Sometimes it doesn’t matter what attraction is on your itinerary, so long as you can say you saw the world’s largest … whatever. We headed to Ulster County with two such points in our sights, the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope in Mt. Tremper, and Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson – home of Chomsky, the world’s largest garden gnome.

You can see Chomsky as you approach the farm’s entrance; a cheerful, bearded, 13’6” tall welcome beacon. After taking the requisite photos of your kids standing at his boots, you can pick your own fruit, stop by the petting zoo, and play a round of mini-golf.

Heading north to Mt. Tremper, we came upon the black silo which houses the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope, located within the Emerson Country Store. The store itself is a minefield of breakable but beautiful kaleidoscopes available for sale. 

We were quickly escorted to the interior of the silo, and offered the choice of laying on the floor to see the show, or leaning on tilted back boards. The ten-minute show -- colorful, musical, and somewhat psychedelic – is reflected off three 37-foot tall mirrors.

The high-quality sound system was too much for our 22-month old daughter, who made it through half before demanding an escape. A selection of three shows rotate, depending on the season. Go anytime Friday through Monday, 10:00am to 5:00pm. Tickets are $5.00 per person, but children under 12 get in free.

Afterwards, we enjoyed a quick, casual lunch at the organic Bread Alone Bakery and Café in Boiceville serving up homemade breads, pastries, sandwiches and salads. Just a few hundred feet down the road, we made a quick stop at Fabulous Furniture. Outside stands quirky oversized sculptures made from found objects by owner and artist Steve Heller.

His fascination with vintage cars is evident; what he has done with their parts is surreal. A 20’-tall rocket ship sculpture, entitled “Roswell or Bust,” evoked glee from our daughter, while my husband dallied past the smaller rockets fashioned from ’58 Chevy fins and ’59 Ford quarter panels.

 

Traci L. Suppa can’t wait for her next road trip, riding shotgun in the family minivan and playing “I Spy” with her two kids. www.wordscapesny.com