New York's Thousand Islands Provide Many Getaways

By: Valarie D'Elia

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Travelers can have an island getaway in New York State. NY1's Valarie D'Elia filed the following report.

You don't have to travel to the tropics to go island hopping this summer, when you can head upstate to a historic, affordable destination within a six-hour drive from Manhattan.

The "Thousand Islands Region," a sporty getaway on the New York State border with Canada, is comprised of 1,800 islands straddling the Saint Lawrence Seaway, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes and separates the two countries.

The islands - some in Canada, the rest in New York - come in all shapes and sizes with some open to the public.

In 1900, George Boldt, who owned the Waldorf Astoria, bought an island for his beloved wife, planning to build her a castle. She died before it was finished, leaving his plans and heart in ruins. Currently, Boldt Castle is under restoration and open for daily tours.

Another 100-year-old area icon is the the medieval style Singer Castle, of "Singer sewing machine" fame, with its secret passageways and dungeon. Besides simply touring it, you can book the royal suite, an entire wing that sleeps six, for around $1,000 a night.

Another area attraction marks the spot where an emergency shelter took in nearly 1,000 Holocaust refugees who fled the Nazis during World War II.

Outdoorsy types will not feel bottled up here at all. In fact it's so casual, it gives new meaning to the concept of "Thousand Island dressing."

Hotels dot the area, and the Edgewood Resort and Conference Center in Jefferson County is the perfect jumping off point, with rates starting at $99 in the summer.

In order to drive into Canada, travelers need a passport, a passport card or an enhanced New York State driver's license to get back into the United States. Those who don't want to drive can fly or take a train to Syracuse and rent a car or take a bus.

For more information on the Thousand Islands region, visit www.getaway1000.com.

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Now here's a D'Elia's Deal you don't want to miss if you book the Royal Suite at the Singer Castle. Get a $100 discount when you tell them Val sent you. For more information, visit www.singercastle.com.

For more travel deals, visit www.travelwithval.com or follow Valarie at twitter.com/travelwithval.

As is common practice in the travel industry, Travel With Val often receives complimentary travel or reduced "media" rates at hotels, resorts and attractions, including those that may be featured in these reports. Such consideration is not taken in exchange for any express or implied promise or understanding of any nature, particularly regarding the content of these reports. These reports only feature travel providers personally recommended by Valarie D’Elia in the exercise of her independent editorial judgment, and do not represent the endorsement of Time Warner Cable or any third party.