Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes

Jerome, Arizona

Laying claim to the title of world’s largest kaleidoscope shop Nellie Bly in Jerome, Arizona opens a colorful and dazing world to visitors. Even before one steps through the doorway the wonder starts with a kaleidoscope prism aimed at a planter of bright blossoms – just give it a spin.

Once inside, the vast array of “scopes” astounds – everything from pocket-sized selling for only a few dollars to massive works of art costing thousands. Shopping here is a definite hands-on experience, or rather an eye-on experience. Whether it’s in the form of a necklace or a floor model a knowledgable staff shares info about the artists, designs, optics and mechanics.

Nellie Bly represents more than 90 artists and stocks literally hundreds of kaleidoscopes in addition to original art glass and jewelry.

Jerome once had the reputation as Wickedest Town in the West and grew to a copper mining town of nearly 20,000 in the 1920s. After the mine was closed in 1953 Jerome virtually became a ghost town. Today the town 27 miles southwest of Sedona attracts visitors to its National Historic District and active artist community.

Nellie Bly is a bedazzling reason enough for a trip to Jerome.