
Midlakes Navigation Boat Tours
The Patisserie

The Krebs
Elephant and the Dove
Clover’s
Hidden Fish (coming soon)

Moro’s Kitchen

Mirbeau (Main Dining Room & Lounge)

Rosalie’s Cucina

Doug’s Fish Fry

The Lakehouse Pub

Valentine’s Pizza & Deli

Good Eats & Sips

The Skaneateles Bakery

Vermont Green Mountain

Anyela’s Vineyard

Skaneateles Brewery
Last Shot Distillery

Mandana Inn

Elderberry Pond (not technically in Skan)

Skaneateles Country Club (Private)

Lodgings

In the village, legal regulations limit stay-in-home rentals to long-term leases. Therefore, if you want to rent a home for a few days or a week then you’ll need to look outside of the village limits. In the village, however, there are several lovely places to stay while in Skaneateles.

Be advised, during the summer months you need to book very early!

The Sherwood Inn
Arbor House
Hannum House
Village Inn
Packwood House

Mirbeau Inn
The Lodging

Skaneateles Boutique Hotel

Skaneateles Suites

Skaneateles Inn

Shop and Relax

We are so fortunate to have a thriving village where local shop owners can remain in business even given the swing of seasonality that we experience.

Personally, I recommend getting breakfast and then shopping, stopping for lunch, shopping some more, and then having a cocktail before dinner!

Emma & James
Hap & Main

Skaneateles Jewelry

Fingerlakes Photography

Hobby House Toys

Skaneateles 300′

Lucky Dog

The Local Branch

Gee June Bridal

SJ Moore Fine Art & Jewelry

Rhubarb

Christmas Cottage

Pride & Joy

Aristocats & Dogs

Nest 58

The Wandering Kind

Drooz

Fleur de Lis Florist

White Sleigh

Bev & Co.
White & White

Roland’s

Skaneateles Antiques

Midlakes Navigation

1st National Gifts

Sea Culture

Every day there’s a great reason to explore Skaneateles & our beautiful community.

Frequently Asked Questions about Skaneateles

Walk, Run, or Crawl throughout Skaneateles

Eat and Drink

Lodgings

Shop and Relax