(Yes! Like the dressing!)

History

The 1000 Islands is an archipelago of 1,864 islands located along the first 50 miles of the St. Lawrence River, the main outflow of the Great Lakes. The river flows east from Lake Ontario, passing Montreal and Quebec City on its journey to the Atlantic. This picturesque region straddles the US-Canadian border, with about two-thirds of the islands being Canadian and one-third American. As you boat along the river, you'll often find yourself crossing the border!

In its heyday, the 1000 Islands served as a retreat for the wealthy elite of NYC and Philadelphia. Overnight trains connected Clayton to Grand Central Station in NYC. The mainland towns of Clayton, Alexandria Bay, and Cape Vincent along with many islands boasted grand hotels and stately “cottages.” The region was shuttered when train services ceased during the Great Depression, and, in the ensuing decades, many of the hotels and homes were lost to fires. The St. Lawrence Seaway, built in the 1950s, connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic, and the freighters and tankers that continue to pass through since have become a focal point of local art and culture.

Blake’s River Roots

Blake first visited the 1000 Islands during his boarding school years, visiting his friend Alex’s family home, “Cement Point”, on the head of Grindstone Island. Over the years, he fell increasingly in love with the river, the natural beauty of Grindstone Island, and the communal nature of island living. For Blake, stepping onto Grindstone always felt like stepping into a time machine, rewinding to a simpler time and leaving behind the distractions and conveniences of modern life.

After several years of visiting, Blake left NYC and rented the house next to Alex’s family on Grindstone, known locally as the “Squash Court.” He bought a boat, despite never having captained a boat, and embarked on an adventure of living on the island for a full season—from late April until early November. He did this for two consecutive years, living alone at the Squash Court, hosting dinner parties, and getting to know local islanders. By the end of these two seasons, he knew the 1000 Islands would be a permanent fixture in his life.

Becoming Islanders

Blake returned to New York City in 2018 and met Patrick soon thereafter. When summer arrived, he introduced Patrick to the River, enjoying a magical weekend of boating, hikes, and dinner parties at the Squash Court with their friends Marshall and Emily Woodward. During the COVID pandemic the following year, Patrick and Blake found refuge on Grindstone with Emily and Marshall for nearly a month, escaping the chaos of the world, cooking meals, and exploring the island together. Over the next few summers, Patrick and Blake visited the river sporadically, driving cross-country from Los Angeles and renting various cottages on Grindstone Island.

Following a visit in June 2022 for the annual Clayton Pride weekend, their friend Robin Lucas of Bluff Island called to share that she would be listing a cottage on Round Island for sale, and thought it would be the perfect place for them to establish roots at the River. Patrick was in Estonia for work, and Blake was back in LA, but Blake’s parents, Ted and Susan, drove twelve hours round-trip the next day to view the cottage with Robin, sending photos and videos. Patrick and Blake made an offer that day, and will now be enjoying their fourth season on Round Island this summer.

Blake and Patrick typically arrive at the River in early May and call Round Island home until mid-October. They enjoy hosting friends and family throughout the summer and spend the shoulder seasons (May/June and September/October) with island friends, hosting and attending island dinner parties, exploring the river by boat, and savoring the natural beauty and serenity of the River and its islands.

Things To Do + Local Tips

Activities (within a short walk from Clayton village)

Antique Boat Museum: Admire wooden boats galore

Take a Ride in a Wooden Boat: Highly recommend this experience!

Thousand Islands Museum: A time capsule of the River

Thousand Islands Arts Center: Home of the Handweaving Museum

Frink Park: Grab a seat and watch the boats go by

Activities (within a short drive from Clayton village)

Clayton Island Tours: Take a guided boat tour around the 1000 Islands

Uncle Sam Boat Tours: See Millionaire’s Row and the Canadian Islands

S. Gerald Ingerson Preserve: Take a walk or hike near Clayton

Zenda Farms Preserve: Explore fields and farmland

Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail: Enjoy a nature walk

Take the ferry to Wolfe Island (Canadian): Grab a pastry while you’re there!

Tibbetts Point Lighthouse: Visit the entrance to the St Lawrence River

Thousand Islands Park + Thousand Island Park Museum: Visit the historic planned community of Victorian homes and businesses

Boldt Castle: Visit one of the last remaining castles from the River’s heyday
Go Fishing: Join the many tourists who come to the River to fish

Wellesley Island State Campground or Cedar Point State Park: Hit the beach

Eats and Drinks

Wood Boat Brewery: Try a selection of beers named after wooden boats

The Hops Spot: Enjoy poutine and pub food in an outdoor setting

Diprinzio’s: Clayton’s waterfront dining go-to for Italian food

The Boatyard at French Bay: Food and drinks at French Bay boat marina

Bella’s in Clayton: Breakfast and Lunch waterfront café

Shipwreck Eatery: Casual and to-go cafe and bar in downtown Clayton

Garland City Brewing: LGBTQ-owned tasting room of Watertown brewery

Hunner’s Market: Our fave natural market with grab and go foods
Christian and the Coyote "Tacos & Tings": Tacos at a local winery
Lost Navigator: Dive bar for locals

O’Brien’s: Large bar with games and bar food

Gal’s Place: Iconic summer soft-serve cones