Metal Detecting has quickly jumped ranks when it comes to hobbyists, and there are a great many reasons for that. First and foremost is because of the things you will find, and there are many things that have been lost over the centuries. Second is the history that you learn, whether it be your hometown or about somewhere else. There is an enriching quality knowing where the roots of our nation began and why they came about. Thirdly, it allows you some peaceful time to have to yourself to relax and acquire riches. Now in the next few paragraphs I will try my best to give you an idea where to hunt, and possibly what you may find. Now by no means is this the only list in existence. The places I will suggest are from my own experiences and adventures. By no means will there ever be an end to the places to search, because there are too many countless places to go to where people have been. And the things that I have found may, or may not match things that you have found in a specific area.

First, you may be there wondering if there are any places on this earth that have not been searched? You read the stories and you see the photos of thousands of people getting permission to search private property, and you truly wonder is there anywhere I can go? I've been at this phase of detecting and it is quite bothersome to say the least. But, when you really think about it and you put a little imagination into your thinking you come to realize there are still plenty of places, AND THEY ARE RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR EYES! Thats right, right in front of our eyes. Now you may chuckle, or be cynical about this, I was at first until I proved the notion correct. I have categorized the United States into three categories: Country, Suburbia, and Metropolis. All three categories have a wide variety of places to search. First we will start with the country. I made the devestating mistake of at first thinking there was nothing in this area of detecting, but I was dead wrong. The Country areas definitely are not a place where many may not live, but history in its own ways have touched them in a sense. Two things that stick out to me most of all is old trails, and old town get togethers. Now old trails of course are extremely hard to find, for times have past and they have all been but practically erased from the scheme of things being replaced by roads or highways. In order to find out where old trails are find the old archives at your local library, or go to a historical society to find out. Whatever you do, do not mention you are going metal detecting. This will bring out a whole can of bad things and will only get you aggravated and annoyed. Let em know you are interested solely in the history of your town and they will be satisfied. Detecting old trails will yield you many great finds including old coins and relics, and some caches. The reason for caches is way back in the old days when families where moving, they carried many possessions and all the money they had. Many times families were killed or were scattered during such times. Many caches were buried to come back and retrieve, or were forgotten about. Sickness also had a major role in finds when it comes to trials. Along with some of your finds sometimes you will find old apothecary bottles. In some odd cases you will find valuables with the discards. I have not had the oppurtunity to search trails myself, but I know several who have found wonderful things that are proudly displayed in their collections. Among coins and antiques you will also find weapons. Old guns and old knives, and they will be rusty so please be careful in the handling of the item! Detecting is an art of precision and patience, take your time digging up potentially dangerous objects that may hurt you. Moving on we come now to old town get togethers. Get togethers!?! Who has heard of such a thing in this day and age? It may be history to us, but back in the older days it was common practice. One of my favorite places to search are fields and old barns in Pennsylvania Dutch Country when I'm in the area. The amish come together to meet and associate, to build things, and many other things. I have found some particularly interesting antiques from searching these areas, and some old coins as well. There are some setbacks though to these types of area, especially this one. 1. The smell of horse manure. I won't lie it really does get to me, especially on a hot sweltering day. The way I avoid this is to wrap my bandana around my nose to block out the smell.2. You may get stuck behind a barn gathering. I got stuck behind one trying to get onto the turnpike and they aren't fun at all. What should have taken me 30 minutes turned into 3 hours. The country was also a nice setting for dances, and picnics, and company get togethers. There are tons of things to find if you know where these areas are. Old churches in the country provide great yield as well. Back then there were many travelling preachers who spoke at assorted churches. A lot of times they would hold the service outside or in a tent and the ground would consist of straw or loose dirt. Now I know many coins were lost when that offering plate came around. I have found several old 1800's coins thanks to those in the past who have lost them. Another great place to find coins is near country mailboxes. we often forget that there post office works through the mailbox or is way to far of a drive to get too, so the mailbox is where business is done. Usually coins will be in an envelope along with a letter telling the mailman what they will need. I have not searched these but I know a man who does it faithfully and you should see the can of indian heads he has! It almost makes me jealous.

Now we approach Suburbia. The hunting grounds here are endless! In this area I have found almost all that I have in my collections. I will give you a list of places and some key hints to yield you the best treasures. The key aspect to searching is: Where have People Been? An area of land may be hundreds of years old, but if there was no one on it, then it proves worthless.

Your own Yard: You will be surprised at the things you will find.

Dirt next to a driveway: Many coins have been lost here.

Under porches: Many things can be acquired thanks to the children.

Outhouses and trails to it: I know, i know. It may be a nasty thought, but all chemicals decompose over the course of time and is quite harmless.

Around storm cellars and basement steps: You will find a bit of rusty nails and screws probably, but their are a bit of good yields here.

Under clotheslines: Can you imagine all the coins that have been dropped from pockets over times history?

Around big old trees: This is a great place for children to play and relax away from the sun. It's also a wonderful place to find their lost items.

Parks whether big or small: I have found many wonderful coins here for the one near me used to be an old farm co op. I have found dozens of silver dimes, as well as some silver half dollars. And this place has been searched numerous times!

Old Drive in theatres: all I have to say is you will love the yields here.

Old railroad depots: It will be hard searching this area because of all the iron ore, but through hard work and knowing how to use your machine you will find some great old coins.

Old churches: My oldest coins have been found here. At the same church I found nickels from the mid 1800's and up. Dimes from that era as well. And a few older quarters. Make sure you do get permission though, because some places do get a little touchy.

Construction sites: I'm a construction worker and you find some wonderful things when the bulldozers do a lot of the grunt work.

Ballparks: You not only find new, but old coins well.

Schools: You will not only find coins, but jewelry as well.

The list goes on and on here. heck, think back to your childhood and try to remember the places where people hung out or communities met for an event. Take notice also of the name of streets in your area. Streets were usually named after something that took place on that street. Look for names such as "Grove", or "Market", or something with trail in it. Too many people overlook this because they are in a rush to use their detector. Speaking of the park by me, the one I have searched because it used to be a farm co op, its on "Market" street. The facts speak for themselves. Be aware of your surroundings and use some imagination. There are many other places too, don't just think this is the end of the list. I'll let you figure them out though by doing your homework should I say.

Metropolis is a good place, but it can be restrictive as well. Since a lot of it is houses and sidewalks and buildings, it really doesn't prove a good place to go unfortunately.At least not for me that is. Some places to go are:

1. Grass in betweeen the sidewalk and street.

2.Small yards

3. Old Inns and Taverns

4.Parks

5. Construction sites

 I have not really searched Metropolis, but to those who realy know the city they find a lot!

All in all, please do not just search the areas here in these paragraphs, there are so many more that I don't know about enough to write. These are just a few suggestions to move you in the right direction to bring you riches and treasures. new places are popping up everday, and people are mutiplying like you won't believe. Just remember these two key things when  hunting: Have good observation and a little imagination, and GO WHERE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN! Do these two things and you're on your way to some serious metal detecting!!!