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TOURISM MARKET

Tourism in Skaneateles has experienced steady growth over the past decade, driven by the village’s unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and upscale charm. Known as the “Jewel of the Finger Lakes,” Skaneateles attracts thousands of visitors annually with its pristine lake, historic downtown area, luxury accommodations, and a range of year-round events, including the Skaneateles Festival and the Dickens Christmas celebration. The area has become increasingly popular among affluent day-trippers, weekenders from urban centers like Syracuse and Rochester, and out-of-state travelers seeking boutique wine, dining, and leisure experiences. This sustained interest has fueled demand for high-end lodging, culinary experiences, and destination events—making Skaneateles one of the most desirable and resilient tourism markets in Upstate New York.

Affluent, Educated Visitors

• Household income levels among visitors tend to be high

• Visitors come from metro areas such as Syracuse, Rochester, Albany, New York City suburbs (Westchester, Long Island), and out-of-state locations including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and parts of New England.

• Many are professionals, retirees, or business owners seeking leisure or second homes.

• Visitors often have college degrees or higher and show strong interest in art, music, history, and wine culture.
   

Older Age Profile

• Core visitors are typically aged 45–75, including:

• Baby boomers and early Gen X seeking relaxation and fine dining

• Retirees exploring travel destinations with charm, nature, and boutique experiences

• Skaneateles' calm pace, walkable downtown, and lakefront dining appeal strongly to this segment.

• Upscale Day-Trippers & Weekend Getaways

• Many visitors are day-trippers from Syracuse (~20 minutes) or Rochester (~1 hour).

Experience-Driven Shoppers
Visitors value local boutiques, art galleries, food and wine experiences with a high interest in:

• Farm-to-table dining

• Wine tastings

• Lake cruises and antique boat shows

• Cultural festivals (e.g. Dickens Christmas, Skaneateles Festival)
   

Environmentally & Socially Conscious

• Many tourists are eco-conscious, preferring sustainable lodging, local food, and organic or estate-grown wine.

• Family-friendly with a strong emphasis on safe, clean, and charming surroundings.

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LINKS

Chamber of Commerce
Tourism Information

Area Map
Demographic Information

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