Vacation rentals in Skaneateles Lake

Visit this tranquil, summer paradise amidst the New York State Finger Lakes region where cool, crystal clear freshwater lakes for wonderful swimming and watersport beckon alongside all of the incredible grace, charm and slow pace of quintessential, historical small town, upstate New York. The popular summer destination of Skaneateles Lake is ideally situated within easy driving distance of both Rochester and Syracuse. Many of the quaint, spacious, upmarket, lakeside vacation rentals around Skaneateles Lake have a beautiful view of Lake Skaneateles and feature a lush, woodland garden setting and a terrace or balcony for a perfect morning breakfast surrounded by peace, fresh air and birdsong. Enjoy a cozy fireplace in the winter months.

A key feature of many of the lovely, fully equipped, vacation rentals in the area is easy access to beautiful forest trails, lakeshore boating fun and the mom and pop shops, eateries and wonderfully quaint Americana of an upmarket small town main street. Skaneateles Lake offers vacation getaway rentals for families as well as couples looking for a tranquil haven. It is advisable to book in advance as these vacation rentals are extremely popular.

Skaneateles Lake is a perfect central location for exploring the exquisite woodlands, waterfalls and small towns of the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. The picturesque town of Skaneateles is situated right on the shores of Lake Skaneateles and the other Finger Lakes are all located within an easy 1 hour driving distance from your Skaneateles vacation base making this the perfect destination for slow drive, scenic day trips exploring the natural wonders of this remarkable area of Upstate New York in all seasons.

Niagara Falls is located around 2.5 hours west of Skaneateles. Plan an unforgettable adventure along some of the most scenic driving routes in the USA. The countless cascading rapids, shimmering lakes and gorgeous woodland forests en route are a magnificent treat in all seasons. Spend the day chasing waterfalls, exploring exquisite wineries and drinking in the breathtaking scenery in this gem of a region known for unparalleled natural splendor in all seasons with the fall offering truly splendid nature experiences

Skaneateles Lake’s location amidst spectacular woodland, gorges, ravines and rushing waterfalls makes this a ideal location for incredible vacation hikes suitable for all ages and abilities in all seasons. Enjoy the cool green of the woods in high summer on a scenic picnic trail or try snowshoeing across shimmering snow tracks in the winter. In the fall visitors can enjoy a variety of the most gorgeous foliage hikes that provide an exquisite backdrop for fall photography. The placid, pristine, algae free waters of this magnificent 16 km long freshwater lake offer opportunities for swimming, canoeing and boat cruises including a memorable dinner cruise accompanied by twinkling shore lights and inky skies with sparkling stars.

Skaneateles is a jewel of a small, 7000 person rural community in Onondaga County New York. Visitors will experience a uniquely relaxing vacation amidst the tranquil beauty, gentle ambience and gracious hospitality of the Finger Lakes region. Expect to find quaint yet high end small shops in this affluent community where wonderful restaurants, charming diners and immaculate colonial residences sit side by side nestled against the shores of the lake. Visitors will love the historical charm of the unique downtown area of Skaneateles where lovely vintage fronted stores sell upmarket fashions, beautiful artwork and rare antiques. Enjoy world class wines and high end American cuisine from the myriad of formal and informal dining establishments in the town and surrounding area.

The Finger Lakes region features a variety of sublime biking trails for cycling enthusiasts of all abilities. Seneca Lake is a beautiful one hour drive from Skaneateles and features the incredibly lovely Seneca Lake Mountain Bike Loop that meanders through serene, deep forests and past incredible waterfalls while Watkins State Park offers stunning woodland trails. Take the 13 mile wooded, Catherine Valley trail and cycle past the rushing roar of the magnificent Montour falls! Wine and cycling enthusiasts can enjoy memorable cycling routes that pass through wineries in the Finger Lakes region that provide bikes and a support vehicle for stowing vineyard purchases en route!

Experience the lake breeze from a boat cruise in glorious sunshine on a summer’s day or enjoy a magnificent four course dinner, evening cruise on the tranquil glistening waters of Lake Skaneateles. Let your experienced Captain take the wheel as you glide past stunning scenery including a view of the picturesque colonial houses of the town and the high wooded hills of the southern lakeshore. Savor a mouthwatering meal on board this unforgettable 3 hour luxury dinner cruise with the special people in your life!

Delight your senses amongst acre upon acre of amethyst hued lavender fields on Lockwood lavender farm, a ten minute drive from the town of Skaneateles. This gorgeous, sprawling 120 acre heritage farm is situated high above the lake and has been in the Lockwood family for five generations! It is best to visit this stunning farm in summer when the gorgeous, lilac lavender colors are at their most vibrant when the lavender is about to be harvested. This is the place for beautiful photography and a splendid picnic lunch!

This enchanted, secluded, 25 acre forest reserve is hidden between a vast expanse of farmland and the Lake of Skaneateles. The trails are well marked and well maintained and this fairytale route treats hikers to a dramatic view of the plummeting, 100 ft Bear Swamp Creek Ravine. The reserve features ancient mossy trees in hemlock groves and the magnificent, sparkling rush of the Carpenters Falls waterfalls.

The picturesque, vintage shop fronts of this elegant town street feature chic, upscale boutiques and wonderful gift shops. Be sure to visit Skaneateles during the Christmas season when this gorgeous heritage street is transformed into a Dickensian winter wonderland over the course of the Dickens Christmas festival that runs from Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. Interactive street performers dressed in wonderful, authentic 19th century clothing make this a magical winter destination for families. Shop for beautiful, unusual gifts and enjoy the delightful holiday ambience of this unique and lovely setting!