What kind of things are you interested in? There is plenty of history (women's movement particularly) in the area. Wineries and farm breweries galore. Antique shops. Beautiful areas for hiking (and bird watching). Boat trips on the Erie Canal. I'm in the area and happy to answer any questions you have. (BTW- It's Skaneateles ;-))

Sorry, spell check didn't catch that. :) But you'll be glad to know that I do know how to pronounce it!

I'm hoping the weather will cooperate so we can spend a lot of time outdoors. Not really looking for museums. Hiking would be good, wouldn't mind checking out a winery but with the kids, it would be a brief visit. A boat trip might be fun. DH and oldest DS are both into photography, so they'll be looking for photo-worthy scenery. Waterfalls, etc.

I assume that's a busy weekend around there and I should probably make dinner reservations ahead of time? Not looking for anything fancy, as we are casual people and won't be packing the formal attire!

As you know we were just there. Not fancy but very good was Gilda's (small plates and brick oven pizza). Fancy but if you are a foodie you really must go, Krebs. We took a boat tour on the lake there and frankly I found it a little odd. All they talked about was the various houses on the lake, as if we should all be in awe of them or something. It was a bit odd to me.

But I would think travelling the locks would be interesting.

Yes It's a great drive scenery wise and there are vineyards, a few antique shops, and a really pretty gorge with waterfall park for hiking. It is quite rural.

It's only about an hours drive and I would definitely do the hike.

Check and see if the polo club has a game in Skinny while you're there.

Missy, are you referring to the drive to Ithaca? Just making sure. That sounds like a nice drive.

Mtn, I know exactly where Gilda's is! I thought it looked cute when I walked by last year. We will try it. We are not really foodies...well, my DD is, at 14. But a couple of us are food babies. I won't mention any names.

Mid lakes navigation (http://www.midlakesnav.com) runs tours on the canal. I haven't been but good friends have taken their boats on week long excursions and been very happy with them.

For outdoors you should consider Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. Photo ops guaranteed. Buttermilk Falls in the Ithaca area is very nice. Baltimore Woods in Marcellus is beautiful.

For food try Daniel's Grill in Marcellus. Not "luxe" but quite good. And for true local flavor - Doug's Fish Fry.

Looks like the boat trips end before Columbus Day. Oh well. I figure if we take a leisurely drive to Ithaca on Sat., that will take up most of that day, and on Sunday, we can stick around Skaneateles, and then we will have to leave fairly early on Monday, so we probably have enough to do.

Will look up these other restaurants...

Oh my gosh, you guys are putting my little adopted town on the map. Two visits from this forum in just about as many months!

sue, you're right about not enough to hold your kids interest for the whole time in my little town. Here's what I would suggest. Before you head to Skaneateles, go to destiny USA in Syracuse. It has to be one of the bigger malls in the nation at this point. I'm not a fan because I don't like malls, but even I have to admit it's pretty spectacular. Lots of indoor entertainment as well as great restaurants and great shopping.

if you're not a foodie, the Krebs may not be for you. It is magnificent, but very pricey. Gildas is great, the Sherwood Inn is always a crowdpleaser, Doug's fish fry is a great stop, Bluewater grill is also a good standby. Daniels in Marcellus is reliably good too. Rosalies is a local favorite. My fave is Moros table in nearby auburn .

If you need more shopping excitement, and don't want to go to Syracuse, in the other direction are the Waterloo outlets. Lots of names stores, like any other large outlet center.

If you had to Ithaca, it's only 45 minutes. Very scenic drive. Great place for lunch is Ithaca bakery. I like the one off Route 13. Very typical Ithaca. Everything from Hearty sandwiches to less hearty vegetarian fare. Purity ice cream based in Ithaca is worth the trip alone.

finally, I would suggest you check Skaneateles.com for a calendar of events. There are always some great outdoor events around that time.

if you have any questions, just ask. I'm a native of Ct, but have lived here for about 15 years.

jo

Thanks! DH's head would explode if I suggested going to a mall -- and my DS (Syracuse student) has been there a bunch of times. So that's out. I'll get there sometime during the next 3 years, though!

Thanks for so the food suggestions! Taking notes! I'll check for the calendar too.

I spent a few days in your pretty town (all by myself) last Sept. and fell in love with it -- looking forward to going back!

We also love Ithaca Bakery-- for breakfast and sandwiches. Not sure if you are a Moosewood kind of family. I've been a few times but I didnt find the food as good as their cookbooks. I don't honestly remember where all we've eaten in Ithaca. It's not lacking for interesting places to eat-- lots of different cuisines-- but nothing especially stands out. I know we've been to the Boathouse a number of times-- it's good for a family but not anything particularly inventive or unusual. Great straight forward grilled meats though-- and it's right on the lake.

As for things to do in Ithaca, I've never been at a loss. There's a downtown shopping mall (open air-- not mall mall)) with some fun and funky shops typical of a college town. A few good used bookstores. We've been to the arboretum at Cornell.. we've seen a few plays and concerts. Hit some antique and junk shops.. but mostly we go to hike the trails through and around the gorges. Often we'll hit Watkins Glenn too -- I think it's the most photogenic of the parks but the town itself is not as nice. For just a day trip, I'd probably stick to Buttermilk Falls, Treman State Park and/or Taughannock... or go right to Watkins Glenn for hiking/photos but do any dining/shopping in Ithaca. If you aren't really into a day of hiking all of the Ithaca parks have shorter hikes/entries where you can get a view of the falls without the effort of a real hike.

Oh-- and of course there are wineries dotting the route to and from Ithaca. As I remember the western side of the lake has the best ones!