It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Bryson City, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here,”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the”
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer my caregivers to and know that they will receive the service they need to assist with the care of their loved ones with dementia,”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting the owner Jim Smeaton to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They are reliable, and the caregivers are sweet and attentive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are always able to be reached and are willing to work with you.”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in knowing my husband is safe with excellent care. The office listens, really hears and is helpful to support and meet needs. Our caregiver, Chip, has become family. He was very personable, attentive to needs, brings extra in music, stories, making sure to pay attention to the patient and give accordingly. He is always kind and gracious. We are blessed to have them.”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and helpful anytime I call or come in, and my clients are wonderful! It’s more like helping a friend all day instead of working like clockwork!”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy just being in there in their organization .. my google is under Stephanie young but my last name is now Duarte . Young was my married name , I’m divorced now”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice and welcoming. I’m excited to join the team and see the great things they have in store.”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack thereof. It is regarding his cooperation regarding the service. He tends to not wake the caregiver for assistance during the night time. I would give specific names of individuals in this organization that I would request over others.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the care of ABC Senior Services. I have had the privilege of enjoying the care of Lois C. She is the best advertisement for your agency. When I am asked, which happens frequently, about my experience with ABC, I refer to Lois as being your prime example of the type of care they can expect from you. She goes beyond just basic care and does all she can to help remedy any problem we have. I love that I can trust her and feel safe having her share my home with me. She is very professional yet very "down home", a rare combination. You should be very thankful she is on your "team"! Because of her, I have no problem recommending your company to all who ask.”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I have had a couple of very good people, one of which I have now. When I was getting going with them, I had a couple of people I would never like to have again, but that has all been ironed out.”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great. But they could be more proactive. They need to be better at communicating.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never worked for a company that was so dedicated to clients and caregivers. Everyone is always happy, clients and staff. I am blessed to work here.”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my health, so it's been a blessing to have them taking care of him for me. I appreciate that the caregivers are friendly.”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do. They've helped the most just by being here.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here, and doing what they're supposed to. They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do.”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the Always Best Care team. I have watched the staff there change lives for the better, not only for clients but each other as well. It is a pleasure to be a part of this team, nothing compares to it!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Bryson City, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bryson City, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Bryson City, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Summer brings visitors to Western North Carolina in droves. It's no wonder the region dominates entries on a new list of the most scenic towns in the state.Founded in 1994 by cartographer John Moen and his wife, Chris Woolwine-Moen, WorldAtlas publishes educational materials and articles on geography, sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics, and travel.The publication has given attention to WNC many times, including ...
Summer brings visitors to Western North Carolina in droves. It's no wonder the region dominates entries on a new list of the most scenic towns in the state.
Founded in 1994 by cartographer John Moen and his wife, Chris Woolwine-Moen, WorldAtlas publishes educational materials and articles on geography, sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics, and travel.
The publication has given attention to WNC many times, including coolest towns for summer vacations, most beautiful drives and strangest attractions this year alone. A new list, honoring nine towns as the most scenic in N.C., includes almost exclusively areas located right here in WNC.
Here's what writers say about the WNC towns, plus the whole list of N.C. towns.
"Blowing Rock is a mountain town that feels painted into the landscape," WorldAtlas writers say about the town. "Perched along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the town offers endless views across the sweeping valleys below."
Writers also appreciate the following in Blowing Rock:
"Bryson City offers one of the most immersive nature experiences in North Carolina," WorldAtlas writers say about the town. "Just steps from the southern entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the town is surrounded by thick forests, misty ridges, and the ever-changing drama of the mountains."
Writers also appreciate the following in Bryson City:
"Highlands feels like it’s floating above the rest of the world," WorldAtlas writers say about the town. "At over 4,000 feet in elevation, the town is surrounded by towering peaks, lush hardwood forests, and cascading waterfalls."
Like Bryson City, WorldAtlas writers appreciate the closeness of Highlands to the Nantahala National Forest. Writers also appreciate the following:
"Lake Lure is a place where water and mountains meet in a gentle embrace," WorldAtlas writers say about the town. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge foothills, the lake itself gleams like a mirror beneath the North Carolina sun."
Much like recent recognition on a USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice list, WorldAtlas includes Lake Lure on the list despite the severe damage the area suffered during Tropical Storm Helene. Acknowledging that the lake and well-known Flowering Bridge remain closed, writers appreciate the following in Lake Lure:
"Saluda feels like a mountain tale come to life - tucked neatly into the forested ridges and perched just above the breathtaking Green River Gorge," WorldAtlas writers say about the town.
Writers also appreciate the following in Saluda:
"Banner Elk is a quiet mountain haven surrounded by some of North Carolina's tallest peaks," WorldAtlas writers say about the town. "The air here is crisp, and the sky feels slightly closer."
Writers also appreciate the following in Banner Elk:
"This little town is in the unspoiled wilderness of the Pisgah National Forest, and it’s one of the only places in North Carolina where the Appalachian Trail runs directly through town," WorldAtlas writers say about the town. "Plenty of trails wind through fern-carpeted woods, past ancient boulders and clear mountain streams."
Though Hot Springs was another area that took serious blows at the hands of Helene, writers appreciate the following about the town:
The full list of WorldAtlas's picks for the state's nine most scenic towns:
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
Planning a tubing day trip? Bryson City, NC is home to Deep Creek tubing, a popular river tubing destination. With several places to rent tubes, plus local campgrounds, Deep Creek tubing is a great choice for a tubing adventure.KAG’s Kristina Hernandez spent a day tubing with her kids. Here’s how her day went tubing at Deep Creek, plus some tips for planning your own tubing adventure. Tubing has been on my summer bucket list for awhile. I had to wait until I felt comfortable taking my nearly five-year-old o...
Planning a tubing day trip? Bryson City, NC is home to Deep Creek tubing, a popular river tubing destination. With several places to rent tubes, plus local campgrounds, Deep Creek tubing is a great choice for a tubing adventure.
KAG’s Kristina Hernandez spent a day tubing with her kids. Here’s how her day went tubing at Deep Creek, plus some tips for planning your own tubing adventure.
Tubing has been on my summer bucket list for awhile. I had to wait until I felt comfortable taking my nearly five-year-old out on the river. This was the summer we made it happen and it all went down at Deep Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains in Bryson City, North Carolina. And we did it for super cheap, only $8/person for all day tubing.
Deep Creek is a stretch of pretty shallow water stretching along the Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina side of the park in Bryson City. There are several campgrounds and places to rent tubes from in a stretch of less than two miles.
We rented tubes from Deep Creek Tubing & Campground where tubes cost just $8/each. They come with a life jacket for a refundable 100% $10 cash deposit (and a 50% refundable $10 credit card deposit). I brought ours from home so we didn’t need them. I saw other places, like Tube World just down the road. There were several others outside the park entrance.
Since you are parking inside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you need a parking sticker. You can get them at kiosks around the park. It costs $5/day, $15/week or $40/year.
I was a little worried I wouldn’t be able to get a tube since I went on July 4th but there were plenty of tubes and I understood why Deep Creek Tubing doesn’t take reservations.
This is a question that parents need to ask themselves. Since it was just me taking my two kids, ages eight and almost five, I needed to be confident enough to know I could safely handle my kids and their tubes floating down the river since we would be tethered together.
Many tubing places have age restrictions, which we list in our giant list of places to go tubing in NC, SC, and GA. Deep Creek Tubing didn’t have any restrictions. I’ve gone tubing several times, just not with my kids, so I knew what to generally expect and could figure it out from there on what would be safe.
Both of my kids can swim but I wasn’t taking chances and they both wore life jackets. It can be a wild, bouncy ride. Great Smoky Mountains National Park now requires children 13 years of age and younger to wear a life jacket while tubing. You may bring your own, or rent one at Deep Creek with a $10 deposit, which is 100% refundable if you pay with cash and 50% refundable if you pay with credit card.
I saw several parents hang onto their kids’ tubes or use twine or ropes to tether tubes together. I felt more comfortable doing that, especially since my youngest was kind of scared the first run down the river.
This was the first tubing experience I ever had where I had to walk my tube to the drop-in point and do it over and over again until I was too tired. Other places take you and your tube to the drop-in point and you float down the river until you hit the outfitters where your car is parked. Not at Deep Creek because vendors are not legally allowed in the park.
How it works is that you rent the tubes from the rental place, get some help tying them to the roof of your car, drive into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park maybe a mile down the road, park your car either in the big picnic area or up a little ways into another parking lot, get the tubes down from your car and then carry them about a half mile to the first drop-in point, the lower part of the river where the rapids are more calm. You can walk further for a little more adventure but we didn’t do that.
Either way, you’ll pass Tom Branch Falls, a beautiful waterfall right on the river. We saw it multiple times because it’s on the trail you walk to get to the drop-in point. Its beauty never got old!
I had to carry the tube of my youngest kid twice and then both kids another two times – so three tubes total for a mile. It was a workout for sure but still fun and enjoyable. Water shoes are a must since rocks are slippery and the trail is very rocky. I saw people wearing sneakers so whatever works for you, as long as you have shoes on.
Don’t bring much with you because it’s very easy to lose valuables in the river. I bought an awesome little waterproof phone carrier where I put my phone and keys and had it around my neck. We applied sunscreen before we started tubing and again midway through the day. We all had hats, which one of my kid’s lost, of course.
Some people had sticks or rods to help push them out of the rocks when they got stuck – my version was to either use my feet to push off or get out of the tube in the rapids, slip on the rocks, listen to my youngest get all upset while I was flailing around, and then somehow hop back into the tube and reassure my child I was fine. Everyone has their methods.
Since you get out of the river usually where your car is parked, you can take a break during the day and eat lunch. Be sure to drink a ton of water since it’s hot and you don’t want to get dehydrated, which can totally happen even though you’re in water all day. There are no vendors anywhere in the park but since I had to bribe my youngest kid to get in the water, I did find out there is a good snack bar with ice cream right outside the entrance to the park. They also have nachos, hamburgers, hot dogs, etc.
Bryson City is only about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Greenville so it’s certainly doable as a day trip. If you want to make it a weekend trip, I’d recommend staying at Sky Ridge Yurts, about 20 minutes away from Deep Creek. Yurts are awesome and Sky Ridge Yurts will blow you away. There is also great hiking, including the Deep Creek Trail (which you can take to Indian Creek for a waterfall view). You can go hiking, biking, and picnicking at several gorgeous places near Bryson City, including the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
You don’t have to rent a tube at Deep Creek to have a fun day on the water. If you already own a river tube, you can park inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and hike the half-mile to the drop-in point and tube down the river.
If I had a river tube, I’d totally do this! I saw a bunch of people tube with their own tubes or other flotation devices. Look for sales at the end of the season to score a big tube for a great price – or just go to Walmart. There’s nothing like tubing on a hot summer day.
The Deep Creek area has a few places to rent tubes right near the entrance to the Smokies and Deep Creek. These companies generally operate from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, but some could may continue after Labor Day. You’ll find these on West Deep Creek Road in Bryson City.
Have you been tubing in Deep Creek?
With about one-third of North Carolinians living in rural areas, small towns continue to play a key role in the state’s culture and identity. To truly get a sense of what North Carolina is all about, it is necessary to travel beyond the cities and into its quieter corners. The following towns are some of the nicest to visit, home to apple orchards, wild horse herds, and local seafood restaurants. With communities like Black Mounta...
With about one-third of North Carolinians living in rural areas, small towns continue to play a key role in the state’s culture and identity. To truly get a sense of what North Carolina is all about, it is necessary to travel beyond the cities and into its quieter corners. The following towns are some of the nicest to visit, home to apple orchards, wild horse herds, and local seafood restaurants. With communities like Black Mountain, Edenton, and Southport, once you learn more, you will likely want to visit each of these welcoming towns for yourself!
Although Black Mountain is home to fewer than 9,000 residents, it has an impressively lively festival calendar. The town has been hosting the Sourwood Festival each summer since 1977, which celebrates the honey-selling season with local honey vendors, snack vendors, and more in the downtown district. Each September, meanwhile, the town hosts the three-day Black Mountain Blues Festival, offering three stages of blues, rock, and alternative jams. The natural beauty near Black Mountain is just as worthy of a visit. Catawba Falls, for example, is just a 20-minute drive from town and features a series of cascades that total 100 feet.
Surrounded by apple orchards, breweries, and cideries, Hendersonville is one of the coziest little towns in western North Carolina. For some fresh apples, peaches, apple butters, or jams, stop by the Apple House and Owenby Orchards, a family-owned farm and market. Afterwards, travelers can head over to Appalachian Ridge Artisan Hard Cider, where an antique barn-style tasting room and a deck overlooking the orchard provide the ideal setting to enjoy a locally made cider. For a bit of nostalgia, the Appalachian Pinball Museum features an impressive collection of vintage and modern pinball machines, perfect for an afternoon of play.
As one of the earliest colonial capitals of North Carolina, Edenton, which lies along the Albemarle Sound and Edenton Bay, is lined with 18th-century homes and historic landmarks. One of the best ways to explore the town’s history is on a historic trolley tour, where a local guide narrates significant sites in the Edenton Cotton Mill Village and the historic downtown district. Make sure to stop by the Historic Edenton Visitor Center as well, which is situated in a restored historic home and showcases rotating historical exhibits of the town’s history. The 1767 Chowan County Courthouse is another must-visit historical site, the oldest government building in the state, and is designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Beaufort is a tight-knit coastal town with lots of community events and seafood restaurants to check out. Each Saturday, from April through November, the town comes together for the Olde Beaufort Farmers' Market, where vendors sell locally grown produce, baked goods, and other artisan products. For fresh seafood, Clawson’s Restaurant & Pub is a popular spot, situated near the waterfront in a historic building and serving favorites like crab cakes, fish and chips, shrimp mac n cheese, and blackened mahi mahi. Heading a few minutes outside of town, visitors will reach the Rachel Carson Reserve, which is accessible via kayak or boat and is home to wild horses, over 200 species of birds, and other native wildlife.
Although Hurricane Helene temporarily impacted tourism in Blowing Rock, the town has since rebuilt and reopened many of the affected attractions and is more eager than ever to welcome visitors back! Town Tavern, which sits along Main Street in the heart of town, is a wonderful place to spend an evening, offering live music each Friday accompanied by delicious North Carolina barbecue, wings, burgers, and more. Travelers hoping to explore the mountains may consider doing so on horseback! Blowing Rock Trail Rides offers scenic horseback excursions that wind through the estate’s 3,500 acres. If you are willing to drive a bit, consider making the trip out to Grandfather Mountain, which is located about a half hour’s drive from town and features a biodiverse, 5,946-foot mountain with hiking trails, native wildlife exhibits, and a famous mile-high swinging bridge.
Although Corolla has a permanent population of just around 500 residents, it has become a popular and beloved beach vacation destination in recent years, largely for its wide, sandy beaches and remote feel. The town is also famously home to a herd of wild horses! Travelers interested in seeing these horses for themselves can sign up for an excursion with Corolla Wild Horse Tours, which will take them out in a 15-passenger, safari-style truck into the dunes where the horses reside.
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is one of the town’s most notable landmarks. It dates back to 1875 and offers visitors the chance to climb to the top for panoramic views. Consider packing an ice chest and stopping by the Bluewater Seafood Market before you leave. It sells some of the freshest seafood from the Outer Banks, including blue crab, shrimp, tuna, and halibut.
Nestled at an intersection between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is one of North Carolina’s most beautiful mountain towns. Travelers can take in the area’s mountain views along the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which departs from Bryson City and winds past Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Fontana Lake, Nantahala National Forest, and other scenic sections.
There are plenty of hiking trails nearby as well, such as the Cheoah Bald, which intersects with the Appalachian Trail and leads to a summit of 5,062 feet. The Hike Lonesome Pine Overlook Trail is another great trail to hike if you are seeking a bit of solitude, stretching 6.6 miles out and back and offering incredible views of the southern Smokies.
Established in 1759 as a Moravian village, Bethania has largely retained its European heritage, which visitors can explore throughout the small historic town. A prime example of this history is the Alpha Chapel, built around 1895, later moved to the town center, and now serving as the community’s town hall. Make sure to stop by the Wolff-Moser House as well, which exhibits an authentic 19th-century hand-cut dwelling with brick nogging. If you want to explore the area’s countryside, check out one of the surrounding hiking trails. Black Bottom Walnut Trail is a good option if you are seeking a laid-back hike, featuring a 1.4-mile loop that takes about 25 minutes to hike.
As a gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and to North Carolina’s High Country, it is easy to relax in Banner Elk. There are plenty of cozy inns and lodges throughout town, such as The Lodge at River Run, a luxury bed and breakfast that features five uniquely decorated, rustic-style rooms. Throughout the summer, Banner Elk hosts a Summer Concert Series on Thursday evenings from late June to mid-August, featuring live music ranging from country and soul to funk and southern rock. If you are looking for exhilarating fun, check out the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, a 3,160-foot coaster that winds through the area’s gorgeous mountains and forests.
Named one of “America’s Happiest Seaside Towns” by Coastal Living Magazine, Southport is the perfect coastal destination if you are looking for a bit of southern hospitality and cheer. The town has also appeared in numerous films and TV shows, and the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum and Visitors' Center displays plenty of memorabilia from those productions. For a cozy place to stay, the Southport Carriage House Inn is a great option. It was built in the mid-1930s and offers elegant yet modern rooms. To round out your visit, stop by the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport, which highlights the maritime history of the lower Cape Fear River.
If North Carolinians know one thing, it is that their state is full of places to explore. The presence of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains results in numerous quaint mountain towns, while its coastline serves as a home to many seaside communities. No matter what kind of vacation you are looking for this year, one of these nicest small towns is sure to leave you feeling relaxed and recharged.
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn MoreBryson City, North Carolina, is more than just a postcard-perfect mountain town — it’s where professional kayaker Evy Leibfarth learned to paddle and found her footing as a competitor and person. “To me, Bryson City is just where it all started — kind of where I found myself,” Leibfarth says.On her...
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Bryson City, North Carolina, is more than just a postcard-perfect mountain town — it’s where professional kayaker Evy Leibfarth learned to paddle and found her footing as a competitor and person. “To me, Bryson City is just where it all started — kind of where I found myself,” Leibfarth says.
On her home turf, the Nantahala River, Leibfarth’s days are simple yet stacked: lunch at River’s End before the river release, and then training sessions on the river’s slalom gates, or paddling other sections of the Nantahala.
The variety is part of the magic — from beginner-friendly floats to Class IV cascades, the section of the river near Bryson City has it all. “The Nantahala River is a great place to progress as a paddler,” Leibfarth says. “There’s something for everyone.”
When she’s not on the water, Leibfarth enjoys all the perks of life in a small North Carolina mountain town. Just a few blocks long but packed with restaurants, shops, and plenty of character, downtown Bryson City is the ultimate base camp for adventure.
“Bryson City is all about the outdoors,” she says. “We have beautiful mountains, so many hiking trails, pretty waterfalls, and, of course, river access. Growing up in Western North Carolina with all this access to the outdoors instilled a love of being outdoors in me from a young age.”
Tucked into the lush folds of the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is a charming mountain town that serves as a gateway to outdoor adventure — especially for those seeking thrills on the Nantahala River. The legendary Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is a hub for whitewater rafting and kayaking, but visitors can also immerse themselves in ziplining, hiking, and other outdoor activities in the scenic Smoky Mountains.
The experience is both exhilarating and deeply refreshing. With its blend of small-town hospitality and world-class outdoor access, Bryson City and the Nantahala area offer an unforgettable escape into the heart of Western North Carolina wilderness.
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