Thousand islands and Finger Lakes

Each has virtues..... if you like to visit wineries anc cheese houses, head towards the Finger Lakes, especially towards Seneca Lake. Touring, lighthouses, castles, crossing into Canada, then Thousand Islands. Both have beautiful scenery.

What do you like to do?

Fire instructor, we don't plan on any wineries/lighthouses. Done that enough. I marked about 33 museums, falls, and historic homes to visit in Finger lakes. Saw boat ride, two castles in Thousand Islands that interest me. Was thinking of skipping thousand island and put more time to finger lakes, but hubby said he heard scenery was beautiful around thousand islands.I'm willing to go if it is worth the mileage. Opinions?

I doubt you'd go wrong with either one or with some of both. It's not as though they're all that far apart. For that matter, there is very lovely scenery and some fine attractions in the Adirondacks region as well, though all three areas have their unique aspects.

If it's scenery that you are looking for, in NYS, it's a little longer run for you from KY, but head for the Lake Placid/ Willmington area. We stayed at the North Pole Resorts CG last July 4, and years ago I had stayed at the local KOA. Both were nice, though my KOA stay was more than 10 years old. There are also some very nice State run CG's in the area, though most are "no hookups".

The ski-lift ride up Little Wilmington is breathtaking all year long. And you are on the historic slopes from the 1980 Winter Olympics were held. The drive and elevator ride through the mountain rock the top of Wilmington Mt. are amazing and then you will be absolutely blown away by the views from the summit.

The Village of Lake Placid is just that..., still a village! Shops, bakeries, some outlets, ice cream shops, taverns and brewpubs, and of course, the Olympic Arenas (1932 & 1980). Rent a pair of skates and take a couple of loops around the arena where the Miracle on Ice occurred, what the USA beat the USSR hockey, and then won the Gold Medal.... There are beautiful views all along both branches of the Ausable River (great fly-fishing for trout, as well). The ski-jump and the bob-sled both operate all summer long, on synthetic surfaces, and you can ride the bobsled! And if you are into hiking, I can't even begin to explain all of the options.....

I work for NYS, and travel Statewide on a fairly regular basis. Believe me, you can't do better for scenery and views in NYS than the Lake Placid /High Peaks Region.

Send me a PM if you have any specific questions... there are some times that you absolutely want to avoid. Black fly season (Memorial Day through most of June) and IronMan Week (unless you like huge crowds)....

I agree with above, also check out Lake George area, plenty of camping and an easy drive to Lake Placid.

All beautiful places. If you like dry camping pick just about any DEC camoground in the Adirondacks, all beautiful and there is a good reason so much has been written about the place. For touristy type stuff, shopping and all that thousand islands and Alexandria bay. Hiking, kayaking, outdoors type stuff Adirondacks, history finger lakes. You can find a bit of all that in any of those areas though. Fishing is good throughout if you are into that.

I grew up in the Thousand Islands. It is a must!
Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, accessible by tour boat from Alexandria Bay.
Antique boat museum in Clayton (take a ride in a 1932 replica speed boat).

Depending on when you go, look up Pirates Weekend in Alexandria Bay.

When are you coming?

If you want scenery then the fall in either place will be great.
The scenery in the Thousand Islands from the mainland is not much different than the finger lakes and I had a home in the Thousand Islands for 30 years.

There are a couple of notable museums in the Thousand Island.
Antique boat museum in Clayton New York
Frederick Remington museum in Ogdensburg, ny
Northern NY Agricultural museum between Watertown and Clayton features lots of old farm equipment

Been through Thousand Islands on a boat, would not hesitate to visit by RV.

when we went to thousand islands we stayed here
http://koa.com/campgrounds/association-island/
it wasn't a KOA at the time but was in a great area with a nice marina. Did the visit to the castles, definitely do that if you go up there.