One of the benefits of living in Ottawa is its proximity to scenic destinations that take you outside the province and country to gain a more diverse travel experience, all within an easy drive from home. Crossing the bridge along Highway16 to Ogdensburg in upstate New York brings a fun summer experience that blends history with an artistic vibe.
THE SITES OF HAMMOND
Chippewa Bay Maritime Museum,
4 Church St, Chippewa Bay, NY
Chippewa Bay is an outpost within the township of Hammond, New York. The quaint cottage community has a brand new maritime museum to intrigue anyone with an affinity for life on the St Lawrence Seaway in the 1800s. The nautically-influenced structure was once an old church that was restored and repurposed by local philanthropist Allan Newell. He claims to have “de-ecclesiastisized” the building that now houses the story of the town and “its people, its boats and its might river.”
Hammond Barn Quilt Trail
In a tribute to the farming and quilting traditions of rural community life, the artistic beauty of barn quilts is a major tourism attraction. Travel country roads through the township of Hammond to spot the quilt squares painted on the sides of barns along the way, reflecting the unique creativity of a unified community.
Iva Smith Gallery, 627, Highway 37, Hammond, New York
Along the barn quilt trail find the homestead of famed artist Paul Saphier. Located in a restored 19th-century barn on the property, the Iva Smith Memorial Gallery of Fine Arts not only showcases Saphier’s works, but also serves as an entertainment venue with performance space, a café, and gift shop.
The Spicy Olive, 43 S Main St,
Hammond, NY
Look for the apple-tree barn quilt above the door of this Tex-Mex lunch or dinner stop. It offers fresh, homemade food in a family-run restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Hammond Museum, 14 N Main St, Hammond, NY
Stop by to get a feel for the historical influences in this small town that boasts one of the country’s finest blacksmiths, John Scarlett. John had an original blacksmith shop moved to the museum site where it’s still operational today.
Mare’s Wares Pottery, 3938 Highway 37, Hammond, NY
Mary Anne Evans (Mare) carries on her father’s legacy on a property that has historically breathed life into the small town of Hammond, on the edge of Morristown. Today the place is home to a pottery studio with a gallery, workshop space and an outdoor Raku kiln. Of particular interest to tourists is the arts festival on July 1, where the massive property brings in over 100 artists, live music, wine tasting, entertainment and children’s activities. Throughout the year, Mare hosts pottery parties and engaging workshops – ideal for a fun girls’ getaway night!
DISCOVER, EAT & ENOY
Tastes, talents, and hospitality in Morristown and Ogdensburg
Ella’s, 209 Main St, Morristown, NY
This restaurant has an extensive menu with influences from its waterfront location. Appetizer options include a delicious scallop dish and decadent crab cheesecake dip. Dive further into the main courses to find selections that include salmon, a variety of salads and other heartier fare. While the food is delightful, the views are spectacular. Sit on the patio to take in the St. Lawrence River and look across to Brockville.
Frederic Remington Art Museum,
303 Washington St, Ogdensburg, NY
In an impressive residential building that was once home to Frederic Remington’s widow Eva, a gallery museum serves to preserve and interpret the art and archives of the artist famous for his mastery of creating images of soldiers, cowboys, Indians and other influences from the American Old West. Working as an illustrator/journalist for the great magazines of the 1880s and ‘90s, Remington had a talent for showcasing western life in many mediums, reflected in the detailed precision of his bronze sculptures and paintings. To learn about upcoming exhibits visit fredericremington.org
Sherman Inn Bed & Breakfast,
615 Franklin St, Ogdensburg, NY
This converted school gets an A+ for so many reasons! The cleverly transformed classrooms (turned guest rooms), offer up décor reflective of the past with rooms styled in mid-century modern, Roaring Twenties, Victorian-era and contemporary décor.
Proprietor John Wade grew up in Ogdensburg and was living in California, working as a corporate visual merchandiser for Bed Bath & Beyond, when he read about his old school being up for sale, so he bought it. With his partner Carlos Lopez, he went to work to bring the structure back to the community in a meaningful way and says, “I couldn’t imagine it being taken away from the community, now the students and teachers can each come back.” The Inn sits in the heart of the town on a residential street and maintains the character of the building’s original function with four-square and hopscotch games on the front pavement, and many original features maintained inside.