Clayton, NY
We continue our visit to Pam’s mother here in Clayton, NY. The main attraction in Clayton is the beautiful St. Lawrence River. The St. Lawrence is a natural draw for all kinds of boats. Some are kind of small . . .
. . . while some are a bit larger . . .
. . . and some border on the outrageous.
There are a number of spots where you can sit and enjoy a great view of the river while watching the boats come and go.
The Village Dock in Clayton
The village sits right along the main channel of the St. Lawrence Seaway, so you often see large freighters going by as they haul goods in and out of the Great Lakes. The boat below is a Salty, as it is able to sail on the ocean. Boats like it can go from the Atlantic all the way to Duluth, Minnesota on the Seaway system.
You even see boats painted on the sides of many of the buildings in the village.
If you enjoy seeing antique boats then Clayton is the place for you, as it is the home of the Antique Boat Museum, one of the best fresh water boat museums in North America. The museum’s galleries display over 300 unique and beautifully-preserved boats and thousands of recreational boating artifacts Each August they sponsor a three day show which culminates in a boat parade along the Clayton waterfront. We selected a nice little area called Centennial Park to enjoy the parade.
Centennial Park
What’s a parade without a fire truck? But in a boat parade you need to have a fire boat in the lead!
The fire boat was followed by a long line of beautiful antique boats.
One of our favorite things to do in Clayton in the evening is to go down to the river and watch the sunset.
Each evening provides a new and unique view as the sun slowly drops down into Canada. We’re not sure how they do it, but those creative Canadians come up with something different every evening!
Oh, the Places They Go! 
I like the Outrageous best, failing that “Little Toot!” Enjoyed watching the parade with you.
How beautiful. I grew up around all kinds boats on lakes in Northern Illnois and later in Michigan on Lake Superior. My dad had what would now be a vintage wooden Chris-Craft. I would love to visit that museum and see a boat parade followed by a gorgeous sunset. Lucky you!
Me too! What a lovely, peaceful post! I loved all the boats, especially that little one at the beginning!
Oh,l wish we could join you up there. We love the boat museum and have been lucky enough to witness the antique boat parade and the exciting antique boat races many times in the past. Have you eaten at the Clipper? Is it still there, and is it still as good as it used to be?
Sue
Oh…pretty header!
The Village Dock looks absolutely beautiful. I am a softy for murals. Those are awesome.
I love a boat parade. We saw one for the Big Ships. All the little ships were decked out with balloons, signs, etc. I love Little Toot.
What an amazing place to watch the sun set. Glad you are enjoying your visit. What a lovely place to be.
Hope mom is doing great.
Is that first photo of John in an inflatable??? Did you buy one (or two)? Great photos!
Metamorphosis Lisa
Looks beautiful there!
Clayton is one of my favorite places. Been twice, and definitely want to return. Great post, thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it, Anne. Thanks! There are two more coming! You will have to come back and see the new resort hotel they are building on the corner on the water. Should be beautiful and a wonderful addition to the village.
Beautiful antique boats! I wouldn’t mind a ride on the “outrageous” one! Am sure glad to be back in the land of connectivity!
The Blue Moon (the largest of the boats) is owned by an 85 year old man who chairs Churchhill Downs! This is his third Blue Moon. The description of the boat online is amazing. He and his wife designed every piece of it.
Glad you are back with us!!
I 😀 at the fire boat. And what a beautiful last photo.
Thanks, Rommel!
Looks like a great place to kayak! How are you enjoying your new toy?