Have you ever squinted through the eyepiece of a kaleidoscope and been mesmerized by the transcendental color show inside? Have you ever wondered what it would look like to climb into one? Then now’s the time to visit the newly renovated, 20-acre Emerson Resort & Spa in Mount Tremper, which also happens to house to World’s Largest Kaleidoscope. This 56-foot-high version of the common child’s toy was opened to the public in 1996 and officially certified by the Guinness Book of World Records soon after. In case you were wondering (we certainly were), the kaleidoscope’s 37.5-foot-tall, three-mirrored system works using a colossal pyramid lined with 36 shatter-proof, reflective sheets. The complex endeavor took several months to build in an outdoor construction hangar, and required a 100-foot crane to lower it into the property’s old grain silo.
On July 9, the landmark fixture will officially be 20 years old, and there will be a day-long celebration in its honor. Starting at 10 am, guests are welcome to enter the silo for a special, free screening of Star Dust, which tells the story of inter-galactic inception through the life cycle of a star, and works through the reflection of 254 colorful images projected through the structure and onto a 50-foot sphere. That’s in addition to other new exhibits, kaleidoscope-building workshops, a drum circle, face painting, a food tent, and a live radio broadcast by Woodstock’s WDST. The resort’s on-site restaurant, the Woodnotes Grill, will also be serving “Kaleido-cocktails” and similarly themed desserts.
While the anniversary blowout is free (regular entry is typically $5 for adults), those looking to spend the night and gaze at the real star system can take advantage of the “World’s Largest Kaleidoscope Celebration Package.” Available through Sept. 5, the special bundle includes discounts on room rates and select nail treatments at the spa, two complimentary Kaleido-cocktails, and your very own 20th Anniversary Commemorative Kaleidoscope. Or, just stop by for a (totally hypnotic) family day trip.
