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06-05-2006, 10:43 PM
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Anyone done the gold panning?
I got a book today about all the activities for families to do in NC. One of the more interesting ones was Reed Gold Mine. They offer tours and gold panning. Has anyone been there or done that? It is located in Midland.
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06-05-2006, 10:58 PM
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4-ever a So Cal Gal
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Join Date: Apr 2006
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by mindync
I got a book today about all the activities for families to do in NC. One of the more interesting ones was Reed Gold Mine. They offer tours and gold panning. Has anyone been there or done that? It is located in Midland.
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Once I get back I would like to (if possible) check out an Emerald mine. NC is quite the Emerald state. Only panning for gold I have done was at Knott's Berry Farm, so will have to check that out. |
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06-05-2006, 11:16 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Blue Ridge Mtns of NC
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by nascarnancy
Once I get back I would like to (if possible) check out an Emerald mine. NC is quite the Emerald state. Only panning for gold I have done was at Knott's Berry Farm, so will have to check that out.
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The main gem-collecting counties are Alexander (emeralds and hiddenite), Macon (rubies, sapphires, and garnets), and Mitchell (emeralds and aquamarine). |
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06-06-2006, 08:27 AM
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Ex-Senior Member (it's been real!)
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: just a tad over the stateline
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by mindync
I got a book today about all the activities for families to do in NC. One of the more interesting ones was Reed Gold Mine. They offer tours and gold panning. Has anyone been there or done that? It is located in Midland.
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I have been there...did not pan for gold but did take the tour. Your right it is very fascinating...I took my parents out there while the kids were in school (my Father had read about the gold mine in Our State Mag.). Turns out the day we were there...it was only the three of us (not including the tour guide)...so we had the place to ourselves. I grew up panning for gold with my Dad so this was quite a treat for us and to find out it was the first documented gold find in the U.S. was impressive.
One other stop you might make while out that way is at the Old School Mill located in Locust, NC. They have a general store and a restaurant to boot called The Fresh House. Inside you will find bakery items (made on the premises) along with jams and jellies, and homemade ice cream (plus much more). The food at the The Fresh House is excellent!
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06-06-2006, 02:04 PM
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by lovethecarolinas
I have been there...did not pan for gold but did take the tour. Your right it is very fascinating...I took my parents out there while the kids were in school (my Father had read about the gold mine in Our State Mag.).
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I thought we would take the kids. They are 2, 6, and 8. I know the 2 year old won't get much out of it but I thought the 6 and 8 year olds would get a kick out of it. Yes? |
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06-06-2006, 03:14 PM
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Ex-Senior Member (it's been real!)
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Join Date: Apr 2006
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by mindync
I thought we would take the kids. They are 2, 6, and 8. I know the 2 year old won't get much out of it but I thought the 6 and 8 year olds would get a kick out of it. Yes?
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I think they will enjoy it...and I'm sure the 2 year old will have just as much fun getting thoroughly wet while doing a little panning on the side  If they are not afraid to enter the mine...that too is fun (and cool...even on the warm summer days). They are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Another place I would highly recommend is Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooreseville.
In case you have not seen it..I created a thread some time ago (under the Charlotte city forum, titled "Thinking about Charlotte and surrounding areas". It's a list of things that my family and I have done in the area (including field trips).
Enjoy exploring! |
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06-07-2006, 12:20 AM
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4-ever a So Cal Gal
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by mm34b
The main gem-collecting counties are Alexander (emeralds and hiddenite), Macon (rubies, sapphires, and garnets), and Mitchell (emeralds and aquamarine).
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Thanks for the scoop, I shall mark that on the to do list. |
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06-07-2006, 12:43 AM
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by nascarnancy
Thanks for the scoop, I shall mark that on the to do list.
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Hiddenite has lately been featured on the Travel Channel as a place to rock hound and look for gems. One family owns a 12 acre site that has yielded some pretty spiffy rocks, among them an emerald that was crafted into this set
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06-07-2006, 12:52 AM
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4-ever a So Cal Gal
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We watched a show that had the guy who was broke and he was digging for Emeralds and just before he sold his land found and struck it rich. Pretty interesting story.
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06-07-2006, 06:44 AM
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What can you tell me about the Lazy 5 Ranch? That sounds interesting. Also is there an emerald mine around here that you can visit?
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