When I first walked into the Maggie Valley Rock Shop, I knew I was in for a treat. The air was filled with a sense of wonder, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the stunning array of crystals, geodes, and fossils that lined the shelves. It's not just a shop; it's a treasure trove for anyone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world. I spent a good hour just browsing, and every corner I turned, there was something new and fascinating to discover. The collection is vast and diverse, with everything from tiny, polished stones perfect for a pocket to massive, awe-inspiring amethyst cathedrals that command attention. I was particularly impressed with the quality of the specimens—each one looked so vibrant and unique. The owner, who was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, was happy to share stories about the origins of the different pieces, which made the experience even more personal and engaging. What I loved most about my visit was the feeling that I was truly exploring. It felt like a museum where you could actually take the exhibits home. I ended up leaving with a beautiful piece of selenite and a small geode that I can't wait to crack open. The prices were very reasonable, especially considering the quality, and I felt like I got an amazing deal. If you're ever in Maggie Valley, I highly recommend a visit to the Rock Shop. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just curious about the earth's natural wonders, you'll find something to love. It's a place that sparks joy and a sense of connection to something much bigger than ourselves. I'm already planning my next trip back to see what new treasures they...
Read moreMy pops and I stayed at the Best Western right across the road from this place. I don't even know where to begin... This place is amazing! The staff is so friendly, I can't stand crabby people. They were so pleasant! Such a chill vibe. This place is SO worth the money. Now during the four days we came we purchased about 3 $100 buckets, 2 $25 buckets and a couple $50 buckets. We are leaving with probably 70 pounds of beautiful gems. I'm not talking teeny tiny little gem salted buckets. We found MANY med-large size amethyst geode chunks, an incredibly beautiful piece of what I believe to be kyanite,decent sized quartz crystals, garnets galore, a decent sized emerald, a few huge quartz geodes intact (will be taking a rock saw to them), and a few very large breath taking pieces of rose quartz, lots of nice smoky quartz, and a really cool piece of hematite. I'm a Florida girl that has found literally hundreds and HUNDREDS of amazing fossils and I am beyond excited to add these spectacular gems to my collection. This is not a tourist trap like the gem mining spots you will find in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, TN. I fully intend to come back. Thank y'all for being so welcoming and I didn't catch the name of the fella with the long black hair but a big shout-out to him for being such a sweetheart. Y'all, just go. It is worth...
Read moreThis is one of Maggie Valleys attractions that you absolutely should NOT miss! The atmosphere is almost magical from the first moment thru till the last. There is SO much to see, take in, learn about and touch. You'll find very, very knowledgeable and friendly employees who can answer just about any question you may have about rocks,gems, crystals or fossils! This experience has it all. There is an outdoor flume/panning area where you can purchase material containing different gemstone specimens that you can have identified and add to your collection. Unlike many places that offer a similar experience there is no deception in claiming to cut, polish and mount any of your finds into a piece of jewelry. There are some faceted stones available for purchase inside along with some great jewelry also. However, I will say I was a bit disappointed with the contents of the material I bought and took home to sift thru. It is very much large pieces of medium to lower quality pieces such as quartz, Amazonite, agate and such...nothing that was impressive. I was also dissatisfied with the price for what I got. That said, everything else is VERY reasonably priced. I highly recommend stopping by to see these folks and enjoy the beautiful things our planet is...
Read more