Boldt Castle

A nice thing about Watertown NY is that as long as you keep an open mind and look for things to do you can stay entertained and busy. One unique thing to do here in upstate New York is to tour the castles that are up by Alexandria Bay. The castle that I have visited (so far, but plan on doing more) is Boldt Castle. This castle has a very interesting love store attached to it.

The tale of a man who came to America with nothing and promising himself that one day he would be rich, rich enought to build a castle. He does become rich and him, his wife and daughter have built the castle now know as Boldt Castle. Sadly the castle didn't get finished while he was alive because he stopped work once the love of his life and wife dies. It is a interesting story and a huge and marvolous home. Boldt Castle is located on Heart Island in the 1000 Islands, Alexandria Bay, New York 13607. But becuase it is on an island you have to take a boat tours to get to Heart Island. Which means you pay a fee to ride the boat there and back. Or if you have a boat, docking is available. You also have to pay a fee.

The Castle is open daily, starting May 12th to September 30th, from 10:00am to 6:30pm. During July and August extended hours are from 10:00am to 7:30pm, for the days of October 1st to the 14th from 10:00am to 5:30pm. Adult – $8.00 (13+ years), Child – $5.50 (6-12 years), Infant – $0.00 (5 years & under) As always click on the name "Boldt Castle" above for a link to the offical website and more info on Boldt Castle.

Niagra Falls

Though Niagra Falls is a little bit of a drive (3.5 hours) it is still something unique to see while living in the area. It was a very enjoyable trip and we really loved seeing one of our countries beauties! My kids found it fasinating to know that some of the water that goes over the falls ends up at the Lake Onterio beaches where we swim. What a great sight to see!

Click on the name Niagra Falls above to go to the officle website and view more info on Niagra Falls.

Upstate NY Beaches

Though there are a lot less warms months then cold here in Watertown NY, those warm days can still be a good excuse to go to the beach! There are two state beaches (that I am aware of) to enjoy the Water, Sand and Sun! The first beach is

Southwick 8119 Southwicks Pl, Woodville, NY (315) 846-5338 We really enjoyed that beach because the water was clear and the sand was nice and sandy. Plus they do have life gaurds, snack shack, picnic area and a play ground. Its $8 to get in (being a state park you have to pay)but after 4pm is $6. So if your only going for a few hours better to save some money and stay away from the hottiest time of the day as well as all the crowds and go around 4pm. (the first two pictures are from Southwick)

The second beach is Westcott which is a good beach but it was smaller, more crowded and not as smooth ocean floor as the other beach. It is closer to watertown but is $10 to get in (being a state park you have to pay)vs the $8 at Southwick.

Click on the names of the beaches to learn more!

Ice Cream Obsessed

One funny thing about Watertown is how many Ice Cream stands there are. In just the Watertown area there is at least 10 different ice cream stands. For a place that gets so cold you would think they would have 10 or more Hot Chocolate stands. Funny! Here is a list of our favorite Ice Cream stands in Watertown NY. 1. Friendly's- diner with an ice cream windown for ordering outside 2. Frosty Ice Cream 3. Way Cool 4. Trolley Ice Cream

I have to admit that so far Trolley Ice Cream is our most favorite because it looks like a..........Trolley Car. And the Ice Cream was really yummy! Keep in mind that these are only a few, of many, ice cream places in or near Watertown. I know you have been holding it in so lets hear it, "We all SCREAM for ICE CREAM" LOL Click on the name of the different ice cream stands for a link with the Name, phone number, address and map of where these different ice cream stands are!