If you’re looking for a fun filled adventure this summer vacation, check out Upstate New York. This area offers so many options for the whole family – everything from hiking and camping, to exploring historic castles. If you’re into tasting delicious wine, beer, or food, you can make every day of your trip a memorable one! Within a short driving distance from Fort Drum, you can fill your itinerary with both mountain views and waterfront dining.
1. Castles and The Thousand Islands Region
Take a boat tour on the St. Lawrence River to see The Thousand Islands. This area has some of the most spectacular sights in the region. With 1,864 islands dotting the St. Lawrence Seaway, you can access many of them from a rented boat or choose one of the boat tours that navigate the river on a daily basis. Check out the two most famous and publicly accessible castles, go fishing or take a sunset dinner cruise. Boat tours can be boarded from Alexandria Bay, with Uncle Sam Boat Tours, or a few miles west out of Clayton, with Clayton Island Tours. Both give you the opportunity to visit Boldt Castle, Singer Castle or take a Sunset Cruise. Boldt Castle, which is located in Alexandria Bay, has a heart-breaking love story which perfectly matches the name of the island it's built on, Heart Island. A little bit further up the river, you can visit Dark Island. Here, you can see 100-year-old the hunting lodge, Singer Castle, as well as its secret passageways and original decor. If you have some additional free time, you can go fishing or take a sunset dinner cruise.
2. Historical Sites and Monuments
If you are an American History buff or just want to expose the kids to some educational, historical landmarks, there are a few that fit the bill. Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site is located about 30 minutes west of Fort Drum, on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. This historic site was the heart of American naval and military activity during the War of 1812. Take a tour of the facilities, enjoy the demonstrations put on by costumed interpreters or wander the grounds while enjoying a picnic lunch and taking in the beautiful scenery.
Closer to home, you can visit the Honor the Mountain Monument, which is specifically dedicated to the 10th Mountain Division based out of Fort Drum. It is an impressive memorial created by the community to represent their gratitude for the service and sacrifices of the 10th Mountain Division throughout the years.
3. Hiking and Camping
Hiking and camping are two of the most popular things to do in Upstate New York. Hiking opportunities range from completely flat walking trails to some of the hardest hikes in the Adirondack Mountains. Just 15 minutes from Fort Drum, you can warm up or bike on the Black River Trail, a paved pathway that follows the Black River through woodland terrain. With no shortage of state parks and nature reserves, you can definitely find something that works for you and your family.
Camping options range from renting a cabin, to pitching your own tent. There are plenty of choices for your outdoor experiences. Remington Park, located on Fort Drum, has cabins and cottages available for rent. You can also go off base to any of the State Parks in the region for your camping preferences. KOA Campgrounds are also a great option for either cabin rentals or tent campsites. If you are looking for a place near the water, the 1000 Islands/Association Island KOA (1 hour from Fort Drum) will be perfect for you. If you’re in search of a more woodsy, mountainous feel, head east to the Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA (25 minutes from Fort Drum).
4. Wineries and Wine Trail
There is something about summer and wine tasting that just go together! Sitting on a deck, overlooking the vineyards, and sipping from a wine glass enjoying the sunshine and beautiful summer weather is the perfect way to spend the day. Below is a list of wineries located in the vicinity of Fort Drum. Many of them are included in the Thousand Islands Seaway Wine Trail,where you can receive a stamp at each of them and enter to win some great prizes!
- Yellow Barn Winery- 30-minute drive
- White Caps Winery- 35-minute drive
- The Cape Winery- 50-minute drive
- Busted Grapes- 20-minute drive
- Otter Creek Winery- 20-minute drive
- Thousand Islands Winery- 30-minute drive
- Coyote Moon Vineyards- 35-minute drive
5. Breweries
If wine isn’t really your thing, not to worry. An ice-cold glass of beer is just as easy to find for the beer lovers out there! If you enjoy both wine and beer, you can also fit in a few breweries and vineyards into your itinerary.
- Boots Brewing Co- 25-minute drive
- Garland City Beer Works- 20-minute drive
- Skewed Brewing- 25-minute drive
- Sackets Harbor Brewing Co- 35-minute drive
- Wood Boat Brewery- 40-minute drive
6. Lake Placid and Adirondack Mountains (2 Hours 20 mins)
The Lake Placid region has a rich history and is famous for its beautiful little downtown. Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, it sits on the shores of Mirror Lake. Lake Placid was the proud host of the Winter Olympics not once, but twice. You can still visit and tour many of the Olympic training facilities in the summer, but keep in mind – they might look a little different when they aren’t covered in a few feet of snow! Visit the Lake Placid Olympic Museum,where you can take a walk down memory lane and let the kids play on the interactive displays. There are also hiking options for any experience level, located within driving distance of Lake Placid. Enjoy a nice lunch or dinner in the quaint little village and go shopping at the many souvenir, antique and outdoor stores.
For some amazing views, be sure to drive to the top of Whiteface Mountain, the fifth highest mountain in the Adirondacks. You can take Whiteface Veteran’s Memorial Highway to the top and eat lunch at the cafe on the summit.
7. MONTREAL (3.5-4 HOURS)
If visiting Europe is on your bucket list, but you haven’t quite been able to make it across the pond just yet, Old Montreal is a perfect alternative! If you are trying to plan a day or overnight trip to Montreal, the official Montreal websiteis a great place to start. Don’t forget your passport, since you will be crossing the border into a different country! (Visiting Canada Info)
Jessica Dowd is a member of the Vermont Air National Guard as an Intel Analyst, a military spouse and a Mom of 1 (almost 2) boys. She lives near Phoenix Arizona where her husband is currently stationed but grew up in the Adirondack Mountains. She received her Bachelor's Degree from SUNY Potsdam in Archaeology and Art Studio and her Master's Degree from the University at Albany in Anthropology. She is currently taking time off from her formal career to stay home with her 2 year old son while working as an Instagram Influencer and Blogger. You can get to know her better at her Instagram account www.instagram.com/jessicagracefully or her blog www.momlifeexposed.com!