THE SHOPS AT EMERSON

Celebrating 25 Years with a NEW Show at the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope

On Saturday, July 22, from 10 am to 5 pm, the Shops at the Emerson Resort & Spa will celebrate over 25 years in the Catskills. Bring the whole family for a FREE day of food, fun, and free viewings of a new Kaleidoshow at the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope. “This new Kaleidoshow celebrates our spectacular location in the Catskills,” said Marci Smith, Manager of the Shops at the Emerson. “In creating it, we want to showcase the natural world of the area, in particular the flowers and birds that make their home among us on the Esopus Creek.”

The location of the Emerson Resort & Spa is indeed worth the visit alone. With the Esopus Creek flowing alongside the property and 360-degree views of the Catskill Mountains on all sides, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic or just stroll the grounds. The lovingly restored 19th century historic dairy barn housing the Shops and the Kaleidoscope stands on the property. Massive chestnut beams supported by equally impressive handhewn, mortise-and-tenoned chestnut posts provide visitors to the barn a close look at the remarkable skill of 19th century farmer craftsmen. Built circa 1841 and restored in the 1990s, it has not shifted out of absolute plumb and alignment by so much as an eighth of an inch in 155 years.

Even higher than the original barn, the huge 1861 extension is also built of chestnut posts and beams. The great height of the magnificent common areas open to the roof has been preserved, while creating interior streetscapes of shops in broad corridors. Walk across hand-laid brick floors surrounded by original wood beams as you stroll from store to store.

The shops offer a vast array of merchandise. As soon as you enter, you’ll be led into some of the most popular shops in the complex—Bath & Body and the General Store. Local products abound here, from goat’s milk bath & body products from Beekman 1802 in Sharon Springs; to pickled vegetables, jams, and pickles from Grey Mouse Farms in Saugerties; to scented artisan candles from the Catskill Candle Company in Tannersville. You’ll also find goods for your country kitchen, everything from local maple syrup, honey, teas, chocolate, dips, sauces, and relishes to kitchen décor, housewares, cooking gadgets, kitchen linens and quirky shopping bags.

Just beyond the General Store is Waldo’s, the store to find Catskills logo wear and specialty items, fishing supplies and books about the Catskills. Come on in any time and pick something up as a remembrance of your time in the mountains. Waldo’s is also a quick stop for sundries, snacks and beverages.

Across the way at the Home Store, you’ll find distinctive furniture and home décor items artfully displayed in a series of room scenes and vignettes to inspire your inner decorator. It’s the perfect store to pick up a few pieces to refresh your space or to reimagine what makes your house a home. Purchasing Manager Regina Calinda said, “we have such fun changing up these vignettes periodically, to keep everything fresh and to inspire you each season.”

Just down the hallway are clothing stores for women, men, and girls. At Melina’s Boutique, find casual to chic women’s clothing and accessories in colors, textures and designs that are trendy yet comfortable. Active and savvy guys will find exactly what they need for outdoor adventures as well as working or playing at home at the Men’s Shop. Find the latest styles and trends for girls age 7-14 at The Three Em’s. Everyone can also pick up that swimsuit you forgot at home, to hop in the Emerson Resort’s year-round hot tub!

The colorful shelves at the Toy Chest are filled with plush animals, art activities and educational toys for active minds, games, books and the largest display of Jellycat plush selection in the Catskills. “We really focus on toys that promote creativity, learning, and family togetherness,” said Marci.

The highlight of the complex is World’s Largest Kaleidoscope and the Kaleidostore. Standing 60 feet tall and 37.5 feet in diameter, the silo from the Riseley Flats Farm was transformed into the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope.

A handmade kaleidoscope

All photos by Joe Damone

Recorded in 1997 by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope, the Kaleidoscope was designed by award-winning kaleidoscope artist Charles Karadimos. Original Kaleidoshows were created and designed by psychedelic art pioneer Isaac Abrams and his son Raphael, a computer artist. Surround sound and a musical score was added by composer and drummer Gary Burke. For the 20th Anniversary of the Kaleidoscope in 2016, a new show was created by Alicia Ramirez, Shea Johnson and Austin Johnson. A new show to celebrate the 25th Anniversary will debut at the family event on July 22.

The Kaleidoshow is a visual and sound experience for all ages within the silo and viewed from the bottom up. Through tapered mirrors, the Kaleidoshow images are transformed into fractal figures and the storytelling begins. To view the show you can lie on the floor or lean against the wall. Tickets for the Kaleidoshow are $5 ages 12 and up, ages 12 and under are free. Tickets are complimentary for hotel guests.

At the Kaleidostore, you can learn more about the history of the kaleidoscope through interactive exhibits, or purchase your own artist-made kaleidoscope to bring home. The store offers beautiful hand-made scopes by such high-end artists as Peggy and Steve Kittelson of Woodland Designs, Sue Rioux, or David Sugich. Made of turned wood, veneer wood, brass, chrome, marble and glass, the scopes are filled with all sorts of objects, some suspended in oil and some with interchangeable parts – all of which are works of art. Scopes are signed by the artists and many are one of a kind. There are even toy scopes for the kids.

The Kaleidostore

The Shops at the Emerson Resort & Spa are located at 5340 Route 28 in Mt. Tremper. The shops, including the Kaleidoshow, are open six days a week, Thursday through Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm, from July through October. Locals Day is every Thursday: residents of Ulster, Greene, and Delaware counties can present a valid NY State Driver’s License or ID card and receive a 20% discount on purchases. For more information, visit emersonresort.com/theshopsatemerson/ or call 845 688 2828 Ext. 7654.