Sandra Scott Travels

Boulder Junction is called the “Muskie Capital of the World.” What’s a muskie, you may wonder? “Muskie” or “Musky” is short for muskellunge, a large relatively uncommon freshwater fish native to North America. It is the largest member of the pike family. Muskies are highly sought after by fishermen because of their explosive strikes and rugged fights. If you want to catch a prize-winning muskellunge then Vilas County is the place for you.

The name “Watkins Glen” conjures up two images for me – racing and the “Glen.” Watkins Glen was the first post-World War II road race in the United States. Cameron Argetsinger spent his summers in Watkins Glen and graduated from Cornell Law School. The Watkins Glen area was close to his heart. He dreamed of bringing European-style racing to the village. His dream came true when the Green Flag started the race on October 2, 1948.

Planning a winter getaway? Think Bonaire. The Caribbean island of Bonaire is 50 miles north of Venezuela and 86 miles east of Aruba. The best thing is that it is out of the hurricane belt so any time of the year is a good time to visit. There is plenty of sunshine year round.

Farm Sanctuary is the only Farm Sanctuary on the East Coast whereby injured farm animals are taken care of. Several years ago, I took my grandkids to Watkins Glen and Farm Sanctuary was the most affordable accommodation for the five of us. It turned out to be perfect. It was serene and included breakfast plus a tour.

Montour Falls has an enviable location. Located at the end of Main Street is a magnificent 156-foot waterfall – Shequaga Falls, the Seneca word for “tumbling waters.” Well, it must be magnificent when there is more water going over it. I love waterfalls, but sadly I visited the area during one of the worst droughts in years and while the falls is rarely completely dry there was only a trickle when John and I visited.

The little village of Croghan, population 700, has three, yes, three museums. Truly amazing. The Maple Museum, located in a former school, is the place to learn about a product that is unique to North America. It is open year round, but not necessarily every day of the week. It pays to check the web site of any museum or historical site before visiting.

John and I went on another summer outing to places seldom visited. This time to Lyons Falls in Lewis County. It turned out to be more interesting than I could have imagined. At one time it was a vibrant community centered around the Black River Canal and the Lyons Falls Paper and Pulp Mill. Lyons Falls was the where the Black River Canal terminated.

John and I had another great day trip. This time we went to Sterling and Fair Haven. I am always amazed by the places close to home that we have not visited. We started with a visit to Sterling Museum. We have driven by the Red Schoolhouse Museum several times but never when it was open. Like a lot of small museums getting volunteers to sit at a museum limits the times and days they are open.

Summer is the time to get out on the water and relax. You don’t need your own boat. There are plenty of places in NYS to enjoy a day on the water without the expense of owning and caring for your own boat. That is our concept – let someone else do the work while we enjoy ourselves. Of course you can always rent one. There are several places including the St. Lawrence where you can rent a pontoon boat and explore the 1000 Islands.