Much of the money that developed this picturesque community along the easternmost of New York's Finger Lakes came from the nearby manufacturing metropolis. If you go . . . Your best bet is to take route 5 west. It runs straight into Auburn, where many Skaneateles visitors stay, or you peel off on 321 to head straight to the lakeside village. Unless you are engaged in a sociological study in contrasts, resist the temptation to cut through Syracuse to Route 20.
Many visitors end up staying seven miles down the road in Auburn.
For longer stays, families might want to consider going the Clintons' route and renting a lakeside cottage. The Chamber of Commerce keeps a list of rentals, but visitors must contact the owners directly. Rents vary accordingly. It's often best to take an advance trip to make your choice in person rather than trust someone else's assessment. Owner Doug Clark says the Clintons would not be welcome at his place, so you can tell your friends that you enjoyed a meal even the president couldn't have.