The Sherwood Inn

The Village of Skaneateles in upstate New York—eastern gateway to the Finger Lakes—has been anchored by the Sherwood Inn for more than two centuries. The inn stands watch over the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake and wraps its arms around the storybook village. Throughout its colorful history, the Sherwood Inn has been a magnet for summer visitors and dignitaries, but it has also been a treasured gathering place for village residents. In the 1970s, the beloved inn fell into disrepair and closed its doors. Real estate developers planned to build a Holiday Inn on its historic site. That’s when Bill Eberhardt stepped in and purchased the dilapidated property, then devoted his career to restoring the Sherwood Inn to its former stature as the beating heart of Skaneateles. The Sherwood Inn details the engaging history of the village and the inn, highlighting the property’s meticulous renovation, and the exceptionally close bond between Skaneateles and the Sherwood Inn. Filled with photographs of the inn, the stunning Skaneateles scenery, and legendary seasonal traditions, the book also features many popular recipes from the Sherwood kitchen. The Sherwood Inn captures the spirit of a close, preservation-minded community and of the inn that has served as its centerpiece for more than two centuries.

Bill Eberhardt

Bill Eberhardt is an independent hotelier, entrepreneur, and pioneer in the Finger Lakes hospitality movement. In 1974, he purchased the landmark Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles, N.Y., and began the painstaking, 40-year restoration and expansion that has earned the 200-year-old inn national media attention and inclusion in the Select Registry of Distinguished Inns. In the course of his career, Eberhardt has owned or operated 17 inns and restaurants. Recognized for his team-building skills, entrepreneurial outlook, and attention to detail, Mr. Eberhardt is a longtime lecturer and mentor to students at the Cornell University School of Hospitality Administration.

Denise Owen Harrigan