5 Places to Revisit America

Sometimes we do not take the time to look at the surroundings around us. As Mathew Broderick mentions in the movie “Ferris Bueller’s day off.” “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t look around, you just may miss it.” Yes, the Interstate is faster, but what is it. Vehicles are moving at record speed- mostly speeding to reach their destination.

For those that have the time and the inclination, New York State Route 12E/F is the way to explore and remember why many parts of the world are so envious of this great country. To 5 places to revisit America.

Route 12 E begins at Watertown in the South and roams for 36 miles (58 K.M.) until it reaches Clayton on the North end. For those that like a more passive ride, please join me join.

 

Some light History

 

Initially as part of route NY 3 and part of the Theodore Roosevelt international highway from Portland Maine to Portland Oregon. The New York portion linked North Tonawanda to Plattsburg through Rochester and Watertown. During the year 1930,  a highway renumber campaign route NY3 was renamed Route 12 E, and 12 F. In 1979 the county of Jefferson assumed responsibility for HWY 12 E.

 

Watertown.

Located about 30 miles south of the Canadian border, and is the epicentre of all government and media institutions in Jefferson county. At the time of writing, this Watertown had a population of about 27 000 people, which would be considered small by most accounts.

Known as the founder of the “five and dime” a phrase coined by F.W. Woolworth it had become a national icon.  Modern-day Watertown still sparkles with that old-time charm. With its public squares and exceptional beauty, a walk through Watertown can transform you. When baseball was king,  you could hold your sweetheart’s hand while having an ice cream cone on a Saturday afternoon. Revisit what only seems to be a memory.

 

Chaumont

Dotted by pristine waterways along the roadside it does not take long before we come across the Village Chaumont Bay, located in the Town of Lyme. With only 675 people living in this area, it is effortless to miss. I would have driven right by it myself if it wasn’t for the magnificent Chaumont river to one side that opens out into Chaumont bay. Here you will find a very unique opportunity to enjoy the picturesque environment, rare historical sites, and a conduit to many outdoor and water activities. Stop, look around. You are sure to be inspired in Chaumont.

 

Cape St Vincent. Not to be feared.

 

You may never find a place in America that has such an elegant past. The first aboriginal peoples were the Iroquois and Onondaga claimed this part of the region as there hunting grounds.  It is also widely recognized that Samuel de Champlain made the first contact with the Iroquois in 1615, years before the pilgrims arrived in 1620. Shortly after both the French and the English established trading posts to influence favor over the native peoples.

 

And the Years past…

 

During the war of 1812 many of the inhabitants of St. Vincent fled to settle in alternative regions knowing that they were out armed in the area. When the conflict ended, many of the residences returned, and the population started to increase at a rapid pace. The Thousand Islands are chronicled to be a tourist area for those from downstate as early 1880. By 1900 Cape St Vincent was thriving. Today the town of St. Vincent’s is tremendously proud of their ancestry. This is displayed in the friendliness of the people and the comfort of the environment. While here take the time to revel in the past that given this town its gilded heritage and historical lineage. This has to be one of the 5 places to revisit America.

 

Tibbets point. There it is.

 

If you are fortunate enough to find Tibbets Road, you will have a fantastic view of Lake Ontario. Continue to follow that road, and you will come upon the Tibbets point lighthouse. Here is where both the St. Lawrence Seaway and Lake Ontario meet. The tower, built-in 1826 is still in use today and guides crafts from the seaway to the lake under the authority of the U.S. coast guard. The main building is used today by the international Hosteling association. As you can imagine the view from this point is impressive with the majestic lighthouse dutifully guiding sailors of all nations through the pass. A must-see.

 

Clayton

As we leave Tibbets point, we find our back on to beautiful Highway 12 E going towards Clayton. Residing on the St. Lawrence River, the area was founded in 1801. The town was named after John M. Clayton a federal political leader from Delaware. The village of Clayton became to main train terminal for those travelling int the  Thousand Islands. Consequently, it was a very prosperous area up until the beginning of the 2oth century. It may seem that Clayton has seen its best days behind. With terrific scenery, a performing arts space, a few smaller museums a visit will more than inspire any visitor. I would be remiss if I did not mention some of the notable people from the region.

Albert Bouchard and Joe Bouchard, founding members of the band Blue Oyster Cult

Abbie Hoffman, political and social activist. While using the alias ‘Barry Freed,’ he founded Save the River.

Bill Johnston, Thousand Islands smuggler and river pirate

Nancy Fowler McCormick, philanthropist

 

Illusions Gone-till next time.

 

A mile or two up the road, the Grand 12E meets the mighty Interstate I 81, here the grandeur and mysticism seem to be lost, like waking from a dream. Just another highway ready to take me across the St. Lawrence River and into Canada. The memories of the stops we have made will enchant me for years to come.

This may be something you too would like to undertake. If you are traveler moving through bask in what you are experiencing. Locals take the time, as Ferris Bueller once said; “life moves pretty fast if you don’t stop, you are going to miss it.”

As always it is our pleasure bringing this to you. If you would like to comment on this or any other post, please do so, and I will get back to you immediately.

 

Your Vacation Your Escape.

 

VTE