Set at the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake in Upstate New York's famed Finger Lakes region, Skaneateles is a charming lakeside village offering nature-focused activities aplenty. Popular with couples looking to unwind, families eager to make the most of the great outdoors, or friends escaping the big city for the weekend, this is a wonderful holiday destination. Accommodation options are wide-ranging, with everything from tiny B&Bs to a sumptuous spa hotel, fit for an array of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Skaneateles feature panoramic views of the lake or the surrounding countryside — this really is a very pretty part of the world.
Meaning 'long lake' in Iroquois, Skaneateles Lake is the highest of the Finger Lakes, and is known for having especially clean waters. Spend your days sailing, kayaking, swimming or fishing, before strolling around the village to admire gorgeous 19th-century homes, or dip in to little cafés and attractive independent shops. The Skaneateles Historical Society offers an interesting insight into the area's past, whilst there are plenty of gems to be discovered at the Skaneateles Antique Centre and the John D Barrow Art Gallery.
Outdoorsy visitors can also enjoy hiking the Charlie Major Nature Trail, climbing to Carpenter Falls and exploring the Bahar Nature Preserve. The Finger Lakes are known for fantastic wine production, and there are tours and tastings at many of the surrounding vineyards — some of which are within cycling distance. You can opt to cycle solo or to join a guided wine trail tour, as a fun way to meet fellow travellers.
Whether you spend your days touring wineries or kayaking on the lake, the best places to stay in Skaneateles promise a picturesque place to lay your head after a big day of adventure.