After viewing the cliffs at Chimney Bluff State Park, we’ll take a scenic 45 minute drive to Fair Haven Beach State Park. Fair Haven Beach is a great place to take your family. It’s clean Lake Ontario beaches are among the best in Upstate New York and the hilly woodlands above offer excellent hiking. Inland you’ll find Sterling Pond which is surrounded by campsites and cabins that are available for rent. Along with swimming, the pond offers very good fishing and has rowboats, canoes and paddle boats for rent. The park also has playground and picnic facilities as well as sports playing fields. Finally, waterfowl hunting is allowed in designated areas during the open seasons.

Next we’ll travel another 35 miles to the historic City of Oswego. Oswego is the home of Fort Ontario. The original fort was built in 1755 and was a British outpost during the French and Indian War. The first fort was destroyed by the French in 1756 and rebuilt in 1759. The second Fort Ontario was destroyed by American forces during the Revolutionary War. The British reoccupied Oswego in 1782 and built the third fort which was given to the United States in 1796. The third fort was attacked and destroyed by the British during the War of 1812. Between 1839 and 1844, the final Fort Ontario was built in response to the threat of another and a possible British invasion from Canada. Between 1944 and 1946, Fort Ontario housed victims of the Nazi Holocaust. In 1949, New York State began restoring the fort as a State Historic Site. Fort Ontario is now open for tours from early May until the middle of October on Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 – 4:30. There is a minimal admission fee.

Today Oswego is one of the most important ports on Lake Ontario. In the springtime, Oswego Harbor’s sheltered waters offer some of the best steelhead and brown trout fishing in the Great Lakes. In the summer, many fishermen focus on the fine walleye and bass populations. In Oswego Harbor, fall is coho salmon season. Large numbers of the big fish school in the harbor in preparation for the fall run. The local charter captains can brag about their customers who have hooked giant fish including a 33 pound coho in 1998 and a 33 pound brown trout in 1997. What ever the season, pack your favorite spices in your picnic backpack don’t forget your grill tools because you will be catching and grilling some great fish in Oswego Harbor.

In our next article we’ll spend a little longer in Oswego and then continue along the Seaway Trail to Pulaski. Stay tuned!

The Port of Rochester (also known as Charlotte & Ontario Beach) is located at the mouth of the Genesee River at Lake Ontario. It is one of the most important outdoor recreation areas in the Rochester area. There is a public beach with several picnic areas and ample playground equipment for the children. The centerpiece is “The Dutchess”, an antique carousel built in 1905. Still in original condition, this piece of Rochester history is one of only 14 antique menagerie carousels still running in the United States. Ontario Beach also has a pier that extends about half a mile and divides the Genesee from Lake Ontario. It offers excellent bass fishing off the river side. Here’s a tip for you: While you’re at the Port of Rochester, make sure you stop for an Abbott’s Frozen Custard. I belive that Abbott’s custard is the best frozen treat in the world. Abbott’s is located at the end of Lake Ave. right at the entrance to the park. If your in Charlotte, you can’t miss it.

Okay, it’s time to pack the family camping tent and say goodbye to Rochester and return to the Seaway Trail. Our next stop will be at Sodus Point, about 40 miles east of Rochester. Two big attractions at Sodus Point are the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum and some amazing sport fishing. The lighthouse was originally built in 1824, and after it fell into disrepair, was rebuilt in 1870-1871. It was replaced by a less picturesque but more useful beacon in 1900 and the original lighthouse became the home of the lighthouse attendant until 1984. In 1984 it was leased to the Sodus Bay Historical Society which still maintains it today. Climb the circular stairs to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the scenery as you overlook beautiful Lake Ontario and the piers at Sodus Point from a height of 70 feet. The museum also offers several displays, including one on Sodus Bay’s amazing fishing, a small library and a gift shop. The grounds at Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum are a great place to unpack your picnic basket and enjoy a great meal. There are plenty of tables and grills for your use so don’t forget your grilling tools. If you happen to be at Sodus Point on a summer Sunday, make sure you plan to stay for their excellent Sunday concert series. Sodus Point is also the home of several fishing boats that you can charter. Whether brown trout, lake trout or coho salmon are your game, you will be able to find a boat and captain who will take you to the big ones.

From Sodus Point, we’ll round the bay to Chimney Bluffs State Park near Wolcott. Though it has fewer facilities than most of the other parks we’ll visit, I chose this park because of the spectacular geographic displays that mother nature has graced us with. The clay cliffs were first formed by a glacier and are now eroded and re-shaped every day by the movement of Lake Ontario. The park has four miles of trails that offer many great views of the cliffs. Make sure you wear appropriate shoes when you hike the trails because theground can be treacherous. Climbing the cliffs themselves is very dangerous and is also prohibited. When you check out Chimney Bluffs State Park, please don’t take anything but pictures and don’t leave anything but footprints.

In our next chapter we’ll continue our journey along the Seaway Trail and check out Fair Haven Beach State Park, Oswego, The Selkirk Lighthouse and end the day at Selkirk Shores State Park. I hope you’re enjoying this series about some of the attractions along New York’s Seaway Trail.

Remember the good old days before water parks and expensive resorts when your family used to go on picnics? In these hard economic times, why not return to these simpler, more relaxed times by taking your family on a picnic? In this article we’ll help you figure out everything you’ll need to make your picnic an event that your entire family will remember.

First, let’s consider the picnic basket. Think about where you’re going to hold your picnic. Will there be parking nearby? Will you have to walk or hike a distance to get there. If you’re going to be able to park near your picnic area, a traditional picnic basket will work. However, if you’re going to have to walk to your picnic table, you might want to consider a picnic backpack. Picnic backpacks are very light and have plenty of room to carry everything you’ll need.

One of the things I really like about carrying a fully stocked picnic basket is that it’s environmentally sound alternative to bringing paper cups, paper plates and plastic silverware. Modern picnic baskets and picnic backpacks include all the equipment you’ll need to make your picnic a success. You can get a picnic basket or backpack that’s complete with silverware, plates, glasses, salt and pepper shakers, napkins, a table cloth and even a cutting board and cheese knife.

Next you’ll need to decide whether you’re going to cook on your picnic or bring a selection of prepared food and snacks. If you want to cook, make sure the park you’re going to has grills to use or bring a portable grill of your own. Today you can even get portable gas grills if you don’t want to mess with charcoal and charcoal lighter. Whether you cook on gas or charcoal you’re going to need a set of quality barbecue tools.

I hope you agree with me that a picnic is an economical alternative to a day at the local theme park. Give it a try and I think you and you’re entire family will be glad you did.

Are you searching for something relaxing to do now that this winter is finally over? If you are, you really should consider going on a picnic. I feel my blood pressure drop the minute I get out my picnic gear and barbecue tools and head for a day in the sun. The fresh air and sunshine just seem to lower my stress level and, let’s face it, a barbecue tastes better than food cooked at home any time!

I suggest you pick a place with water for your picnic. Perhaps you can even do a liitle fishing. Whether you catch anything or not, you’ll discover that when you’re fishing, all your troubles leave your mind and you feel completely at ease. Just don’t count on the fish you catch for your picnic dinner because some days youjust won’t catch anything. If you don’t like fishing, you can take a leisurely walk along the shore or just kick back and watch the water. I’d suggest bringing a loaf of bread because there usually seem to be ducks around and feeding them is lots of fun.

Another thing you can do if you really want to enjoy your day at the park is read a good book. I like to leave the business reading at home and bring one of the novels that I never seem to have time for. Just kick back on your lounge chair and enjoy a good story. Please remember to either stay out of the sun or protect yourself with some high quality sunscreen so you don’t get sunburned.

Life in the 21st Century is very stressful for many of us. Fortunately, there are many herbal remedies (legal ones) that can help us feel a little less stressed. These remedies work even better when coupled with stress reducing activities. When it comes to relaxing activities, I believe that there are few better than packing your wicker picnic basket and going to a park near you. Give it a try, I think you’ll agree.