The Wellesley Hotel is a welcomed family retreat from all things modern and technological. Built in 1903 in Thousand Islands Park, New York on Wellesley Island the hotel commands glorious views of the St. Lawrence River. We docked our boat at the Thousand Island Park Marina. The hotel supplied us with an official permit. Stepping into the hotel is like stepping into George M. Cohan’s play The Tavern of the early 1900’s: a front desk with a brass bell, an ultra-wide wooden staircase graciously leading to the suites and antique shops. Even more gracious was the married couple running it. David Gilberg the chef, went the extra mile carrying our bags to our room. We stayed with our golden-doodle puppy, Matisse for or two nights in early August.

The corridors leading to the suites are wide as those of New York City’s Plaza Hotel when it was first built in 1907.Each suite has two simple bedrooms joined by a full bathroom. Our large queen size bed was very comfortable. Suites have ceiling fans, which help create a breeze on hot summer nights. Those sensitive to the heat will enjoy visiting in the cooler months of early summer or fall, as the hotel does not have air conditioning. The porches off the second floor are magnificent and provide plenty of refreshing breezes from the great river.

The wrap-around porch, on the first floor is where lunch and dinner are served. Guests can also choose to dine inside. The food is what makes the Wellesley Hotel memorable. It is for those who have an adventurous palate and desire to try a creative take on a well-known dish. We recommend the shrimp cocktail and the New York style strip sirloin steak fit for a king. Henry the VIII, would most likely be pleased at it was thick and juicy. Their pasta is house made and also delicious. Vegetarian options are available. The spectacular dining views, down the emerald lawn to the sparkling American channel of the St. Lawrence are magical. Be sure to visit the flower filled gardens behind the hotel and shops at the end of the porch. A favorite purchase was fine jewelry designed by The Golden Cleat, with a nautical inspiration. Also special is The River Dog Gallery which celebrates all things Thousand Islands, including beautiful photos by artist Bob Cook. River Dog Gallery is run by a friendly husband and wife team Bob and Debi Cook.

The highly respected chef, David Gilberg and hotel manager Carla Goncalves are a married couple team. David also manages the newly rebuilt restaurant across the street called The Guzzel, a casual restaurant and ice cream parlor. The Guzzle serves the best hamburgers east of Kansas, generous fresh Caesar salads were a favorite. And their morning muffins literally melt in your mouth. All the food we had there was excellent.

The Wellesley is a retreat from the 20^th century as well as from our own life on a nearby small island and life in New York City. Still, it offers wifi to guests and luggage service by golf cart back to your boat. Those who drive to the hotel have the convenience of parking right in front. Originally, Thousand Islands Park was a Methodist family summer camp. You will still feel a purity and peace in this place. The loudest noise was a child riding a bike or laughing. As we walked down Coast Avenue West lined with historic Victorian homes, it felt like we stepped into L.M. Montgomery’s, Anne of Green Gables. Perhaps Anne’s just left the TI Park Library and can be found reading in the gazebo. No, it’s not Nova Scotia but it has such a feeling of history that it could be if you closed your eyes to the beauty of the St. Lawrence and dreamed.

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The Rosemont Inn at 1423 Genesee Street in Utica, New York is a restored Victorian mansion built in 1866. We stayed at this stylish Bed and Breakfast while traveling back to New York City along with our new puppy. Yes, they are pet friendly!

Upon arriving (we arrived earlier than expected) Rita Sleys, the owner and innkeeper who has run the Rosemont for 13 years, instantly welcomed us to our room on the second floor. It was a little workout moving in our bags and puppy up the grandest flight of stairs we’ve ever seen in a B & B.  How women did it in victorian dress is beyond us. It was worth the climb. The Chantilly room was lovely and spacious with it’s own marble fire place, great windows draped in lace curtains, a comfortable King size bed, sitting area, mini frig and oversized private bath with a clawfoot tub and shower.   The Rosemont has seven beautifully decorated rooms on the first and second floors all decorated in the post Civil War Victorian style.

The Italiante Victorian B & B comes with an incredible four-course gourmet breakfast. We had the french toast that was out of this world. Rita’s daughter brought a pretty glass goblet of fresh pineapple topped with a spot of whipped crème and fresh mint sprinkled in from Rita’s garden. Sipping coffee from period teacups and looking at the antique wall mirror garnished with roses and a string of pearls takes one back in time.

“Being an innkeeper here at the Rosemont allows me to enjoy other things all at the same time,” says Rita. “I love gardening and plants of every variety. Our herbs here at the Rosemont Inn are growing in a small corner outside our back kitchen door.” Her porch adds to the warm atmosphere. It’s filled with flowers, greenery and has comfortable rocking chairs. Her friendly two sons and daughters help with the Inn.

Only a few blocks away is the historic Stanley Theater. It was once a baroque movie palace and now a theatre for Broadway touring companies. Also special is the Munson-Williams Proctor Museum of Art. With all the rich history, travelers need not leave technology behind as wifi Internet access, fax and copy services are available to all of the Rosemont’s guests.

One unique feature of the Rosemont is the massage service offered. They have a wide selection of treatments to enhance and rejuvenate your stay.

Rita is jubilant in talking about Utica’s immigrant heritage, “They give so much to the city,” she says. Built in the industrial hay-day of Utica, the Rosemont Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Homes. We were glad to have stayed in this relaxed elegant landmark. For reservations call: 315.797.9033 stay@rosemontinnbb.com www.rosemontinnbb.com

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