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 ...

While there are plenty of places around the world listed as "hidden gems", few are actually tucked away from the crowds, undiscovered, and worth checking out. However, there's a small town in North ...

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 ...