Planning a trip to the Thousand Islands
Q: Planning a trip to the Thousand Islands… Can you offer any info? I’m planning a trip to the Thousand Islands region of New York and I’ve never been there. Basically what I’m wondering is which islands are full of fun touristy things to do, and which hotels are affordable but nice. Thanks. Response: There is an island with the large Boldt Castle, which has a sad but interesting story behind it. On the American side in Alexandria Bay there is also an old hotel / restaurant where it is said the salad dressing by the same name was invented. If you do venture across the bridge to Canada, which provides a great view of the Thousand Islands, many go over to Kingston, ON for the day. Back on the American side, about 30 miles or so south (along the water through Clayton or down the freeway to Watertown then west) is a cute little town called Sackets Harbor, right on Lake Ontario Bay. Small but nice, hip little village. Most restaurants are open Memorial Day through Labor Day except for the occasional festival. The cobblestone buildings (now apartments and hotels) were once the military barracks during the war of 1812. One of the buildings provided quarters to the famous General Grant, although at that time he was Lieutenant Grant. (I once lived in the brick building, right next door to stone building that was Grant’s quarters – many, many years later, of course. I had the option to rent Grant’s quarters for the winter, but the electric bills were unbelievable!). A little further down the road from Sackets is a little beach and park – and the water is warmer than you would expect. Additional drives and scenic places could include Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks, Lake Placid and Saranac Lake . . .