Looking for something fun to do inside in downtown Greenville? KAG Contributor Andrea Beam is sharing a family favorite with us today, the Greenville Gemstone Mine, located right along Downtown Greenville’s Main Street across from the Hyatt. This shop offers unique gifts and a place where kids can do a little gem mining for themselves.
We have an amazing time every time we hang out in downtown Greenville. However, if you ask my son to name his favorite activity, he would tell you it is “finding treasure” at Greenville Gemstone Mine on Main Street.
While I can’t say I share his love for “treasure,” I do appreciate the tables full of unique jewelry and cases of sparkly stones. The prices are just as appealing as the merchandise. It is definitely worth a visit (or two), even without little ones in tow!
I’ve never been in the store when it wasn’t packed. If there is one thing I am not completely crazy about, it’s the size of the place. It’s rather small. Having said that, we always manage to make our way through the crowd to the back (where the fun begins) with ease.
Now to our mining adventure! The first thing you’ll do is choose your bucket of rocks. They have many sizes, but the $9 kiddie bucket suits my budget just fine. If you happen to have extra cash burning a hole through your wallet, you can pay as much as $55 for a family bucket. Once you’ve made your choice, the (extra friendly) associates will give you a ziplock bag, a Gemstone identification chart and turn you loose! My son likes to take his time in the magical waters and smiles as each stone turns into something shiny and new. This is the part where you, as the parent, can stand back and check your Facebook page – I mean, take pictures.
When you’re done, you’ll leave with a slightly damp bag of treasure and one happy customer!
Want to visit Greenville Gemstone Mine?
Greenville Gemstone Mine is open 7 days a week:
Monday-Wednesday 10 am – 6 pm
Thursday 10 am – 7 pm
Friday-Saturday 10 am – 8 pm
Sunday 11 am – 6 pm
Go ahead and plan your visit. Show up around 10 and you’ll be out in time for an early lunch!
Just a side note: walk out the door, turn left and walk a short distance to the Subway on the same side of the street. If the weather is nice, we like to take our sandwiches across the street and eat at the neon green tables in the Hyatt courtyard.
A second Greenville location is open in Haywood Mall near Macy’s. Hours for the mall location are
Monday-Thursday 10 am – 8 pm
Friday-Saturday 10 am – 9 pm
Sunday 12 pm – 7 pm
Have you ever taken your kids to Greenville’s Gemstone Mine?
Looking for more fun ideas? Try our The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do Inside in Greenville.