Western North Carolina is known for its hills full of hidden treasures. From rubies and sapphires to emeralds and gold, the region is stocked with gems, stones and minerals still waiting to be ...

If you're going on a road trip, I hope you're staying open-minded and flexible. After all, there's nothing better than spying on a weird roadside attraction, then peeling off at the next exit to get a ...

Rockhounding is not a hobby you hear about every day. Loosely defined as the practice of recreationally hunting for gems and semi-precious stones in their natural habitats, it's primarily seen as a ...

Uncover precious gems and lots of fun at Sugar Creek Gem Mine in Banner Elk. Uncover precious gems and lots of fun at Sugar Creek Gem Mine in Banner Elk.

Western North Carolina offers several locations for gem mining and exploration. Emerald Village, near Spruce Pine, allows visitors to dig for gems and go underground. Other popular spots in and around ...