Emerald Village is located outside of Little Switzerland, NC. The views of the mountains were gorgeous as we wound our way up NC 226. I can't wait for the leaves to change!
Our first stop was the mine tour. The lady working the counter was very friendly and informative. She gave each of us our own tour book and told us about the other things to do on the property. Oh, don't forget to buy some fish food before you head out on your tour. It was a bargain at fifty cents and I guarantee you will enjoy feeding the fish.
We entered a room that had all sorts of old mining equipment and items made from the rocks and minerals in the area. A video played in this room and there were benches to sit on. We perused the displays and listened to the video.
Next, you go outside and learn about the types of rock/minerals found and equipment used. Everything was well marked and the tour book provided all the information.
Little Man (LM) was intrigued but the waterfall and fish caught his eye. Of course, we all were amazed at how large the trout were and had an equally good time watching them.
We made our way into the Bon Ami Mine and learned more about how the mine operated. We noticed the mica on the feldspar walls of the mine. We noted the drill marks on the walls, as well.
The displays of pictures from the mines are not to be overlooked.
After we finished with the mine tour, we went across the parking area to the Mine Village building. The building recreated several buildings a mine town would possess.
We saw inside a 1920's era general store.
There was a replica post office.
The mine boss's office was nicely recreated.
The mine store where mining equipment was issued.
A 1950's general store showed the changes in products over the years.
Once we finished with the Mine Village building, we drove down the road slightly to the Gem Museum and Mining building.
This building offered several rooms to explore. We went into a model train room, music room, nature room, farm equipment room, etc. This building requires much climbing of stairs, so beware!
We did not do the gem mining at Emerald Village. However, there were many families that did.
We enjoyed our visit and learned much about the Bon Ami Mines.
