Hendersonville: Gem Mining & Goat Farm Tour with Aviary

Summary

Gem mining fun in Hendersonville plus goats and rare birds

You’ll sift for gems in rushing water flumes, pet playful goats at their barn, and step into an aviary alive with peacocks and pheasants—all in Hendersonville. With all equipment included and easy access for everyone, you’ll find yourself slowing down and maybe laughing at a goat or two.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound—water rushing through wooden flumes, kids laughing, a rooster somewhere behind the barn. We’d barely stepped out of the car in Hendersonville before someone handed us a little pan for gem mining. I don’t know what I expected, but it felt oddly calming to sift through cold water and gravel, hoping for a flash of color. The air smelled like wet stone and hay. Our guide—her name was Carol, I think—showed us how to spot quartz from just plain rocks. She had this way of talking that made you want to keep digging.

After we pocketed our finds (I got something green—maybe just glass?), we wandered over to the goat barn. The goats were friendlier than some people I know; one nibbled my shoelace while another leaned into my palm like a dog. There was a kid (the baby kind) named Pickles who kept trying to climb the fence. The whole place felt relaxed, nobody rushing you along or fussing if you wanted to just stand there and listen to goats chewing. It’s funny how quiet it gets when you stop talking for a second—just wind in the trees and those soft snuffling sounds.

The aviary surprised me most. Peacocks strutted around like they owned the place—one even screamed right when I was trying to take a photo (thanks for that). There were pheasants too, all these wild colors you don’t expect in North Carolina. Someone told me it’s the biggest crystal store in the state, so we ducked inside before leaving. Shelves stacked with fossils and stones—some smooth as glass, others rough under your fingers. I didn’t buy anything but still think about this one smoky quartz that caught the light just right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Gem mining and farm exploration

• Mine for gems and fossils
• Keep your findings
• Visit goats at the barn
• See peacocks and pheasants in aviary
• Explore crystal and fossil store

Top questions

Is gem mining included on this Hendersonville tour?

Yes, gem mining is included along with all necessary equipment.

Can I pet goats during the tour?

Yes, visitors can interact with and pet goats at the farm's goat barn.

Are there birds or an aviary on this tour?

Yes, you'll visit an aviary featuring peacocks, pheasants, and more.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Can I keep any gems or fossils I find?

Yes, you can keep what you find while gem mining on this day trip.

Are service animals permitted?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour experience.

What’s included

Your day covers full access to the aviary with its colorful birds, time at the goat farm where you can pet friendly goats, all gem mining equipment so you can keep your finds from both indoor or outdoor flumes, plus space to explore creeks or try out an obstacle course if you feel like it—all designed so everyone feels welcome.