Introduction to Skaneateles Lake

23 miles W of Syracuse; 32 miles E of Geneva

Hard to pronounce and harder to spell, Skaneateles is perhaps the most beautiful and photogenic town in the Finger Lakes region, the only one whose main street backs right up to the curved shore of a sinewy Finger Lake. A small village surprisingly well endowed with creature comforts for visitors, it is deservedly one of the most popular stops in the region. With a moneyed past and long favored by those in the know, it gained a considerable amount of attention several years ago when President Clinton and his wife vacationed here at the home of a wealthy friend. Skaneateles comes as close to emitting a chic Hamptons vibe as you'll find in upstate New York, though it's much more relaxed and personable. At Christmastime, the village defines quaint, becoming a Dickensian postcard with costumed carolers parading around the streets.