As Skaneateles gears up for the summer season that welcomes a rush of tourists and summer residents, the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce is working on a map to point people to the best stops and shops along Routes 5 and 20.
Sam Tenney / The Citizen
The Best of Routes 5 and 20 survey tallies popular preferences for food, value, scenery and more along the 135-mile road between Darien and Skaneateles.
The online survey - conducted during March - was posed by a tourism promotion team from Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Seneca and Cayuga counties and the Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce.
The Skaneateles chamber put a localized online survey on its Web site and in its newsletter to gather opinions on the best in town.
Chamber Executive Director Sue Dove said the chamber is working with Laura Coburn of Coburn Design to create a fold-out Z map of Skaneateles which will feature the majority of the best-of stops, as well as people's comments. Dove hopes to have the compact map done by late May.
“The reason we created this is we want to reach out to car tours and biking groups,” Dove said. “It's called cruising on 5 and 20, and it's to encourage those groups on the road to come through the village.”
Best of the Best: Village of Skaneateles
Shops dot Genesee, Jordan and Fennell streets that offer a range of commodities, including ornaments, clothing and specialty food and restaurants that offer historic settings or lakeside views. During the summer especially, the village flares with people walking around the village and enjoying the picturesque setting by Skaneateles Lake. The summer brings about farmers markets and sidewalk sales that cause the village to bloom into a colorful, bustling place.
And during the winter, a Dickens' Christmas draws thousands into the heart of Skaneateles as it turns into a Victorian-era live theater.
For information, call the chamber of commerce at 685-0552 or visit www.skaneateles.com.
Best Locally Made Gift
After only a year in business, Anyela's Vineyards has already made a splash in the community. Jim Nocek's West Lake Road wine tasting room hosts gatherings and parties, as well as remains open to the public for wine tastings and live music.
While the varieties of wine are offered a bit off the beaten path on West Lake Road, during the weekends the tasting room is a popular place.
The store opened in April 2008, and the owners already made renovations to the close in the porch to allow people to sip their locally produced wine while taking in the quiet surroundings.
Visit www.anyelasvineyards.com or call
685-3797.
Best Place to Shop
Roland's Men's, Boy's and Girl's Wear was labeled as the clothing store that offers something for everybody for a reasonable price.
As stores throughout the village renovate, close or move locations, Roland's is a cornerstone for anyone who walks Genesee Street.
The family-operated shop is located at 14
E. Genesee St. and is known for its Skaneateles-labeled clothes, outer wear and jeans. Call
685-7389.
Best Value
The Hilltop Restaurant offers breakfast for a good price, but more importantly, it offers a relaxed place for people to meet and talk over coffee.
Sean Mott, owner of the Hilltop and attached Cedar House Lanes, offers a place where the whole family can go without sweating what the bill will be.
“Well, we're very proud of that. Having a young family myself, I know in order to go out and do things as a family is getting to be pretty expensive,” Mott said.
As one of the first sights as people enter Skaneateles, it's a welcoming landmark for those visiting, or those driving home.
“The folks from out of town are great during the tourism season, but it's the local folks who keep us going throughout the year,” Mott said.
It's located at 813 W. Genesee St. Call
685-0016.
Best Family Fun
The Skaneateles Community Center is part amusement park with bumper boats and bumper cars on ice, and part health club with dozens of exercise machines and fitness classes.
The large center doesn't seek profits, so the programs and specials offered are for the community interest. The center often is the hub of parties, gatherings and elections.
The unique facility houses the town's recreation department, a swimming pool, leisure pool and waterworks play area, as well as an ice rink for the hockey-happy town.
The community center is located at 97 State St. Call 685-2266 or visit www.skaneatelescommunitycenter.com.
Best Fun for Free
Throughout the year, multiple groups fill the village with the sound of music.
The Skaneateles Community Band offers a series of Friday night concerts during July and August.
Between the picturesque backdrop at Clift Park, and the hard work of the band, anywhere from 500 to 1,000 people attend these concerts, according to Executive Board of Directors member Betty Davenport.
“We appreciate that they recognize us,” Davenport said. “That's the only pay the bands get - the recognition.”
Although the concerts are free, the band doesn't cut corners. The musicians perform from 10 to 12 songs each concert, and except from the patriotic pieces that begin and end the concerts, the songs change each week.
One of the popular aspects of the performances is the occasional sing-alongs, which get the best reception, Davenport said.
“Even up at gazebos with the band playing, you can hear the audience singing,” she said.
Meanwhile, the famous Skaneateles Festival has a balance of free concerts and programs, and performances people pay for during the summer.
Also, the Skaneateles Symphony Guild organizes a free concert with the Syracuse Symphony each summer slated for Clift Park.
Visit www.skaneateles.com for a list of upcoming events.
Best Food
Sherwood Inn is one of the first establishments in Skaneateles and has a long tradition of keeping customers happy.
The hotel and restaurant hosts couples looking for a quiet meal, business functions and weddings, with brides usually stopping for photos at the top of the stairs near a large mirror.
Established in 1807 as a stage coach shop, the Sherwood Inn, located on Genesee Street across the street from Skaneateles Lake, is one of the oldest restaurants in central New York.
Call (800) 3-SHERWOOD or visit www.thesherwoodinn.com.
Best Rainy Day Activity
The Spa at Mirbeau is located at 851 W. Genesee St. It has day passes that include facials, massages and other services, as well as a restaurant on site.
The facility also has cozy suites for those guest staying overnight, but locals find the spa a relaxing way to spend a gray day.
People can enjoy simple pleasures such as a quiet room or a pool, or more invigorating specials such as fitness classes or facials. For special occasions, Mirbeau has offered special packages or treatment featuring chocolates or diamonds.
Call 685-5006 or visit www.mirbeau.com.
Best Scenic Spot
The end of the pier on West Genesee Street next to Clift Park is a place that visitors and locals alike enjoy often. The pier serves as a location for a Christmas tree during the winter, and a popular walk during the warmer weather.
The stretch also has boat docks connected to the pier that boaters use throughout the summer, and contestants use to dock their vintage boats during the annual Antique Boat Show.
The online survey - conducted during March - was posed by a tourism promotion team from Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Seneca and Cayuga counties and the Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce.
The Skaneateles chamber put a localized online survey on its Web site and in its newsletter to gather opinions on the best in town.
Chamber Executive Director Sue Dove said the chamber is working with Laura Coburn of Coburn Design to create a fold-out Z map of Skaneateles which will feature the majority of the best-of stops, as well as people's comments. Dove hopes to have the compact map done by late May.
“The reason we created this is we want to reach out to car tours and biking groups,” Dove said. “It's called cruising on 5 and 20, and it's to encourage those groups on the road to come through the village.”
Best of the Best: Village of Skaneateles
Shops dot Genesee, Jordan and Fennell streets that offer a range of commodities, including ornaments, clothing and specialty food and restaurants that offer historic settings or lakeside views. During the summer especially, the village flares with people walking around the village and enjoying the picturesque setting by Skaneateles Lake. The summer brings about farmers markets and sidewalk sales that cause the village to bloom into a colorful, bustling place.
And during the winter, a Dickens' Christmas draws thousands into the heart of Skaneateles as it turns into a Victorian-era live theater.
For information, call the chamber of commerce at 685-0552 or visit www.skaneateles.com.
Best Locally Made Gift
After only a year in business, Anyela's Vineyards has already made a splash in the community. Jim Nocek's West Lake Road wine tasting room hosts gatherings and parties, as well as remains open to the public for wine tastings and live music.
While the varieties of wine are offered a bit off the beaten path on West Lake Road, during the weekends the tasting room is a popular place.
The store opened in April 2008, and the owners already made renovations to the close in the porch to allow people to sip their locally produced wine while taking in the quiet surroundings.
Visit www.anyelasvineyards.com or call
685-3797.
Best Place to Shop
Roland's Men's, Boy's and Girl's Wear was labeled as the clothing store that offers something for everybody for a reasonable price.
As stores throughout the village renovate, close or move locations, Roland's is a cornerstone for anyone who walks Genesee Street.
The family-operated shop is located at 14
E. Genesee St. and is known for its Skaneateles-labeled clothes, outer wear and jeans. Call
685-7389.
Best Value
The Hilltop Restaurant offers breakfast for a good price, but more importantly, it offers a relaxed place for people to meet and talk over coffee.
Sean Mott, owner of the Hilltop and attached Cedar House Lanes, offers a place where the whole family can go without sweating what the bill will be.
“Well, we're very proud of that. Having a young family myself, I know in order to go out and do things as a family is getting to be pretty expensive,” Mott said.
As one of the first sights as people enter Skaneateles, it's a welcoming landmark for those visiting, or those driving home.
“The folks from out of town are great during the tourism season, but it's the local folks who keep us going throughout the year,” Mott said.
It's located at 813 W. Genesee St. Call
685-0016.
Best Family Fun
The Skaneateles Community Center is part amusement park with bumper boats and bumper cars on ice, and part health club with dozens of exercise machines and fitness classes.
The large center doesn't seek profits, so the programs and specials offered are for the community interest. The center often is the hub of parties, gatherings and elections.
The unique facility houses the town's recreation department, a swimming pool, leisure pool and waterworks play area, as well as an ice rink for the hockey-happy town.
The community center is located at 97 State St. Call 685-2266 or visit www.skaneatelescommunitycenter.com.
Best Fun for Free
Throughout the year, multiple groups fill the village with the sound of music.
The Skaneateles Community Band offers a series of Friday night concerts during July and August.
Between the picturesque backdrop at Clift Park, and the hard work of the band, anywhere from 500 to 1,000 people attend these concerts, according to Executive Board of Directors member Betty Davenport.
“We appreciate that they recognize us,” Davenport said. “That's the only pay the bands get - the recognition.”
Although the concerts are free, the band doesn't cut corners. The musicians perform from 10 to 12 songs each concert, and except from the patriotic pieces that begin and end the concerts, the songs change each week.
One of the popular aspects of the performances is the occasional sing-alongs, which get the best reception, Davenport said.
“Even up at gazebos with the band playing, you can hear the audience singing,” she said.
Meanwhile, the famous Skaneateles Festival has a balance of free concerts and programs, and performances people pay for during the summer.
Also, the Skaneateles Symphony Guild organizes a free concert with the Syracuse Symphony each summer slated for Clift Park.
Visit www.skaneateles.com for a list of upcoming events.
Best Food
Sherwood Inn is one of the first establishments in Skaneateles and has a long tradition of keeping customers happy.
The hotel and restaurant hosts couples looking for a quiet meal, business functions and weddings, with brides usually stopping for photos at the top of the stairs near a large mirror.
Established in 1807 as a stage coach shop, the Sherwood Inn, located on Genesee Street across the street from Skaneateles Lake, is one of the oldest restaurants in central New York.
Call (800) 3-SHERWOOD or visit www.thesherwoodinn.com.
Best Rainy Day Activity
The Spa at Mirbeau is located at 851 W. Genesee St. It has day passes that include facials, massages and other services, as well as a restaurant on site.
The facility also has cozy suites for those guest staying overnight, but locals find the spa a relaxing way to spend a gray day.
People can enjoy simple pleasures such as a quiet room or a pool, or more invigorating specials such as fitness classes or facials. For special occasions, Mirbeau has offered special packages or treatment featuring chocolates or diamonds.
Call 685-5006 or visit www.mirbeau.com.
Best Scenic Spot
The end of the pier on West Genesee Street next to Clift Park is a place that visitors and locals alike enjoy often. The pier serves as a location for a Christmas tree during the winter, and a popular walk during the warmer weather.
The stretch also has boat docks connected to the pier that boaters use throughout the summer, and contestants use to dock their vintage boats during the annual Antique Boat Show.
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