The 1000 ISLANDS

Mini Guide

Where to eat, stay, shop and explore in the 1000 Islands, USA.

The 1000 Islands region spans across two countries, both the United States and Canada and consists of 1,864 islands (yes, it is actually more than 1000 despite the name!) stretches 50 miles along the St. Lawrence River. What makes this destination so unique is how closely tied the towns are on either side of the river and the border. They share deep history–from victories to wealthy inhabitants to recent struggles. And for this episode of Next Destination, we’re visiting the US side of the 1000 Islands with stops in the township of Clayton, Alexandria and even to a famed castle.

Visit

the Antique Boat Museum

The Antique Boat Museum is located in downtown Clayton right on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. It is considered North America’s premier institution dedicated to the preservation of freshwater recreational boating. The museum holds a massive collection of antique and classic boats and you can even book a ride in a 1920s triple-cockpit runabout or row a traditional St. Lawrence skiff through the museum. Be sure to check out George Boldt’s two-storey houseboat, La Duchess while visiting. George Boldt (1851–1916) was a Prussian-born American hotel magnate and self-made millionaire known as the “inventor of the modern hotel.” He operated the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria in New York City and built the famous, unfinished Boldt Castle in the 1000 Islands. He pioneered luxury hospitality, popularized Thousand Island dressing, and was a prominent Gilded Age figure.

EXPLORE downtown Clayton, NY

Come summer this township is bustling, full of tourists waiting to get out on the water and soak up that summer sun. You can shop, sip on some local spirits, dine on some amazing food, or lounge around your hotel.

Looking...

For local pints and a great pub lunch: Wood Boat Brewery

For elevated Italian comfort food with an incredible sunset view: Di Prinzio’s

For great coffee and sweet treats in an old cinema: Lyric Coffee House

For Clayton’s famous cheese curds and other snacks: 1000 Islands River Rat Cheese

For local art finds and souvenirs: Michael Ringer St. Lawrence Gallery

For a quick lunch sandwich: Shipwreck Eatery

For sips on local spirits and crafty cocktails: St. Lawrence Spirits

STAY at the Harbor Hotel

The mainstay spot in the town of Clayton is the Harbor Hotel. It’s right next to the water so you can enjoy downtime by the river. You’re steps away from the main street with cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries. And the rooms are modern, cozy and chic for that perfect weekend getaway.

SIP wine at Thousand Islands Winery

Thousand Islands Winery is a perfect afternoon stop in Alexandria Bay, NY. Established in 2003 on a 40-acre historic farmstead, it’s the largest farm winery in Upstate New York. The winery specializes in cold-hardy grape varieties and produces more than 50,000 gallons of wine annually, including dry, sweet, and fruit wines. You can stop by for daily tastings and vineyard tours.

DO a boat cruise

One thing you absolutely need to do in the 1000 Islands is get out on a true boat cruise. I went with Uncle Sam’s Boat Tour to not only tour around the many islands and learn about the historic landmarks homes… but also as a way to get to Boldt Castle on Heart Island. Uncle Sam Boat Tours leaves from Alexandria Bay and has been offering narrated tours of the St. Lawrence River since 1926. Most daytime cruises include an optional, flexible-time stop at Boldt Castle on Heart Island. You can also do one-hour and two-and-a-quarter-hour sightseeing tours, lunch/dinner cruises, craft beer and wine cruises, and trips to Singer Castle. The boat tours operate daily from May 1st to October 31st.

TOUR the famous Boldt Castle on Heart Island

Hands down, the main attraction of the 1000 Islands is the famous and stunning Boldt Castle on Heart Island. It’s perfectly placed on the small island, has a story of lost love and it’s just remarkable to know that there is a castle like this right here in North America. The famous Boldt Castle is a 120-room, six-storey Rhineland-style mansion on Heart Island in Alexandria Bay, NY. It was built between 1900 and 1904 by millionaire and hotelier George Boldt as a tribute to his wife, Louise. Following Louise’s sudden death in 1904, construction ceased immediately, leaving the structure vacant for 73 years before its restoration by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority. Today you can tour the castle and see its restoration process. It’s a romantic spot, despite the loss of love history, with incredible gardens and grounds and is especially picturesque at sunset.

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