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Jewels In Our Crown: Niagara Falls & the Thousand Islands

For 454 diverse and distinctive miles, the Seaway Trail links one scenic gem to the next along the crown of the Empire State as it follows Lake Erie, Niagara River, Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River. As if the scenery alone isn't enough to dazzle the traveler to this region, the picturesque highway also passes through—and interweaves—a vast array of cultural, historic, recreational, natural and archeological elements—all of which combine to produce a remarkable experience. For all of these reasons, the Federal Highway Administration has selected the Seaway Trail as New York State's only (and the nation's longest) National Scenic Byway.

  Of the hundreds of exciting landmarks in the ten county region, Niagara Falls and the Thousand Islands stand out as the Trail's crown jewels—internationally recognized as extraordinary tourist destinations. Though extremely different in both look and feel, the Falls and Islands are forever linked by a common thread: both were sculpted by the remarkable forces of Nature long, long ago.

Niagara Falls

  Each year, millions of visitors from all parts of the globe flock to Niagara Falls to experience the magic of the thundering cascade. Since 1848, the Maid of the Mist boat tour has transported its awestruck passengers to the Falls' tempestuous base (716-284-8897). Niagara Reservation State Park supplies the slickers and you do the walking directly beneath the waterfall at Cave of the Winds (716-278-1770). Prospect Park, the prime viewing area for the American Falls, is also site of the New York State Park Visitors' Center which offers exhibits, gardens, kinetic water sculptures, tourist information, etc. (716-278-1796).

  Other `must sees' in the area include the Schoellkopf Geological Museum, relating the ancient, earthy history of the Niagara Gorge and Falls (716-278-1780). The whole family will love the 1500 creatures—from endangered penguins to toothy piranhas—taking up residence at the Aquarium of Niagara (716-285-3375). Speaking of fish, top notch salmon, trout, walleye and bass fishing is at your fingertips via the Niagara Power Project Fishing Platform (716-286-6661). A world-class collection of 20th century art is housed at Niagara University's Castellani Art Museum (716-286-8200).

  Historic Lewiston, proclaimed by President Carter as the most historic square mile of the U.S., is home to Artpark, the Niagara region's premier performing arts center (800-659-PARK), It's also at Lewiston that thrillseekers can catch Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours to the heart of the river.

  At the mouth of the Niagara River, historic Youngstown features Old Fort Niagara with its well-preserved buildings and authentic re-creations of 18th century military life (716-745-7611). Especially if children are along, you won't want to miss the original 1916 hand carved merry-go-round at the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum (716-693-1885) or satisfy your hunger for great food and wonderful sights aboard the Niagara Clipper dinner cruise excursions (716-856-6696).

  Restaurants, resorts, bed and breakfasts, museums, boat cruises, trophy fishing, golf, hiking, state parks, historic sites and countless one-of-a-kind photo opportunities await you in and around Niagara Falls. Won't you join us? For more information about the fasciating Niagara Frontier: 800-338-7890; niagara@niagara-usa.com

Thousand Islands

Like sparkling emeralds, nearly 1800 islands of all shapes and all sizes adorn the majestic St. Lawrence River beginning at Cape Vincent—where Lake Ontario meets the river. The islands have lured tourists since the coming of the railroad, when the area was noted for its excellent fishing and sporting potential. By the 1870s, it was discovered by the affluent who bought islands of their own and on them constructed beautiful summer homes.

  Boat tours, which began in the 1860s, are still the most popular way to experience the islands. Uncle Sam Boat Tours (315-482-2611) and Alex Bay Boat Tours (315-482-TOUR) await you, among others. When the tour pauses at Boldt Castle—the magnificent turn-of-the-century creation on Heart Island—by all means stroll the grounds and explore the splendid buildings and exhibits (315-482-9724). Today many visitors enjoy a bird's-eye view of the islands via 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours (315-482-1012). The islands are a boater's paradise—full of hidden treasures (and very sneaky shoals).

  The renown Thousand Islands Bridge connects mainland U.S., Wellesley Island (the largest of the river's islands), Hill Island and the mainland of Canada via five scenic island-hopping spans.

  In Clayton, boating enthusiasts can spend several hours viewing North America's largest collection of classic freshwater craft at the Antique Boat Museum (315-686-4104). Nearby, the Thousand Islands Craft School and Textile Museum offers courses in traditional arts of all kinds (315-686-4123).

  As in 1800s, the river's fishery remains very productive. State parks in the region are excellent access points for catching walleye, bass, northern pike or muskie (315-482-2593). The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center at Wellesley Island State Park offers miles of hiking trails with plenty of river views, nature exhibits and special events throughout the year (315-482-2479).

  One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the flavors, textures and life-style of the islands in an earlier time is on a fishing charter. Ask your guide to provide a traditional shore dinner—preferably on a secluded island. You'll remember this for a lifetime. (800-475-2309). Or `Match the hatch' with J. Patrick's Fly Fishing (315-779-8111).

  Other highlights not to miss in the region are Horne's Ferry—a wonderful way to hop over to Wolfe Island and Kingston by car or bike (613-385-2402), Cape Vincent Aquarium (315-654-2147), and Tibbett's Point Lighthouse all in picturesque Cape Vincent. In nearby Sackets Harbor, visit Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site (315-646-3634), Madison Barracks and the Sackets Harbor Visitor Center (315-646-2321).

  Ogdensburg (just beyond the downriver boundary of the 1000 Islands) is home to the exquisite Frederic Remington Art Museum, a world-class collection of works by the famous western painter/sculptor (315-393-2425).

  The Thousand Islands,with its emerald isles, palatial summer homes, cozy b&bs, festivals and unlimited scenic beauty, will draw you back time and time again. Whether you come to live in luxury or simply to crawl into your sleeping bag, there's nothing quite like this crown jewel. More information: 800-8-ISLAND; www.visit1000islands.com