My Sweetheart and I were recently in Clayton NY. A small little village upstream from famous Alexandria Bay and Boldt Castle. We fell in love with the place. Although it grew and fell with the gilded age, it is as charming as ever. I’ve counted a 1000 reasons to come to this 1000 Islands village.

Nestled in the 1000 Islands region of Northern New York state, Clayton is the birthplace of two notable items: the rise of recreational boating and the 1000 Island Salad Dressing.

Sweetheart and I spent a long weekend there, hosted by the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel. Over the 3 days there we absolutely fell in love with this village of 2000 residents. Their deep sense of history and roots, connection and honest living, and hope for the future really impressed us.

Everyone we spoke with had a community feeling in the best sense of the term. They all want what is best for all. The building of the hotel was welcomed in that it brought not only employment but was built with a sensitivity to the history of Clayton. The owners of Coyote Moon Vineyards help educate new farmers in successfully growing grapes. There is a gentlemen’s agreement among fishermen and guides to catch and release Muskie fish so that the stock can be replenished.

The gilded age may have come and gone from Clayton. But Clayton is still beautifully gilded.

Consider these 1000 reasons to visit Clayton NY for your next trip:

• 160: it is quick 160 km drive from Ottawa, barely over 1.5 hours drive
• 105: the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel has 105 beautiful rooms
• 250: the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel can host a glorious wedding for 250 guests
• 21: the variety of tasty distilled liquor at the Clayton Distillery
• 14: the number of award winning wine varieties at Coyote Moon Vineyards

• 5: the number of types of unique beers at Wood Boat Brewery
• 300: number of boats at the Antique Boat Museum
• 10: number of yummy pie choices at Koffee Kove
• 100: recipes from enthusiastic yoga teachers Liz and Kristen; authors of For the Love of Food and Yoga

• 45: the least number of tall tales from Captain Jeff Garnsey on his island cruise

  

  With Captain Jeff Garnsey and Sweetheart

Yep that’s 1000.

And I learned something very important about what defines an island. There are 1864 islands in the area. An island is one which is visible all year round and has at least one tree. Otherwise it is a shoal.

Believe me that’s a lot of reasons to love Clayton NY.