8 Memorable Things You Actually Want To Do When Visiting Skaneateles

Emily Carter -

There’s this moment—right when you first drive into Skaneateles—where the lake suddenly appears beside you, glassy and impossibly clear, and for a split second, everything slows down. That’s what this town does. It slows you down in the most welcome, necessary way.

I’ve visited a few times now, in different seasons, and every trip unfolds a little differently. But these eight experiences? They’ve stuck with me. Some are simple. Some surprised me. All made me feel something real. And that’s what travel is supposed to do, isn’t it?

1. Starting the Day on the Gorge Trail (with No One Around)

Early morning, when the mist still hovers above the trees, the gorge trail in Skaneateles feels like a secret. It’s not long—just under two miles—but it winds past three waterfalls, each one louder and more dramatic than the last. I walked it in worn-out boots, dodging puddles from the night before, and felt completely alone in the best way.

What I loved most? It’s right there in town, but somehow you forget that cars and shops exist. The air smells green. The trail gets muddy. It’s not Instagram-perfect, and that makes it better.

If you go after a storm or in peak fall color, prepare to stop every few minutes just to stare. Not because you’re trying to “see the sights”—but because the place won’t let you rush.

2. Letting the Lake Set the Pace

Skaneateles Lake has this weird, almost unsettling clarity to it. The kind where you can see all the way down, and the rocks look like you could reach in and touch them—even when it’s ten feet deep. I spent an hour one summer afternoon just sitting at Clift Park watching the light bounce off the surface like stained glass.

I’ve paddled it, too—once in a kayak, once on a borrowed SUP—and both times I found myself drifting more than paddling. It doesn’t feel right to be in a hurry here. You follow the rhythm of the lake. That’s it.

If you don’t want to get wet, bring a sandwich, grab a spot on the lawn, and just watch. The boats. The dogs. The way kids squeal when they jump in. It’s all part of the atmosphere.

3. Losing Track of Time at Retro Rosie

I almost skipped this place, thinking it’d be another cutesy antique shop with overpriced knick-knacks. Glad I didn’t. Retro Rosie is like stepping into a lovingly assembled time capsule. Velvet coats from the '60s. Kitchenware your grandmother probably used. Funky earrings from the ‘80s that somehow feel cool again.

The owner greeted me like she’d known me for years, and within five minutes we were talking about how fashion is just recycled memory. I left with a floral scarf and a little thrill of unexpected connection.

You can’t Google that. You just have to walk in.

4. Sipping Riesling and Letting the View Take Over at Anyela’s

I’m not a wine expert. I couldn’t tell you which varietal pairs best with duck or how long a barrel-aged red should breathe. But I do know when something tastes good, and more importantly, when a place makes you feel good.

Anyela’s is both. The tasting room is beautiful, but honestly, you want to be outside. There are these chairs set up looking over the lake—rows of vines, forested hills, the whole Finger Lakes canvas. I brought a book but never opened it. Just sat there with a cold glass of Riesling, letting the day go soft around the edges.

They don’t rush you. No one’s trying to upsell. It’s quiet. Easy. Grown-up in the best way.

5. Letting Genesee Street Unfold One Window at a Time

You don’t need a plan to explore downtown Skaneateles. In fact, it’s better if you don’t have one. I started at the bakery (more on that in a second), wandered into a few shops without looking at names, and somehow ended up with locally made earrings, two postcards, and a ceramic coffee mug I didn’t know I needed.

There’s something intimate about the scale of the place—like you’re walking through someone’s carefully curated neighborhood instead of a tourist zone. You get to know the shopkeepers. They remember you. One woman asked me where I was from and then gave me directions to a scenic backroad she swore was better than the lake drive. She was right.

6. Drinks and Stories at the Sherwood Inn

The Sherwood is one of those places that manages to feel cozy and grand at the same time. I didn’t stay overnight (maybe next time), but I had dinner there one evening when it was raining hard and the windows steamed up.

The bartender told me stories about Al Capone allegedly hiding out upstairs. There’s an old tunnel in the basement from when it was a stop on the Underground Railroad. That kind of history doesn’t just sit in a frame on the wall—it lingers in the air.

I sipped bourbon by the fireplace while someone played piano in the next room. It felt like stepping into someone else’s memory.

7. A Rainy Afternoon at Mirbeau Changed My Mind About Spas

Full confession: I used to think spas were for people with too much time and money. Then I found myself at Mirbeau Inn & Spa after getting caught in a sudden downpour during a hike. I was cold, damp, and cranky. My friend insisted we book massages.

I left two hours later wrapped in a robe, sipping herbal tea, and wondering how I’d gone so long without this. The building is modeled after a French countryside estate, with lily ponds and weeping willows that somehow seem staged—but they’re real. Everything smells like eucalyptus and candle wax. You start whispering without meaning to.

Was it indulgent? Absolutely. Did I need it more than I realized? Yep.

8. Feeling the Town Come Alive Through Music and Art

Skaneateles doesn’t feel like the kind of place that would have an arts festival—but it does. And it’s quietly, unexpectedly good.

I caught part of the Skaneateles Festival in August one year. A string quartet played in an old barn outside of town. There were twinkle lights and folding chairs, and people brought their own wine. It was low-key and magical, the kind of evening that sneaks up on you.

Other times, I’ve stumbled into First Friday gallery nights—where locals sip wine and wander into small studios, talking with artists who live just down the road. It’s unpretentious, personal, and exactly the kind of cultural texture that makes a town feel whole.

One Last Thought: Don’t Just Visit. Feel It.

Skaneateles is easy to love. But the real magic is in what you let it do to you. Let it slow you down. Let it soften you. Let it show you how much joy can live in a simple walk, a quiet conversation, a sunset you didn’t plan for.

This isn’t a town of “top 10 attractions.” It’s a place where you wander, linger, and—if you're lucky—remember what it’s like to be present.

Looking to stay a few nights? Karta’s got a handful of great rentals, from cozy cottages to lakeview rooms that make morning coffee taste better. Book one. Stay longer than you think you need.

Conclusion

Skaneateles offers the perfect blend of natural splendor, small-town, charm, and things to do to make it an ideal Finger Lakes getaway. The clear waters of Skaneateles Lake provide plenty of fun and relaxation. The vibrant village bursts with shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Nearby towns and attractions give you ample options for day trips to round out your visit.

With its variety of recreational activities, historic and cultural attractions, fantastic dining, and wonderful lodging options, Skaneateles has something for all interests and budgets. From cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious lakefront resorts, you’re sure to find great accommodations to suit your style.

No matter the season, a vacation in Skaneateles makes for a truly memorable Finger Lakes experience.

Planning to visit? Karta offers the best vacation rental deals in New York for you.

FAQs

1. Is parking easy in downtown Skaneateles?

Parking is generally available but can be tight during peak summer weekends and festivals. There are metered spots along Genesee Street and several free public lots nearby (like the one behind the Sherwood Inn). Arrive early or on weekdays to secure prime spots close to the lakefront.

2. Are there boat tours or rentals available on Skaneateles Lake?

Yes — and they’re a highlight of visiting. Mid-Lakes Navigation offers sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, and private charters that give you a stunning view of the lake from the water. For DIY adventures, kayak, paddleboard, and pontoon boat rentals are available at the marina and through local outfitters.

3. Can you take a day trip to the waterfalls near Skaneateles?

Definitely. While Skaneateles has its own scenic gorge trail, you’re also within an hour of some breathtaking waterfalls, like:

  • Taughannock Falls near Ithaca (215 feet high)
  • Buttermilk Falls for easy trails and swimming holes
  • Fillmore Glen State Park has five waterfalls and family-friendly hikes
    These make for fantastic day trips, especially in spring or fall.

4. Where can I find gluten-free, vegan, or allergy-friendly dining options?

Several restaurants in Skaneateles accommodate dietary needs.

  • Rosalie’s Cucina and Elephant and the Dove offer gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly dishes.
  • Skaneateles Bakery often has gluten-free pastries.
  • The Krebs can customize many dishes with advance notice.
    Always call ahead if you have severe allergies — kitchens are usually accommodating but not allergen-free.

5. What are some rainy-day things to do in Skaneateles?

Rainy day? No problem. Try:

  • Browsing art galleries or the Skaneateles Artisans Collective
  • Grabbing a cozy seat at The Sherwood Inn bar with a cocktail and a view
  • Visiting the Historical Society Museum or Carriage Museum
  • Booking a spa session at Mirbeau Inn or The Lake House Spa
  • Catching a film or performance at the Auburn Public Theater just 15 minutes away