France Bicycle / Velo Tours

Remember the good old days before water parks and grand resorts when your family used to go on picnics? In these trying economic times, why not return to these easier days by taking your family on a picnic? In this story 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 an environmentally friendly alternative to bringing paper cups, paper plates and plastic silverware. Today’s picnic backpacks and picnic baskets come complete with everything you need to make your picnic a success. You can get a picnic basket or backpack that’s complete with plates, silverware, 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 money saving alternative to a day at the local theme park. Give it a try and I think you and you’re entire family will be happy that you did.

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After checking out the cliffs at Chimney Bluff State Park, we’ll take a pleasant 45 minute drive to Fair Haven Beach State Park. Fair Haven Beach is a family oriented park. It’s clean Lake Ontario beaches are some of the finest in Upstate New York and the hilly woodlands above offer outstanding hiking. Inland you’ll find Sterling Pond which is surrounded by campsites and cabins that are available to rent. Along with swimming, the pond offers excellent 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 places during the open seasons.

Next we’ll drive 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 American Revolution. The British reclaimed Oswego in 1782 and built the third fort which was turned over to the United States in 1796. The third fort was attacked and destroyed by Great Britain during the War of 1812. Between 1839 and 1844, the current 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 survivors of the Nazi Holocaust. In 1949, the State of New York began developing 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 charge.

Today Oswego is one of the most key ports on Lake Ontario. During the spring, Oswego Harbor’s sheltered waters offer some of the finest 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, September is coho salmon season. Large numbers of the large fish school in the harbor to get ready for the fall run. The local charter captains can brag about their clients 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 barbecue tools because you will be catching and eating some great fish in Oswego Harbor.

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

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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 Western New York. There is a sandy beach with a large picnic area and ample playground equipment for the kids. The focal point 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. The park also has a pier that extends about half a mile and separates the Genesee from Lake Ontario. It offers excellent pier fishing off the river side. Here’s an idea for you: While you’re at the Port of Rochester, make sure you stop at Abbot’s for a frozen custard. I think 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 get back on the Seaway Trail. Our first stop will be at Sodus Point, about 40 miles east of Rochester. The two biggest attractions at Sodus Point are the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum and the fantastic sport fishing. The lighthouse was originally opened in 1824, and after it fell into disrepair, was rebuilt in 1870-1871. It was replaced by a less picturesque but more practical beacon in 1900 and the original lighthouse became the home of the lighthouse keeper until 1984. In 1984 the Sodus Bay Historical Society leased it and they still maintain it today. Climb the circular staircase to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the view as you overlook beautiful Lake Ontario and the Sodus Point piers from a height of 70 feet. The museum also offers several displays, including one on the amazing fishing in the Sodus area, a small library and a gift shop. The lighthouse grounds are a great place to unpack your picnic basket and enjoy a great lunch. There are plenty of tables and grills for your use so don’t forget your grill tools. If you happen to be at Sodus Point on a Sunday in the summer, make sure you plan to stay for their entertaining Sunday concert series. Sodus Point is also the home of many 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 continue to Chimney Bluffs State Park near Wolcott. Though it doesn’t have as many facilities as most of the other parks on our route, I chose this park because of the amazing geographic displays that mother nature has graced us with. The clay cliffs were originally formed by a glacial drummond 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 outstanding views of the cliffs. Make sure you wear the right shoes when you hike the trails because theground can be treacherous. Climbing the cliffs themselves is very dangerous and is also illegal. When you visit Chimney Bluffs State Park, please don’t take anything but pictures and don’t leave anything but footprints.

In our next installment we’ll continue our drive 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.

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