Go crazy for the islands in the fall!
From humble beginnings, the Thousand Islands Museum in Clayton has grown to house a modern gallery of permanent and rotating exhibits celebrating local history, including a nifty duck decoy collection. The library holds historic documents, clippings, scrapbooks, photos and local histories. Explore the photo-lined halls to discover the hard work, heartache and passion that built the region.
Overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the 450-seat Clayton Opera House brings top national acts to town like The Ultimate Johnny Cash Tribute on September 15, Levon Helm’s Dirt Farmer Band on October 5, and genre-bending Black Violin on November 2.
This year’s Remington Arts Festival, September 22-23, brings balladeer Colleen Cleveland to Canton, with her repertoire of 400 traditional Irish, Scottish and English ballads. Featured artist Jack Taylor will share his expertise as a master wood carver, creating traditional folk art.
You’ve probably heard of Boldt Castle, and no visit to the region is complete without a stop here. Accessible only by water, it’s well worth a boat ride to Heart Island and this striking stone fortress that rises six stories from foundation to towered peak. Wander the castle halls to another world, daily through September 30.
Fort Ontario’s distinct star-shaped walls hold nearly two centuries of military history. Visit the underground artillery casemates and rifle galleries, guardhouses and ramparts of this 1840s Historic Site every day through mid-October, and view videos of its current renovation efforts. Magnificent views of Lake Ontario.
There’s always a new exhibit coming to the Thousand Islands Arts Center and it’s always something special, from ancient Egyptian textiles and American hand weaving to multi-media shows that involve visitors in the fun. Each year the Arts Center mounts five or more exhibitions, and new ideas are always welcome.
A Native American dugout canoe, original lighthouse Fresnel lens, maritime artwork and boat models welcome you to Oswego’s historic Maritime District and the H. Lee White Marine Museum. Open daily, the Museum complex houses galleries, outdoor exhibits, and historic vessels arrayed the length of Oswego’s West First Street Pier.
The only zoo in the world to exhibit species native to New York, The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park puts you face to face with wolverines, bears, eagles, mountain lions and many endangered endangered species at this 32-acre zoo. Don’t miss Boo at the Zoo, October 27-28, when kids get to pick up treats along the zoo trail, and Holiday Hullabazoo on December 8.