Commonly pronounced "skinny atlas", the original Iroquois pronunciation was Skan-E-at-les, and means 'Long Beautiful Lake'.
Auburn, New York is a small city just West of the Village and has a remarkable offering of history, theater and dining.
If you choose to drive around the lake, expect spectacular views especially if you travel South on West Lake Road (Route 41A) and return by East Lake (Route 41). It is fairly easy to seem lost at the extreme south end, just remember you are in a distinct valley. Keep your eyes on the horizon and keep going in that direction.
Mid-Lakes Navigation Company offer seasonal '''boat rides''' to see the lake. One is the morning Mail Boat Cruise which actually delivers the U.S. Mail to lakeside cottages (July 1-Tuesday after Labor Day). This is a tradition on Skaneateles Lake for over 100 years. Evenings is a fabulous Dinner Cruise, tel: 315-685-8500 or 800-545-4318 for more info on their lake and Erie Canal Cruises or vacations (ask for Aimee or Gail). Visit Mid-Lakes Navigation at [http://www.midlakesnav.com]
You can (seasonally) '''rent kayaks and canoes''' by the hour from '''The Boutique Hotel''' at [http://www.skaneatelessuites.com], 12 Fennell Street, 315-685-2333.
Visit Skaneateles every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas to be a part of the Charles Dickens Festival. It's a kind of street theater without lines. Dozens of professionals and amateurs alike dress in period garb, then wander the streets and shops talking and walking with whoever they meet.
'''Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles''' offers Christmas carols and free chestnuts roasting on open fires and hay rides. If you get cold, stop at the Boutique Hotel on Fennell Street for complimentary hot chocolate and donuts. Often the Dickens characters hang out there and will sing anything you want.
'''Mid-Lakes Navigation Co.''' 11 Jordan St. 800-545-4318. [http://www.midlakesnav.com]. Offers boat cruises on the New York canals and Skaneateles Lake.
Be sure to come back this summer,for the Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show. Over 80 beautiful boats grace the shore of Skaneateles Lake. This event is free and open to the public.
'''The Lucas Gallery''' [http://www.lucasgalleryonline.com] opened on December 16th, 2007 at 33 Jordan Street right across from Joe's Pasta Garage (see below). It offers the works of local artists in sculture, painting, and photography. Open Weekends - Toll Free 1-866-77LUCAS (1-866-775-8227).
'''The Krebs''' 53 West Genesee Street 315-685-5714. [http://www.thekrebs.com] A local establishment since 1899, the restaurant offers sea food and a mix of American cuisine. A Sunday brunch is also available.
'''Rosalie's Cucina''' 841 West Genesee Street 315-685-2200. [http://www.rosaliescucina.com] Classic and authentic Tuscan style Italian food with complete wine cellar.