WOW, I can’t believe how time flies. . .it’s been a few months since I last blogged, what’s up with that? So by now most of you “regular” visitors may be saying, hmmm, WonderfulWonders hasn’t done too much traveling in and around the Hudson Valley this summer…. unfortunately you are right. Somehow our days have been filled with work, errands and then more work. So to all of you that follow my blog, you know that now that the warmer temperatures are here it’s time for my honey and I to get out and about traveling around the Hudson Valley.
We took a drive recently to Mt. Tremper to check out the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope – Kaleidostore at the Emerson Country Store. The store is filled with a large variety of unique items from the newest trendy fashion items to vintage fashion, antique to modern furniture and so much more!
Outside the front door an adorable garden says “relax, enjoy & stay awhile.” 
I love love love shops like this!
The kaleidoscope is housed in the 56+ feet tall (certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as being the World’s Largest) silo of a beautifully restored 19th century dairy barn, The World’s Largest Kaleidoscope has been mesmerizing guests since 1996, which means we happen to visit while they are celebrating their 15th anniversary!
The World’s Largest Kaleidoscope show features brilliant moving images while you listen to theater-quality sound. While you watch the amazing images moving and taking on different shapes & sizes you are treated to great music by Gary Burke, a local composer and drummer who has worked with Frances Ford Coppola and Bob Dylan. Listening to this music takes you back in time as you hear hints of folk, jazz, big band, psychedelic rock and patriotic grandeur.
When visiting, you will enjoy one of three shows, depending on the season. We saw the America, The House We Live In: A look at the history of America from settlement days through the first space walks and the sixties.
With Woodstock being only a short distance away, the music was appropriate for our location. So, what did we do, but of course head over to Woodstock for a bite to eat and browse the shops.
As suggested in our Hudson Valley & Catskill Mountains An Explorer’s Guide book, we stopped at Alyce & Roger’s Fruit Stand 
on Route 28 in Mt. Tremper and picked up the most delicious corn relish! The couple (we assume Alyce & Roger) was so friendly and kind, we will absolutely go back for more of their fresh relish and jams!
We absolutely had to go back to Cafe Mezzaluna 
on Route 212 in Saugerties. We knew from out last visit how special this place was and it was confirmed again when we walked in the door and Sherri greeted us with that same warm & friendly smile. More specifically, she asked if we were again staying at the Grouse House/Penthouse (where we spent a long weekend last year). Her remembering us and where we stayed re-confirmed why we LOVE Cafe Mezzaluna!
There are many great places in and around the Catskills and Hudson Valley and we love exploring them all!
As always, I wish you days filled with wonder – take a minute to wonder what it is that made you smile today!
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