Skaneateles and the entire Finger Lakes region of central and western New York continue to amaze and surprise us with their variety, their history, and their natural beauty. We came for family reasons but have stayed because we enjoy living in a small, beautiful community filled with people dedicated to maintaining the way of life that continues to attract newcomers. Our village offers superior public schools, a walkable village with diverse retail, and neighborhoods of both old and new homes all of which are maintained by a people proud of their community and what it has to offer year-round.
The lake itself is the biggest attraction. A casual observer may see many powerboats traversing the lake on a summer day, but a quick stroll through The Creamery to review Skaneateles history will tell you this is a sailing paradise. The winds are fairly reliable and the lake offers more than sufficient space to competitive sailors. The Lightning class sailboat was developed on this lake and built here for decades. In addition to the Skaneateles Country Club and its expansive docks for both sailors and motor boaters, there is an enthusiastic Skaneateles Sailing Club on the east side offering lessons and an opportunity to race at all skill levels twice a week throughout the summer.
Year-round but particularly on cloudless days we can often be found at the Skaneateles Aerodrome located on the west side of the lake and just a few miles south of the village center. This airport has been described as “out of a Norman Rockwell scene.” The airport is used by sunny-day-only pilots as well as by local businessmen who need a way to get to their next destination quickly. This popular airport currently has a waiting list for indoor hangar space but has plenty of outdoor parking. There is a rich aviation heritage to be found throughout the Finger Lakes with small airports throughout central and western NY. While there are still far more sailboats than planes, general aviation pilots will feel very much at home here.
We love all the seasons in the Finger Lakes, but we look forward to winter and the ability to be at a ski area within 35 minutes. A community-run Skaneateles Ski Club is great for families. We enjoy the jointly owned Song Mountain and Labrador Mountain ski areas. In good years, the skiing goes from early December to the first week of April, but even in down years, we’ve found good skiing at both ski areas from January to March.
Lastly, we continue to discover the rapidly expanding winemaking industry in the region, and it’s no longer just the Rieslings that catch your attention! There are more than 100 wineries in the region. Our favorites include Skaneateles-based Anyelas and the nearby small but impressive Heart & Hands winery on Cayuga Lake. There’s something out there for everyone.