LEGEND: The Amazing Skaneateles Charles Dickens Festival: WOW!

The pretty little village of Skaneatles is well known for its Finger Lakes charm, unique shopping availabilities along its Main Street, and the plethora of great places to dine and enjoy. Many stunning mansions dot the 16-mile long lakefront, and the village hosts one of the oldest (and best) inns in America, the stately Sherwood Inn which opened in 1807!

But, once a year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, this Onondaga County village steps through the looking glass, and transforms itself into a Victorian-era London neighborhood right out of the pages of a Charles Dickens novel.

Hundreds of locals, elaborately garbed in true Victorian finery, wander the streets conversing with visitors, singing old Christmas carols, or jostling with each other in a delightful and merry old way. Santa Claus is here, as are Dickens characters such as Bob Cratchit, the ghosts of Christmas past, and even miserly old Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge.

And, speaking of Mr. Scrooge, if you run into to him along a Skaneateles sidewalk, and you will, you may anticipate him demanding "you pay your overdue rent for that wretched little house you live in!" It happened to this writer, and he wouldn't let me go until I gave him a quarter. What a hoot that was. This is such a fun event.

Be sure and check out the final panel in this gallery, KNOW BEFORFE YOU GO. There you will find a website to get all the festival details, dates, and times. The last day is Christmas Eve.

Do not miss this top Upstate New York holiday destination. Your family will thank you for it!

#1 Upstate Bucket List Item For This Holiday Season!

The beautiful Finger Lakes village of Skaneateles (Onondaga County) turns itself into a town in Merry Olde England every year for the holidays. The Charles Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles has welcome thousands of visitors here between Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. The costumed characters, who have seemingly jumped off the pages of an old Charles Dickens novel, immerse themselves in the Victorian era in period costumes, language and customs. It is great fun and now, in its 31st year, the village is even welcoming motorcoaches which travel great distances to bring happy people in from over the northeast to participate in the family fun of the event. Check out these great photos, and be sure and look at the final "page" in this gallery for date and time information and website details.

Gallery Credit: Chuck DImperio

You Can Find That Perfect Christmas Gift at Any of These 12 Outstanding Upstate New York Antique Stores!

With the gift giving holiday season upon us, there is no better gift than an old gift. Here are a dozen of some of the best antique and collectible stores in Upstate New York. Make a list, check it twice, and visit these gems to buy an old treasure for your loved one this Christmas.

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

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