The Small Town of Hiddenite in North Carolina's Brushy Mountains

Hiddenite, North Carolina, is located in Alexander County and in a spur of the Blue Ridge Mountains called the Brushy Mountains. For such a small unincorporated town it boasts some unusual history and interesting attractions. The area used to be called White Plains and, at one time, was a health resort due to it's sulfur springs. The town was named after William Earl Hidden, a mineralogist sent here by Thomas Edison to look for platinum deposits. Instead of finding platinum he found something more valuable, some emeralds and a rare mineral that was later named hiddenite. Hiddenite is also the town I live in and after living in many places in the United States I wouldn't have it any other way. Life is slow paced in many small towns and Hiddenite is no exception. The people are friendly, crime rate is very low and most everything you need readily available.

A lot of families and school children come to Hiddenite to visit the Emerald Hollow Mine. The mine is one of just a few where the public can hunt for emeralds, sapphires, and other valuable gem stones. The mine offers much for your families entertainment and has primitive camping facilities, sluicing facilities, a creek, professional gem cutting and lapidary, and a mineral shop in addition to the main mine. For those that would rather camp in better style, or have RVs, there is the HiddeNite Camp Grounds. The camp is located along the South Yadkin River, has 37 full RV hookups, primitive tent sites, large swimming pool and over 30 acres of nature area.

There is also a cultural arts center called the Hiddenite Center dedicated to folk life and cultural arts education. The center hosts annual events, art exhibits, education programs, and other exhibits, some of which are contained in a restored three story house called the Lucas Mansion. The Hiddenite Celebration of the Arts is held every year on the 4th Saturday in September. It is a multi-cultural event definitely worth attending. Every Friday the center hosts a farmers market where local farmers sell their vegetables and homemade goodies along side a flea market with music, homemade ice cream, face painting, and just hanging out with the neighbors.

Close by there is fishing at Adams Fish Pond open to the public. It is a 3 acre, spring feed pond that contains catfish ranging from 4 to 50 pounds. They have restrooms and plenty of places to sit in the shade. The town also has two banks, a post office, an exterminator, a gas station/convenience store, a General Dollar store, a small variety store, several churches, a beauty salon, a barber shop, a volunteer fire department and Trio Supermarket. Trio Supermarket is the last standing store that was part of a major grocery store chain in North Carolina many years ago. The store recently restored their original sign that has a clock built into it.

There is a park close by called East Alexander Park. The park offers a track, ball fields and activities through out the year. Teams are formed in different age groups that you can participate in.

The town also contains many furniture manufactures including world famous Mitchel Gold. Hiddenite is also home to American Roller Bearings, a major manufacture of bearings for the oil industry.

An historical 18 mile railroad runs through the town called the Alexander Railroad, nick named The Junebug Line. Part of my property is on the railroad's right of way. The train makes one run to Statesville in the morning and in the afternoon it heads back to the Taylorsville station. It is a most pleasant experience watching it make its way up and down the track. The railway has been in existence since the 1800s.

I figure myself among the lucky ones having found this little town to live in. It would be hard to believe that there is a better place to live and raise a family.

David Bolick, "Hiddenite and Emeralds in Alexander County, NC - An Insider's Guide." associatedcontent.com
"HiddeNite Family Campground." gocampingamerica.com
"Hiddenite Center, Inc.." Hiddenite Center
"Adam's Fish Pond." Alexandercountyonline.com
"Parks and Recreation Department." co.alexander.nc.us
"Alexander Railroad Company." Tarheelpress.com