Tri-Cities Tuesday: A Gem in Blountville

Looking for something different & fun to do with the kids before summer is over?  There's a great, affordable summer activity just around the corner in Blountville, TN.  Cooper's Gem Mine is located off of Highway 394, less than 5 minutes from Exit 69 on I-81.   Open Monday through Saturday, Cooper's Mine welcomes individuals, families, and groups.  If you need an outing for a mom's group or Sunday School class, give them a call.  Group rates are available. Do call ahead for a reservation if you plan to do this, though!

I took my children to Cooper's Mine and they loved it.  We got the 2-gallon $14.00 bucket for them to share.  They finished it off in about an hour with a little help from me.  My 7 year old fished out every fragment of pink or purple rock she could find.  At least 10 times she said, "I love Cooper's Mine!"   My 2-year-old son sifted rock for about 5 minutes, then proceeded to throw all the big rocks into the grass.  He had a great time too.   Since I had budgeted $20 for our outing, I gave them each $2 to spend in the gift shop.  They loved getting to pick something out.  Plus they got to keep the rocks they had found, which are like treasures to kids!!  

For current hours, pricing, and directions, check out the Cooper's Mine website and/or Facebook page.

If you go:
Plan to spend a few minutes in the gift shop.  There are polished rocks, toys, and jewelry items that kids of all ages will enjoy.

You can take a snack or even a picnic with you.  There are places where you can be seated to eat.  There is also a lot of shade so even if it's hot, you can be comfortable in the shaded area while sifting through your bucket.

There is a very friendly, gentle dog on the property.  She won't hurt kids but probably will approach them. She didn't flinch at all when my son tried to hug her.   The employee on the property told me that there is also a goat who is friendly but has horns, so beware.

There is a small pond on the property that you will be very close to when at the flumes.  I was told that the pond is deep.  Do exercise caution around this, as small children could easily fall in.  

Cooper's Mine is located near a road.  Keep a close eye on your children.

Birthday parties are available!

Tri-Cities Tuesday: Fun Expedition in Johnson City, TN

If I ask my daughter what she wants to do on any given day, chances are very good that she will shout "FUN EXPEDITION!!"   Located in Johnson City, TN, Fun Expedition is a pretty affordable way to spend an afternoon with your kids.  They have many attactions including go-cart racing, bumper cars, rock wall climbing, mini-golf, bowling, batting cages, and others.  My kids also love to play the games and one of their favorite activities is chasing each other around the play structure.  Fun Expedition also has inspirational scriptures decorating the walls and some of the attractions.  And the restrooms are super clean!!!

 I love the way Fun Expedition lets you customize your playcard so that you get the most value for your money.   I encourage you to consider what your kids will like the best and plan accordingly.  As for our family, my kids like to have a basic money card that can be used on anything (rather than on specific attractions).   In this month's Little Coupon Book  (which you can find at many local retailers for free) there's a great coupon for Fun Expedition----buy a $20 card and get $10 free.  We did this and it kept my kids busy for 2 hours.  When they got home, they slept for 3 hours straight from sheer exhaustion.  And really, isn't that worth $20 for a tired mommy?  If you don't have a Coupon Book handy, be sure to mention that you saw Fun Expedition featured on the Family In Fast Forward blog and you'll snag a 10% off discount (through 8/26/11). 

All opinions posted are my own personal opinions.  I did not receive any samples, services, or compensation from businesses mentioned in this post. 

Want to see a local business, website, or event featured on Family In Fast Forward's Tri-Cities Tuesday specials?  Contact me or leave me a comment and I'll get in touch with you!

(Featured location must be within easy driving distance of Kingsport, TN --- 20 to 30 minutes maximum, please.)