In Western North Carolina, rockhounds have plenty of opportunities to dig for gems, if they don’t mind getting a little dirty, and maybe a little wet.

SHE OPENED UP ABOUT THE EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL TOLL OF THE STORM, AND SAYS IT’S SOMETHING THAT WILL STAY WITH HER FOR THE REST OF HER LIFE. PLENTY OF TEARS WERE SHED, AS DESSIE TURBYFILL SHARED WITH ME ...

Baxter was forced to halt production for nearly two months after the historic storm, until a temporary structure was put in ...