Skaneateles is located on the eastern end of the Finger Lakes Region. This upscale, picturesque town evokes images of classic New England and embodies the word “quaint.” Stroll the Clift Park waterfront, check out the gazebo, and take in the natural beauty and amazingly clear waters of Skaneateles Lake. As a town rich with history, many of the homes in the area date back hundreds of years and were a part of the Underground Railroad. Shops, boutiques and restaurants line the streets of downtown, which become more congested in the summer as visitors flock to the area for special events. Of course, the main draw to Skaneateles is Skaneateles Lake which is a prime waterfront real estate location, especially around the northern tip. Even if you don’t own property in Skaneateles, you can still enjoy all it has to offer, as there are many hotels, bed and breakfasts and resorts located in close proximity.
The town’s seasonal events include Race Weekend, when road racers and triathletes come out in large numbers to compete. The Labor Day Field Days event features a parade and fireworks. Don’t miss live music events during the Skaneateles Summer Music Festival. Dickens Christmas in December is one of the most beloved festivities in Skaneateles, where guests step back in time for an immersive experience in old-fashioned merriment.
Skaneateles Curbstone Festival
The town’s seasonal events include Race Weekend, when road racers and triathletes come out in large numbers to compete. The Labor Day Field Days event features a parade and fireworks. Don’t miss live music events during the Skaneateles Summer Music Festival. Dickens Christmas in December is one of the most beloved festivities in Skaneateles, where guests step back in time for an immersive experience in old-fashioned merriment.
For almost 50 years the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society and the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation have hosted the Skaneateles Antique & Classic Boat Show at Clift Park. Admission is free and visitors will enjoy learning about—and meeting the owners of—some 90 runabouts, launches, sailboats, canoes, rowing craft and race boats. The entertainment includes a boat parade, a Junior competition, a display of model antique boats, a knot tying demonstration, raffle drawings and more.
A four week music festival of live classical music. The stage is set at the Robinson Pavilion in Anyela’s Vineyards,which provides a full view of both the musicians and Skaneateles Lake. The venue projects and reflects the sound of the music clearly no matter where the audience is sitting- in front of the stage, along the hill that slopes up from the stage, or at the tables outside the winery.Visit their site for ticket information and musician line up.
An annual tradition where Charles Dickens and his cast of over 40 characters will interact with residents and visitors in the streets, stores, and restaurants. the celebration begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs every Saturday and Sunday through December 18, from noon to 4 pm, plus December 24 from noon – 2:30 pm.
Winter in Skaneateles can be cold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great festival. Winterfest offers more than 25 ice sculptures, a polar bear plunge, food and the unique Fire Ice Tower. The festival typically takes place in late January.
HISTORY OF SKANEATELES
The name Skaneateles comes from the iroquois for “Long lake”. The land around Skaneateles was initially promised to soldiers from the revolutionary war as payment, and tracts were assigned to soldiers beginning in1803 – though many did not claim their land. Population grew during the building of the Erie Canal and in 1830 Skaneateles was separated from the township of Marcellus and established independently in 1830. Learn more at the Skaneateles Historical Society.
