Nancy suggested seeing the Thousand Islands so I whipped up this quick guide. We could add it to Sodus Point (2 1/2 hours away), split the trip between both, or opt for Thousand Islands!
Alexandria Bay is located in the beautiful 1000 Islands of Northern New York.
Amidst the gentle waters of the St. Lawrence Seaway there is a place like no other: Alexandria Bay, New York. The waters guide you to a place of year-round beauty—a sportsman’s and boater’s paradise.
Of the 1,864 islands that dot the St. Lawrence River and comprise the spectacular 1000 Island Region, many of the most amazing islands can be found in, and surrounding, Alexandria Bay.
https://visitalexbay.org/
There’s an antique boat museum as well!
Fishing Charters:
There are tons of fishing charters but this one has a unique twist! Up to 6 people can go fishing about Capt Daves ship, but with prior notice he can arrange for everyone to go along, which might be fun with his Shore Dinner option!
Shore Dinner
Capt. Dave’s shore dinner is the ultimate finish to a fun day on our piece of the world. A must on your bucket list! Chef Dave will prepare your complete meal on a wood fired stove on our private island where you can swim, continue to fish and watch the main channel, where you’ll see numerous ships going up and down The River.
https://www.alexbayfishingcharters.com/about.html
Here’s a listing of other fishing charter boats:
https://visitalexbay.org/business-listing/fishing-charters/
Boat Rides for Non-Fishers:
To give you an idea of what the thousand islands are – to qualify the land has to remain above water year round AND have at least ONE tree. Here are a couple photos of very different islands, from humble & tiny to epic castles:
Clayton Island Tours has a couple great options!
Embark on a fascinating adventure aboard the Night Heron, our distinctive glass-bottomed boat, and delve into the vibrant aquatic life and wildlife that thrive within the river’s ecosystem. As you peer through the glass floor, marvel at the intricate topography of the river bottom, home to one of the region’s largest underwater shoals and relic dock cribs from the Gilded Age. Your journey includes an hour-long exploration of Rock Island State Park, where you can ascend the historic 1847 lighthouse for an unparalleled panoramic view of the majestic St. Lawrence River. This immersive two-hour and 45-minute tour weaves through the breathtaking islands, highlighting the unique ecological features of the river and discussing ways to preserve its beauty for future generations.
https://claytonislandtours.com/boat-tours/rock-island-lighthouse-cruise/
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our exclusive “Heart of the 1000 Islands Tour,” where history and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly. Relish a delightful picnic lunch paired with a fully licensed bar as you set sail on this unique excursion. Our first stop is at the enchanting Boldt Castle on Heart Island, a testament to millionaire George Boldt’s love for Rhineland architecture. As we cruise along “Millionaires Row,” marvel at the opulent summer residences of the Gilded Age elite. Our voyage continues to Rock Island Lighthouse, where you can explore the “Keepers Cottage” museum, shop for unique souvenirs, and ascend the lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Keep an eye out for the impressive “Saltys” and “Lakers,” international ships navigating the waters, alongside pleasure boats and kayakers reveling in the scenery. Our knowledgeable captain and crew will accompany you on every nautical mile, sharing fascinating tales of history, mystery, and lore of the region. This intimate tour covers over 25 miles, offering the closest encounters with the islands and exclusive access to Rock Island Lighthouse State Park on a public boat tour.
This is another option for condideration:
https://1000islandsscenictours.com/private-scenic-tours
Nature:
Otter Creek Preserve is a beautiful 115-acre natural retreat within walking distance of Alexandria Bay.
With 1.9 miles of trails, including an ADA-accessible section, visitors can enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing through the woods. Along the way, explore features like a wildlife observation tower, a suspension bridge, and stunning views of Otter and Lynch Creeks.
The preserve includes two areas managed as habitat for the Golden-winged Warbler, a species that migrates from coffee plantations in Central and South America to North American shrublands and young forests. As these habitats decline, so does the Warbler’s population in New York, making conservation efforts crucial.
https://www.tilandtrust.org/preserves-trails/otter-creek-preserve/
Other Thousand Islands preserves and trails, both on land, and by kayak are here:
https://www.tilandtrust.org/preserves-trails/
Wineries, Brewpubs & Distilleries
I’m going to start with Dark Island Spirits because they had me intrigued by “Musical Maturation” and totally sold by alcoholic cheesecake…
If we go here then I have to make one of their cheesecakes! If only in honor of our first O’Brien clan vacation where Josh showed the other kids how to make cheesecake (but not adult cheesecake like this!)
https://www.darkislandspirits.com/cheesecake-recipe
https://www.darkislandspirits.com/distillery
Thousand Islands Winery offers tastings & tours also.
https://thousandislandswinery.com/tasting-room/
A fun & totally different evening event could be going at sunset to watch a new first run movie at their drive in movie theater! It’s only two miles from Alexandria Bay.
https://www.baydrivein.com/phone/index.html
Now here’s something new – Alexandria Bay has a collection of live video cameras:
https://visitalexbay.org/area-videos/
And a webpage touting all the great things to do in Alexandria Bay!
Yellowrock & Roll! 