Tour de Loop Scoop: The Western Side of the Erie Canal

The Western Erie Region "features the longest section of the canal that still follows its original path and retains its historic relationship to the communities and landscapes along its banks."

Inviting looking restaurant once we headed back in the canal way after having crossed Oneida Lake.

Livin' large.

Scenic

We had to stop at Brewerton Boatyard for an O-ring and an extension pole. This is "Bear" (when we were walking up and she was laying down outside and that's exactly what I thought she looked like. Here she is wet because she has already been in the water) and she wants her owner to continue playing fetch with her. Their morning routine; he throws, she retrieves. Simple as that.

Heading under our first guard gate and into our first lock on the western side of the canal.

The owners have done a nice job of making their riverside home an oasis.

The western side of the Erie Canal is more developed.

More river views.

Most trawlers choose the Oswego Canal which connects the Erie Canal to Lake Ontario. From there they head to the Trent Severn Waterway, into Georgian Bay in Lake Huron. We were Buffalo bound.

Waiting for the green light at Lock E-24 to proceed.

After running 7 hours and passing through the lock we called it a day and tied up to the town dock at the Village of Baldwinsville. There were 2 volunteers who welcomed us with a smile and an array of local brochures.

Circular gathering area along the canal in front of the docks.

Later that evening we had a rain storm pass through.

West Genesee street in downtown Baldwinsville.

This is one of the most entertaining window dressings I have ever seen.

One of my favorite four letter words!! After doing some damage from one of these events I like telling Bill how much money I have saved him.

And looking down the opposite side of West Genesee street.

At the far end of the street is the First Presbyterian Church which was erected in 1865 and designed by Horatio Nelson White. Beautiful stained glass windows.

A couple of artists across the street are painting a mural on the side on the building depicting the historical aspects of the town.

Historical old building that currently houses the police department.

An 1845 building that has been refurbished. The first floor is occupied by the upscale Mohegan Manor Restaurant.

These adorn both sides of the doorway. It looks to hold holy water so maybe you bless yourself prior to entering the restaurant because you have been "blessed" to be able to afford the fine dining and the bill that comes with it.

For some, there is an art to enjoying cakes, ice cream, chocolate, and coffee that establishments like these have to offer.

Looking out from the bridge onto the Seneca River.

The hottest eatery in town, River Grill.

Daylight is about to end in such dramatic fashion.

How is looks on the other side of the river.

We headed out the next day with a chance of light showers.

Photos from our boat to you.

There has been very little activity on the canal since we started the journey. Above is a couple enjoying a ride in their canoe.

We have been blessed and have had little down time due to inclement weather. Here we are running during some light rain.

Shortly after tying off to the dock wall in Lyons we were greeted by Jack who was the village ambassador for the mariners. Electric, water, bathrooms, showers and WIFI are the 5 most important pieces of knowledge to obtain upon arrival. Along with the 5 essentials Jack also shared some of the historic locations we needed to make sure we didn't miss. He was an excellent representative for Lyons.

Welcome sign coming into the downtown area.

Benches run along the dock wall overlooking the canal. An assortment of colorful flowers line the path up to town.

Tour de Loop and our dock wall neighbor.

Another one of those locations where we have to climb out of our boat.

View from the bridge looking over the backside of the village.

This was one of the H.G. Hotchkiss buildings owned and used during the peppermint heydays. Green paint accents paired with the red brick makes this building really stand out.

Side view. This building dates back to 1879.

Built in 1835! On the top floor, second opening from the left is a mural painted which depicts a man using a winch to move a heavy object.

More historic buildings on Water street.

A view down William Street. Just charming - flags and hanging baskets of flowers on every lamppost and large pots of colorful flowers on every street corner!

This corner has been home to a bank since 1838.

Above is the list.

This is another small town where you are stepping back in time. Colleges should offer architectural classes all along the canal due to the large number of historical buildings. We wish we could "will" more people to visit Lyons.

Love the corner buildings.

The Ohmann Theatre opened back in 1915. With the help of a government grant the old theatre has been totally renovated. I was allowed to take a peek inside. There were only 4 people watching the children's movie that was playing on a Friday matinee - so sad. I bought a bag of popcorn before I left.

Lyons is dubbed the birthplace of "Mural Mania". Below are a handful of other murals found throughout the village.

Street of Dreams Mural

The murals give the town a homey feel.

H.G. Hotchkiss Essential Oil Building was built in 1884. This was the international center of the peppermint oil industry in the 1800's making Lyons the "Peppermint Capital of the World" and crowning the owner and president, Hiram Hotchkiss, the Peppermint King.

The Lyons Heritage Society now sees to its upkeep. Peppermint Patty gave us a tour. She speaks with passion regarding the history of the industry and the building as we walk from room to room. She loves what she does and it comes through.

H.G. Hotchkiss Essential Oil Company first became a success winning numerous "international" awards for their high quality oils before being recognized as a force in the U.S.

The oils were placed in glass bottles, packaged in crates and shipped out. This was "big" business in the area. Competition from the Midwest states and Japan along with the farmers turning to more profitable crops ended Lyons reign as the Peppermint Capital of the World.

For a Saturday night there were only 10 people (us included) at Growler's Pub and Grill. This quaint little town is suffering during these poor economic times.

The next morning we were off and running again. Look. Another lock. Who knew.

It was my dad's 88th birthday so I thought I would send him something he has never received before - Birthday Greetings from the Erie Canal!!

Fairport, was another little village that sprouted and prospered during the early Erie Canal years. It continues today due in large to the assortment of public and private colleges in the area.

This 1912 lift bridge is the only one in the world built on an incline - the south end is higher than the north end. It has been written up in Ripley's Believe it or Not! From Fairport to Lockport we will cross under 15 additional lift bridges (but nothing as unique as this one). Only a few will we have to call the bridge master to request an opening.

Closer look at the lift bridge mechanism.

This is a very active area with people cycling,

and paddle boarding. Overall a couple of the activities the area has to offer on land and water.

Little bit of area history on the home below and the church across the street.

The DeLand (baking soda magnate) mansion was built in the style of a French chateau with wood porches and a tin plated steel roof. He had a second home in central Florida where he and his family spent a large amount of time and invested in the area. The town was later named after him - Deland, Florida. He was also a prominent benefactor in the founding of Stetson College.

Bay Window

Half wrap side porch.

These front doors are directly across from the front doors of the First Baptist Church across the street.

This is directly across the street from the DeLand mansion. From our house to yours, unbelievable. See what money can buy!!

Couldn't capture the stained glass windows so you will have to use your imagination.

They do have a "slight" problem with their steeple. I don't think steeples are suppose to "list"!

This Queen Anne home was built in 1856 by George Brown, who owned of a carriage factory.

Built in 1873 this home is an "excellent example of Second Empire French Chateau. Features include heavily decorated cornices, arched and shuttered windows with keystones, a tower with ornamental iron grill work, and a slate mansard roof."

Roses and daffodils were in full bloom.

I want a wrought iron fence accenting my house!

Where DeLand made his money.

View from our fly bridge down the village dock.

Who are these wild and crazy people? I think the boat in the background is trying to sneak into the picture!

Night falling over Fairport.

A well placed mural will spruce up any area. Hah, even under a bridge.

The next day we traveled to Brockport, NY.

A little area history on the plaque above.

We tied up to the dock wall for $10 which included electricity and potable water!

Never have we seen a bike for 4 which is referred to as a "quad". The dad was with his young children, 2 girls ages 12 and 10 and a son, 8 years old. They were cycling to Buffalo and camping along the way. Mom was waiting to get the call to pick them up from her husband after they had reached their final destination. The family seemed to be having a ball. What a great and fun way to incorporate physical activity into their lives!

A little about Brockport's early industry.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

Love how the red door stands out against the brick. I did try to attend church but mass was being held the next day at 9 am and we were already going to be heading down the Erie Canal. I thanked God for our safe travels.

The church is just a few years old.

Love the corner buildings!

Looking down their main street. Had hoped they had something better playing at the 1950's theatre.

As we can attest to, murals are very popular along the Erie Canal villages and towns. The day we were in the book store a few kids who were in summer school came into the store looking for additional clues on the scavenger hunt they were on. Great way to promote the downtown area.