Skaneateles is, with the exception of the two largest cities, Rochester and Syracuse, the top shopping destination in the Finger Lakes. The compact downtown area of the village, with just a couple of streets intersecting Genesee Street, is full of unique shops. Skaneateles Antique Center, 12 E. Genesee St. (tel. 315/685-0752), has several dealers and lots of china, mission furniture, and pottery. Another nice antiques shop 12 miles south of town, on the west side of the lake, is New Hope Antiques, 5963 New Hope Rd., in -- you guessed it -- New Hope (tel. 315/497-2688). It's housed in a 1920s farmhouse and has a good selection of furnishings and collectibles; it's open from the end of May until October, but closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Cate & Sally, 58 E. Genesee St. (tel. 315/685-1105), is a very chic clothing store for women's fashions; I had to usher my wife out of there in a hurry on a recent trip. Pomodoro, 61 E. Genesee St. (tel. 315/685-8658), is a very feminine, sweet little shop in an adorable house that's packed to the rafters with home furnishings, candles, and all manner of gift items. Rhubarb Kitchen & Garden Shop, 59 E. Genesee St. (tel. 315/685-5803), carries an excellent selection of cookbooks, kitchen and garden items, and even gourmet foods. Quilters will be in heaven at Patchwork Plus Quilt Shop, 36 Jordan St. (tel. 315/685-6979), which stocks more than 5,000 bolts of fabric and has quilting classes.
