Heart Island Heartbreak

Boldt Castle, a lavish, gilded age mansion on Heart Island (800/8ISLAND), is a poignant reminder of the Thousand Islands' most famous -- and most tragic -- love affair. At the turn of the century, George Boldt, the owner of New York City's elegant Waldorf Astoria Hotel, decided to build a castle as a symbol of his devotion to his young bride Louise. He selected a jewel of an island and had it reshaped as a heart. Construction began and the 120-room castle took form. Before it was complete, the young Mrs. Boldt died suddenly. The millionaire ordered all work to halt and he never returned to the island. In 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property, and gradually began a restoration process that continues to this day. From the outside, the castle is an impressive structure. From the inside, parts are yet unfinished, in a sad way evocative of the affair.

Today Heart Island, near Alexandria Bay, is accessible by private craft and tour boats. Visitors can walk the island, examine the carved stone cherubs, stroll down marble walkways, study hand-crafted tile work, and pause for a moment to cherish the present and dream of the future.

Boldt Castle is just the beginning of a Thousand Islands vacation. The islands are beautiful -- some so tiny they can hardly contain a tent, others so lush that millionaires claimed them for their castles. One of the best ways to see the Thousand Islands and Boldt Castle is by a boat tour. Uncle Sam's Boat Tours, Clayton and Alexandria Bay (315/686-3511, 315/482-2611, 800/ALEXBAY) offers tours of the islands and Boldt Castle.