HERKIMER, N.Y. (WKTV) - Just across the road from New York State Thruway Exit 30 in Herkimer sits a gem of the area, presenting a little bit of everything the Mohawk Valley has to offer.

"This is a unique destination. This is not a visitors center the way you think of a visitors center." explained Dr. Renee Scialdo Shevat, President and Owner of Gems Along the Mohawk.

What makes it so unique is its three main attractions - waterfront dining at the Waterfront Grille, the lock-thru cruising and specialty shopping with more than 70 legacies, all under one roof.

"Gems Along the Mohawk was a vision that many of us had to take all of the pearls that are in Central New York and string them all together because each one of them, as an individual, have something of value," Scialdo Shevat said.

That vision turns ten years old this year, and they plan to celebrate all year long! Scialdo Shevat says she is so happy to be where she is today, but couldn't have done it without the help of those legacies.

"We knew we would be here, but didn't think we would be as successful together with all of our partners as we are today."

So what's next for Gems Along the Mohawk?

"An extension to our Phase One, in terms of our geography. Taking a look at an amphitheater more terrain outside for areas to picnic, or for areas to dine outside or for small and local concerts."

They're looking forward to the next ten years and watching their gem grow.

"It's become an educational process, I believe, for many of us locally to look at it through a different set of lenses."