Fun Things To Do

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FOGGY MOUNTAIN GEM MINE

BOONE. At Foggy Mountain Gem Mine, the friendly staff does all the hard work for you. Simply purchase a bucket filled with gemstone ore from local and non-local mines and sift the material in their covered flume area. More than 40 different minerals may be found at Foggy Mountain mine, and gemstone quality ore is guaranteed in every bucket. Two locations. n 828-963-4367. www.

foggymountaingems.com. See ad on page 5 FOSCOE MINING COMPANY

FOSCOE. Located about 8 miles from Boone on N.C. 105, the Greater Foscoe Mining Company is open from 9:00 a.m. ASK ABOUT THE until 6:00 p.m. Sifting through rock and ULTIMATE dirt, you’ll find precious and semi-precious gems, such as emeralds, sapphires, rubies, FAMILY DEAL! topaz, amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, green tourmaline and more. The Greater Foscoe

Mining Company also offers gem cutting right on the premises. n 828-963-5928. www.

facetsofffoscoe.com. See ad on page 17 MYSTERY HILL

BLOWING ROCK. The house that defies physics, Mystery Hill, is a gravitational anomaly. Here you’ll stand at a 45-degree angle, see balls roll uphill and witness other inexplicable phenomenon. In the Hall of Mystery, you’ll find puzzles, hands-on experiments and optical illusions. Don’t forget to visit the Heritage Museum and the Artifact Museum. Also axe throwing is now available - a friendly competition in which people throw axes at targets to see who is the better shot. Mystery Hill is open seven days a week, year round, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. n 828-264-2792. www.mysteryhill-nc.com. See

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an Axe Throwing, Bull Bucking, Crooked Standing, Weird Science, Epic History, Ice Cream Brain Freeze type of a good time!

ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS & ADULTS!

SUGAR CREEK GEM MINE

BANNER ELK. We consider our staff to be among the best in the industry. Some began their mining careers 40 years ago.

Our staff members are historians, jewelers, geologist, silversmiths, gemologist, and their enthusiasm for gemstones is truly contagious. n 828-898-GEMS.

www.SugarCreekGemMine.com See ad on page 17 LINVILLE CAVERNS

MARION. Linville Caverns is an ideal destination for visitors of all ages who are invited to explore the splendor and wonders nature created “inside a mountain.” Opened for public touring in 1937, many upgrades to the pathways and lighting system have enhanced the safe touring experience that now exists. Courteous and experienced guides take you into the subterranean world, giving you the history of the caverns and allowing you to view the grand work of nature. . n 800-419-0540.

www.linvillecaverns.com. See ad on this page

Visit Linville Caverns

PHenOMenal BeaUtY

See inside a mountain. Walk among the stalactites and stalagmites formations. See the underground stream with its blind fish. Experience “total darkness” and look into a “bottomless pool.”

It’s all at lInvIlle Caverns north Carolina’s Only show Caverns

Our informative and fun-filled tours showcases these amazing caverns. An adventure you’ll always remember! 800-419-0540 www.linvillecaverns.com