Liberty View Farms, 340 Crescent Avenue, Highland; (845) 883-7004; www.libertyviewfarm.biz.
Lydia Castiglia has the enviable task as the Emerson Country Store manager and buyer to select items the world over to fill the multigallery upscale shopper’s paradise. The series of shops weave through the restored 19th-century barn and wrap around the refurbished grain silo. But what do you do with a 65-foot-tall grain silo? Covert it into the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope. Visitors stop by to enjoy one of three 10-minute shows celebrating Americana—that’ll remind you of a Pink Floyd light show with a Jimi Hendrix soundtrack—nature, and the holidays. After the rush subsides, head into the gallery and discover the hundreds of unique and handcrafted kaleidoscopes. These aren’t just toys and they aren’t just cardboard tubes—the Country Store commissions over 40 artists to create these works of art. While a small toy keychain scope runs $2.75, the elaborate high-end pieces go up to $3,500. Give a kaleidoscope a loved one can take everywhere. Priced between $90 and $200, functioning bejeweled sterling silver scope pendents hang from chains. Look inside, turn, and watch gemstones tumble into spectacular patterns. The Country Store is more than optical illusions. Find everything from furniture, clothing, books, wine accessories, jewelry, modest lingerie, and kitchenwares including the complete Mario Batali and Culinary Institute of America cooking lines. The Country Store carries brands like Simon Pierce, handblown glass from Vermont, or Tay, locally blended teas you are unlikely to find elsewhere. In a rush? Choose a gift from this holiday season’s Golden E Collection. Elegantly prewrapped for pick-up-and-go ease, these items found throughout the store provide a cross-section of Emerson’s most popular products. Cashmere-soft scarves priced $16 to $24, luxe velvet shoes that can be worn as house slippers or comfortable evening shoes priced $50 to $85, and the Dr. Hauschka all-natural skin care line packed into no-brainer starter kits are just a few items in the collection.
Emerson’s Country Store, 5340 Route 28, Mt. Tremper; (845) 688-5800; www.emersonresort.com.
New Kids on the Block
One of the Hudson Valley’s newest shops, Wiltsie Bridge shows promise, comparing itself to the Sundance General Store in Utah. The shop aims at high quality, low pretension, and supports independent artists, while steering clear of the boutique label—this store is housed in a restored barn with cathedral ceiling. For a stunning gift, try Wiltsie’s metal tree-bark bracelet. It’s rustic and nature-inspired, revealing the cracks and flaking of birch, but it has a fresh, clean, modern look. This wide cuff is sterling silver and priced at $189. Matching rings of varying widths help you mix and match a set that’s all your own.
Wiltsie Bridge, 755 Route 199, Ancram; (845) 758-4001; www.wiltsiebridge.com.
With the popularity of the Stitch ’n Bitch books and Vogue Knitting magazine, knitting is not just for grandmothers anymore. Tinker Street is home to Woodstock Wool Company, a yarn shop and knitter’s oasis. Not only do they color their own kettle-dyed and hand-painted yarns that are named for local streets and landmarks, Woodstock Wool also provides a place for patrons to knit socially. Is there a needle-wielding knitter in your life? Pick from one of the Wool Company’s fun, affordable kits. If you knit, head over and pick up the Pima Cotton Baby Cardigan ($34) to personalize a gift for a precious infant on your holiday shopping list. This beginner/intermediate-level project includes a pattern, kettle-dyed yarn in one of 10 colors, and five buttons. The pattern comes in three sizes ranging from 0 to 12 months. While you are there, join the book group or the charity knit group, which donates all projects to the local battered-women’s shelter.