A Texas man unearthed an unexpected treasure during a family trip this winter — all thanks to his sons and his wife’s Siri search.
Arkansas State Parks recently shared news about the find, which was made at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Pike County. Forty-one-year-old James Ward unearthed the 2.09-carat brown diamond on Dec. 30.
Ward, who lives in Cypress, Texas, was visiting the park with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two young sons, Adrian, 9, and Austin, 7.
Visiting the park was the 7-year-old’s idea, according to Elizabeth Ward.
“One day we were watching TV, and Austin came and said, ‘Mommy, Mommy, is there any place in Texas or nearby that we can mine for crystals?’” the mother recalled.
“Listen to your kids about their dreams and what they want to do!” his wife added.
Arkansas State Parks told Fox News Digital that park employees “are not trained to grade or appraise diamonds or other rocks and minerals.”
“Our primary training involves properly identifying and registering diamonds for guests who find them,” the official said.
“Anyone interested in having their diamonds graded or appraised can reach out to a certified gemologist, who has had special training to properly grade gemstone quality and estimate value.”
Ward’s discovery adds to a growing list of substantial gems found by visitors at Crater of Diamonds State Park.
An Oklahoma family unearthed a 2.79-carat diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park back in September, thanks to tools they bought at a dollar store.
In April, a Minnesota resident unearthed a stunning 3.81-carat brown diamond at the park — a find that he compared to a candy wrapper.
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-woman-relaxes-in-an-outdoor-hot-tub-wearing-sunglasses-and-a-bright-red-swimsuit-right-a-woman-enjoys-breakfast-on-a-balcon.jpg?id=56569580&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=2%2C0%2C3%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>You don't need to pack your passport to feel like you've landed in a tropical paradise. This <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-resort-best-in-canada-montreal">dreamy resort near Montreal</a> is the perfect summer getaway and it'll <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/canadian-vacation-destination-dupes">transport you straight to Florida</a>, no international travel required!</p><p>If you're looking for a taste of Florida right here in Quebec, consider adding Estérel Resort to your summer itinerary. Just over an hour from Montreal, this lakeside getaway has serious vacation vibes, with <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/road-trip-beach-near-montreal-sand-dunes">sandy beaches</a>, cocktails by the water, and sparkling lakes surrounded by greenery.</p><p>While you can't guarantee the Florida weather (it is still Quebec after all), this place still feels like a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/condo-for-sale-montreal-hidden-oasis">mini tropical escape</a>. Tucked away in the Laurentians, it serves up all the summer energy you'd expect from a beachside Florida vacation. </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNYFHZzn0qr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNYFHZzn0qr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>When it comes to relaxation, Estérel Resort has you covered. The Lido Thermal spa experience combines luxury and nature, featuring several hot tubs, a polar bath and shower, a dry sauna, a steam sauna (hammam), and even a lakeside barrel sauna. </p><p>You'll also have access to two heated outdoor pools that are open all year (who cares if there's no Florida heat!), and of course, the lake itself is right there, practically begging you to take a dip.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTNnEvOnqAE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTNnEvOnqAE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>What's more, all these facilities are exclusive to guests staying at the resort, making it feel like your own private oasis.</p><p>If you love having a drink in hand while you're on vacation, the Lido Bar has you covered. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer (weather permitting), it's the perfect spot to grab a cocktail and forget you're just an hour from home.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtPi0XiPc3d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtPi0XiPc3d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>You can also take advantage of the resort's two sandy beaches—one on the Émotion side, right in front of the spa, and the other on the Évolution point. Beach chairs are provided, so all you need to do is relax and soak up the sun.</p><p>If you're up for some outdoor adventure, the resort offers summer activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, pedal boating, and biking through the scenic Laurentians. You can even rent a motorboat if you want to spend an afternoon on the water.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Chexejbsms0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Chexejbsms0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>When it comes to accommodations, Estérel Resort has two options. The Évolution Hotel gives off cozy, nature-inspired vibes, with modern suites that feature fireplaces and giant beds. What's more, this building stretches out over Lake Dupuis like a cruise ship, offering breathtaking panoramic views during the summer months.</p><p>The Émotion Hotel, on the other hand, is designed with date nights in mind. Suites come with cozy fireplaces, open bathtubs, and canopy beds— everything you need for a romantic getaway. </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPa0trRHZjQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPa0trRHZjQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Of course, no vacation is complete without good food, and the resort has three restaurants that cover all the bases. Le Voilier offers a chill bistro atmosphere with dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, whereas Le ROK lets you cook your own meat, fish, or seafood on hot volcanic stone — plus, the lakeside views make it a dreamy spot for a special dinner.</p><p>There's also the five-course Discovery Menu in the wine cellar for extra special occasions. It's a more intimate dining experience with wine pairings and beautiful views of the Laurentians.</p><p><br/></p><h3>Estérel Resort</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwx_n9WRFL2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwx_n9WRFL2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: From $229 per night, per suite</p><p>Address: 39 Chem. Fridolin-Simard, Estérel, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: If you're chasing that classic Florida vacation feeling — sun-soaked beaches, cocktails by the water, and endless relaxation — you can actually find it right here in Quebec. You might not get palm trees or ocean waves, but with sandy shores, lakeside views, and a laid-back summer vibe, this is the next best thing!</p><p><a href="https://www.esterel.com/en/" target="_blank">Book via Estérel Resort</a></p><em>These prices and terms of occupancy are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.</em>
