1,000 Islands Cocktails & Classics

Departure Points:

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 7:30am
Pet Smart Crossgates Commons - 8:00am
Amsterdam, Exit 27 Park & Ride* - 8:35am **No Parking Available***

Saturday, May 18:

We board the coach this morning and travel West and North to the magnificent Thousand Islands Region of New York State. Our first stop is at Busted Grapes. Busted Grapes is a Small Farm Winery which began in 2007 when a husband and wife team got a crazy idea to learn how to make wine. From planting the vineyard, building the tasting room, designing labels, marketing the products and, of course, making and selling the wine, this couple have taken care of every aspect themselves. Busted Grapes currently offers 10 different varieties of wine ranging from Sweet to Dry. Enjoy a tasting and meet the owners! Next we will continue on to Alexandria Bay for lunch (included) at Riley’s on the River. Meal choices are TBA. After our meal it’s on to Dark Island Spirits for a tasting, a true craft distillery in Alexandria Bay, in the Heart of the Thousand Islands. See how they handcraft and Musically Mature their award winning bourbons, whiskeys and brandies alongside their vodkas, gins and liqueurs. Next we will continue on to our accommodations. The 1,000 Islands Harbor Hotel (315-686-1100) sits right on the banks of the beautiful St. Lawrence River, and offers an indoor heated pool; a fitness room and a jacuzzi (so don't forget your bathing suit!). A buffet dinner is included tonight at the Riveredge Resort in nearby Alexandria Bay. The Bayview dinner menu includes house garden salad with Italian dressing, fresh baked rolls, chicken marsala, sliced sirloin of beef (topped with a peppercorn demi glace) , fresh seasonal vegetables, garlic smashed potatoes, and chef’s selection of dessert. A glass of wine is also included with your meal! We will return to the hotel after dinner and the rest of your evening is free.

Sunday, May 19:

A buffet breakfast is included at the resort this morning. Then we will make our way to see some of the "classics" at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton. The Antique Boat Museum collects, preserves, interprets and celebrates boats and related artifacts to advance public understanding of the importance of boating to the cultural history of North America and the St. Lawrence River in particular. Discover the largest collection of antique and classic boats on display in North America and stop by the boat shop to see a restoration in progress. After our time at the museum we will stop at River Rat Cheese to browse and perhaps pick up some savories to bring home. Next, travel over to Cape Vincent where we will savor a flatbread pizza lunch and a pint of beer (included) at the Cape Vincent Brewing Company. Flatbread pizza choices are 1) Cheese 2) Pepperoni 3) Chicken Bacon Ranch or 4) Veggie Delight (mushroom, pepper, onion, tomato & black olives). Our last stop will be at the Thousand Islands Winery for our final tasting. Thousand Islands Winery is the largest farm winery in New York State and is located along the majestic St. Lawrence River on a historic forty-acre farmstead established in 1836. We will depart for home at 4pm with an approximate arrival in the Capital District at 9:30pm. One stop each way.