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| This is not a sponsored post and no compensation was given for any activities or businesses mentioned in this article. |
Nestled along the St. Lawrence river, this small village of upstate New York is a gem that any road trip warrior should not miss. Settled in the early 1800s, this village didn't take on the name Clayton until 1833, when the merging of smaller towns caused for a new name. Honoring the Whig party's Delaware Senator, John Clayton, the small village of Clayton was born.
Soon, Clayton became the center of summer resort life for the wealthy and elite as the railroad allowed easy access to social clubs, mansions, and recreational life to be enjoyed during the "Guilded age." The late 1800s and early 1900s caused this area to boom with development of both summer homes and state parks for recreational purpose.
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| The Riverwalk that connects the Harbor Hotel to Clayton Village. It is about a 15-20 minute walk to the end, if one doesn't stop. Take a loop after the village for extra walking! |
Sitting along the outer village limits rests the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, a 105 room property that also rests along the river. With outstanding dining service, wonderful room amenities, and riverfront views, this hotel is the best place for your family to spend their nights and mornings, enjoying a quieter pace of life.
Learn about our hosted visit with the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel and why we loved this venue, but read on for more information about what to do during your visit!
Enjoy the many boutiques and other specialty stores within the village of Clayton, or wander to the larger areas of town for wineries and distilleries. Farmers Markets, festivals, and culture are all available too, such as the Antique Boat Museum or the Thousand Islands Museum.
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| Sunsets are always beautiful. |
We visited Clayton at the start of the week and it was rather quiet. Peak Season starts soon, so it will be bustling with life as recreational water activities will abound via boating, kayaking, etc. Clayton Marina will allow your family to rent boating equipment and launch off into the St. Lawrence to explore the many tributaries nearby.
The 1000 Islands region is perfect for the water adventurer as the many state parks, like Wellesley and Robert Moses offer sand beaches, fishing opportunities, and docking points to head out for your favorite water sports.
If land adventures are more your thing, Wellesley state parks also have several nature trails and nature centers, golf, and playing fields. Guided tours may be available for both water and land activities too.
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| Clayton Island Tours is a family owned, small business. We highly recommend! |
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| Several different tours are offered. |
Wish to explore the river but don't want to rent a boat yourself? Hop on an experience with Clayton Island Tours. With minimal time to explore, we opted for their 5-hour boating tour that took us on all the highlights of the river!
This ultimate island tour featured a bird's eye view, complete with history, of the local mansions of both American and Canadian summer homes, several views of the various state parks, and ventured to both Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Rock Island's Lighthouse.
If you love historical properties, a bit of romance, and the water, then Boldt Castle is just for you! Construction of the castle, by millionaire George Boldt, began in 1900 as a gift for his wife, Louise.
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| Boldt Castle also has amazing grounds to explore! |
Unfortunately, tragedy stuck, and George decided to never finish the castle. It sat unused, unfinished, and in disrepair until the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority bought it in 1973. Today, the castle is a testament to the early 1900s as many rooms have been, or are in the process, of being restored.
While this castle doesn't compare to the likes of North Carolina's Biltmore Estate, it is still a beautiful property view. Settled on its own island, it's only accessible by boat. There are many tours, like Clayton Island, that offer a stop at this beautiful attraction.
While we didn't get to see it, be sure to grab a free shuttle ticket to head over to the Yacht House. Located on the mainland, it houses some of the original yachts and houseboat owned by the family.
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| There's a story behind this helicopter! |
The boating tour also took us over to the Rock Island lighthouse. Along the way, we learned more about millionaire homes, shipwrecks, and the creation of the St. Lawrence channel, which is still in use by freight ships today.
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| The top of Rock Island lighthouse. |
The lighthouse, while shorter than some of the ones found in NC, was easily to climb and access. My claustrophobia and fear of heights were diminished as I focused on the guide's tales of woe and drama related to the shipwrecks of past times. In some lighthouses, I also get vertigo in, but the steps were easy to navigate on this one!
The lighthouse also has a treasure hunt, specifically for kids, but great for all ages. After all, isn't that what shipwrecks are about? Buried and hidden treasure?
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| Treasure, anyone? |
Rock Island is actually a state park but is also only accessible by boat, either by private or through a shuttle service, and would be a wonderful place to picnic and enjoy the area for a couple of hours!
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| Oh, Canada! |
One of the highlights of this tour was actually being able to go into Canada without a passport. Yep, that's right, the Ultimate tour actually takes guests into Canadian waters. No passport is needed since there is no docking or anchoring on Canadian land/waters on this tour, but if you wish to head into Canada, the Thousand Island bridge connects NY to the Canada mainland. It's right there, but since we didn't have our passports with us, we weren't able to make that adventure!
The Ultimate tour with Clayton Island Tours includes a sandwich lunch, order placed when tickets are purchased in advance, and a drink. A cash bar is available during the stops at Boldt Castle and Rock Island, plus there is a small café located on Boldt Island. Of course, participants are welcome to bring their own food and drink with them. Be sure to tip your captain and tour guide, as they are both a wealth of knowledge!
After your tour is over, head over to Alexandria Bay for some shopping and snacks. We noted that Alexandria Bay was "hopping" more than Clayton was, and that shops were open later. It seems like a more touristy village, with the likes of Nav Popcorn, Li'l River Fudge Shop, and Dark Distillery.
It's only about a 30-minute ride each way, so its not too far out of your way to go explore. Perhaps you might even find a new restaurant to venture into! Of course, the area is also home to mini-golf, gokarts, and arcades for the indoor adventures too.
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| Enjoy your icecream! |
If you decide to head back to 100 Island Harbor Hotel, be sure to stop at the front desk or the concierge for local recommendations on shopping and food. While we ate our major meals in the on-site restaurant, we noted that Clayton has a few late night restaurants and bars open on Monday and Tuesday nights. We were informed that more shops are open at the end of the week and into the weekend, and might stay open later.
Stick your head into The Little Bookstore, grab a local author's latest, and sit along the St. Lawrence river lost in time as freight ships go by.
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| The original train station depot upgraded to a pavillion type area. A large yacht is blocking the river view, though. |
The hunger bug got ya? Ice cream from The Scoop or Clayton's Popcorn Company might suit your fancy. And yes, Clayton has its own popcorn company, with interesting flavors that will entice any palate!
Before leaving town, be sure to stop into River Rat Cheese for New York state cheddars. We were in heaven in this shop, but had to refrain from buying anything as we didn't have coolers and still had other adventures ahead of us.
It's noteworthy to always pack a bagged cooler with you in case there is something you wish to buy that needs icing or cooling while traveling. River Rat does offer a cooler bag with dry ice, but we realized it wouldn't be long enough for all of our driving. They also ship in the winter months too!
Along the same street is the 1000 Islands Cruet, a local olive oil and balsamic shop that offers imported olive oils that are extremely noteworthy and full of life. Tastings are available so that you can find your favorite flavors. Their website also is home to various recipes so that you can find many ways to enjoy your purchases.
A stop in the chamber of commerce/ visitors center might be helpful if your family needs more ideas and the concierge at the hotel isn't available, but I am positive that you can find plenty to do and see within the Thousand Islands! In fact, for a unique view, the Thousand Islands observation tower will offer plentiful scenes of the picturesque area.
The Thousand Islands area and Clayton is meant for a slower paced vacation, one that isn't filled to the brim every second.
While you might spend all day on the water, be sure to take time to enjoy the views, the food, and the cooler temps!
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