Georgia's Rustic Gem Mine Is A Blue Ridge Mountain Hidden Treasure With Family-Friendly Fun

From this Virginia village with peaceful trails and a picturesque vineyard to "The Hiking Capital of Western North Carolina," the Blue Ridge Mountains offer so much culture and natural beauty to explore. A very special 615-mile portion of the greater Appalachian Mountains, the mineral rich Blue Ridge Mountains span from Pennsylvania all the way down to Georgia, making it the perfect region for a true treasure-hunting adventure. In the North Georgia town of Blue Ridge, Huck's Lost Mine isn't so much a hidden gem but rather a place you go to uncover one.

Less than 5 miles from downtown Blue Ridge, the entire family can get in on the quest for precious gems, including amethysts, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds! Sift through your own 2-pound bag, or use teamwork and dig into a 3-gallon bucket. Tripadvisor travelers praise the mine's reasonable options (starting at $10) and the friendly, educated staff. For more gem fun, visit the mine's rock shop to geek out on an extensive selection of minerals, rocks, fossils, and even raptor claws, which make unique souvenirs. You can also buy your own geode to crack open.

One of the best things about Huck's Lost Mine is its proximity to the wildly charming, artsy Georgia paradise of Blue Ridge. After you've satiated your appetite for precious gems, head to Blue Ridge for a beer and a bite at family-friendly Grumpy Old Men Brewing. Make the quick two-minute drive or 15-minute walk afterward to downtown where you can shop an eclectic mix of boutiques and galleries. If you're crew loves gem mining, try another favorite mountain pastime at Mercier Orchards, where you can pick your own flowers, fruits, and veggies on a fourth-generation family farm. Planning a fall family getaway? A ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is the best way to see the Georgia foliage.

Less than two hours north of Atlanta, Huck's Lost Mine makes a great day trip or stop along a larger road trip. Of course, there's plenty of things to do in the area to make a weekend out of it. For an elevated overnight experience immersed in nature, book one of two luxurious modern cabins from Blue Ridge Treehouse Rentals, starting at $365 per night.