Thousand Islands Day Cruise, Ontario

August 2011

The Thousand Islands are located in the St-Lawrence River between Brockville and Kingston about a 3 hour drive from Toronto and Montreal. The islands straddle the Canada-US border. Around 21 one of these islands form The St-Lawrence Islands National Park. There are close to 1800 islands that range in various sizes. The largest of the islands is Wolfe Island which is located entirely in Ontario.

The islands are dotted with beautiful homes and mansions as this was once the playground for wealthy US industrialists who built summer homes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

There is lots to see and do while in the area such as kayaking, power boating, sailing, biking, camping, fishing, swimming and picnicking but by far the best way to see the islands is by taking a day cruise. There are many companies that offer boat cruises departing from various locations lasting anywhere from 1hr to 5hrs. The longer duration cruises actually allow passengers to disembark and visit popular attractions such as Boldt Castle and Singer Castle which are located in the US.

These photos were taken from a 1 hr cruise on the Gananoque Boat Line out of the Canadian town of Ivy Lea.The cruise is a perfect introduction to the islands hitting the the most popular attrations.

Thousand Islands Bridge view from Ivy Lea

The Thousand Islands Bridge built in 1937 spans the St-Lawrence and connects New York with Ontario in the middle of the Thousand Islands Region.

Millionaire's Row features many stately summer homes which are seen on the boat cruise.

Zavicon Islands contain the smallest international bridge in the world connecting Canada(left) with the US (right)
 

 

Boldt Castle is located on Heart Island in the 1000 Islands, Alexandria Bay, New York. Boldt Castle (www.boldtcastle.info ) which is a replica of a Rhineland castle was built by Mr. Boldt a powerful hotel magnate for $2.5 million. The castle has 120 rooms and is located on a beautiful surrounding landscape that can be visited by tourists. Some boat tours from the US and Canada make stopovers on the island allowing passengers to take a tour of the inside of the castle.

 

Boldt Castle Boathouse

The Thousand Islands region is dotted with many lighthouses.

 

For more information visit the following related links.

Visit the 1000 Islands:The Official Tourism Bureau

1000 Islands.com

Gananoque Boat Line

Rockport Boat Line

Griffis Sculpture Park, New York

August 2011

Griffis Sculpture Park is located in Ashford Hollow, south of Buffalo, New York. The park features a collection of interesting,artistic and very creative sculptures set among a backdrop of rolling hills, ponds, and forests. Founded by Larry Griffis and inspired by the ancient ruins of Hadrian’s Villa in Italy, the outdoor park now features over 250 unique sculptures over 400 acres of land. The park is split into 2 sections: The Rohr Hill Road Site and the Mill Valley Road Site. The Rohr Hill features dozens of towering sculptures set in fields and woods just off the road. The Mill Valley Road Site is made up of both easy and strenous hiking trails that meander pass the various sculptures and also through a variety of terrain providing nice views of the surrounding hills.



The Bathers

 

 

 

 



The Rohr Hill features dozens of towering sculptures set in fields and woods just off the road.

 

 

 

For more information visit the following related links.

Griffis Sculpture Park
Wikipedia:Griffis Sculpture Park

Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, New York

August 2011

Forest Glass by Katherine Gray

The Corning Museum of Glass is situated in the Finger Lakes region of New York State in the town of Corning. The museum explores the various facets of glass including art, history, culture, science and technology, craft, and design. The museum is a non-profit educational institution that plays a significant role in preserving and expanding the world's understanding of glass.

The museum has a collection more than 45,000 glass objects, spanning 3,500 years of glassmaking history. It has collections from virtually every country in the world in every historical period in glassmaking going all the way back to antiquity. The museum also has an impressive collection of contemporary artworks from some very well known artists.

There are also various hands one exhibits to explore, live narrated glassmaking demonstrations and glass working workshops. One can easily spend the whole day here. It is also a great place to bring the whole family. While in the area be sure to visit the very beautiful Watkins Glen State Park which is only a 30 minute drive away.



Red Pyramid by Stanislav Libensky

Atlantica by Sidney Waugh. Atlantica is a 300 pound sculpture of a mermaid ridingon the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.



This chess set consists of pieces that are made in the form of Jewish and Roman Catholic religious figures.

 

 

Tower Sculpture containing 600 glass bowls

 



Corning Museum gift shop

 For more information visit the following related links.
Official website: Corning Museum of Glass

Watkins Glen State Park, New York

August 2011

Watkins Glen State Park is the jewel and the most famous of all Finger Lakes State Parks. It is magnificent and if you are only to visit one park then this is the one. It leaves visitors spellbound as the Glen Creek descends 400 feet past 200 foot cliffs generating a series of 19 spectacular waterfalls, 2 of the waterfalls you can actually walk behind. There are several trails that span the park but the ultimate trail to experience Watkins Glen is from the Gorge Trail. The hike along the 1.5 mile Gorge Trail will take roughly 2-3 hours. It is composed of paved walkways, steep staircases, chiseled tunnels, mortared bridges, and numerous waterfalls including cascades, dripping curtains, punchbowls, plunges and chutes.

This place is magnificent especially in the afternoon when the sun shines through casting light on the walls of the gorge. It is a magical place often looking at times like something out of the Lord of the Rings movie. While not very big in size, the park attracts many visitors who come to marvel at its beauty. It is said to be one of the most visited parks in New York State and it is easy to understand why.

You start at the bottom of the park in the parking lot and make your way up along The Gorge Trail to the top. There are over 800 steps that you must climb. You begin your journey into the Glen by walking through the Entrance Tunnel which was hand cut into the rock in the early 1900�s. You continue along the paved path with exceptional views at every corner. One of the most breathtaking views is the Cavern Cascade. This is one of the 2 waterfalls where you actually walk behind the curtain of the fall. From Cavern Cascade, the views looking down into the gorge are quite impressive. Once past Cavern Cascade, you eventually make your way through a Spiral Tunnel and under a Suspension Bridge which is 85 feet above the creek and then into a section of the gorge called The Narrows. The Narrows has its own micro-climate which is very similar to a rainforest, shady and very moist. Next stop of interest is Central Cascade and Glen of Pools.

Cavern Cascade

Central Cascade and Glen of Pools is considered one of the highlights of the walk. Central Cascade is the highest waterfall in the park plunging more than 60 feet. The trail continues crossing the creek on a scenic bridge to Rainbow Falls. Rainbow Falls is the other waterfall that you can walk behind. In the late afternoon when the sun is out, you can see rainbows reflected off the falls. After Rainbow Falls, you enter a dark and narrow passage with dripping springs and another waterfall with a thin veil called Pluto Falls. The path continues further to Mile Point Bridge. After Mile Point Bridge, there really is not much more to see beyond that point. This is a good place to turn back and walk the gorge in reverse.

Watkins Glen SP is located in the village of Watkins Glen on Seneca Lake. The park entrance fee is $8 per car. Other areas of interest worth exploring around Watkins Glen are Montour Falls, Seneca Lake and Corning Museum of Glass.

Another beautiful state park which is nearby and worth a visit is Letchworth State Park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information visit the following related links.

Watkins Glen State Park

Mackinac Island, Michigan

August 2011

Mackinac Island is a small island located in Lake Huron between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan in the Straits of Mackinac. The island is known for its numerous cultural events and varied architecture. The island has undergone extensive historical preservation and restoration making it a National Historic Landmark. Conde Nast Traveller calls it “One of the Top 10 Islands in the World”. But what makes this place so unique is that vehicles are not permitted on the island. In fact, the only way to get there is by private boat, ferry or small aircraft. Bicycles, foot and horse drawn carriage are the main modes of transportation here. Ferries leave from St-Ignace and Mackinac City quite frequently. The cost is around $22-25 per person depending on the ferry company. Look around for discount vouchers which will save you about $2-3 off the full price. As you arrive by ferry you will notice the impressive homes nestled on the bluff and a huge Victorian style building which is the famous Grand Hotel.

The best way to see and explore the island is by bike. Bring your own bike if you can. They are allowed on the ferry free of charge. There is a multi-use trail that circles the entire island and passes the main attractions. It’s roughly 8 miles and takes 1-1.5 hours to cycle the island if you do not stop to see the many attractions. There are other less busier trails that lead into the interior of the park. All together there are more than 70 miles of natural and paved trails. Everywhere you go on the island, you will hear the clip clop of horses. You will see amazing views at every turn. At one point the trail offers a great view of the Mackinac Bridge. Bring your bathing suit as you will want to refresh yourself along the way by taking a dip in the clear waters around the island.

Some of the Top Mackinac Island attractions include Fort Mackinac, Arch Rock, British Landing and Grand Hotel.

The island is simply beautiful with a fascinating history, great architecture, tree line streets, and manicured gardens set amidst spectacular surroundings. Because it is very small one can easily visit it in one day. Whether you go for the day or make a weekend of it, Mackinac Island will not disappoint.




St-Ignace Lighthouse

On ferry approach to Mackinac Island with views of the Grand Hotel

 

Harbor marker with Round Island Lighthouse in the background to the left

Mackinac Island Main Street.The main street is lined with interesting shops and good restaurants, almost at every turn you will find a fudge shop to tempt you.

 

Typical architecture on Mackinac Island includes porches

Fort Mackinac

Fort Mackinac is a former American military outpost which was built by the British during the American Revelutionary War. The fort is now a museum and popular tourist destination. It is situated on a 150 feet bluff which overlooks the Straits of Mackinac. It is also part of Mackinac Island State Park.

Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

 

Grand Hotel was constructed in the late 19th century and has been designated as a US National Historic Landmark. Some of the guests that have stayed there include several US Presidents, Thomas Edison and Mark Twain. The porch measures 660 feet and is reported to be the longest in the world. The hotel charges a $10 fee to enter the building and walk the grounds for non- guests. The hotel has received many accolades from several magazines such as Travel and Leisure and Conde Nast who have referred to the hotel as “The Best Place to Stay in the Whole World” and the “Top 100 Hotels in the World”. The movie “Somewhere in Time” which starred Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymor was also filmed there.

 

Mackinac Island State Park was established in 1895 and is Michigan's first state park. The state park covers about 75% of the island and contains many historical and geological features such as Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, and Fort Holmes.

Mackinac Island State Park- The water that surrounds the island is crystal clear.

Mackinac Island State Park has stretches of nice beaches

For more information visit the following related links.Mackinac Island Official Website