Trails, docks, farms, markets.

Ninety-foot waterfall on Bear Swamp Creek, west side near New Hope — the signature outdoor stop on the lake. Trail from the parking pull-off is short but steep and slick after rain, under a mile round trip. Best in May and early June when the flow is highest. Dogs on leash; wear real shoes.

Over three thousand acres of hemlock, hardwoods, and eight-plus miles of marked trail west of the south end. Overlaps with the Carpenter Falls access. The multi-hour-hike option on this lake, quiet enough that the loudest thing you'll hear most mornings is a pileated woodpecker. Primitive camping permitted.

Nature preserve and trail network in Marcellus, about twenty minutes from the west shore — a hundred eighty acres, marked trails through woods and wetland, plus an interpretive center and gift shop. Less strenuous than Bear Swamp, better for a family morning than a real hike. Runs public programs and a summer camp; check the schedule before visiting if you want more than a walk.

Working lavender farm on West Lake Road, in bloom mid-June through late July. Cut your own bundles from the field, buy distilled oil and sachets in the barn shop, and walk the demonstration garden. Open weekends in season only — check the calendar before you drive. The signature summer stop on the west shore.

Working micro-farm on Route 41 in Borodino, seven miles south of the village, on the property with the historic one-room schoolhouse. Heirloom tomatoes are the specialty, alongside cut flowers and a CSA. Farm stand and pop-up market days run through the growing season — hours shift with what's ripe, so check their Instagram before driving down. The unfussy, actually-local alternative to the village farmers market.

Small alpaca farm on a hilltop above the lake, with a farm store selling yarn, roving, and felted goods spun from the herd's own fiber. Started with two alpacas in 2001, now runs about three dozen. Visits by appointment rather than drop-in — call ahead. The specific, slightly odd stop for anyone who wants a lake souvenir that isn't a T-shirt.

Fifth-generation apple orchard on Route 5 in Weedsport, about twenty-five minutes north — fifteen U-pick varieties, fresh-pressed cider, and cider doughnuts made daily in plain, cinnamon, and sugar. U-pick runs September through October; the farm market store stays open mid-August through March. The fall day trip when Beak & Skiff feels too far and too crowded.

Thursday afternoons in Austin Park through the growing season — thirty-plus vendors, local dairy, cut flowers, and a coffee cart that draws a village crowd from four o'clock. Smaller and more concentrated than the Central New York markets in Syracuse. Bring cash and a tote.

One of only two private marinas on Skaneateles Lake — slips, transient dockage, fuel, and a launch at the south end. Attached to the Glen Haven Restaurant, which is a rare pairing on this lake. Seasonal slips book by the year and turn over rarely; get on the waitlist a year out.

Full-service marina six miles down the west shore — pontoon and power-boat rentals, jet skis, fuel dock, and a public dock that lets you tie up for lunch. The one-stop for guests without their own boat. Rentals go fast on July weekends; book by mid-May for peak dates.

Town-operated hard-surface ramp on Route 41A south of the village. Trailer parking is limited — twelve or so spots — and fills by nine on July Saturdays. The closer option for anyone renting on the east shore. Free launch, no permit required.

State-operated hard-surface ramp south of the town launch on 41A — the reliable overflow when the village lot fills. Roughly twenty trailer spots and a wider ramp better suited to bigger rigs. Free, DEC-run, dawn to dusk.

Village-based rental and sales — sailboats, kayaks, canoes, plus power and pontoon rentals delivered and launched to your dock. The wind-driven option on a lake where most rentals are pontoons. Sailing lessons for adults and kids run through July and August.

Concierge-style rental — pontoons, wake boats, jet skis, waverunners, plus captained charters. Everything delivered to your dock with fuel, coolers, and toys. The pay-more-do-less option for a weekend that's supposed to feel effortless.

Family-run cruise company operating the Judge Ben Wiles and Barbara S. Wiles out of the village dock. Sightseeing sails, lunch and dinner cruises, and the US Mail Boat run — the last operating waterborne mail route in the country, running July through Labor Day. Book the mail boat two weeks out.

The village lakefront — gazebo, concrete steps into the swimming area, and the event lawn where the summer band plays Friday nights in July. The Sunday-morning coffee bench everyone knows about. Public restrooms, no fee, dogs on leash. The whole reason Skaneateles feels like Skaneateles.

Inside the Skaneateles Library on East Genesee — three hundred paintings by the nineteenth-century local painter who bequeathed the collection to the village. Free, quiet, and the right forty-five minutes on a rainy morning. Rotating exhibits from regional contemporary painters share the space.

Four weeks of classical and chamber music, early August through early September — concerts at Anyela's Vineyards pavilion, Robinson Farm, and venues in the village. Ticketed evenings and free daytime events on the schedule. Regulars book lodging for the festival week a year in advance.

Costumed Dickens characters roam the village every weekend from the Friday after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve — Father Christmas, Fagin, the town crier, a strolling brass ensemble. Free street event; the shops and Sherwood dinners fill in around it. The winter draw the rest of the Finger Lakes doesn't have.

Fifth-generation orchard about twenty minutes east in LaFayette — apple picking September through October, plus 1911 Established Distillery and Cidery on the same grounds. Live music weekends, food trucks, and a farm store selling cider by the growler. The classic fall day-trip.