What's good folks? So I had the chance to check out Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine and man, oh man, it was a good time. If you're ever in North Carolina, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Let me tell you about it.
Introduction
Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine is located in Chimney Rock State Park, which is about 25 miles southeast of Asheville, NC. The park itself has loads of hiking trails and some pretty epic views. But we'll save that for another post.
So the gemstone mine is exactly what it sounds like. You pay for a bucket of dirt filled with gems and minerals and you get to sift through it to see what you can find. It's basically like panning for gold, but with gems instead. They have a few different bucket sizes to choose from, depending on how much you want to spend.
Now, I'll be honest. I was a little skeptical at first. I wasn't sure if it was going to be worth the money or if it was just some tourist trap. But let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised.
About
First of all, the staff was super friendly and helpful. They gave us a quick tutorial on how to sift through the dirt and what to look for. They also identified some of the gems we found and explained a little bit about each one. It was cool to learn about stuff like that.
The actual experience of sifting through the dirt was surprisingly relaxing. It was nice to just slow down, focus on one thing, and take our time. We were there for about an hour and a half and it flew by. It was also just really cool to find actual gems and minerals. We found everything from quartz to amethyst to garnets.
And I'll be honest, I felt like a little kid again. It was fun to get excited about something like finding a cool rock.
FAQ
Now, before you go, here are some things you might be wondering:
Do I need to bring anything?
Nope! They provide everything you need - the bucket of dirt, the sifting tray, and even a little baggy to take home your finds. They also have a little souvenir shop if you want to buy some more gems or minerals.
Is it worth the money?
That's ultimately up to you, but I'd say yes. We did the $15 bucket and found a good amount of cool rocks. But it's also just a fun experience overall.
Is it kid-friendly?
Definitely. There were loads of families there with young kids and everyone seemed to be having a good time. It's a good way to get the kids off their screens and doing something hands-on.
Is it accessible?
For the most part, I think so. The mine is located in a hilly area, so there are some steep inclines and stairs to navigate. But they do have a shuttle that takes you up to the mine if you can't or don't want to walk up.
Is there anything else to do in the area?
Definitely. As I mentioned earlier, Chimney Rock State Park has loads of hiking trails and scenic overlooks. There's also Lake Lure nearby, which is a beautiful spot to relax or go for a swim. And if you're into craft beer, there are a ton of great breweries in the area.
So that's my take on Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine. It was a fun and surprisingly relaxing experience. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. And hey, even if you're not really into rocks or minerals, it's a good excuse to slow down, unplug, and enjoy some nature.