Visit The North Country Of New York State
While I am back in my home territory…the North Country of New York State (NYS), I thought I would share some useful information and links and would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to visit Northern New York State….otherwise known as….the North Country.
While the North Country has gone through a boom-and-bust cycle economically with manufacturing, there is still a thriving, yet underdeveloped, tourism industry. The exception to this is the Adirondack State Park and historic tourist sites. The fact is though, the North Country is still a well-kept secret in terms of potential business opportunity in the tourism industry. As I have been living and working overseas for most of the last decade and going back home to the North Country to visit family and friends, I see start-up industries coming alive and still have confidence that with a little more love and attention from New York State….the North Country west of the Adirondacks…could see a second economic boom with tourism…if done properly.
The North Country has it’s own unique culture, values, and traditions given it’s location along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, and bordering with Canada and the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne. There is also a strong influence of Fort Drum and the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base on the culture within the North Country. I was raised by two soldiers and was literally conceived at Fort Drum before my father was shipped off to Viet Nam. Like many people from the North Country, I have numerous relatives and friends that have served in the military and in recent wars.
These are just a few of the many reasons why I would encourage people to check out these useful links and plan a visit to the North Country someday. For better or worse…the North Country truly gets four seasons. You will not have a problem understanding the difference between Fall and Winter and Spring in the North Country. Summer has always been optional according to the whims of Mother Nature…except for July because black flies and deer flies need to be able to breed too. For those people who enjoy outdoor activities during all times of the year…the North Country truly does have it all.
These are just a few links with some of my personal favorites and by no means all-inclusive…hopefully however…enough to convince you to pay a visit to my hometown territory and spend a few evenings, weekends, and vacations up there enjoying the beautiful scenery, historical sites, outdoor activities, and the culture of Northern New York…otherwise and affectionately known as….the North Country. Enjoy!
North Country Welcome Center – I Love New York
Akwesasne Travel - Sharing The Mohawk Spirit
Visit St. Lawrence County - Experience The St. Lawrence Seaway
Visit Waddington – As they say on their home page…”Where the world comes to fish”. They are correct for a very valid reason.
Visit Ogdensburg – stop at the Frederic Remington Art Museum
Visit Clayton – Clayton Chamber of Commerce
Visit Alexandria Bay – Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce
Thousands Islands-Seaway – I Love New York
Thousand Islands Region - NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Colleges and Universities
Olympic Passport – gets you access to all the Olympic venues and may include the museum too.
The Olympic Museum is a must see as well as the hockey rink.
Whiteface Mountain – You can drive up to the summit on Whiteface Memorial Highway and once there you can either take the stairs or an elevator to get to the top. It’s amazing on a clear day but still worth the drive on a cloudy day too.
High Falls Gorge – This is a fairly easy hike and handicap accessible. The views are beautiful and the gift shop is nice.
Adirondack Chocolates – A trip to Lake Placid is not complete without a stop here.
1000 Island Bait Store – The North Country’s answer to the fishing section in any Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shop out there…except for fishing in the North Country…lots of cool local souvenirs too!
St. Lawrence Musky Shop located on NY-37, Akwesasne, NY 13655 – this store is amazing. Their branded shirts are very cool! (website?)
Salmon River Fish Hatchery – NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Check out their YouTube channel!
St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project - NYS Power Authority
Hawkins Point - NYS Power Authority
North Country Films
Miracle On Ice - Watch this movie if you have never seen it and especially before you go to Lake Placid.
Frozen River - The film has poor lighting; however, it is a very interesting and is a well-done film on some things that have been going on the northern border for quite some time. It is worth watching.
Modern Marvels - St. Lawrence Seaway - An excellent documentary on the St. Lawrence Seaway! Literally my backyard!
As the saying goes…you can take the Boy out of the North Country…but you can never take the North Country out of the Boy…
