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Discover the famed Alexandria Bay in the Thousand Islands

posted by Teresa Farrell at 2023-04-29 20:45:00

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This summer, explore the Thousand Islands village of Alexandria Bay. Located right on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, Alex Bay offers something new and exciting to experience around every corner. First time visitors will find plenty to enjoy, and those who’ve been here before find themselves coming back to enjoy longtime traditions as well as explore what’s new.

Alex Bay is a great place to get on the river. In addition to local marinas who rent out pleasure craft for the day, Uncle Sam Boat Tours offers multiple touring options leaving from the bay each day aboard their lineup of boats, including the triple-decker paddlewheel boat the Alexandria Belle. In addition to sightseeing tours, Uncle Sam offers lunch, dinner and specialty cruises, and also provides access to two of the region’s famed castles: Boldt Castle and Singer Castle, both of which are open for tours during the summer months.

Alex Bay is famous for its shopping and dining, offering up the chance to pick out the perfect souvenir before enjoying lunch or dinner overlooking the river. Take a stroll down the James Street Pier or pack a picnic to enjoy at Scenic View Park, where a small scale replica of the Thousand Islands Bridge offers an opportunity to reach Casino Island on foot. Boutique shops and galleries specialize in gifts of every variety, including many items that reflect the river’s special heritage.

When it’s time to eat, you don’t have to go far for a delicious meal. From burgers and fries to pizza and wings to barbecue to fine dining, many eateries offering patios, decks and dining rooms overlooking the water, and a riverside meal is an essential part of any trip to the region. A treat from a local ice cream shop can easily put the cherry on top of a beautiful day in the bay.

If you’re looking for fun once the sun goes down, look no further. Alex Bay is a hot spot for night life in the area, with bars, pubs, clubs, live music venues and more lining James Street, the town’s main drag. The summer’s roster of musical acts includes something for everyone, with acts ranging from country music to rock and roll to acoustic to oldies taking the stage at various different venues each night.

Whatever’s on the menu for your ideal night, from a low-key atmosphere to the wildest party in town, the bay is the place to go to experience the best nightlife the area has to offer. And there are plenty of places to stay nearby: each of the local resorts offers a chance to live luxuriously during your stay in the bay, and a variety of hotels and motels in the region can accommodate any budget and taste, ensuring a happy and comfortable stay. There are also several campgrounds nearby, for those that prefer to sleep under the stars.

Alex Bay is also home to a variety of events and special weekends throughout the summer season.

One of the most famous is Bill Johnston’s Pirate Days, a weeklong festival honoring the region’s ties to Prohibition with pirates performing swordfights in the streets and even invading town on a ship. Music festivals like late August’s Rockin’ The Bay and early September’s Blues in the Bay offer even more to choose from when it comes to enjoying some live music and a night out on the town. For more information, full event schedule and to plan your trip, go to visitalexbay.org.

PHOTO CREDITS

Boldt Castle photo credit Boldt Castle 1000 Islands
Uncle Sam boat photo credit Uncle Sam Boat Tours
Patio dining photo credit Cavallario's Bayside
Rockin the Bay photo credit Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce
Pirate Days photo credit Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce

posted at: 2023-04-29 20:45:00, last updated: 2023-06-29 08:25:49

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