How would you like to take a vacation that pays for itself? Why not an adventure vacation? This is a vacation that is filled with out-of-the-ordinary activities and is set in beautiful off-the-beaten-path locations such as panning for gold in California or gem mining in North Carolina.
How would you like to take a vacation that pays for itself? Why not an adventure vacation? This is a vacation that is filled with out-of-the-ordinary activities and is set in beautiful off-the-beaten-path locations such as panning for gold in California or gem mining in North Carolina.
How would you like to take a vacation that pays for itself? Why not an adventure vacation? This is a vacation that is filled with out-of-the-ordinary activities and is set in beautiful off-the-beaten-path locations. Adventure vacations can be found everywhere; all it takes is a little research to find the one right for you. While you may not get a lot of rest on this type of vacation it will be worth your while. You may even be able to pay for your vacation with some of your finds. So find your adventurous side and give it a try you just might enjoy an adventure vacation.
Examples of Adventure Vacations:
Panning for gold in California
Searching for diamonds in Arkansas
Fossil hunting in Nevada
Gem mining in North Carolina
Opal mining
While these vacations do require some physical exertion they can be tailored to each persons capabilities.
Panning for Gold
Panning for gold in California is not a new concept. Historically, people have been hunting for gold here since the early 1800’s. Some of the richest areas of gold concentration are in the central region but not limited to it.
Gold Mining Towns
Sonora
Placerville
Coulterville
These towns are just a few out of many gold mining towns in the state. The entire state has recorded gold strikes and finds throughout history.
Sonora
Sonora is located within an hour of Sacramento and also Yosemite. It is a beautiful town with a vibrant historical district. One attraction located 12 miles north of Sonora is the Moaning Cavern. Moaning Caverns has one of California’s largest cavern chambers, where you can enter by descending a spiral staircase or by rappelling by rope 165 feet down and they also offer an above ground gemstone mine and gold panning. For more information go to http://caverntours.com.
Placerville
The California gold rush began only 10 miles north of Placerville in Coloma, CA. Placerville is a town that offers travelers the comforts of modern convenience but also access to some of the areas richest gold bearing creeks and streams. This town is full of history and in 2004 celebrated its 150 year anniversary. The Goldbug Mine is another attraction that Placerville has to offer. The mine is owned by the city and is open to visitors. For more information on activities in and around Placerville contact the Eldorado County Chamber of Commerce at www.eldoradocounty.org.
Coulterville
In 1850 Coulterville was still a Mexican mining town but George Coulter, the town’s name-sake, had other ideas and renamed the town Coulterville. Coulterville started out as a gold rush town but when the rush died out it continued on as a hard rock mining town. There are numerous lode mine sites where mining use to take place along with various rivers and creeks in which to pan.
There is also a ghost town named Garrott to explore, to locate it take J20 (northeast) about 10 miles to CA 120. Go west about 3 miles to Second Garrott and continue west to Groveland, (which was originally called Garrott), and there you will find it. All that remains is one building and a hanging tree where it is said that more than 60 people were hanged. For more information on Coulterville contact the visitor’s center at (209)878-3074.
The Diamond Mine
The area around Murfreesboro, Arkansas, where the Crater of Diamonds State Park is located, is a rich volcanic area. This area was an active volcanic zone over 100 million years ago. Many of the diamonds found here every year are billions of years old and formed by the process of carbon atoms bonding tightly after being exposed to tremendous heat and pressure.
The Crater of Diamonds State Park was opened in 1972 when the State of Arkansas bought the land and opened it to tourists. The park today boasts many incredible finds from 6 carat diamonds to a 16.37 carat diamond found in 1975.
Facilities offered at the park: a water playground, Visitors center with numerous displays, restaurant and camping. For more information visit the park website at www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com.
U-Dig Fossil Quarry
Trilobites are marine life that lived over 500 million years ago. They roamed the sea floor much like crabs do today. Trilobites are one of the most collected fossils and are found in limestone shale.
The best place to dig and find these fossils is the U-Dig Fossil Quarry located west of Delta, Utah. The quarry is opened March 26 through October 15 from 9am to 6pm Monday through Saturday and closed Sundays. For more information visit the quarry website at www.u-digfossils.com.
Gem Mining in North Carolina
Thermal City Goldmine
The Thermal City Goldmine is an 1830’s mine site and has had numerous finds. It is located between Rutherfordton and Marion on highway 221. This mine offers gem mining, gold panning, camping and more along with cabin rentals. Equipment is also available. For more information on Thermal City Goldmine visit the website at www.huntforgold.com.
Gem Mountain
At Gem Mountain visitors can expect to find a variety of gems including emeralds, sapphire, aquamarine, ruby, topaz and many more. Experienced gem cutters are always on hand and your equipment is furnished. Visitors can also find treasures at the Appalachian General Store and Museum. The mine is open Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9am until 5 pm. Information on Gem Mountain is available at www.gemmountain.com.
Grandfather Trout Farm and Gem Mine
This unique destination offers trout fishing along with gem mining. Equipment is provided and gems are inspected at Grandfather Gem Shop where they are identified, cut and mounted at your request.
Grandfather Trout Farm and Gem mine is located close to Grandfather Mountain, 10 miles south of Boone on highway 105. For more information on this mine visit their website at www.grandfathertroutfarm.com.
Royal Peacock Opal Mine
Located in the Virgin Valley of Northern Nevada, the Royal Peacock Opal Mine is known for its black fire opals. Nearly 14 million ago this valley was covered by lakes and forests. Today it is barren hills which make the area more accessible to mining.
RV hookups are available along with furnished trailers and camping sites. Showers and restrooms plus a laundry room are a few of the added extras.
The Opal Shop located at the mine sells tools, opals, and also mineral specimens. The Royal Peacock Opal Mine is open May 15 though October 15, 8am to 4pm daily. For more information about Royal Peacock Opal Mine visit their website at www.royalpeacock.com.