A Comprehensive Travel Guide To Alexandria Bay, New York

Alexandria Bay is a charming village in Jefferson County, New York, located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. The village offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all kinds. This guide aims to help you explore Alexandria Bay and make the most of your trip.

Top Attractions

If you’re visiting Alexandria Bay, there are many attractions that you shouldn’t miss:

• Visit Boldt Castle and Yacht House, a magnificent 120-room mansion on Heart Island.
• Take a boat tour of the Thousand Islands, which comprises over 1,800 islands scattered along the St. Lawrence River.
• Explore the Antique Boat Museum, which houses a collection of over 300 boats and thousands of artifacts related to boating history.
• Visit the Cornwall Brothers Museum, which showcases the history of Alexandria Bay and its importance as a transportation hub.
• Take a scenic drive along the St. Lawrence River, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and waterways.

Hidden Gems

Alexandria Bay has plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered:

• Visit the Thousand Islands Winery, which offers wine tastings and tours of their vineyards.
• Take a hike in the Wellesley Island State Park, which is home to several hiking trails and offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.
• Visit the Thousand Islands Arts Center, which showcases local artists and offers workshops and classes for all ages.
• Explore the Boldt Yacht House Marina, which features a collection of classic wooden boats and is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
• Visit the Bay Drive-In Theater, which offers a unique movie-watching experience.

Food Scene

Alexandria Bay has a diverse food scene, offering something for everyone:

• Visit the Riverboat Restaurant, which offers seafood and steak dishes in a beautiful waterfront setting.
• Try the famous Uncle Sam Boat Tours’ lobster bake, which includes a scenic boat ride and a delicious lobster dinner.
• Visit the Dockside Pub, which offers pub fare and live music on weekends.
• Try the local specialty, Thousand Island Dressing, at any of the local restaurants.
• Visit the Cavallario’s Steak & Seafood House, which is known for its prime rib and seafood dishes.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Here are some budget-friendly tips to help you save money during your trip to Alexandria Bay:

• Visit the local farmers’ market, which offers fresh produce and handmade crafts at reasonable prices.
• Take advantage of the free hiking trails and scenic drives in the area.
• Visit the local beaches, which are free to access and offer stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.
• Visit the local museums on their free days, which are usually on weekdays.
• Bring your own food and drinks to the local parks and picnic areas.

Outdoor Adventures

Alexandria Bay is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of opportunities for adventure:

• Take a kayaking tour of the Thousand Islands, which offers a unique perspective of the islands and waterways.
• Go fishing for bass, pike, and other freshwater fish in the St. Lawrence River.
• Go hiking or cycling on the local trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
• Take a hot air balloon ride over the Thousand Islands, which offers a bird’s eye view of the islands and waterways.
• Go camping in the local state parks, which offer campsites and cabins for rent.

Historical Landmarks

Alexandria Bay is home to many historical landmarks, showcasing its rich history:

• Visit Boldt Castle and Yacht House, which was built by George Boldt, a millionaire hotelier, in the early 1900s.
• Explore the Cornwall Brothers Museum, which showcases the history of Alexandria Bay and its importance as a transportation hub.
• Visit the Singer Castle, which was built by Frederick Bourne, the fifth president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, in the early 1900s.
• Take a tour of the Rock Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1847 and is now a museum.
• Visit the Boldt Yacht House Marina, which features a collection of classic wooden boats and is a popular spot for fishing and boating.

Family-Friendly Activities

Here are some family-friendly activities that you can enjoy in Alexandria Bay:

• Visit the Aqua Zoo, which is home to over 50 species of fish and other aquatic animals.
• Take a boat tour of the Thousand Islands, which offers a fun and educational experience for kids.
• Visit the Boldt Castle and Yacht House, which offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy family in the early 1900s.
• Go mini-golfing at the Alex Bay 500 Go-Karts and Miniature Golf, which is a fun activity for the whole family.
• Visit the local beaches, which offer safe and shallow waters for kids to swim in.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something unique and off-the-beaten-path, here are some experiences that you should consider:

• Visit the Thousand Islands Winery, which offers wine tastings and tours of their vineyards.
• Take a tour of the Thousand Islands Seaway Wine Trail, which features several wineries and vineyards in the area.
• Take a scenic helicopter tour of the Thousand Islands, which offers a breathtaking view of the islands and waterways.
• Visit the Boldt Castle and Yacht House at night, when it is illuminated with thousands of lights.
• Take a sunset cruise on the St. Lawrence River, which offers stunning views of the sunset over the water.

Natural Wonders

Alexandria Bay is surrounded by natural wonders, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors:

• Visit the Thousand Islands, which comprises over 1,800 islands scattered along the St. Lawrence River.
• Take a hike in the Wellesley Island State Park, which is home to several hiking trails and offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.
• Visit the local beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the St. Lawrence River.
• Take a boat tour of the Thousand Islands, which offers a unique perspective of the islands and waterways.
• Visit the local parks and picnic areas, which offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.

Vibrant Nightlife

Alexandria Bay may be a small village, but it has a vibrant nightlife scene:

• Visit the Dockside Pub, which offers pub fare and live music on weekends.
• Visit the Riverboat Restaurant, which offers cocktails and live music on weekends.
• Visit the Riveredge Resort, which has a bar and lounge overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
• Visit the local wineries and vineyards, which often have wine tastings and events in the evenings.
• Take a sunset cruise on the St. Lawrence River, which offers stunning views of the sunset over the water.

Local Markets

If you’re looking for local produce and handmade crafts, here are some markets that you should visit:

• Visit the Alexandria Bay Farmers’ Market, which offers fresh produce and handmade crafts every Thursday afternoon.
• Visit the Clayton Farmers’ Market, which offers fresh produce and handmade crafts every Saturday morning.
• Visit the Thousand Islands Arts Center, which has a gift shop featuring local artists and handmade crafts.
• Visit the local antique shops, which often have unique items and collectibles for sale.
• Visit the local marinas, which often have stores selling boating supplies and souvenirs.

Beaches and Mountains

Alexandria Bay is surrounded by beaches and mountains, offering a diverse landscape for visitors to explore:

• Visit the local beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the St. Lawrence River.
• Take a scenic drive along the St