Tucked away in the Blue Ridge in Little Switzerland, Emerald Village is a slice of the past you can still experience today. Here you can mine for gems, pan for gold, or take home treasures with staff to help you identify your discoveries and also professionals that can assist in cutting and polishing your finds to make them into jewelry. This place is a true ‘hidden gem.’

Facebook / Emerald Village, Inc.
The unique Emerald Village is a cluster of 12 historical real gem mines that have been featured on National Geographic and Travel Channel.
Facebook / Emerald Village, Inc
As an ode to its history, Emerald Village aims not to recreate the classic experience of mining but make it easy, accessible and safer for a new generation. The grounds of Emerald Village were mined for years and years, but they still keep producing treasures!
Facebook / Emerald Village, Inc.
One aspect history buffs enjoy is the display of original equipment once used in the mining process. In the picture above, you'll see an ore car. In 1981 at Crabtree Emerald Mine, the ore car was loaded with emerald and brought to the surface.

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Facebook / Emerald Village Inc
Facebook / Emerald Village, Inc.
A popular activity for the little ones is panning for gold or the gemstone mine. One way Emerald Village is set apart from the other popular mines is that everything you find, you get to keep. If you want to learn a bit more about the history before digging for gold, stop by the NC Mining Museum. Those seeking a more rugged, hands-on adventure have the option to dig in the dumps of the famous Crabtree Emerald Mine or McKinney Mine dumps where over 100 various rocks, gems and minerals have been discovered.
Facebook / Emerald Village, Inc.
Sure, everything during the day is awesome but you'll REALLY want to come at night for the underground, black light mine tour. You'll journey underground into Bon Ami Mine, the blacklight makes visible the hidden colors earthed within the rock. Coatings in Bon Ami are mainly Hyalite Opal, a true form of opal found in this area.The black light tours are only offered ten days out of the year but you can arrange special custom group tours.
Facebook / Emerald Village, Inc.
From the family and pet friendly facilities, to the Discovery Mill Building (with great mountain views), two gift shops, underground mine tours at night, and all the natural beauty...waterfall included, Emerald Village is a truly unique experience you won't find anywhere else in North Carolina.

Wow! What a cool place, did you know this existed?

Please note: Emerald Village is only open seasonally from March til November. For more information, visit their official website.

You’ll find Emerald Village at 331 McKinney Mine Rd, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

 

Looking for other North Carolina gems to visit? Did you know you can rent this entire North Carolina island for $210 a night?

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