Geneva or Skaneateles?
 

My husband and I will be leaving Niagara-On-The-Lake heading to Newport, Rhode Island. We would like to stop off and see the Finger Lake area on our way and spend the night or at least arrive around 3:00 and have dinner and then drive on to spend the night a little closer to our final destination of RI (like Albany). If we stop to eat and/or spend the night, which is the more picturesque place, Geneva or Skaneateles and is there somewhere special to eat with a view? Thank you for any assistance you can lend.

You're better off going to Skaneatlas. I'm from Geneva, and although it's a cute town, you'll probably find more to do in S. There are also not tons of restaurants to choose from.<BR><BR>We're also heading to Newport, RI...July 10-13. I hear it's wonderful!

I have stayed in both places and would definitely recommend Skaneateles. The Sherwood Inn is right on the lake and has a very nice restaurant. Most rooms have a lake view.

Skaneateles is definately a very picturesque and special place. We recently celebrated our parents 50th aniversary at the Sherwood Inn and can't say enough about the food and service, in fact they also have rooms upstairs if your looking for a place to stay. If your looking for something unique, and arguabley the best view of the lake check out the Mid Lakes Navigation dinner cruise, http://midlakesnav.com/mln/Daily2.html, which is located across the street from the Sherwood Inn on the main waterfront. If you like being on the water (RI is the Ocean State...correct!) it's the most relaxing, enjoyable way to spend three hours in Skaneateles, dinner is great, the view of the homes along the lake are spectacular (the Clintons vacationed here several years ago)...just a wonderful evening which we have done many times with friends who live in town (get reservations early, it books up fast). There is also a fairly new resort/spa a college friend recently stayed at which received very good reviews (mobil 4 star) called the Mirbeau Resort and Spa http://www.mirbeau.com/ I have not personally stayed there but it comes highly recommended.

Thank you everyone - and in particular Tim - I will definitely check into your suggestion - it sounds absolutely PERFECT! Thanks!

Hi Sue,<BR>All the recommendations here are wonderful, but I would like to add a few comments. You don't say when you re going, but please plan ahead. Skaneateles is a VERY popular tourist town and places to stay etc. book up fast. Also, be warned that July and August are very crowed, it's a small town (but lovely) with limited parking and accommodations. The Sherwood is a nice place to stay, but the food is over priced for what you get, I'm from Syracuse (about 30 miles away) and the past 2 times we have eaten there it has been very disappointing - on a slow night we waited (in the Tavern) over 45 minutes for 2 grilled chicken sandwiches, service was sloppy and the food wasn't so great. Try Rosalie's Cucina (upscale), Blue Water Grill or even Johnny Angels (very casual) Sherwood however does have nice rooms. There are also nice bed and breakfasts in the area, one to look into is: http://www.ladyofthelake.net Have a great time, if you're in town July 10-11 there is a wonderful antique show at the Alyn Arena, within walking distance from the Village. Also we just returned from Newport - you'll love it!

Thanks Kris for the added info. I did make a room reservation at The Sherwood and also reserved the dinner cruise with Mid-Lakes, so we won't be eating dinner at the Sherwood. Do you know how long of a drive it will be from Skaneateles to Newport, RI? Also, any tips for Newport? Thanks again!

I concur with the other folks here that Sherwood Inn meals tend to be a bit pricey and not consistent enough. Roaslie's Cucina and Blue Water Grill do seem to generate good feedback locally. I read a review of Mirabeau indicating that the food is very overpriced for the quality and service level. Driving from Skaneatles to Newport will be about six hours if you drive straight through by fastest route. Also... food on the boat cruise is said to be okay but not great (but the cruise itself is fun and worthwhile).

Sue, glad you got your reservations for Skaneateles! As for Newport, it is absolutely fantastic! Not sure when you're going, but the "peak season" is very busy and hectic. There are lots of great places to eat, we really enjoyed Puerini's at 24 Memorial Blvd West for excellent Italian food; it was reasonably priced and the menu was above & beyond the "pasta & meatballs fare" and very "non-touristy" their phone number is 401-847-5506. I don't exactly remember, but I think the entrees started in the $10 range. Plan on visiting the mansions; they offer a 5-ticket admission ticket that is cheaper than purchasing the tickets separately. Check out the website http://www.newportmansions.org/schedule.html for some great information. You can walk between several of the mansion, others you will need to drive to. Also take a walk on the "cliff walk" it runs along the coast in the "backyards" of the estates. Do you already have a reservations for your accommodations? If not, please make them soon or you'll risk not having a place to sleep!