The name "Skaneateles" is derived from the Indian word "Skan-e-a-dice," which means "long lake". At 350-feet deep, it is the third deepest Finger Lake and serves a watershed of seventy-three square miles.

    The lake has an AA water purity rating and is the public water supply for Syracuse and some of its suburbs. Although it is the clearest of the major Finger Lakes, it has the smallest number of plant species and is the least productive for wildlife.

    One early regional industry was the production of potash by burning trees from cleared land. The potash was hauled by wagon to be marketed in Albany. When the Syracuse and Auburn Railroad was built, local venture capitalists built a connecting wooden railroad in 1836, which was replaced by a steam railroad in 1867.

    Skaneateles and nearby Marcellus were once the centers of the teasel industry of the United States. Teasel has a large, prickly bur with hook-shaped bristles that were used to raise the nap on woven cloth. It drew fine wool fibers from cloth, leaving a smooth surface. The New England clothing mills were the biggest customers for teasel. Teasel had a ninety-year run in Skaneateles until 1930, when equipment was developed to perform its function mechanically.

Excerpt from Persons, Places and Things IN the Finger Lakes Region
by Emerson Klees

SKANEATELES LAKE

Lake Facts
Maximum Length: 16 mi
Maximum Width: 1.5 mi
Surface Area:8,800 acres
Maximum Depth: 350 ft


Intro
Just 23 miles west of Syracuse, the sparkling blue-green waters of Skaneateles Lake shine like a gem among the forested ridges of the Finger Lakes district. The sixth largest of the Finger Lakes, Skaneateles is exceptionally beautiful and serene; the water is so pristine that nearby towns, including the city of Syracuse, use the lake as a source of drinking water.

Averaging about three-quarters of a mile wide and stretching to 16 miles in length, Skaneateles (from the Iroquois for "long lake") reaches across three counties: Onandaga, Cayuga and Cortland. The village of Skaneateles, along the northern shores of the lake, is truly the belle of the ball - it's widely regarded as being among the finest villages in all of the Finger Lakes. This charming hamlet boasts a well-developed infrastructure and attractions for the tourist trade, including a good supply of hotels, inns and B&B's, a full calendar of activities and events, and a broad range of quality eateries. The village also has a rich, well-documented history that dates back to revolutionary times - the first settlers were veterans of the Revolutionary War who were awarded land grants as compensation for military service. Skaneateles Village (pop. 2,616) is located within the larger town of Skaneateles (pop. 7,323), in Onandaga County.

Don't Miss
Downtown Skaneateles - the streets of downtown Skaneateles evoke images of classic New England and embody the word "quaint."  Stroll the Clift Park waterfront, check out the gazebo, and take in the natural beauty of the lake.

It's worth a special visit at Christmas time, when the village of Skaneateles hosts "Dickens Christmas," an improvisational street theater featuring Dickensian characters roaming the streets in Victorian costumes. Horse-drawn carriages, carolers, and even chesnuts roasting on open fires add to festive ambiance.
 

What To Do

Bicycling

Like most of the Finger Lakes, the area around Skaneateles Lake is good for bicyclists, provided that they are experienced with road riding. There are no marked biking trails on the lake, but the 32-mile circuit around the lake is a popular road route. 

Boating

Skaneateles Lake is very popular for sailing and other recreational boating. Environmental controls are relatively strong, though, because the lake is a water source for the surrounding towns, so public boat launches are few. if you're bringing your own boat, we'll give you the inside scoop:

The New York State Public Boat Launch, about 2.5 miles from downtown Skaneateles, along Route 41A, has ample parking and is a good place to put in.

Further south, the Skaneateles Town Boat Launch is a well-known local spot, but non-residents have to pay for parking.

2880 West Lake Road is one of the few public boat launches on Skaneateles Lake. There are two small docks as well, for approach by water. This is a fishing spot - no swimming here.

Here's a real insider tip for boaters looking to put in: further down the western shores of Skaneateles Lake, about 6 miles from downtown Skaneateles, keep your eyes peeled for the Mandana Boat Launch. It's right next to the Skaneateles Marina.

You can rent a kayak or canoe at the Skaneateles Marina (138 West Lake Road, 315-685-5095) and at the Sailboat Shop (1322 East Genesee Street, 315-685-7558, www.thesailboatshop.com).

All sorts of cruises are on offer, including a popular dinner cruise and a postal boat cruise. Mid-Lake Navigation Co. is the biggest operator on the lake, and they offer cruises on the Erie Canal as well. (11 Jordan St., 315-685-8500, 800-545-4318, http://midlakesnav.com/). Some hotels offer cruises on Skaneateles Lake.
 

Fishing

Skaneateles Lake is popular with fishing enthusiasts. The warmer water of the more shallow northern and southern ends of the lake makes for great fishing, especially for pickerel, large-mouth bass, small-mouth bass, walleye and panfish. The boat launch at Pine Grove is a good spot for cold water fishing.

Another great fishing spot is the nearly 4-acre lot of public land at 2880 West Lake Road, about 2.7 miles from downtown Skaneateles, along the western shore of the lake. Boaters make good use of it as well.  This spot is open to the public, but parking is limited. Accessible by water.
 

Hiking

The Bear Swamp State Forest is great for hiking. Check out Carpenter's Falls, just north of the village of New Hope. And the Bahar Nature Preserve has a nice 1.3 mile trail called Old Jug Path that follows an old road, so the hiking is easy.

Hot Air Balloon Rides
Ballooning enthusiasts should check out the Festival of Balloons in nearby Dansville - it will be held on Labor Day Weekend 2009. Several hot air balloon operations offer rides in the Finger Lakes region:

High Hopes Balloon Co. offers flights in the Finger Lakes and surrounding area.  (585-377-7768, highhopesbaloon@aol.com, http://www.highhopesballoon.com/) For ballooning enthusiasts, the Festival of Balloons in nearby Dansville will be held on Labor Day Weekend 2009.

Finger Lakes Ballooning offers flights in the Finger Lakes and surrounding area. (315-594-8946)

Liberty Balloon Company offers flights in the Finger Lakes and Letchworth Park. They have a special wine country tour that launches from Canadaigua. (1-800-777-2FLY, office@libertyballoon.com, http://www.libertyballoon.com)

Sunset Adventures, based in nearby Auburn, offers balloon flights in the Finger Lakes area.  (315-252-7768, http://www.fingerlakes-ballooning.com/)




Hunting
To the southwest of the lake, there's good hunting for grouse, duck and beaver, especially around Bear Swamp Creek.

Public Parks
In the Village of Skaneateles, three parks provide public access to the lake. Along the northern shores of Skaneateles Lake, Thayer Park, Clift Park and Shotwell Park serve as public green areas in the village's historic downtown area. There you'll find a lovely pier that extends out into Skaneateles Lake and gazebo that doubles as a stage for live music Fridays in July and August. These parks feature walking trails and there is public swimming at Clift Park, though non-residents of Skaneateles must pay a small fee. There is no boat access and no public boat launch.

Wine
While most of the wine industry in the Finger Lakes is based around the hills surrounding Seneca, Cayuga and Keuka lakes, Skaneateles is getting in on the act, too.

Anyela's Vineyards - Run by James and Patti Nocek, Anyela's Vineyard offers daily tastings and a spectacular view as you wander through the vineyards. They just planted the vineyard in 2001, so this is a new operation, but the Nocek family has three generations of viticultural expertise to rely on. This is a welcoming place - come and learn about the art of winemaking from the experts.  (2433 West Lake Rd., Skaneateles, 315-685-3797, jim@anyelasvineyards.com, http://www.anyelasvineyards.com)

Where To Stay

There's no shortage of places to stay when visiting Skaneateles Lake, as the tourism industry is very well-developed.

At the high end of the scale, The Mirbeau Inn and Spa offers all the luxury you could hope for. You may think you're in the French countryside, gazing out at the central pond and arched footbridge. In the Finger Lakes region, it doesn't get more luxurious than this. (851 West Genesee St., Skaneateles, 315-685-1927, http://www.mirbeau.com)

The Sherwood Inn is a hotel with a rich history all its own - built in 1807, this was once a stagecoach stop. It's a rambling, charming inn, where every room is unique. There's a great public area, fine dining and a tavern you shouldn't miss. The hotel also offers a cocktail cruise on its own antique Chris Craft, Stephanie, built in 1946 and wonderfully restored. (26 W. Genesee St., Skaneateles, 315-685-3405, 1800-374-3796, http://www.thesherwoodinn.com)

The Gray House is a small, comfortable B&B just a block away from the lake and the shops of Genesee Street. Only 3 rooms, but each has a private bath.  (47 Jordan St., Skaneateles, 315-685-0131)

The Village Inn of Skaneateles feels like an exclusive, European boutique hotel that's right in the center of town. The building dates to 1830, but the interior has been restored and updated. We're particularly fond of the Stickley furniture in each of the four spacious guest rooms; the gas fireplaces are a bonus. (25 Jordan St, Skaneateles, 315-685-3405, 1-800-374-3796, http://www.villageinn-ny.com)

Hobbit Hollow Farm B&B is a place to really get away from all. Forgive the Tolkein-esque moniker and embrace this 100-year-old Colonial farmhouse for all its many charms. For one, you get majestic views of the neighboring vineyards and Skaneateles Lake itself. The Master Suite overlooks the lake - this is the best room in the house, but all 5 guest rooms strike a careful balance between elegance and comfort. (3061 W. Lake Rd., 315-685-2791, http://www.hobbithollow.com)

The Arbor House Inn and Suites is a B&B with 11 guestrooms, some of which have fireplaces and double jacuzzis. It's a short walk (about five minutes at the local, leisurely pace) to the center of town and the lake. Enjoy breakfast on the sun porch. It's a comfortable and affordable place. (41 Fennel St., Skaneateles, 315-685-8966, 1-800-234-4558, http://www.arborhouseinn.com/)

Lady of the Lake B&B is a charming Victorian that's decorated with period antiques in each of the 3 guest rooms. The parlor and front porch make for lovely public areas. And the location is prime - right on the corner of Genesee Street and West Lake Road. (2 W. Lake Rd., Skaneateles, 315-685-7997, 1-888-685-7997)

Packwood House is a recently-built lakeside hotel with 19 spacious rooms offering modern conveniences and contemporary decor. Convenient location, right in the heart of the village. (Hotel is located at 14 W. Genesee St., Skaneateles, 315-685-8100 - Check in at the Sherwood Inn, 26 W. Geness St.)

At the economy end, the Bird's Nest Motel is a utilitarian place, with 17 rooms, 10 junior suites and 3 efficiency apartments. It's near the edge of town, on Rte 20, but it's a convenient enough base of operations, and the price is right.  (1601 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles, 315-685-5641)

Skaneateles Suites offers a variety of lodging options.  The Village Center Boutique Hotel is at the heart of town, with a community kitchen and charm galore. No pets or kids - we're thinking that's part of the charm. The Bungalow Suites has 12 cottages, a main house and a cottage house. It's a little off the beaten track - about two miles west of the village - but it affords a degree of privacy that appeals to families and couples. And if you're planning an extended stay, Skaneateles Suites has a portfolio of furnished houses, condos and cottages on offer. (For all Skaneateles Suites properties: 12 Fennell Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-7568, http://www.skaneatelessuites.com)

Where to Eat

Ready for fine dining? Local fare? International cuisine? You name it, Skaneateles has it. You'll find hearty menus, family-style dinners, down-home fish fries, and top-flight fine dining in Skaneateles.

Bluewater Grill - This inexpensive lakeside eatery is popular with locals. Burgers, fajitas, and big sandwiches are among the big hits on the menu. (11 W. Genesee St, Skaneateles, 315-685-6600)

Doug's Fish Fry - For good, old fashined fried fish, chicken and seafood, you can't go wrong with this tiny local hotspot. Order at the walkup counter and carry your food next door to the dining room. Enjoy some frozen dessert at Doug's Ice Cream shop next door. Cheap, filling and delicious, Doug's is a crowd pleaser. (8 Jordan St., Skaneateles, 315-685-3288, http://www.dougsfishfryskaneateles.com)

Giverny - Upscale is an understatement. As the in-house restaurant at the toney Mirbeau hotel, Giverney is what you might expect: innovative, superb.... and very expensive. (851 W. Genesee St., Skaneateles, 315-685-5006, http://www.mirbeau.com)

KaBuki - Asian fare to satisfy your palate. Thai, Japanese and Chinese dishes are on offer, but sushi lovers won't be disappointed. (12 W. Genesee St, Skaneateles, 315-685-7234)

The Krebs 1899 - A landmark seasonal gem - only open May to the end of October - Krebs is famous for the 7-course dinners they've been serving for over a hundred years.  Homestyle dining at this landmark eatery is a can't miss, in our opinion. (53 W. Genesee St., Skaneateles, 315-685-5714)

Johnny Angel's Heavenly Hamburgers - For a great burger, it's hard to beat Johnny Angel's, a favorite local hangout. Live entertainment some nights.  (22 Jordan St., Skaneateles, 315-686-0100)

Rosalie's Cucina - Authentic Italian food and a great wine cellar make for good times at Rosalie's Cucinia. (841 W. Genesee St., Skaneateles, 315-685-2200)