A Day in Alexandria Bay
by Teresa Farrell
Spend the day in Alexandria Bay and you’ll find that it offers something for everyone, from tranquil river mornings to fun- and sun-filled afternoons to the best nightlife in the area. A stroll down James Street is a great place to start. Shop for souvenirs, gifts, jewelry, and clothes in the unique shops and boutiques. If you’re hungry, don’t worry; you can pick up anything from a burger to a five-star meal, an ice cream cone to a pound of fudge along the way, and the variety won’t disappoint even the pickiest eaters. The James Street boardwalk is a great stroll, or visit Scenic View Park, the most aptly named place you’ll ever see, for picnic areas, a playground, a beach, and a miniature version of the American Span of the famous Thousand Islands bridge, leading to Casino Island. Have a picnic, or simply sit on the rocks and enjoy the perfect view of Boldt Castle and the surrounding islands. This is a place where relaxing truly comes easy
Boldt Castle offers tours through time as visitors embark on the journey to Heart Island to explore the castle George Boldt built for his beloved wife Louise. As many who are familiar with the story know, Louise died before the structure was finished, and construction stopped with the news of her passing. But the story of the Boldts’ love will live on forever in this 120-room castle. Boldt Castle had been abandoned and fallen into disrepair before being purchased by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority in 1977. Since that time the castle and grounds have undergone millions of dollars worth of renovations to restore and complete the original plans. The result is a gorgeous monument to a long-past but never forgotten time, and a walk through gives a real-life look at the way the rich and famous of the Gilded Age lived. The castle can be reached by private boat, tour boat or Uncle Sam shuttle boat.
Even without an island stop, a boat tour is the perfect way to experience the river, and the history and beauty of the Thousand Islands are highlighted on any Uncle Sam Boat Tour. A trip around the islands weaves an unforgettable story, fulfilling, informative and enjoyable tour that will leave you feeling like you’ve spent every summer here, even if this is your first visit. Day trips include guided tours from an hour to three hours, including a luncheon cruise, and all include unlimited stops at Boldt Castle. As the day winds down, enjoy a Dinner Cruise and sample from the buffet as you wind through channels and get up close to islands. Close your day with a breathtaking St. Lawrence sunset, an experience not be missed. Enjoy the breeze on the top deck as you watch the golden sun dip below the green islands, closing the curtain on another beautiful Thousand Islands day.
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