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A Shovel's Worth:
(BRIEF DESCRIPTION)
 Located
three miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway lies a place of history,
heritage, and mining lore. Explore the historic Bon Ami Mine
with authentic mining equipment, mine for gemstones in our
fresh water flume, watch artisans cut and mount jewelry, and then picnic in our indoor or
outdoor picnic areas. While here take in the many free displays such as the Antique Music
Museum, the Homestead (our farm display), Gallery of Minerals and Crossings of the Blue
Ridge Railroad to name only a few.
A Mine Car
Full!: (EXTENDED DESCRIPTION)
 A
PLACE OF FASCINATION... Nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains
near Little Switzerland is
a group of gem, mineral, & mining attractions known as Emerald Village. In this famous
historical mining area, 60+ different rocks & minerals have been found, including
Aquamarine, Emerald, Garnet, Smoky Quartz as well as Uranium and Fluorescent minerals.
Historical preservation of these mines and the opportunity to prospect for your own gems
make Emerald Village the center of North Carolina Gem collecting activities. |
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 Cameras
welcome! Great photo opportunities abound. Several beautiful
mines are located on the property as well as the Bon Ami "Good
Friends" Waterfall. Activities include self guided tours of the
famous Bon Ami Mine where much
authentic mining equipment is on display. The tour leaves from
our museum Visitor Center which houses a gift shop, Bon Ami, Tobacco &
Quilt displays.
Don't forget Gem Mining, where you are guaranteed a gem find every time, and can keep what
you find. See artisans working in our cutting shops where you can have your finds
identified and cut by skilled personnel.
In addition there is the Company Store, a walk through display which shows a miniature
mine town as it would have looked from the 1920's - 1950's when these mines were in
operation.
 Be sure and see all the free displays in the Discovery Mill Building. There is the
crossings of the Blue Ridge Railroad exhibit which has an audio-animatronic conductor. He
tells about the Clinchfield Loops, a local railroad line while you see it in HO Scale.
Also housed in this large building is an Antique Music Museum which has numerous player
pianos, crank type music boxes and other types of musical instruments. For those who like
old farm stuff take a moment to look at the Homestead Display which houses many items in a
barn-like atmosphere. Meander through the Gallery of Minerals and enjoy the Ultraviolet
(black light) display where minerals glow in the dark.
 The Miner's Daughter's Attic (named
after our ghost Ellie Joe) houses collectibles, antiques and junk for display and sale. One of the
children's favorites is the North Carolina Wildlife Display. Tucked away in our picnic
area is the Hidden Staircase especially for very small children. We also have an outdoor
picnic area and large parking lots to accommodate tour buses. We cater to groups and give
them their own Hill Billy guides (employees who love to act and dress the part). We
furnish teachers with an aid pack which includes a test with key, a mineral identification
card for classroom use after their visit, a trail guide for preview before arriving, a
brochure, a map on how to get here, and depending on the season a bloom chart for teachers
to use in bus games on the way here. Whether a family or a group, you will
truly say "This has been a PLACE OF FASCINATION!!!" |
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If you have any questions contact us at 828-ROK-MINE
(765-6463) or
828-765-0000,
email us, or
Use Our Online Request Form.
Open Daily April 1, 2008- November 15, 2008
April: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
May 1-23: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
May 24 – September 1: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
September 2 – October 31: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
November 1 – 15: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Closed December through March, except office & mail orders. |
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