What a total gem of a shop! Everyone here was awesome, happy to answer any questions you might…read morehave. They have gorgeous displays and lots of different gemstones to peruse. The even have a small museum of things I got their mystery eggs and loved what it sas packed full of! All the gemstone glitte.

Shhh.. don't tell anyone. There isn't going to be a 10 carat ruby/sapphire/diamond hidden in that…read morebucket of dirt. But nothing is more fun than watching little kids try so hard to find one, especially in a place with all the COVID precautions needed to keep everyone safe. We had a fantastic time at Crystal Mountain. The "mine" is well set up with all sorts of crystals and stones on display and available for purchase. On the right side of the shop is a sluice that runs roughly 30 feet. If you head into the back of the mine, you will see fossils and other unusual finds. After walking around a bit, we decided to go with the green bucket to split between our two girls and used an online coupon to save a few bucks on it. The green bucket comes with all those little extras, including a geode, that kids find so important. The very kind and well informed owner/manager of Crystal Mine carried our bucket to the sluice and showed our girls how to find those special stones. He gave us several bags to hold their treasures and then left us to 'mine' for gems. Our girls cried out over every little find. They especially loved anything quartz. The owner came to check on us and showed the girls how to tell what kinds of gems they were finding. We filled up four bags with various kinds of stones including a huge geode. Once the bucket was empty, our girls looked over the store and the owner helped them make their own necklaces. We appreciated how mindful he was of expense. Each one cost just $6 when all was said and done and yet he made our girls feel as if they were wearing Cartier. The best moment came when he cracked their geode. In an unexpected bit of good luck in rotten 2020, the big geode turned out to be two geodes. Each one cracked to reveal a cavern of crystals and our girls were simply thrilled. The owner wrapped each one in paper so they could take their geodes home. Our kids had such a good time in this gem mine. It filled them with wonder, something I want for them every day. Much of the credit goes to the owner/manager. He made every moment into an experience... even if we didn't find that 10 carat sapphire.

Needed a rainy day activity with the kids and Elijah Mountain is covered so that checked off the…read moremost crucial box. Good for a relatively short morning or afternoon activity, but panning for gems is fun! We got the $30 bucket and it was enough for two kids to each come home with a full ziplock bag of assorted gems. The chickens also huddled up by us which was also fun and I hear there's other animals too, which we didn't get to see since we weren't feeling the walk in the rain. Inside is a store with all sorts of rocks that are gorgeous if you're looking for a particular aesthetic or souvenir.

Luckily, we met Joe upon entering and he gave us the run-down. This place is fantastic. There are…read moremany things to do for couples, families, kids, groups, and, I suppose, solo. An easy drive six miles out and loads of free parking. There's even a lady walking around with her pet python snake, ready for pictures or hugs. The huge retail space is great for souvenirs and gifts.

I have been purchasing "Stones" from Rocks & Things in Spruce Pine, NC for 5 yrs. or more. I have…read morealways found Mabel to be helpful and knowledgeable in everything she has. Her shop is overflowing with some of the most beautiful, unique and unusual items. I highly recommend that if you are ever in the area, do not hesitate to stop in and browse. You might find that perfect gift for someone or even a 'treasure' of your very own.

We were in Rocks & Things June 15th. We had a box of gems, rocks, arrowheads. The lady identified…read moreeach and everyone. There was alot. She was so knowledgeable. I love this place. It was like walking into a fairytale land. Beautiful, I was in awe of the gems, minerals, jewelry and artifacts. The delightful owner took time to explain what kind we had and the value. I'm gonna share Rocks & Things with my daughter and others. Rock collectors "Rocks & Things" in delightful Sprue Pine NC is the place to go for yourself, gifts and many treasures. 5 + stars. A rare moment to imagine how these mesmerizing gems evolved into earth's amazing treasures. Thank you for your time. It was delightful being in your presence. Be Well! Sherry & Craig...

Super super cool activity to do with friends or family!! Went with three friends, we split the $100…read morefamily bucket between us and it was a really good deal for the insane amount of cool stuff we got from it. The whole experience is cool, especially at the end where the lady at the desk examines the gems you found. 100% recommend!!

What a fun experience! We got the $45 bucket and found all kinds of good stones. Very friendly,…read morehelpful staff. Definitely a must do.

Service was good, and staff were super welcoming and kind. It was very simple and easy to go and…read morethey had a loading area to get on and off the horse which made it easy. They put effort into pairing horses who were extra chill with new riders. Price was reasonable and definitely worth it. Just did an hour ride, but for a beginner that was good cause your legs get a bit sore in a saddle if you aren't used to it. Loved it!

We had an amazing experience at the stables today. You have to meet Jackie while you're there. He's…read morea hoot. Everybody who works there is extremely friendly and helpful. My husband rode a draft horse named Johnny, and it was spectacular. I don't remember my horse's name, but he was a really good horse. The horses were very well cared for and beautiful. They all seemed happy and were very gentle - they knew what they were doing on the trail which makes you feel more confident. The scenery when you're riding is absolutely spectacular. Be sure to stop along the way and ask your guide to take pictures of you. Safety first, but if you can get videos while you're up at the top of some of the hills, worth all of it. Highly recommend this place, we will definitely come back. In my opinion, the price is completely reasonable. We took the one hour ride, and it was worth every penny and more.

This place is wonderful! The couple who own and run the shop are friendly, knowledgeable, and…read morehelpful! The buckets for mining have lots of beautiful stones and they're able to help you identify what all you've found. They also have beautiful stones and fossils to admire (and purchase). My kids are hoping to go back tomorrow.

We have been gem mining in many places over the years and we found Asheville's Best Gem Mine to be…read morethe BEST! The owners are sooooo knowledgeable and Holly's excitement over each gem is contagious! It was a great value too - an excellent amount of gems in our $25 buckets. What wonderful people. Can't wait to come back!

What a wonderful little shop! The best part is the lovely two owners. Husband and wife I assume…read morebut they are both so pleasant helpful and full of laughs. I can't get past the wonderful energy that they provide! Obviously this shop isn't for everyone but there are about ten or so other shops if this doesn't suit your fancy. They have a great selection of swords and knives. Very reasonable prices for the quality. Native American goods and very amazing fudge straight out of Tennessee. I got some and it was gone shortly after! My friends got some knives and some very gorgeous sterling silver with turquoise stone ring. It was impeccable. Please stop by! The owners are just so great and it's a fun place to look around

Bought a little bird salt and pepper shaker. The sales person, Doris, took it over and said she…read morewas getting a box. Put it all away in the box. When we got it home we found the ones we had were switched for another bird set, one with a chip in the beak. We know it was switched because that one had different color price tags on it. How sad all this and the cost was only 5 dollars.

My wife and I visited to experience cuvée valley mining in early September, 2026. First to arrive…read moreand was very happy about the instructions from our host. We found a 13 carat Sapphire along with 5 in the (1-4) size and about 60 under a carat. This was a very enjoyable process and we are looking forward to another visit

Scam Alert -- Avoid at All Costs…read more My family arrived at Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine at 3pm and immediately realized we had made a mistake. We were charged $30 per person just to stand on the property, plus a 10% credit card fee. Moments after taking our payment, the only employee on site, Zach, announced he was leaving for the day and that we could "stay on his property." No staff. No guidance. Nothing. When I politely asked how we were supposed to identify any gems without an employee present, he became agitated and hostile. I asked for a refund since we had just arrived and no services had been provided. That's when things escalated--Zach began yelling and got in my face aggressively. We immediately returned to our car and left. The property itself is nothing but piles of rocks. No buckets or tools are provided -- you're expected to scavenge everything yourself. Bags cost $20 each unless you post a positive review on the spot, and they charge another $75 just to evaluate anything you might find. It's pure extortion. I have since filed a police report and am actively working to recover the $165 we were charged for absolutely nothing. Please sort reviews by "lowest" before visiting--many people describe similar experiences. This place feels unsafe, unprofessional, and predatory. Stay far away.

Was walking by and seen this awesome piece. Went into look…read moreand they were very helpful. I needed it shipped they said normally they don't ship. But they went well above and are shipping for me. Thanks ladies for all your help.

This place rocks and I really cannot wait for my grandson to get his gifts for Christmas that I got…read moreat this place! The staff are super great, pricing seems very decent and the stuff they have is just so unique I'm sure you won't find it just any ole place! Stop in - have some time to really look around and check out the gold rush!

Unbelieve!! Such a FABULOUS experience! Took my 4yo granddaughter to go mining and she was…read moreenthralled!! Wayne assisted us and was so incredibly knowledgeable and generous with his time explaining and showing and educating! So affordable! Came away with a big bag of GEMS Highly recommend!!

This place was such a hidden gem! (Get it?). Family owned and ran, they were so friendly and…read moreknowledgeable about each stone we found. Sam even took the time to separate all the valuable stones from the rest and had them bagged and ready for us. Lots of options to fit into any price range. Definitely recommended!!!