New York's Charming Town In The Finger Lakes Offers A Laid-Back Getaway

While first-time visitors to New York often visit top places like the Empire State Building and Central Park, seasoned travelers know that the Finger Lakes region – made up of 11 slender glacial lakes that sprawl across upstate New York — are worth making a special trip for. The lakes are surrounded by beautiful attractions and must-visit towns. Tucked along the northern shore of Skaneateles Lake — the highest altitude and cleanest of all the Finger Lakes — is the charming town of Skaneateles, perfect for travelers seeking a laid-back getaway.

Skaneateles' first settlers arrived in the 1790s, and the town was officially established in 1830. Today, this quiet town with a population of fewer than 3,000 invites you to experience unspoiled nature, scenic hiking trails, and waterfalls. You can also wander downtown for eccentric shops, plenty of restaurants, and historic buildings, much of which date back to the 19th century.

Skaneateles is a 30-minute drive from Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The most efficient way to get there is by ride-share, taxi, or rental car, but public buses also run between the town and the airport. Alternatively, Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport is less than two hours away, and if you're driving from New York City, the town is over four hours away.

A town named after a lake means plenty of activities that revolve around water. Clift Park, located in the heart of downtown, is a hive of activity featuring a swimming area, gardens, a gazebo, benches, and a boating dock. To appreciate the Finger Lakes region from the water, Mid-Lakes Navigation offers several cruise options on the clear waters of Skaneateles Lake, including a sightseeing cruise, a lunch cruise, and a dinner cruise, each showcasing the surrounding greenery and the area's history. The cruises run from June through September, the best season for enjoying the outdoors in upstate New York. "Most excellent day trip," reads one review on Tripadvisor. "Gorgeous boat, good food, friendly staff, very informative [...] Perfect afternoon cruise on beautiful lake."

A visit to Skaneateles isn't complete without doing a bit of hiking. The Charlie Major Trail is a popular choice, complete with forested paths, a creek, and ruins of a railroad, dams, and millwork buildings. The 1.5-mile trail is a must-do and easy enough for everyone. Bahar Nature Preserve, open year-round, is a gorgeous wilderness area filled with old-growth trees. Be sure to hike the white trail, a route locals have treaded for generations and affectionately call the "Jug Path," which takes you to the majestic 100-foot cliffs of Bear Swamp Creek ravine. Adjacent to the preserve is Carpenter Falls Unique Area, where an accessible boardwalk leads you to the 90-foot Carpenter Falls plunging into a deep pool below.

Retail therapy on a vacation hits differently, and downtown Skaneateles has plenty of appealing choices. Skaneateles 300 is your go-to for clothing, Nest 58 carries modern home decor, and Drooz & Company stocks a variety of eclectic vintage items, art, and gifts. Skaneateles also has no shortage of delicious food. The renowned Rosalie's Cucina is a must-try, especially the signature banana budino dessert. Good Eats and Sips is a classic breakfast spot famous for its coffee, smoothies, and bagels, and Doug's Fish Fry has been a local staple for mouthwatering seafood since 1982.

No getaway is complete without a spa day. Spanning 12,000 square feet, Mirbeau Inn and Spa, inspired by a French chateau, is one of the best in the Finger Lakes region. Indulge in a luxurious spa treatment, unwind in the herb-infused steam sauna, and take a yoga class to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul. In addition to day packages, Mirbeau Inn has lavish suites for an overnight stay. Another option is the historic Sherwood Inn, beloved for its charm and carefully preserved interiors that date back to 1807.

If Skaneateles has left you wanting more, New York is full of underrated towns for a laid-back getaway. Within easy driving distance, you'll discover charming destinations like Ithaca, Auburn, Aurora, and many others. For greater immersion in nature, head to Watkins Glen State Park, a stunning park boasting incredible scenery and waterfalls.