Driving into Skaneateles is kind of like stumbling onto small town America as it once might have been. The nicely maintained and numerous Victorian houses, the little downtown park complete with gazebo, the small locally run shops and restaurants that line the main drag and, oh yeah, the crystal clear Skaneateles Lake. It's just hard not to feel good when you find yourself in such a place.

Kim Edwards' latest novel The Lake of Dreams draws its insperation from the area and the author, who now lives in Lexington, KY, once lived in Skaneateles. The title of her book fits as the incredible vistas provided by the lake's long channel from the town's viewpoint has a real dreamscape quality to it.

The Sherwood Inn, a one time stagecoach stop, is one of the main focal points for locals as well as visitors. This is about as far as you can get from today's chain hotels. Each room has it's own individual style and the lakeview rooms are especially popular. What really makes the place special is the almost public house atmosphere of the cozy tavern. This is where you'll gather the most town gossip while enjoying some great pub grub and perhaps an offering from one of the Finger Lakes many wineries.

Speaking of wineries, just down West Lake road is a fairly recent addition to the Finger Lakes Wine Trail. Anyela's Vineyards has already produced some of my favorite reds (2005 Overlay) in a wine region known mostly for its whites. If you're doing the wine trail or parts of it, make sure this one is on your itinerary.

If you like your seafood, try Bluewater Grill just down the street from the Sherwood. This almost always bustling place is literally "on the water" and during warmer weather, the view from the outdoor deck is about as good as it gets. Bluewater is also positioned at the start of the downtown shopping area that's packed with unique shops.

If you do stay at The Sherwood, be sure and take advantage of their complimentary breakfast served on their enclosed porch with a great view of the lake, and, the croissants are made fresh each morning at the inn's own patisserie adjacent to the main building.

Published by Stephen Pinder

Stephen loves travel and travel writing. He also enjoys sports and golf with old friends and new ones he meets on the road.  View profile

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