Gold Hill, North Carolina

"The richest mining property east of the Mississippi." This was the message sent to England in the mid-1800s after gold was discovered here in 1824. Once a thriving, rough and rowdy mining town in the eastern part of Rowan County, the village is coming to life again with the restoration of area homes and stores. Visit the Rock Jail, Mauney's 1840 Store and Museum, and the E.H. Montgomery Store. Picnic and playground area in the park. Park closes at dark daily. No admission charge. Mauney's and Montgomery's Stores open Wed. - Sat. 10:30 am - 5:30 pm, Sun. 2-5:30 pm. Extended holiday hours. Ms.Ruby's restaurant, the Gold Hill Bakery & Mint Shoppe, and the Christmas Shoppe are now open. The Country Market opens every Saturday mid-June through mid-September from 8 am - 1 pm. Fresh produce, flowers, herbs and pastries are for sale and there's art and craft demonstrations and live music starting at 10 am.