Upstate New York Real Estate - Clayton, Fort Drum, Watertown

Clayton, NY Area Guide

General Information

Charm and hospitality are the earmarks of Clayton, traditions that began over a century when the 1000 Islands Region was the playground of some of the country’s most powerful people. Today, that tradition has been adopted by an entirely new group of visitors and one that residents invite you to share. Surrounded by the majestic St. Lawrence River, Clayton is tucked along the northern edge of upstate New York and just minutes from the Canadian border. It’s the penultimate river village, with quaint shops and galleries, nationally known museums, and outdoor activities ranging from golf to diving, not to mention (for those who love life in the fast lane) a one mile go kart track nearby.

Watch the boats go by from the deck of a river front restaurant, unwind with a relaxing gourmet dinner or just grab a quick bite from a pizza place or a sandwich. With so much to do and see you’re bound to be hungry and Clayton would love to feed you!

Join us for a family oriented vacation or a romantic, just – for - two getaways, and don’t forget to bring your fun! Clayton will welcome you with open arms, and once you’re here, you’ll understand why we’re a popular vacation spot as well as a great place to live.

To learn more, visit: http://www.1000islands-clayton.com/visitorinfo/

History

Since the early 1800’s Clayton has been a major riverside community along with its neighbor to the east, Alexandria Bay. Settled by French explorers, in 1823 the Post Office and Village were called Cornelia but by 1831, residents elected to change the name to Clayton, chosen to honor John M. Clayton, a United States Senator from Delaware.
Incorporated in 1872, the Thousand Islands Regions became a major tourism center, with Clayton claiming to be at the “geographic center of the Thousand Islands,” and more than one restaurant has claimed to be the home of the creation of the world famous Thousand Islands Dressing.

Lumber was originally the first major industry in Clayton, trees lashed together in rafts and floated down the mighty St. Lawrence to mills in Canada until the railroad found its way to Clayton in 1873. Soon Clayton had become a popular vacation spot for people from the big cities of the time. Tourism became a major industry with wealthy summer visitors building vacation homes on a number of islands in the river. Luxury hotels were built to accommodate vacationers creating a burgeoning boat industry.

Today, Clayton is still a popular recreational area, with tourism a big part of the economy.

To learn more about Clayton’s history, visit: http://clayton.1000islands.com/history/

Clayton, NY nearby Attractions & Activities

Thousand Islands Art Center

Located on John Street, the Thousand Island Art Center was established in 1964, their primary goal the promotion of arts and crafts through education, research, exhibits and programs. To learn more, visit: http://www.tiartscenter.org/

Home of the Hand weaving Museum

The Thousand Islands Performing Arts Fund

Incorporated in 1980, the Art Fund is dedicated to supporting the arts in the area by offering and promoting outstanding performance events.
For more information, please visit: http://www.claytonoperahouse.com/index.html

Parks and Recreation

Camping/State Parks
For a listing of state parks and camping sites, visit: http://townofclayton.com/stateparks.htm
City Parks http://www.ci.clayton.mo.us/index.aspx?location=566

Events Calendar

Celebrate with Clayton from January to December with events every family member can enjoy!
For a calendar of events, visit: http://www.localendar.com/public/townofclayton

For more details about Clayton, NY please visit: http://townofclayton.com/