We don’t always find old-world charm in New York City–yes, we’re talking about all the new skyscrapers and apartment complexes that seem to be popping up on every corner–so when we do feel like taking a trip back in time, that sometimes means venturing out of the concrete jungle. One place we’ve got our eye on is Alexandria Bay, New York, a 19th century village exuding old-world charm and natural beauty.
When you first enter the village of Alexandria Bay, you’ll immediately find yourself captivated by a stunning waterfront vista. But just a short walk from the waterfront you’ll find downtown Alexandria Bay, a well-defined and walkable district featuring a fabulous cluster of shops, restaurants, hotels, marinas, and historical sites.
Nestled close to the Canadian border, Alexandria Bay is a vibrant, year-round destination that celebrates its unique role as the heart of the Thousand Islands. And, due to its location, it’s essentially a nature lover’s paradise, offering an abundance of outdoor activities to take in the stunning atmosphere.
If you’re an avid hiker you’ve got Keewaydin State Park and the Otter Creek Preserve and Nature Trail, offering miles of trails for hiking, if you’re a beach bum you can head to Alexandria Bay Town Beach, which is open during the summer, or if you love a good tour, particularly one on the water, numerous boat tour companies offer visitors the chance to take boat tours to explore the Thousand Islands region.
For those that love the great outdoors but would rather keep things more low key, there’s also ample opportunity to enjoy the surrounding nature in a more relaxing way, whether that be picnicking at the aptly-named Scenic View Park, which offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River, or enjoying live music and a jacuzzi at the Bonnie Castle and Marina.
But Alexandria Bay is about more than just the great outdoors!
The village is also home to tons of great attractions in the area, like a drive-in movie theater, go-karts, batting cages, the Cornwall Brothers Store and Museum–which is one of the main historical attractions of the village–and the stunning Boldt Castle, which actually looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale.
Alexandria Bay became the gem of the Thousand Islands Region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Of the 1,864 islands that dot the St. Lawrence River and comprise the spectacular Thousand Island Region, some of the best of those islands can be found in and surrounding Alexandria Bay.
Just one of those islands is the smallest inhabited island on Earth, that’s hilariously named Just Room Enough Island!
Today, Alexandria Bay has “reinvented itself as a hub for year-round activities, attracting tourists and residents who appreciate the blend of natural beauty, history, and community spirit,” writes NY Gov. They added:
A mix of old and new, downtown Alexandria Bay boasts an array of shops, restaurants, hotels, and marinas that offer something for everyone. The natural surroundings, replete with unique flora and fauna, make the area a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From boating and fishing in the summer to ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter, the Village embraces the richness of its environment.
Before you start making your plans to visit, though, it is important to note that Alexandria Bay is about a six-and-a-half hour drive from NYC, so while it’s not necessarily a place you can visit in one day, it does make for the perfect summer weekend getaway!