Where we went:
Sackets Harbor
Alexandria Bay
Cape Vincent
Clayton
With a sentimental trip to Lake Bonaparte near Harrisville.
Accommodations for 2 nights: Marina Inn and Suites in the historic Madison Barracks overlooking Lake Ontario. We rented a suite with kitchen. What a kitchen – granite counters and very well equipped. They thought of everything. Downstairs, washer/dryer. Rates were reasonable – $150 per night for the suite.
Read about the Sackets area accommodations here. The surrounding area beyond the old army campus is filled with new homes, town homes and apartments that are not only attractive but totally in keeping with the history of the place. There is still work to be done on several empty administration buildings on either side of the barracks where we stayed.
The town of Sackets Harbor is charming and not very large. There are a few good eateries in town. Sackets is a great base of operation.
The full day we had there we drove in the morning over to see Lake Bonaparte and the fishing camp our grandfather used to own and where we grew up summers. It is now owned by a wonderful family who were very happy to see us and to have even more history of the place.
The old barn on the property
That evening we had an early dinner at a 50′s kind of large resort in the town of Alexandria in Alexandria Bay. The whole place is very seedy looking and overly done up for tourism. It has no charm. Day trips on boats are available. We looked out at Boldt Castle as the sun set behind it. Alexandria is near the bridge to Wellesley Island in the Thousand Islands that is well worth the trip.
The next morning our goal was to get to Clayton, NY for a ride in a reproduction Hacker Craft at the Antique Boat Museum around the Thousand Islands. That is my picture above as I relished the winds and wake of the ride.
Clayton is a wonderful little old historic town like Sackets and we enjoyed a lovely luncheon under the trees and overlooking the lake at Bella’s.
It was great to get away. The highlight for SamHenry was the boat ride and the exhibits at the Antiques Boat Museum. Think of this region for a getaway or longer vacation the next time you want to be by the water but not sink your pocketbook.
wdednh
August 25, 2011
Awesome, thank you for sharing
samhenry
August 30, 2011
So glad you enjoyed it wdednh. I hope you and your wife are finding a degree of comfort with each day. That is about all that can happen. You never get over the loss of a child. I think of you both often as I am sure others of your friends here do. Best love.
DarcsFalcon
August 25, 2011
Oh Sam, you look so happy! That makes me happy for you.
I’m glad you had such a nice trip. The pics are awesome!
samhenry
August 30, 2011
Thank you dear one. My cousin and her son and I had a wonderful time together and enjoying everything.
The Morb
August 27, 2011
Looks like ya had a splendid time on the other side of the lake Sam … Always good to get off the chair and be out and about in the fresh air ! … Great pics …
samhenry
August 30, 2011
On the Canadian side of the 1,000 islands, the government buys up land as it comes up for sale to protect the area. We just keep crowding in the camps. ugh.
blackwatertown
August 28, 2011
Looks relaxing and enticing.
samhenry
August 30, 2011
Thanks Roo – it was, it really was.