Any visit to Hendersonville, North Carolina, is always guaranteed to be an enjoyable time. With so many options for things to do, it’s also difficult to decide what makes the list of must-do activities. One though, that absolutely belongs on the bucket list is a visit to the Elijah Mountain Gem Mine.
According to TripAdvisor.com, this attraction is actually the #1 thing to do when visiting the Hendersonville area. And it's easy to see why!
Here, you'll grab a bucket and then mine for gems. Yep... it's just like it sounds. The only variables are the bucket sizes. And like the bowl of soup Goldilocks finally tasted in the legendary fairy tale written in the 19th century, there's a bucket that's just right size for everyone.
People of all ages have a blast mining for gems on the indoor and outdoor (yet covered) sluices. As you can see here in the forefront of this great photo, the Beast Bucket of dirt is most definitely appropriately named!
The process of gem mining (if you're new to the fun) could not be any easier. Just shovel a bit of dirt into your sluicing box and then let the water do the rest.
There are gem mines all over the mountains of western North Carolina. But when you're in Hendersonville, don't underestimate the good, wholesome, family fun hiding behind this modest facade on the highway. Stop. Stay awhile and be among those grinning from ear to ear.
The attraction is now fully open. The hours are seven days a week from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Learn more from the official website for Elijah Mountain Gem Mine.
