2 Best Sights in Phoenicia, The Catskills

One of the most unexpected attractions in the Catskills, this darkened 56-foot grain silo houses an enormous walk-in kaleidoscope (certified the world's largest by the Guinness Book of World Records) designed by award-winning kaleidoscope artist Charles Karadimos with the imagery-based video designed by psychedelic artist Isaac Abrams and his son Raphael. After you take in the visual and sound experience at the silo, wander through the gift shop where you can purchase a kaleidoscope of your own, and then out to the cobblestone courtyard of this retail complex, where upscale boutiques sell clothing, furniture, and antiques.

This monastery resides in a four-story bluestone–and–white-oak church on 230 acres bordered by the Beaverkill and Esopus rivers. The building, constructed by Norwegian craftsmen at the turn of the 20th century, includes a 150-person meditation hall, a dining hall, and resident and guest quarters. The only way to visit is to partake in introductory Zen instruction—offered Wednesday evenings and as weekend retreats—or in the Sunday session of services, zazen (or sitting) meditation, and lunch.