Hello Friends!
Deep in the northwestern part of North Carolina lives the Brushy Mountains, kin to the Blue Ridge Mountains, separated by the Yadkin River. It is here that I found one of my favorite adventures!
Emerald Hollow Mine, Hiddenite
You may have heard that North Carolina contains emeralds, but did you know that hidden in a tiny little area called Hiddenite, lies Emerald Hollow Mine; the only emerald mine in the world open to the public for prospecting?
Emerald Hollow Mine Entrance
Yep, that’s right. In fact, this area of NC is home to more than 60 different gems and minerals–including hiddenite–a very rare gemstone.
Featured on the Travel Channel
I actually learned about this place on the Travel Channel and thought it sounded like the perfect destination for a treasure hunter, rock hound, prospector, camper, adventurer and such, so off I went! I love North Carolina anyway (except for those pesky Duke Blue Devils!), and that drive through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains would be worth the trip–even if I didn’t make my fortune in emeralds.
Base Camp–Hiddenite Family Campground
So the first thing was to establish base camp before staking my emerald claim. My good luck was already beginning, for just down the road, tucked away in the woods along the South Yadkin River, was Hiddenite Family Campground!
Great place for base camp!
Family owned and operated, it was clean, friendly, peaceful and affordable, with lots of acreage to explore. http://www.hiddenitecampground.com 828-632-3815.
It is truly hidden, cause it’s in the middle of nowhere–just the way I like it! I always try to get to a campsite before dark, but it was about dusk when I pulled Etta Mae (my first camper van) into camp. With a beautiful but long drive logged in for the day, I was ready to get some sleep.
The next morning brought sunshine and excitement; as I was eager to get to Emerald Hollow Mine and start prospecting! First things first, however, so breakfast was prepared at camp. You can’t treasure hunt on an empty stomach you know!
Prospectors Paradise
I arrived at Emerald Hollow Mine, greeted by a flock of very friendly ducks in the red dirt parking lot. Walking down the matching red dirt road, the mining ‘complex’ came into view, starting with the office.
Mine Office
Since this is an active mine, a permit is required by law. With a $30 permit in hand, my options were sluicing, digging and creeking or creekin’–just like we say it in KY! Permits are less if you just want to do one or two mining methods. The permit was good for the entire day, so I wanted the full experience. http://www.emeraldhollowmine.com. 828-635-7548
Although I enjoyed it all, my favorite was creekin’. Finding a spot along side the cool, tranquil water of Emerald Creek with my spade and sluice box was pure satisfaction.
The sun is shining on my legs–I’m not quite that white!
Relaxation and excitement at the same time! I could’ve stayed there all day…which I pretty much did.
Demanding Ducks!
Prospecting sure works up an appetite, so a much needed break resulted in a walk back up the red dirt road to the Etta Mae where lunch was waiting in the cooler.
Lunch with the ducks
Hungry, demanding, but sweet ducks were waiting too and to say they expected guests to share their vittles was NOT an exaggeration, so we obliged.
I think this one would’ve went home with me!
The rest of the day included more prospecting and shopping the lapidary shop where gems from the earth at Emerald Hollow were made into jewelry.
My mom was with me on this trip–here she is jewelry shopping right on the mine site
Although I didn’t find an emerald, I did find a unique piece off green quartz.
Not an emerald, but it’s green–my favorite color!
Always having a love for geology, I was completely satisfied with my find. After an incredible fun filled day of prospecting I said goodbye to our friendly mine guides and
Friendly Mine Guides
to this wonderful little North Carolina gem. I headed back to camp where a good night’s sleep came easily after a hard day’s “work” at the mine.
Side Trip–Lexington, NC!
One of my traveling rules–make as many side trips as you can while at your main destination! If you know beforehand everything that is in the region, you can maximize your time to see and do as much as possible. While researching this area, I saw it was close to another stop I wanted to make. You all probably know I’m a flea market fool, and the Farmer’s Market Flea Market in Lexington, NC is a great one. I found out about it from a cousin of a cousin who operated a booth there. What fun we had!
Huge flea market!
This market has everything and was only an hour from my base camp at Hiddenite! It’s a must do when in this area. Like them on Facebook or visit their website at http://farmersmarket-fleamarketnc.com or call 336-479-0034.
Gotta have some southern BBQ!
Another North Carolina must do is BBQ! After shopping to your heart’s content or until your feet can’t take another step, check out Smiley’s Lexington BBQ, located at 917 Winston Rd.
Even though college basketball may separate me from NC, this town is named Lexington too…and BBQ is a southern thing, and I am a southern girl Y’all!
The Adventure Continues At Biltmore!
With Hiddenite in the rear-view mirror, more exploring lay ahead with another North Carolina jewel, the Biltmore House in Asheville.
Biltmore–a must see!
Wow! if you haven’t been, you need to go visit this amazing piece of history, architecture and American royalty–the home of George Vanderbilt and his family. With the misty Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, the Biltmore mansion is one of the most famous structures in the US and is a must see. http://www.biltmore.com
Biltmore estate is full of places to explore
The estate also encompasses lush landscapes with beautiful flower gardens, walking paths, ponds and courtyards.
Flowers everywhere!
Nearby Antler Village includes shopping, dining and a winery, all of which I explored and indulged.
Wine tasting at Antler Village
Walking through the mansion which was completed in 1895, imagining how these people lived so lavishly is mind-blowing!
Home of the Vanderbilts
From the impressive 7-story high ceiling banquet hall with its Flemish (Belgium-Dutch) tapestries from the 1500’s and a table that sits 38 people, to the 1916 pipe organ, indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, and of all things…a bowling alley! As grand as the interior of the mansion is, my favorite space are the balconies.
The balconies were my favorite! There’s my Momma again
I’m sure if I had lived at Biltmore I would’ve spent most of my time there with a good book from the library and a glass of wine. Winter would find me in front of one of those 65 fireplaces!
Asheville
As if Biltmore wasn’t enough, Asheville is a wonderful little town with much to see and do. I love the way its laid out, kinda on a hill, yet nestled in the mountains. It’s so inviting and artsy with cafes, sidewalk seating, and music in the background. Of course this whole area is full of outdoor recreation, and those mountains are the star attraction!
Plan To Go Off Course!
What started out as a quest for emeralds led to an awesome 4-day adventure. It’s great to have a plan, but veering off the path is half the fun! Go Wildcats!
Will never forget this place!
Until next time, remember...DON’T WAIT TO LIVE!
See ya down the road…
Catrina