We live in the area (Johnson City, TN - about an hour's drive from Bear Den CG)
Bear Den Campground is very pretty - we've stayed there a couple of times. Be sure to have plenty of sewer hose and water hose as sometimes the hookups can be pretty far away.
There are lots of small gem mines in the Spruce Pine area. We've never been to one so can't recommend one but you can just take your pick. There is a small Minerology Museum just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Spruce Pine. It's very small but interesting with lots of samples of minerals found in the area.
Regards,
Bob
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