When it comes to uncovering the best-kept secrets of New York State, Skaneateles stands out as a classic hidden gem. Nestled alongside its crystalline lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, this picturesque village radiates charm, tranquility, and adventure. It’s not only a haven for those seeking beautiful scenery, but also a vibrant spot rich with local culture, culinary delights, and outdoor activities.
Why Skaneateles Is the Place to Visit
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Stunning Lake Views: Skaneateles Lake is renowned for its clear blue water—it’s one of the cleanest lakes in the United States. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront pier, join a tranquil boat cruise, or simply relax on the lakeshore and watch the world drift by.
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Small-Town Charm: The village itself is dotted with historic buildings, boutique shops, and local art galleries. Main Street invites you to slow down, savor homemade ice cream, or enjoy farm-to-table dining at one of many acclaimed restaurants.
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Outdoor Adventure: In addition to lakeside relaxation, Skaneateles offers plenty for active travelers: kayaking, fishing, hiking trails, and cycling routes weave through the region’s scenic landscape.
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Nearby Maple Syrup Tours: Springtime visitors can enjoy sugar bush tours at local maple syrup producers—a sweet tradition offering tastings and a firsthand look at syrup making in New York's stunning countryside.
Don’t Miss These Local Favorites
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Year-Round Festivals: From winter’s Dickens Christmas to summer’s antique boat shows and waterfront concerts, Skaneateles celebrates its community spirit all year long.
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Cozy Inns & Unique Shops: Stay in a lakeside inn and find local treasures in artisan shops—perfect for those seeking authentic gifts and cozy escapes.
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Gourmet Dining: Treat yourself at restaurants serving New York State wines, gourmet cuisine, and—you guessed it—locally sourced maple treats.
Plan Your Visit
SkanEATeles is easily accessible from Syracuse, Rochester, or Ithaca, making it ideal for a spontaneous getaway or a longer rural retreat. Visit in spring for maple syrup tours, summer for lakeside fun, or winter for festive magic and snow-capped views.
Tip: Pair your trip with a day exploring the surrounding Finger Lakes, renowned wineries, and other quaint villages.
Discover New York’s Hidden Gem
Whether you seek scenic nature, delicious local flavors, or a taste of small-town hospitality, Skaneateles delivers. This enchanting village will quickly become your favorite getaway—and one of the best-kept secrets in the Empire State.
Plan your Skaneateles adventure now—and uncover your own slice of New York’s hidden magic!
As one travels New York State and surrounding state, one will note many historic Victorian Mansions. This article takes a look at the all important foundations & basement construction of these treasures & the skilled laborers that made them possible.
Historical & technical summary with examples inspired by the
Zehr Estate (about 5' of stone with 3' of brick in the basement) and
Zehr Retreat (7' of stone with 2' of concrete blocks in the basement).
Executive summary
During the mid-to-late 19th century, large residences relied on substantial stone foundations and lime mortars. Excavation was performed by hand, stone was sourced locally when possible, and skilled masons built thick stone walls with broad bases that performed the role of modern footings. Proper drainage, mortar composition, and construction sequencing were key to long-term stability—many such foundations remain sound today.
Key construction stages
1. Excavation & earthworks
- Hand excavation using picks, shovels, spades, and wheelbarrows; typical basement depths ranged from ~5' to 7' for usable basement space.
- Excavated material was reused for site grading, terraces, or carriage approaches, minimizing waste and improving drainage around the house.
- Crews of 5–15 laborers might spend weeks removing earth for a mansion-scale basement; rock or compact soils could slow progress considerably.
2. Stone base / footer preparation
- Rather than a poured concrete footer, builders set a wide stone base course (often wider than the wall) to spread loads into the soil.
- Base courses were commonly 12–24" below the eventual basement floor and could be stepped depending on soil or frost concerns.
3. Wall construction & mortar
- Wall thickness at the base typically ranged from 2–3 feet for mansion foundations and often tapered slightly upward.
- Stone walls consisted of dressed face stones, with a rubble core packed with smaller stones and mortar.
- Lime-based mortar (lime + sand) was the standard binder. Additives might include crushed brick, clay, or organic fibres to modify setting properties.
4. Transition above grade
- Brick was frequently used above grade as a lighter, more uniform finish; the stone-to-brick transition was accomplished with a leveling course or wood sill.
5. Drainage & ventilation
- Drainage—grading away from the foundation, occasional stone French drains, and rubble trenches—was essential to prevent moisture damage.
- Basement ventilation used small windows or grates to keep spaces dry and usable.
Labor, timeframes & logistics
The work combined manual laborers and skilled masons. Typical durations (mansion-scale):
- Excavation: 2–6 weeks (depending on soil and crew size)
- Stone procurement: several weeks if quarrying or hauling was required
- Wall construction: 1–3 months
- Backfilling/finishing: 1–2 weeks
Overall, foundations for large houses commonly represented a multi-month investment before above-ground construction advanced substantially.
Materials & sourcing
Local materials were favored—fieldstone, sandstone, limestone, or granite—depending on regional geology. Quarrying and transport were significant costs: stone was moved by horse-drawn wagons or sledges, and when rail/canal access existed, that eased long-distance hauling.
Why 19th-century stone foundations lasted
- Overbuilt—thicker walls add redundancy against settlement
- Lime mortar is softer and more forgiving than modern cement, allowing slight movements without brittle failure
- Attention to drainage and site grading reduced the primary long-term threat: water
Practical notes for preservation & inspection
- Look for soft or powdery mortar joints—this can indicate lime mortar deterioration but is often repairable with compatible lime mixes.
- Check for moisture entry points at the grade line and ensure exterior grading slopes away from the structure.
- When repointing or repairing, use a lime-based mortar compatible with original materials; modern high-strength Portland cement mortars can cause damage to historic stonework.
- Where drainage is poor, consider discreet perimeter drainage improvements and careful backfilling with clean, free-draining fill.
Tucked deep within the heart of the Catskill Mountains, Kaaterskill Falls stands as one of New York’s tallest and most breathtaking waterfalls. With a two-tier drop totaling over 260 feet, it’s a sight that has inspired artists, poets, and adventurers for centuries. While it’s far from a secret to locals, many travelers pass it by, making it a true hidden gem for those seeking natural beauty off the beaten path.
Why Visit?
From the top viewing platform, the falls thunder into a rocky amphitheater surrounded by lush forest. On sunny days, rainbows often shimmer in the mist, adding a touch of magic to the scene. The falls are accessible year-round, with each season offering a different personality — icy cascades in winter, wildflowers in spring, cool mist in summer, and fiery foliage in autumn.
Getting There
Kaaterskill Falls is located near Haines Falls, NY, and is best accessed from the Laurel House Road parking area for a short, family-friendly walk to the upper viewing platform. For those seeking adventure, a more challenging trail leads to the base of the falls, offering a truly awe-inspiring perspective. Please note that the rocks can be slippery, and visitors should respect all safety barriers.
Insider Tip
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and catch the falls in the most magical light. If you’re a photographer, bring a tripod to capture the silky flow of the water.
Nearby Attractions
- North-South Lake: A scenic park perfect for camping, kayaking, and hiking.
- Hunter Mountain: Skiing in the winter, ziplining and hiking in the summer.
- Thomas Cole National Historic Site: A cultural stop celebrating the Hudson River School of art.
Kaaterskill Falls is more than a waterfall — it’s a glimpse into the wild, untamed heart of New York State. Whether you’re seeking a quick scenic stop or a full day immersed in nature, this Catskills treasure delivers an unforgettable experience.
Biking / Hiking ...in NY State
Whether you are an Eco-traveler pedaling your way through a gas less vacation, a weekend biking enthusiast; an experienced hiker or a leisurely stroller, New York State offers breathtaking beauty and more than 1,200 miles of public access bike trails.
Find your adventure!
Find Trails:
Trailfinder by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) |
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