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 Cashiers, 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 am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are flexible and the”
“The team with Always Best Care were instrumental in the assistance with my mom during”
“I'm a new hire and the office staff is wonderful, informative and thorough. I feel”
“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 I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive by sending me Barbara.”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't have any problems getting things done when the caregivers show up.”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa and Autumn have given extra effort and care to assist with managing my client's needs. I don't know how I would have made it without them.”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They take the time to assess the needs of caregivers and care recipients alike and establish a detailed person-centered plan of care that addresses the care needs and wellbeing of the care recipient. This approach builds rapport and confidence with the caregiver and emphasizes respite for the caregiver while meeting the care recipients’ needs.”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and more. Belinda has gone above the call of duty.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps keep him interactive with people.”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the nurse, is very encouraging. Their presence is helpful because I can't be there.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are flexible and the people that they provide have been good so far. They have removed a lot of stress from my life.”
“The team with Always Best Care were instrumental in the assistance with my mom during her decline and eventual passing. They were thoughtful, kind, supportive, considerate and readily available. Mary, one of the nurse managers at the Asheville location, was so supportive it is as if she became family. She would come without hesitation as I navigated through this difficult time offering tremendous support. She not only foresaw what was needed, but understood what I needed and catered to that need. She is a tremendous asset to your team! I am forever grateful for her.”
“I'm a new hire and the office staff is wonderful, informative and thorough. I feel like this will be a most rewarding opportunity.”
“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.”
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 Cashiers, 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 Cashiers, 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 Cashiers, 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.
Nestled atop the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, where rhododendrons line winding streets and Fraser firs brush carpeted hills, the Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival – slated for September 18–21 at the Highlands Performing Arts Center – offers more than cinema. It’s a celebration of storytelling, community, and the enduring power of place.Day one of the festival features a powerful moment: an exclusive sneak preview of The Gardener, set primarily in Highlands, where much of its story was brought to life....
Nestled atop the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, where rhododendrons line winding streets and Fraser firs brush carpeted hills, the Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival – slated for September 18–21 at the Highlands Performing Arts Center – offers more than cinema. It’s a celebration of storytelling, community, and the enduring power of place.
Day one of the festival features a powerful moment: an exclusive sneak preview of The Gardener, set primarily in Highlands, where much of its story was brought to life.
Produced and directed by Dabney Day, the story centers on Sabena Weathers (Radha Mitchell), a high-powered executive teetering on the edge of a corporate takeover. On a fateful drive home, she encounters a raven that leads her to a mountaintop property and a neglected garden. There, she meets Walter, an unassuming gardener whose presence gently guides her toward healing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Adding tension to Sabena’s unraveling world is Tom, her attorney, played by David Andrews—an accomplished actor and North Carolina resident whose grounded portrayal adds both complexity and suspense. Whether Tom is ally or adversary remains uncertain until the film’s final moments.
“For me, The Gardener is a reflection of life’s quiet truths,” Day shares. “We each have our own higher power, our own small voice that knows the way. And when we choose to listen, to pay attention, we are forever changed.”
Featuring an original score by acclaimed composer Jeremy Little and a cast that brings depth and nuance, The Gardener stands at the heart of this year’s festival.
“Bringing this film to life was a tapestry woven from many generous hearts. Three in particular, Mike Macke, my beloved, and Ray and Diane McPhail, whose magical home became our set and gave the production an authenticity and warmth you’ll feel in every frame,” continues Day.
She adds, “Diane’s radiant kindness infused the air, while Ray—ever the steady hero—kept his distance but gave us his full blessing. The Highlands community itself wrapped us in support, from flower shops to restaurants, to the Highlands Hatter, where our Walter, the gardener played by William Miller, and master craftsman Derek ‘Duke’ created the extraordinary hat Walter wears—a style symbol in its own right.”
Diane, an artist and author, reflects: “To see our garden transformed into a living set was surreal. Dabney treated it with reverence. It wasn’t just backdrop—it was character.” She pauses, then smiles. “And now, to welcome our neighbors here for the Festival’s Soirée—it feels like the garden is giving something back.”
At its core, The Gardener is a meditation on love, loss, and the quiet art of release. Woven with symbolism and dreamlike transitions, the film invites viewers to journey through memory, presence, and the shadowed terrain of fear. Like life itself, it drifts between reality and reverie—reminding us, gently, that life is truly ‘but a dream.’
But the festival doesn’t stop at premieres – it reaches into the vaults of cult cinema to honor one of Highlands’ own. On Saturday night, the horror-thriller Grizzly (1976) returns to the screen, starring the late Andrew Prine, a longtime Highlands resident and beloved figure. Described as “Jaws on a tight budget,” Grizzly follows a park ranger’s desperate attempt to stop an 18-foot, 2,000-pound man-eating bear terrorizing a national forest. Shot in nearby Clayton, Georgia, the film featured several local extras, including members of the Rickman family. It was during this production that Prine met teenager Mary Bynum – now the owner of McCulley’s in Highlands – cementing a connection between Hollywood and the Highlands that endures to this day.
The screening includes a tribute clip featuring Prine, who passed away in Paris in 2022. Known for his roles in Chisum, CSI, and Quentin Tarantino’s favorite 1970s genre films, Prine is remembered not only for his talent but for his humility and kindness. “He was our favorite cowboy,” says festival organizer Heather Lowe. “This screening is our way of saying thank you.”
The festival’s heartbeat is its commitment to place. Over four days, more than 50 features and shorts—from independent dramas to beloved classics—will screen in venues that feel as welcoming as a neighbor’s living room. Filmmakers sit elbow to elbow with local residents who share a love of story. By day, they trade tips over coffee in local cafés; by night, churches and galleries transform into pop-up screening rooms.
Hollywood glitz arrives courtesy of Illeana Douglas, who on September 19 will introduce and discuss her breakout role in Ghost World. Known for memorable turns in Goodfellas, Cape Fear, and Grace of My Heart, Douglas brings a dual lens as performer and film historian. In a moderated Q&A, she’ll explore the indie spirit that made Ghost World a cult touchstone and share stories from her new book, Connecticut in the Movies. Festivalgoers will leave with fresh insight into how setting shapes cinematic storytelling—whether on a bustling city street or a sleepy mountain town.
The following afternoon, Catherine Wyler, daughter of legendary director William Wyler, will illuminate her father’s legacy in a special presentation. Alongside a newly restored screening of Roman Holiday, Wyler will offer a personal documentary tracing the behind-the-scenes evolution of her family’s cinematic heritage. From Audrey Hepburn’s debut to the Golden Age glamour that defined her father’s work, Catherine’s perspective bridges Hollywood lore and Highlands’ admiration for timeless artistry.
Beyond premieres and powerhouses, the festival champions grassroots voices. Seminars on Technicolor restoration, panel discussions with set decorator Bill Brzeski (Matilda), and hands-on workshops for young filmmakers ensure that every guest can participate – not just spectate.
When the credits roll on Sunday, the celebration continues with Highlands Porchfest, a free music event that spills onto front stoops and sidewalks. Banjo players, poets, and bluegrass trios will share stages carved from folding chairs and front steps, extending the festival’s invitation to create – and connect – long after the film reels rewind.
In Highlands and Cashiers, cinema is more than entertainment. It’s a shared experience, a spark for conversation, and a bridge between neighbors. This inaugural festival may be new, but its roots run deep in the soil of a town that knows how to tell a story.
For tickets and more information about the festival’s slate of events, workshops, and lectures, visit highlandscashiersfilmfestival.com.
Don’t miss the annual Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival coming to the Village Green in Cashiers the weekend of Friday, October 10 through Sunday, October 12.Each year as the weather turns cooler and the changing autumn leaves are at the height of their blazing color show, national and regional artisans make their way to the Village Green for this annual celebration.This year, 100 carefully selected artisans will fill the Green with an array of handmade treasures. From returning favorites to exciting new faces, visitors can lo...
Don’t miss the annual Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival coming to the Village Green in Cashiers the weekend of Friday, October 10 through Sunday, October 12.
Each year as the weather turns cooler and the changing autumn leaves are at the height of their blazing color show, national and regional artisans make their way to the Village Green for this annual celebration.
This year, 100 carefully selected artisans will fill the Green with an array of handmade treasures. From returning favorites to exciting new faces, visitors can look forward to discovering unique handcrafted items including woodwork, furniture, pottery, jewelry, garden sculptures, textiles carvings, paintings, and much more. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or searching for the perfect gift, you’re sure to find something special.
Families can also enjoy kid-friendly activities all weekend long. The Jackson County Recreation Center will host games for children, and on Friday and Saturday, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital will host the popular Teddy Bear Hospital. Kids can bring their own beloved bears or adopt one on-site and learn how to triage and treat “boo-boos” with help from local medical professionals. What a great opportunity for children to become comfortable with and gain an insider’s view of medical care.
During this three-day event, as thousands of visitors make their way through the myriad of craft booths they can also enjoy the abundance of food and drink available, because let’s be honest what festival would be complete without great food. Local and area favorites including Chili Loco, French Broad Pastry, Country Kettle Corn, Crossroads Custard, Immortal Juice Company, Under the Reign Lemonade, and others will be on hand to keep you fed and hydrated while you enjoy your perfect fall day.
Music is an integral part of this annual celebration and once again this year the festival is proud to showcase local and regional talent including singer/songwriters Alma Russ and Brook Campbell. and bluegrass group Young Mountain Magic, among others. Performances are scheduled throughout the festival.
Village Green community events coordinator Mattilynn Sneed says “we’re lucky to be in a region with a vibrant music community with strong roots in traditional Appalachian and folk music, and we’re really pleased to be showcasing our local talent.”
The festival starts at 10:00 A.M. and ends at 5:00 P.M. on Friday and Saturday. Sunday hours are from 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M.
Parking is free and restrooms are available. For more information, go to villagegreencashiersnc.com or visit their Facebook page.
This fall, the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce invites residents and visitors to join two signature events: the 19th Annual Chili Cook-Off and the Falling for Cashiers scavenger hunt.Chili Cook-Off Heats Things UpThe fun begins Thursday, October 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. with the Chili Cook-Off, co-hosted by Landmark Realty Group and the Chamber. This beloved event returns to Lewis Hall at The Village Green, in the heart of Cashiers.Guests can sample chili recipes—from family favorites to bold n...
This fall, the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce invites residents and visitors to join two signature events: the 19th Annual Chili Cook-Off and the Falling for Cashiers scavenger hunt.
Chili Cook-Off Heats Things Up
The fun begins Thursday, October 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. with the Chili Cook-Off, co-hosted by Landmark Realty Group and the Chamber. This beloved event returns to Lewis Hall at The Village Green, in the heart of Cashiers.
Guests can sample chili recipes—from family favorites to bold new twists—crafted by local chefs, restaurants, and community members. Attendees will vote for their favorites, adding a spirited (and spicy!) edge to the evening:
• 1st Place Community Cook • 1st Place Professional Chef
A panel of judges will also award:
• Judges’ Choice Community Cook • Judges’ Choice Professional Chef • Best in Show
Beyond the bowls, the Cook-Off is about community—gathering with friends and neighbors while supporting the Chamber’s mission to promote and enhance the Cashiers area.
Falling for Cashiers:
The Falling for Cashiers scavenger hunt launches on Saturday, October 18 running through Monday, November 10. This interactive event encourages participants to see Cashiers in a new way.
With clues provided by the Chamber, adventurous Leaf Peepers will search for hidden leaves placed by curated Leaf Keepers—local shops, businesses, and scenic spots that highlight the beauty and spirit of the Plateau. Each discovery uncovers not just a leaf, but a local treasure.
Leaf Peepers are invited to snap photos of their finds and share them on social with the hashtag #FallingforCashiers and be sure to tag @cashiersareachamber, spreading the joy of fall in Cashiers.
Every completed scavenger card earns an entry into a prize drawing, with the winner announced at the Spirit of Our Community Awards reception on Thursday, November 13.
This inspiring evening celebrates individuals and organizations who make a lasting impact on the Cashiers area. Spirit Award nominations are due by November 7 and may be submitted online or at the Chamber office.
Celebrate autumn together from the warmth of chili on a cool October evening to the thrill of a community-wide scavenger hunt. Cashiers’ fall traditions celebrate both the season and the people who make this village a special place.
The countdown is on for the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment’s Fifth Annual Highlands Porchfest! On Sunday, September 21 from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M., the streets of downtown Highlands will come alive with the sounds of nearly every genre imaginable (sorry Swedish death metal fans, maybe next year) at various venues and businesses around town.Whether you’re a fan of rock and roll, gospel, country, latin pop, singer-songwriter, or even bagpipes, there’s sure to be a sound that suits everyone!New to Porch...
The countdown is on for the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment’s Fifth Annual Highlands Porchfest! On Sunday, September 21 from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M., the streets of downtown Highlands will come alive with the sounds of nearly every genre imaginable (sorry Swedish death metal fans, maybe next year) at various venues and businesses around town.
Whether you’re a fan of rock and roll, gospel, country, latin pop, singer-songwriter, or even bagpipes, there’s sure to be a sound that suits everyone!
New to Porchfest this year is the festival’s “Family Zone” at The Bascom. Parents and kiddos alike are encouraged to stop by for all sorts of free family fun. There will be an arts and crafts station with coloring and rock painting, live music (of course!), dancing, and more!
The Highlands-Cashiers Hospital will also be on site with their “Teddy Bear Clinic.” Kids can bring their own stuffed animals – or adopt one on site – for a “checkup” by a health care professional and learn all about medical procedures and instruments, how to fix “boo-boos,” and help alleviate fears around hospital workers and environments. There will also be free water and snacks while supplies last.
Also new to Porchfest this year is the festival’s first ever collaboration with the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival.
Be on the lookout for two HCCMF musicians, cellist Helen Kim and violinist Charae Krueger, who will bring a whole new sound to our ever-growing musical lineup. We are thrilled to have HCCMF musicians represented at this year’s festival. If you missed their stellar performances during the Chamber Music Festival, then this is your chance to witness these remarkably talented artists.
Highlands Porchfest is organized by the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment staff, board members, and volunteers. The event is free to attend, and all are welcome. The festival’s goal is to support local musicians, businesses, and the community through a day of fun, free, inclusive music and connection.
No outside event producers or marketing agencies are commissioned, however CLE can’t bring this event to life alone. Thank you to all of our 2025 event sponsors, volunteers, Arts Reach Council of Macon County, and Plateau community for your ongoing support. You’re the ones who truly rock!
For more information on Porchfest, artists, venues, schedules, or how to get involved, please visit highlandsporchfest.com. We hope to see you there!
828-676-2939
