The "Gem Valley NC" family Mine is the first & only public gem-mining/gold-panning facility in the beautiful mountains of Ashe County, NC! Located at the location of the historical mine of "Ore Knob", you can find us at 2489 Little Peak Creek Road off of Highway 88 in Jefferson/Laurel Springs (28640). Gem Valley is only minutes away from the Scenic "Blue Ridge Parkway" and one of the oldest rivers in the world, the "New River." Visit us at our web-site at: http://www.GemValleyNC.com to find out all about "Gem Valley" and what we offer. Hours of operation: May through Mid-October, Thursday through Monday, 9:00AM-4:00PM (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). If you like gem mining, you'll LOVE Gem Valley! http://www.GemValleyNC.com