Sugar Creek Gem Mine, Banner Elk

Finally checked out Sugar Creek gem mine - perfect for the cold & very windy day we were having. They have an enclosed outdoor area that is heated! Definitely made it easier on us. Kids loved it & got lots of beautiful & big gems. Definitely memories were made. Staff was friendly & everything seemed well organized. We did go during a quiet week & I know they get extra busy during weekends & holidays / prime visitor season. They are right across the road from the entrance to Sugar Mountain Ski Resort / next to Extreme

My Girls had a blast sifting for gems. They actually found a couple good ones. You buy by the bucket. I believe ours was a 5gal for $40. The Temps were in the negatives because of the winter storm but they had it enclosed and heaters working. We would go back again and probably buy more then one next time.