Joseph Rosendo's Steppin' Out

-It's said a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Whoo!

Welcome to "Joseph Rosendo's Steppin' Out."

In celebration of my 20th anniversary on PBS and Create TV, we're stepping out into Ontario, Canada's Thousand Islands to discover the heart and soul of its historic, artistic, and natural treasures.

-"Joseph Rosendo's Steppin' Out" is made possible by... -Since 1975, we've inspired adults to learn and travel in the United States and in more than 100 countries.

From exploring our national parks to learning about art and culture in Italy, we've introduced adults to places, ideas, and friends.

We are Road Scholar.

We make the world our classroom.

[ Helicopter blades whirring ] [ Dramatic music plays ] -The Thousand Islands is an area rich in art, history, and natural beauty.

It's an international destination that embraces 1,864 islands and Canadian and U.S.

communities along the St.

Lawrence River and the eastern shores of Lake Ontario.

The town of Gananoque is the Canadian gateway to the Thousand Islands and the birthplace of the renowned Thousand Islands Playhouse.

The theater's historic site played a starring role in connecting the community with its natural setting.

And since its inception in 1982, the theater's presence has inspired and nurtured the region's artistic environment and cultural preservation.

You know, the theater has been here for so long.

But how did it start?

-Well, I mean, the history of this building is well-known to everyone in this community.

It was built as the Canoe and Motor Club in 1909, and it was the place where people went to get out onto the St.

Lawrence.

-So it has an important history with the community in other ways, too.

-Gan was a really huge industrial center, and as manufacturing reduced and receded in this region, they were looking for something new.

And I think this merry band of actors, whether they knew what they were doing or not, said, like, "We want to set up in this old building and put on plays for people."

And now, 45 years later, it's turned into this very, very important cultural center for the region, if not for the entire province.

-I was an actor for a long time, and it's great to be back onstage... *-Yeah.

-...actually sitting on the set of your show you're doing now.

-Yeah.

So, this show is "Sugar Road."

It's a beautiful, funny, little story about a small town.

So much a part of the relationship with the audience is reflecting their experience back to them so they can learn something, so they can recognize themselves in the story.

And this one in particular is so resonant in a community like this one.

"Sugar Road" will be the first show in the season, and, then, after this will be the mega musical "Grease."

And of course, this is the year, the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

So we're celebrating the Canadian response and relationship to that moment with "Come From Away" in September and October.

-Fabulous.

Speaking of that, how about your other neighbors?

-My other neighbors?

-The neighbors across that dividing line in the middle of the St.

Lawrence River.

-I mean, we have a saying that there is no dotted line across the river.

-Yeah.

-We have a very strong relationship with everybody in the United States.

And I think this Thousand Islands region really sees itself as a mutual environment.

We have a lot of American visitors that come up here.

-Right.

-And we want to ensure that they're having a good time, too.

-Well, I expect my PBS viewers will be wanting to join that group.

-I hope so.

-And that bleeds into the community.

All the businesses, restaurants benefit from you being here.

-We have 50,000 people come here to visit this theater, many of them coming from outside of the community.

It's only a town of 5,000 people, so they visit all the restaurants and the shops.

And so a whole new relationship formed with these people that were coming in and more artists.

You know, there's a much stronger relationship now with the arts community.

There's the Gan Arts Network and different other artists that have cropped up during this time.

I came from Toronto.

I will admit, I'm a big-city guy who moved to the small town.

The thing that I found is it's an incredibly inclusive environment.

Because it's such a small town, you all got to work together.

No matter if you attend the theater or not, it is our responsibility to have a relationship with you, because we are your neighbor.

[ Bell tolling ] [ Birds chirping ] -Ah.

Good day, sir.

Welcome to the O'Connor Gallery.

-Ooh.

Look at this.

-Oh, we always have to start off with wine, right?

-Absolutely.

-You know, and I want to make sure that you're comfortable here.

-Dennis, why Gananoque?

-Gananoque is absolutely gorgeous.

But I like to think that one of the major reasons for coming into this town is the cultural.

The cultural aspect is so important.

-From an artistic point of view, what in the area inspires artists?

-Of course a lot of the artists get a lot of influence with the beauty of the islands and landscapes.

But it also brings out the sort of experimental part of art.

I think because we don't have the influence of major urban centers, they feel more relaxed to be able to break out into something different.

-What started it all?

-Seeing the theater open really made a big change in the town of Gananoque.

-Oh.

-The playhouse was really the beginning of looking at the town as a cultural destination.

Art encourages more art.

And the more artists that arrive here, it becomes really sort of like a laboratory of artistic sensibilities and excitement.

We have it all here.

It's all well-represented in Gananoque.

-Well, thank you very much for your participation... -Thank you.

-...in making this such an art center.

Cheers.

-My absolute pleasure.

[ Soft music plays ] -In 1967, the people of Gananoque decided to take the site of a former shovel factory and create Confederation Park.

It was dedicated 100 years after the confederation of Canada itself.

It's a wonderful respite for visitors and locals alike.

To me, it's a metaphor for the Thousand Islands, because the attractions here are human-sized, They're sweet, and they're peaceful, and it's a reminder that everything you need is within easy reach.

[ Mid-tempo music plays ] It's a beautiful time here in Gananoque, the gateway to the Thousand Islands.

Sun is about to set over the boathouses and the boats that are here in the local dock.

Just surrounded by beauty.

You know, there are actually 1,800 islands in the Thousand Islands.

And the interesting thing is there is no Thousand Islands without Canada and the United States being together, because part of them are in the United States, and part of them is in Canada.

Nice metaphor for how much we need each other.

[ Rock music plays ] -Whoo!

-Whoo!

-Whoo!

-Oh, my!

-Keep going!

Get down!

[ Cheers and applause ] [ Birds chirping ] -Enjoying the sunrise and the multilayers of light and clouds, it's understandable why people would come here and be inspired by the natural landscape and create these works of art that they do.

It's an opportunity to slow down, focus on the fluttering of the leaves and the wind, and give yourself the time to feed your artistic soul.

So, I'm with Susanne Richter, and we're here at the Thousand Islands Boat Museum.

And of course it's natural that the Thousand Islands would have a boat museum, because boats are so important here in St.

Lawrence River.

-And in particular the towns and the settlements along the river, because of course at that point, there weren't roads as the country was developing, so the river was the road.

And the way to travel along the river was by boat.

-And this would have been one of them.

-This is a St.

Lawrence skiff.

It was used for everything.

It was used to go to work.

It was used to fish.

It was used to open your cottage.

It was the car.

And you can see that that evolved from a canoe.

-I love these kinds of informational panel you have here, because they actually tell the history of Canada at the same time.

-So, these are the Voyageur canoes.

-You have an example of this?

-We usually have them here in the summer so that people can go out in a Voyageur canoe.

This is a runabout.

And that, again, would have been used now with an engine to go to the cottage, to come back from the cottage, pick up the kids.

-How many examples of the boats that were on the St.

Lawrence River do you have here?

-We have about 25 boats in the water.

-Wow.

-And we keep most of them ready to go out so that we can take people out for a ride.

This boat museum really focuses just on the boat builders of the Thousand Islands.

-Do you think having a museum like this helps inspire younger people to continue the process?

-We really believe that the Boat Museum needs to be run by young kids, because if they don't think this is cool, there's not much point in doing this.

-So, this basically depicts how this boat in front of us was built by these kids.

When we say kids, how old were they?

-This was the high-school kids from grade 9 to 12 in the local high school.

And really, I think this is one of the most special boats in the collection.

We want to make sure that there are no financial or physical barriers to kids getting onto the river.

It's their birthright, the history here.

[ Mid-tempo music plays ] -Alison, there are over 1,800 islands in what is considered the Thousand Islands.

How many of them are part of Parks Canada system?

-So, Thousand Islands National Park, we have 24 islands.

20 of those islands are available for visitors to go and visit throughout the summer.

-What constitutes an island in Canada?

-[ Laughs ] That's a good question.

It's highly debated.

It depends on who you talk to.

But a certain square footage above-water year round and at least one or two trees.

-Behind us here, we have these Muskoka chairs.

Are those for my use?

-They are, yes.

Parks Canada has those at pretty much all of our sites to welcome people to take a seat, experience what is iconically Canadian.

So, this is Beau Rivage Island.

Beau Rivage in French basically means "beautiful shore."

This is one of the first park islands in the Thousand Islands region which became a national park in 1904, so folks can come and visit to the islands.

If they have a boat, they can buy a permit to dock their boat.

The big draw, I think, is camping on the island.

So, Beau Rivage is a great example.

There are campsites scattered throughout the islands.

You get that iconic Canadian experience.

-So, how can you get left off on an island?

-You can rent a water taxi in advance with a local business like 1000 Islands Kayaking in Gananoque.

-Uh-huh.

-They'll bring you and your gear here for your camping stay.

This is where I think the island gets its name from.

You can see the shoreline, the granite layered up with the water.

It's pretty incredible.

-What trees are these?

-So, these are definitely some red pines.

If you look in at the bunches of leaves in the pine, you'll see five in a bunch, making it a red pine.

Three needles is that unique pitch pine that grows out of the rocks.

Kind of craggy, iconic to the Thousand Islands.

-You know, that water looks really beautiful.

-Are you gonna go for a swim?

-Well, I was gonna say.

I wonder how cold it is.

-[ Laughs ] -Whoo!

Whoa!

So, how cold was it?

Uh...cold.

But not that cold.

And not incredibly cold that you wouldn't want to jump in so that you could say, "Whoo!"

[ Mid-tempo music plays ] Since 1887, campers, boaters, friends, and strangers have gathered in Half Moon Bay Sundays in July and August to listen to a message, but mostly to silently commune with a gentle spirit that permeates the cove.

Name it what you will.

The rustling trees, lapping water, and singing birds accompany its presence.

Recreational activities on the St.

Lawrence River involve more than making a big splash or communing with nature doing a meditative moment.

Fishing is still a popular pastime and leads to the traditional shore lunch, which these days can be had in Gananoque's range of eateries, from cafs and pubs to inns and gourmet establishments.

This is lovely.

They all exude a local flavor.

Oh, look!

-Wow.

-Oh, my gosh.

Look at that.

-I'm with Ray Stedman, chef extraordinaire here at Laverne's, And we're gonna do the namesake.

-Yes.

-The Thousand Islands namesake.

Every place I've been, people say -- [ Laughs ] "Is that where Thousand Islands dressing comes from?"

I say yes.

-Yes.

-How did it come about?

There's so many stories about Thousand Islands dressing came about.

-I believe the most famous one is the one with the Boldt Castle.

And it was one of the local chefs that did the recipe for the wife of the owner of the Boldt Castle.

-I heard they were out on a boat fishing.

-Yeah.

-They ran out of dressing... -[ Laughing ] Yeah.

-...and this guy whipped it up in the kitchen, and it ended up in the Waldorf Astoria.

-Yes, it did.

-Let's get started.

Yeah.

-So, you're gonna get your burner on to low.

-Okay.

-I always take the apple cider vinegar.

-This from Canada, too?

-100% of everything in my restaurant is Canadian.

-Okay.

-And I take the sugar.

You're going to melt that on a very low heat just until the sugar dissolves.

I'm gonna cut up the celery while that's going on.

-Okay.

Okay.

So this looks all melted here.

-That's perfect.

You just set that aside.

We're just going to put our vegan mayonnaise in the bowl.

-This is vegan mayonnaise?

-It's vegan.

-And it tastes like mayonnaise?

-It tastes exactly like mayonnaise.

-Yeah?

-I'm also putting ketchup.

-So, we're just gonna set that aside now, and we're gonna dice up our bread-and-butter pickles.

-What are bread-and-butter pickles?

-Best pickles in the world.

-The best pickles in the world?

-When I do something like this that has even amounts of stuff, I try to do them in the same size, also.

And we're gonna put our pickle juice.

-Why extra pickle juice?

-'Cause there's always that little secret.

You want to do a flat teaspoon of the salt and pepper.

When you do any herbs, you should always sprinkle it across.

-Another great tip.

-So, now, we're gonna have a chance to cool down a bit.

-Yeah.

-And I'm just gonna scrape it out a little bit so we get everything.

Now, the thing with this dressing, you never make it the day that you want to serve it.

It's better in the fridge for about three days.

-Wow.

Cheers.

-Cheers.

-Mmm.

That's not only the best-looking Thousand Islands dressing I've had.

It's the best-tasting.

-Excellent.

Thank you.

-Thank you so much for teaching me how to make Thousand Islands dressing in the Thousand Islands.

-Thank you.

Same to you.

-Thank you.

George Boldt is not just the inspiration behind the Thousand Islands dressing.

He is one of the elites who built summer homes in the Thousand Islands in the late 19th Century, along what was dubbed Millionaire's Row.

On Hart Island, he envisions a monument to love, a genteel retreat for his beloved wife.

Upon her sudden and youthful passing in 1904, he abandons his dream.

For 73 years, the estate is devoid of life, until the Canadian and U.S.

governments decide to devote the last 50 years to giving the Boldts' love story a happy ending.

-The fountain that was recently completed here at Hart Island is just the latest example of how the people that are in charge of stewarding this beautiful property are keeping George Boldt's dream alive.

-Okay.

How's that?

-Yeah.

-The project ended prematurely upon his wife's death.

-Right.

-And so he never got a chance to complete his vision.

And so the people who own and operate and steward this property now, they're continuing with his vision.

Things such as the sea serpents that we see in this beautiful fountain -- they know that was part of his original design.

They know he intended to have a fountain here.

But they don't know where in the island it is.

And so they painstakingly review all of the materials, work with fine craftsmen, and they create what they think his vision was to keep that love story and passion alive.

-How wonderful.

-So, now we're headed toward the Alster Tower, informally known as the Children's Playhouse.

This was the first building on Hart Island that was completed, and they call it the Children's Playhouse because it has a lot of recreational aspects of it.

So, the interior of the Ulster Tower is probably the most recent example of the work that's being done to show visitors what the intended vision of George Boldt was.

This building is a combination of fine craftsmanship and, then, also, structural-integrity work that needs to get done to preserve this building.

-Well, this looks like a room that hasn't been touched.

-There's a lot of rooms on this property that haven't been finished up yet.

It truly is a labor of love.

Mr.

Boldt had four years to work on this island and this project, and the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority has been at it for decades and will be at it for decades more to ensure that his vision comes to life.

-This stairway is extraordinary.

-Yes.

About 30 years ago, they came in with the marble.

-And of course the dome above it.

Whoa!

-A lot of meticulously hand-placed stained glass.

-Amazing.

-Here we go into the theater room.

-And you're still using it as a theater, I see.

It's wonderful.

Here, you got the two countries coming together to reconstruct a man's dream, Because it shows that we can still be touched... by a love story.

I think that's hopeful.

-Well, that's what we're trying to deliver.

It means a great deal to us here.

You know, we have this island, this beautiful facility, and this castle in the middle of the St.

Lawrence River, splitting the United States and Canada.

But the two countries have come together to try and preserve this love story and tell it the right way for generations to come.

-Inspired by romance, enchanted by the isles, and mesmerized by the flowing river, I returned to the Playhouse in a style that honors the region's Gilded Age.

We're gonna have fun tonight?

Yeah!

Hi, guys.

Alright.

Hi.

How are you doing?

Good to see you.

-Hey, Joseph.

Welcome.

How are you?

-They told me I had to talk to you guys.

-Good to see you.

-You're like the two Daves.

-Well, we're the river rats right here.

-The river rats?

-Yeah, yeah.

-How long have you been here?

-Well, my whole life.

But we've got a cottage on Tremont.

We've been there for 36 years.

-How lucky is that?

How about yourself?

-I'm 20 years down the river.

It's wonderful.

-What brought you here?

-I started sailing here when I was about 9 years old in Kingston, and I worked my way this way, and I've been a river rat ever since.

-What do you think about the theater?

-I mean, it's great.

You can come here by boat.

-What an entrance.

-Yeah, yeah.

-Do you guys ever come over by boat yourself?

-We have come by boat.

Absolutely.

Yeah.

You can step off the boat and go to the theater and then go home at night.

It's a beautiful thing.

-That's fabulous.

-Hey.

-I understand you're one of the actresses here today.

-I am one of the actresses.

-Where are you coming from?

-I'm coming from Stratford, Ontario.

-Wow.

Alright.

-Yeah.

-So you've had lots of experience.

-Oh, yeah.

-Yeah.

What do you think about this theater?

-I am in love with the theater here and Gananoque.

Oh, I could live here.

-Really?

-Yeah.

-I understand you guys sometimes go for a dip.

-Oh, we jumped in yesterday.

-Nice.

-Yeah.

-I jumped in yesterday, too.

-Did you?

-Yeah.

-Are you telling me the truth?

-Yes.

-It's really cold.

-Yeah.

-You jumped in?

-Yeah.

-And swam away and jumped out?

-Well, I know you're busy.

You're heading up.

I can't wait to see you.

Can't wait to see the play tonight.

-It's a wonderful play.

-I heard so much about it and the theater and the kind of work that takes place.

The play you're doing tonight... -Yes.

-...is it kind of in keeping with the kind of things you normally do, or is it a little bit offbeat, or what do you think?

-It's a very comedic role, which is what my passion is.

-Oh, that's good.

I'm gonna be laughing tonight?

-Money-back guarantee.

If we don't make you laugh, I'm gonna buy your ticket from you.

-Oh, great.

-[ Laughs ] It's amazing how this little theater, 350 seats, they fill it up every night throughout the season.

That's terrific.

Having been in theater, I tell you, that doesn't happen all the time.

[ Down-tempo music plays ] Thank you for joining me on my Thousand Islands Canada Adventure and celebrating my 20 years on PBS and Create TV.

When I was invited to return to the Thousand Islands, I was told we want Americans to know that Canadian hearts and doors are open to them.

I told them there was never any doubt.

In two decades on public television, I've created 23 "Travelscope" and "Steppin' Out" episodes dedicated to Canada -- a diverse, multilingual, inclusive country... -[ All cheer ] -...conceived at a conference table and born out of consensus.

Bordering the northern shore of the St.

Lawrence River, which it shares with the United States, the Thousand Islands represents that element of the Canadian character that celebrates and nurtures the ties that bind us together.

It's reflected in the Thousand Islands Playhouse and its ability to inspire the creative energies that enrich every aspect of Gananoque, the heart of the Thousand Islands.

From art galleries and museums to restaurants and music venues, the Playhouse's success and outstretched arms elevate the endeavors of locals and those from away.

Why?

Because Canadians truly believe that a rising tide lifts all boats.

"No man is an island, entire of itself," wrote poet John Donne.

"Every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main."

To flourish, we need our human connections and our neighborly love.

It's a lesson Canadians know and the rest of us are still learning.

Till we meet again, remember the words of Mark Twain -- "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness."

May your next adventure always be your best.

-"Joseph Rosendo's Steppin' Out" is made possible by... -Since 1975, we've inspired adults to learn and travel in the United States and in more than 100 countries.

From exploring our national parks to learning about art and culture in Italy, we've introduced adults to places, ideas, and friends.

We are Road Scholar.

We make the world our classroom.

-For a DVD of the "Travelscope" of my "Steppin' Out" episodes featured in my anniversary show and to get my memoir and travel book, "Musings," call... Or to order online, go to... or e-mail me at... -Now that we've stepped out in Ontario, Canada's Thousand Islands together, learn more at josephrosendo.com, where you can follow my worldwide adventures through my magazine, blog, podcast, and social media.

Stay in touch -- 888-876-3399, or e-mail me at [email protected].

-You came today for a group-painting experience.

-That's right.

We invite anybody that wants to paint.

They sit down and paint with us, and we share ideas.

-So if I was a visitor, if I wanted to come in, and I have some interest in art and painting, I could probably find a place to commune with other like-minded people.

-Exactly.

There are so many artists in this area, it's unbelievable.

You can join all kinds of groups.

-Fabulous.

-And the Gan Arts Network is one of the movers and shakers right now in this community, and they've done a whole lot for bringing it up that much more.

- Steppin' out - Steppin' out