Get ready to embrace the cozy vibes of fall with a lineup of seasonal treats, scrumptious apple-inspired dishes, and signature apple cocktails that are sure to delight your taste buds. Exploring the wonder of the luxury of just chilling out, is going to be all the rage in travel trends for fall 2024. It’s about rekindling the magic of nearby natural gems and attractions, giving us a newfound appreciation for what’s just a road trip away. No matter which state you call home, natural beauty, historical treasures, and recreational havens are waiting for discovery.
In our case, New York City unveils a vast and breathtaking backyard. Our recent escapade led us to Clayton, New York, nestled along the historic and bustling Saint Lawrence River in the enchanting Thousand Islands region of upstate New York. This area, boasting over 1,800 islands straddling the US-Canadian border, is a haven for summer homes and retreats, drawing visitors nearly year-round. Each season paints a unique portrait, with vibrant autumn foliage, snow-kissed fields, and charming waterside promenades, all intertwined with the Saint Lawrence River, its tributaries, and lush wetlands.
Our sanctuary during this adventure was the remarkable 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, perched along the picturesque banks of the Saint Lawrence River. From our roomy balcony and the inviting Adirondack chairs on the lawn, we watched in awe as massive freighters glided by, fearless jet skiers zipped around, and a diverse array of classic wooden pleasure and fishing boats bobbed along. We couldn’t help but wonder about the experiences of those living on the islands in Saint Lawrence.
This AAA Four-Diamond property, featuring 105 guest rooms and suites, stands as a beacon in the village of Clayton. Charming shops, waterfront dining spots, inviting vineyard tasting rooms, and local craft breweries line the streets of this intimate enclave. After a leisurely stroll through Clayton, complete with a shopping spree at River Rat Cheese for aged New York Cheddar and local maple syrup, we were eager to set sail. Our chosen adventure, the Boldt Castle Tour (seasonal), is expertly led by Clayton Island Tours. The anticipation was palpable and our trip to Boldt Castle was unforgettable.
Our jovial young guide shared historical information and modern antidotes about life on the river. We shared the shipping channel freighters and sailed past gilded-age mansions, vacation communities, and small islands with complete with a single home. Touring Boldt Castle and spending ‘island’ time amid the immaculate gardens and grounds was so relaxing. While seeing the sights from the water is spectacular, the countryside is also beautiful. Rolling hills, farms, vineyards, orchards, small towns, and riverside attractions fill the landscape. As the day nears an end, we are anxious to return to the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel for pre-dinner caramel apple martinis, which we enjoyed outside, next to the roaring fire pit overlooking the river. 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel.
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