As some of you know,  I own Northern Paradise, a small
seasonal gift shop here on Wellesley Island.
Northern Paradise is a curiosity shop, a place that
has offered an eclectic mix of wares for over 16 years.
The shop features Hill Woman herbal goods, oils, incense,
and other treats for the spirit and body such as teas, some
culinary blends and aids to relaxation.
Also available are books, artwork, jewelry,  stained glass,
and everything   from toys to selected hand-painted tee-shirts.
The shop is also the first and best rubber stamp store on the river,
with a wide range of  images and a solid assortment of stamping supplies.
During June shop hours are 12 - 6 Saturday and Sunday.
NOW OPEN SUMMER  HOURS OF WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 12 - 6

From Labor Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend the hours return to Saturday and Sunday from 12-6. Northern Paradise re-opens for the two weekends after Thanksgiving for its Annual Holiday Open House.

 

 

Top row: stamp shelves; the counter;
jewelry and door to Beulah annex; more stamps.
Middle row: two views of the  Beulah annex.
Bottom row: the herb and pillow and incense area;
soaps and bookshelves; the other door into the Beulah
 annex and baths and medicinals.

 

It's hard to show what the shop is like inside, the former FineView Post Office,
it's a maze of small rooms and odd corners.
Just the  sort of place to find pleasant surprises.

To get to Northern Paradise follow Rt. 81 North over the 1000 Islands Bridge (there is a $2 toll),
take exit 51N, turn right onto the Old Bridge Road.
Follow that back toward the Bridge until you hit County Rt. 100. 
Turn right, and follow the signs. It's about 2 miles, and the shop is on the right. 
It's deep purple with green trim, which makes it hard to miss.
Call ahead 315-482-2985 or 482-4018 if you want to be certain that the shop will be open.

Wellesley Island is beautiful in all seasons. From Memorial Day through early fall there are restaurants and ice cream stands, other shops, golf courses and other attractions. The State Parks and  Minna Anthony 
Common Nature Center are great places to watch wildlife, have a picnic or hike. The State Parks do charge a day-use fee between Victoria Day (the weekend before Memorial Day) and Labor Day. In the off season 
there are deer, birds, various mammals, and maybe even the  occasional Bald Eagle. There is a gas station/deli open all year round, right on the corner of the road to the State Parks, so you can find gas, hot food, 
and beer or soda. To see more, visit our Wellesley Island Website.