Festivals

"Emerald Village is a fascinating group of gem and mining attractions located just 3 miles from the Switzerland Inn.  Here you can tour the underground Bon Ami Mine at the NC Mining Museum where you’ll see historic mining equipment and a splashing waterfall!  See the Company Store, re-creating an old mining town. Visit Discovery Mill, with many FREE displays, including the Music Museum, the Homestead Museum, the Blue Ridge Model Railroad display, the Fluorescent Mineral display, and more.  Gifts and snacks are available. Don’t miss the amazing night-time black light mine tour every Friday and Saturday (May-October). You’ll discover a hidden world of fascination!

The #1 attraction at Emerald Village is the Gemstone Mine where you’ll have fun by the “buckets”!  Search for real gems in clean mountain-water flumes while surrounded by a spectacular real mine! Find colorful gems including emeralds, aquamarine, garnets, amethyst, quartz and more.  Keep what you find, and have your gems identified by experts, who can also cut, polish, and mount them into exquisite jewelry. You’ll remember your visit and will want to come again!"