11 Best Things To Do In Skaneateles, New York

things to do in skaneateles new york
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John 
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When looking for a new town to explore, it’s important to consider towns that have plenty of things to do outside, if you see a weekend with nice weather ahead of you. Skaneateles, New York, is not short on options for these situations, as it provides plenty of trails for going on hikes and enjoying nature. It also features amazing Airbnb rentals for your accommodation needs.

Visitors will have a variety of places to choose from for a meal at the end of the day or to buy some antiques for remembering the trip. Check out these 11 best things to do in Skaneateles, next time you feel like stopping by.

1. Carpenter Falls


If you don’t know what to do in Skaneateles on your trip, going for a walk through nature is always a good idea. In which case, Carpenter Falls serves as a great solution, providing plenty of trails through the woods that allow you to take photos of the trees and lakes. This spot is also great if you like waterfalls and if you stop by you will see plenty. Whether it’s the fall, spring, or summer, this spot is great for an easy walk and great photo ops.

Carpenter Falls

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

Website: Carpenter Falls

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2. John D. Barrow Art Gallery

Skaneateles Library and John D. Barrow Art Gallery
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Beyond My Ken used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Anyone who is an aspiring artist or just enjoys looking at paintings should see what the John D. Barrow Art Gallery has to offer. The building itself serves as a great photo op, but the paintings inside, of landscapes, objects and people, should also be remembered for the trip home.

Visitors will have the chance to learn more about Barrow and what inspired him to create these works of art. The gallery provides 268 paintings for you to view, along with a description of what they are and their meaning, if you are curious.

John D. Barrow Art Gallery

Address: 49 E Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152

Website: John D. Barrow Art Gallery

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3. Skaneateles Lake

Skaneateles Lake
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jason used under CC BY 2.0

If you’re looking to spend an afternoon out on the water, check out Skaneateles Lake. You can either walk by the lake and enjoy the view, take a boat out to go fishing with friends and family or just sit and relax while you’re out on the water. The area has hotels and bed and breakfasts nearby, in case you feel like staying the night and going back out on the lake the next day. The lake also serves as a great spot for a wedding.

Skaneateles Lake

Website: Skaneateles Lake

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4. Anyela's Vineyards

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Our favorite thing about the Tasting Room: The variety! From red to white we have everything to make your 5 pm...

Posted by Anyela's Vineyards on Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Among the more unique ways to spend a day, a visit to a vineyard provides a great escape on a day off from work. If that’s what you have in mind, stop by Anyela’s Vineyards the next time you’re in town. Visitors have a range of drinks to choose from for tasting and you have the option of a group tasting, in case you feel like stopping by with friends or family.

You’ll also be able to learn how the wine is made, which you’ll enjoy if you’re an enthusiast. Those looking for a spot for a wedding or other special events can consider this spot, as well.

Anyela's Vineyards

Address: 2433 W Lake Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152

Website: Anyela’s Vineyards

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5. Charlie Major Nature Trail

Charlie Major Nature Trail (15129485894)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Russ Nelson used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you’re visiting with your significant other and looking for romantic things to do in Skaneateles, why not invite them for a lovely stroll through Charlie Major Nature Trail? This is a great option if you both love nature and feel like exploring the great outdoors. Plenty of trails are available if you’re looking to explore nature and take photos of the trees and wildlife along the way and the trails aren’t very difficult.

You also have the option of taking your bike, in case you want to break more of a sweat. You can take your dog for a walk here and there are spots with waterfalls, in case you want a special photo to take home with you.

Charlie Major Nature Trail

Address: Charlie Major Nature Trail, Skaneateles, NY 13152

Website: Charlie Major Nature Trail

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6. Doug's Fish Fry

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Finding a good spot for a meal after a long, fun day can be tricky sometimes, but Doug’s Fish Fry is always there in case you feel like having a lunch or dinner different from the average. Options include grilled chicken, salmon, lobster rolls and different types of sandwiches for those looking for a more homemade environment.

You can also try the restaurant’s homemade chili, in case you’ve had your fair share of burgers and subs for the week and the dessert menu comes with apple fritters and ice cream sundaes, with flavors including chocolate, vanilla and caramel.

Doug's Fish Fry

Address: 8 Jordan St, Skaneateles, NY 13152

Website: Doug’s Fish Fry

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7. Mid-Lake Navigation

Mailboat on Skaneateles Lake from Clift Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Beyond My Ken used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you’re looking for a relaxing day off and you just want to enjoy some nature, Mid-Lake Navigation can make that happen. Visitors will be able to enjoy great views of Skaneateles Lake and the Erie Canal, both on the land and the water, and you can go on a cruise if you have more time.

The gift shop provides a variety of items and those who take advantage of the cruise will be able to learn more about the area, if taking photos and enjoying the fresh air isn’t enough.

Mid-Lake Navigation

Address: 11 Jordan St, Skaneateles, NY 13152

Website: Mid-Lake Navigation

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8. LakeHouse Pub

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Looking for an establishment that serves delicious food and provides live music and entertainment? LakeHouse Pub is definitely the place you are looking for. With a welcoming environment, you will definitely want to visit more than just once. Dedicated to entertaining its customers, this pub attracts a lot of Skaneateles locals to come and have fun. Listen to talented local singers as you enjoy a delicious roast beef sandwich. Be sure to try their hot whisky cider for the complete experience.

LakeHouse Pub

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

Website: LakeHouse Pub

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 2am; Sun: 12pm - 1am

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9. Skaneateles Historical Society

The Creamery Skaneateles Historical Society
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Beyond My Ken used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Visit Skaneateles Historical Society and discover what Skaneateles was like in the past. Did you know that this museum was once a place where people could buy a variety of dairy products? After it was remodeled, it opened to the public as a museum. This historic place features a magnificent boat display. Seeing as Skaneateles Lake holds a rich history, it is only fair that the sailboats that were used during the early times for fishing and earning a livelihood are displayed. They also have a proud display of locally grown teasels, which you should definitely check out - after all, Skaneateles is known as “The Teasel Capital of the World.”

Skaneateles Historical Society

Address: 28 Hannum St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, United States

Website: Skaneateles Historical Society

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 1pm - 4pm (closed from Sun - Thu)

Price: Free

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Nearby options

10. Bahar Preserve


If you plan on spending a day walking through the woods and stopping by some waterfalls, consider what the Bahar Preserve has to offer to help that experience. Plenty of trails are available for you to enjoy nature and take pictures of the woods, as well as animals if you’re lucky enough to spot any along the way.

The preserve is home to several waterfalls and bike trails are available in case you want to really break a sweat. Events are provided for both kids and adults.

Bahar Preserve

Address: 5986, 6062 Appletree Point, Moravia, NY 13118

Website: Bahar Preserve

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11. Lakeland Winery (from USD 13.0)

Love the idea of tasting different kinds of wine? Savor the flavor of every local wine you’ll have the opportunity to try. With several varieties to choose from, you will definitely enjoy this experience. You can even have the option of creating your own refreshing wine at Lakeland Winery. Try the varieties this winery has to offer and you are sure to find something that suits your taste. Be sure to take a bottle of your favorite home with you. If you’re looking for things to do near Skaneateles, this activity takes place in Syracuse, which is just 30 minutes away.

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Wine Tasting at Lakeland Winery

Duration: 1.5 hours

28 reviews

For a great weekend

VillasSkan800
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Phmalo used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Some weekends are best spent in an environment that offers exploration, whether it’s in a relaxing or active way. Skaneateles is home to a variety of options for this type of weekend, whether it’s enjoying a nice walk through the park, a cruise on the lake or a hike through the mountains with the chance to take some photos of waterfalls.

Additional options include checking out paintings at art galleries and trying some new wine at vineyards and the restaurants offer plenty of different meals to end the day. If this is what you have in mind for the next weekend, this town will serve as a great setting.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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John Nassivera is a freelance writer and former news editor whose interests include traveling, science, fitness and lifestyle. He has visited several countries in Europe and traveled across the...Read more

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