Skipper Kory's Notes on Things to Do for Anyone Who Doesn't Like Fishing

Greetings from the First Mate here! While the Skipper can't believe you don't want to fish all day, every day, I completely understand. When the wind whips up, the waves are rocking the boat and it's just plain chilly, a day on the lake isn't always top of the list. Fortunately there's a great variety of places to go and things to do in the area. We highly recommend the Black Lake Chamber of Commerce's website: http://www.blacklakeny.com/ as your first stop for exploring the region.
Or, read on for a very short list:
Alexandria Bay – About 25 miles away, a 35-minute drive. Truly the gateway to the Thousand Islands, with loads of tourist shopping, restaurants and the jumping-off place for boat tours to Boldt Castle and Singer Castle! It's a fun way to spend an afternoon. Even on a warm day, make sure you layer up and bring sunglasses if you go on a boat tour; it's always cooler and breezier on the water. (This can be a true blessing on a hot summer day!) The bridge to Canada is not far from here, if you're thinking about some international travel (but bring your passport). The Manor House Restaurant at the Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina has THE most spectacular view of Boldt Castle and the St. Lawrence River you can find. You'll want to spiff up a bit for this — I think the right approach would be "casual elegance" but you'll be glad you did.
Clayton – About 37 miles away, a 45-minute drive. This village's 19th-century downtown district is aptly designated historic, and all of its streets end at the water's edge! Clayton is home to a world-famous Antique Boat Museum, billed as “the world's largest freshwater maritime museum.” Depending on the time of year, check for whether there are special weekend shows going on showcasing the culture of the Thousand Islands – these include boat shows, gem and jewelry shows, and antique shows. Clayton also has Muskie and Decoy Duck Halls of Fame, the American Handweaving Museum and the Thousand Islands Craft School. Clayton has lots of shopping and restaurants as well for all of you dedicated browsers and nibblers. Our personal favorite restaurants among the many terrific options are Bella's downtown, which has the most amazing baked goods ever, and the Wood Boat Brewery's artisan pizzas, beer selections and great sandwiches (and conveniently right next door to the Antique Boat Museum for the footsore).
New York State Parks – As you may have noticed driving through, the geology of this region is amazing. Drive along Rte. 12, the Seaway Trail, and see spectacular granite boulders and ridges everywhere, along with waterways, marshes and pine trees. Enjoy a walk through one of the state parks located on the St. Lawrence Seaway and appreciate the beautiful scenery. There is Keewaydin near Alex Bay, and Jacques Cartier near Ogdensburg, to name two. Drive the Seaway Trail; the views can be spectacular, particularly at sunset. We recommend Wellesley Island (about 37 miles or 45 minutes away), smack in the center of the St. Lawrence, that has nearly eight miles of hiking trails. There's a sand beach, two playgrounds and a Nature Center. Wellesley Island is accessible by a toll bridge.
The Remington Museum – About 19 miles away, a 25-minute drive. We truly enjoy the Frederick Remington Museum in Ogdensburg. Remington was a late 19th – early 20th century artist best known for paintings and sculptures of cowboys and other figures from the American West. Remington was born in nearby Canton and grew up in the 1,000 Islands Region. He was a unique figure, half hardy woodsman, half finely skilled illustrator. Think Teddy Roosevelt with a touch of Andrew Wyeth! His works are compelling and once seen, never forgotten. Even if you're not much into art, you should visit the Remington Museum; we bet he'll change your mind.
NOTE: Be alert when driving! There is a large Amish community in our vicinity, and you will frequently see their horse-and-buggy rigs driving on the sides of the roads. We implore you to be ultra vigilant when driving at night. Saint Lawrence County does not require the Amish to employ lights or anything reflective on their conveyances. When they are on the roads after dark, it is next to impossible (their buggies being black) to see them, and multiple times/year they are rear ended by vehicles. Please enjoy their baked goods and hand-crafted items that you'll find for sale around the area. But remember, the Amish are not a tourist attraction, they're our neighbors!
Or, read on for a very short list:
Alexandria Bay – About 25 miles away, a 35-minute drive. Truly the gateway to the Thousand Islands, with loads of tourist shopping, restaurants and the jumping-off place for boat tours to Boldt Castle and Singer Castle! It's a fun way to spend an afternoon. Even on a warm day, make sure you layer up and bring sunglasses if you go on a boat tour; it's always cooler and breezier on the water. (This can be a true blessing on a hot summer day!) The bridge to Canada is not far from here, if you're thinking about some international travel (but bring your passport). The Manor House Restaurant at the Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina has THE most spectacular view of Boldt Castle and the St. Lawrence River you can find. You'll want to spiff up a bit for this — I think the right approach would be "casual elegance" but you'll be glad you did.
Clayton – About 37 miles away, a 45-minute drive. This village's 19th-century downtown district is aptly designated historic, and all of its streets end at the water's edge! Clayton is home to a world-famous Antique Boat Museum, billed as “the world's largest freshwater maritime museum.” Depending on the time of year, check for whether there are special weekend shows going on showcasing the culture of the Thousand Islands – these include boat shows, gem and jewelry shows, and antique shows. Clayton also has Muskie and Decoy Duck Halls of Fame, the American Handweaving Museum and the Thousand Islands Craft School. Clayton has lots of shopping and restaurants as well for all of you dedicated browsers and nibblers. Our personal favorite restaurants among the many terrific options are Bella's downtown, which has the most amazing baked goods ever, and the Wood Boat Brewery's artisan pizzas, beer selections and great sandwiches (and conveniently right next door to the Antique Boat Museum for the footsore).
New York State Parks – As you may have noticed driving through, the geology of this region is amazing. Drive along Rte. 12, the Seaway Trail, and see spectacular granite boulders and ridges everywhere, along with waterways, marshes and pine trees. Enjoy a walk through one of the state parks located on the St. Lawrence Seaway and appreciate the beautiful scenery. There is Keewaydin near Alex Bay, and Jacques Cartier near Ogdensburg, to name two. Drive the Seaway Trail; the views can be spectacular, particularly at sunset. We recommend Wellesley Island (about 37 miles or 45 minutes away), smack in the center of the St. Lawrence, that has nearly eight miles of hiking trails. There's a sand beach, two playgrounds and a Nature Center. Wellesley Island is accessible by a toll bridge.
The Remington Museum – About 19 miles away, a 25-minute drive. We truly enjoy the Frederick Remington Museum in Ogdensburg. Remington was a late 19th – early 20th century artist best known for paintings and sculptures of cowboys and other figures from the American West. Remington was born in nearby Canton and grew up in the 1,000 Islands Region. He was a unique figure, half hardy woodsman, half finely skilled illustrator. Think Teddy Roosevelt with a touch of Andrew Wyeth! His works are compelling and once seen, never forgotten. Even if you're not much into art, you should visit the Remington Museum; we bet he'll change your mind.
NOTE: Be alert when driving! There is a large Amish community in our vicinity, and you will frequently see their horse-and-buggy rigs driving on the sides of the roads. We implore you to be ultra vigilant when driving at night. Saint Lawrence County does not require the Amish to employ lights or anything reflective on their conveyances. When they are on the roads after dark, it is next to impossible (their buggies being black) to see them, and multiple times/year they are rear ended by vehicles. Please enjoy their baked goods and hand-crafted items that you'll find for sale around the area. But remember, the Amish are not a tourist attraction, they're our neighbors!