Vacations by the lake have always been popular and in Skaneateles, New York, that is no exception. The Skaneateles Lake is popular for all the lakeside recreation you can think of. There are two boat launch areas in the region. The Skaneateles Town Boat Launch offers free parking for residents. The NYS Public Boat Launch offers parking for 30 cars for free, so if you arrive early, you will get to park for free. You can also take a professional boat cruise on the lake and the Erie canal. These tours are available for both dinner and lunch, or you can just enjoy some sightseeing around the lake from the ship. Boat rentals are also available, as are rentals of kayaks and canoes. The Sailboat Shop is located on Genesse Street and offers boating accessories, life preservers, gas, and rentals. If you want to hit the lake with sails, the Skaneateles Sailing Club offers lessons to groups or singles. This is a great way to visit the lake, enjoy the atmosphere, and learn a new skill.
If lake fishing is what you are after, you can fish in Thayer Park or from the NYS Public Fishing Access area. You will need a license and they are available at the Skaneateles Town Hall on Jordan Street, or you can head over to the Finger Lakes Mall in Auburn and pick one up at the Bass Pro Shops.
Kids will love swimming at the lake and they can do so at the Clift Park Swimming Access site. This is located on the lake in the Village off West Genesse Street, located across from the Sherwood Inn. You can only swim when lifeguards are on duty, and it is free for residents, but $2 for out of towners.
The town of Skaneateles is considered a gem by residents and those who vacation there during the summers. The lake is the main attraction, but the town is filled with fun activities the entire family can enjoy. There are numerous shops, galleries, restaurants, and unique homes, all of which can be seen during a quiet stroll through town.
Shotwell Park is one of the most impressive war memorials in the United States, so be sure to take a stroll around it while in town. The park was organized and built by citizens of the town and opened in 1997 for everyone to enjoy. The Skaneateles Festival brings people from all over the east coast and beyond. This is a music festival held lakeside and features a variety of chamber music, chamber orchestra music, and children's concerts. The invent is informal and is held in the late summer every year. Musicians who visit for the festival stay with residents of the town and enjoy the hospitality and home cooking of the folks of Skaneateles.
Most visitors and residents agree, whether you are on the lake or enjoying the charming small town feel, Skaneateles is a truly magical place. Once you and your family vacation there, you will want to return again and again, every summer.
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