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 ...

More than a year and a half after Helene, many WNC businesses are still finding their way back.

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.

There’s a lot to love about mountain towns—cozy lodging, gorgeous scenery, and endless opportunity for outdoor adventure, just to name a few. Towns in and around the Great Smoky Mountains have their ...

Who doesn’t want to come away from their vacation with some long-lost buried treasure in hand? It might sound like something straight out of your childhood dreams, but in reality, there are dozens of ...

Tucked in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the small town of Franklin may not get the same attention as nearby Highlands, but that’s part of its charm. The town of just over 4,000 residents ...

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 ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Western North Carolina is known for its hills full of hidden treasures. From rubies and sapphires to emeralds and gold, the region ...