Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ausable Chasm
( 518-834-9990;
www.ausablechasm.com
; 2144 Rte 9; adult/child $17/10;
9am-5pm summer, to 4pm rest of yr; )
is a dramatically beautiful 2-mile long fissure
carved from the sandstone by a gushing river over thousands of years. There are trails
and walkways and rafting in summertime.
Essex Inn
( 518-963-4400;
www.essexinnessex.com
; 2297 Main St, Essex; r from $225; )
in the town of Essex has
beautifully renovated rooms in a 200-year old landmark building.
Getting There & Around
serve various towns in the region. A car is essential for exploring the area.
WORTH A TRIP
THE THOUSAND ISLANDS
Virtually unknown to downstate New Yorkers, in part because of its relative inac-
cessibility, this region of over 1800 islands - from tiny outcroppings just large
enough to lie down on to larger islands with roads and towns - is a scenic wonder-
land separating the US from Canada. From its source in the Atlantic Ocean far to
the north, the wide and deceptively fast-moving St Lawrence River East empties in-
to Lake Ontario at Cape Vincent. This portion of the river was once a summer play-
ground for the very rich, who built large, stately homes here. It is still a popular va-
cation area known for its boating, camping and even shipwreck scuba diving.
The site of a major battle during the War of 1812, Sackets Harbor is on Lake
Ontario but isn't technically part of the Thousand Islands. Still, it is a convenient
starting point for touring the region. Several inviting restaurants with waterside
patio seating line the street that runs down to the harbor front.
The relaxing, French-heritage village of
Cape Vincent
is at the western end of the
river where it meets the lake. Drive out to the
Tibbetts Point Lighthouse
for stunning
Jul 1-Sep 15)
shares the property. Nearby
Burnham Point State Park
(
315-654-2522;
Rte 12E; campsites $25)
has wooded, lakeside campsites.
Fifteen miles to the east along the Seaway Trail (Rte 12),
Clayton
has more than a
dozen marinas and a few good eating choices in an area generally bereft of them.
$13/free; 9am-5pm mid-May-mid-Oct; )
actually lets you sail or row the old vessels
St; half-day kayak rental $30)
rents kayaks and runs white-water-rafting trips down the
