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 Cherokee, 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 Cherokee, 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 Cherokee, 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 Cherokee, 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.
66°Knoxville, TNNewfound Gap Road closure causing travel changes for touristsCrossville proposing city EMS serviceUpdated: 51 minutes ago|KARM hosts free Vision Clinic with Remote Area MedicalUpdated: 3 hours ago|This is a biannual event that gives free vision care to those in need.Equine rescues to help horses recover after seizure from Fentress County propertyUpdated: 6 hours ago|Nearly 30 horses are now getting vet care after reports of poor li...
66°Knoxville, TN
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This is a biannual event that gives free vision care to those in need.
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Mary Sibbett with the John T. O'Connor Senior Center talks with Olivia Calfee about National Senior Center month.
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CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. — Government officials in Cherokee County, North Carolina want to reclaim a section of land along Lake Hiwassee that they say originally belonged to them.In their letter to the U.S. Forest Service, the county says TVA filled part of the lake to build a dam.The county claims TVA "took more land than necessary" and then deeded that land to the U.S. Forest Service.The county believes they deserve to have that land back in their position.County officials say no plans have been mad...
CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. — Government officials in Cherokee County, North Carolina want to reclaim a section of land along Lake Hiwassee that they say originally belonged to them.
In their letter to the U.S. Forest Service, the county says TVA filled part of the lake to build a dam.
The county claims TVA "took more land than necessary" and then deeded that land to the U.S. Forest Service.
The county believes they deserve to have that land back in their position.
County officials say no plans have been made regarding the land yet.
But some residents are concerned this move will lead to development on land they believe should remain untouched.
A Cherokee County Commissioner says things have been blown out of proportion.
“What we said is – you took land from us. We'd like to have it back.”
However, some residents say the wording in the letter is concerning.
“I really have a huge problem with the way the commissioners are working in a lack of transparency.”
The letter says USFS actively restricts private and commercial development of the land.
The letter adds that...
"Lakefront land should be made available for private and commercial development such as private homes and commercial development to enhance the property tax base of Cherokee County and to support revenue generation for the benefit of the citizens of the county."
Frustration over the letter was clear during a virtual town hall hosted by County Commissioner Ben Adams.
Residents say its unclear why the county wants the land and what they'd do with it.
But Adams says the concerns over commercial development are exaggerated.
“The resolution states the US forest Service should consider it. No one says it will be commercially available, we never said we were going to develop it. That rumor has spread.”
Adams says there's no formal plan, but the long term idea could be to create a state park.
“We haven’t signed anything we haven’t discussed what we would do we need the land first.”
Still, environmental advocates like Callie Moore with Mountain True Western Regional say even the idea of a transfer opens the door to irreversible change.
"Once it's gone, we'll never get it back.”
Moore says the steep terrain around the lake is especially fragile and development could lead to erosion and run off.
The letter also sparked discussion on social media.
One user commenting our NewsChannel 9 post said...
"Obviously someone already made a decision somewhere and I'm gonna guess it isn't gonna matter what the public's opinion is anyway."
Another comment said...
"Protected means no building on it. Don't let them do it."
We reached out to both TVA and the US Forest Service and are waiting to hear back.
Read the full letter below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPBS NORTH CAROLINA FILM ABOUT THE SNOWBIRD CHEROKEE OF WESTERN NC TO PREMIERE JULY 31‘A Sacred Thread’ offers a powerful portrait of a resilient community safeguarding its heritage.RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 7/15/2025 — PBS North Carolina announces A Sacred Thread, a new original documentary about the Snowbird Cherokee of western North Carolina. The film follows the community as it fights to preserve its language, customs and ancestral t...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 7/15/2025 — PBS North Carolina announces A Sacred Thread, a new original documentary about the Snowbird Cherokee of western North Carolina. The film follows the community as it fights to preserve its language, customs and ancestral traditions before they disappear. A Sacred Thread premieres Thursday, July 31, 9:30 PM, on PBS NC, online and on the free .
“A Sacred Thread is an undertold and immersive story about the Snowbird Cherokee and their determination to pass on their traditions to a new generation with mentorship from their Elders,” said Heather Burgiss, executive producer of the film and PBS North Carolina’s Director of Original Productions. “PBS North Carolina is grateful to the Snowbird community for allowing us this rare look at the sacred connections that continue to define their identity.”
Through intimate storytelling and commentary from members of the Snowbird Cherokee, A Sacred Thread offers a powerful portrait of a resilient community safeguarding its heritage. The Snowbird Cherokee have preserved their original dialect for more than 10,000 years. Today fewer than 140 Cherokee speakers remain on their homeland; their average age is 65. A Sacred Thread spotlights Dadiwonisi, a Cherokee-language program that pairs Elders with young learners to preserve the dialect and other Cherokee traditions before they’re lost.
“The Snowbird Cherokee are the original North Carolinians,” said Brooks Bennett, director of A Sacred Thread. “The Snowbird never stopped being who they are, even when the world tried to rewrite their story. I hope viewers are inspired by their resilience and the strength that comes from staying rooted to the land of your ancestors.”
The Snowbird Cherokee (GWY) reside on over 2,200 acres scattered throughout Graham County, North Carolina. (GWY translates to “Tsa-la-gi,” or “Cherokee,” in the Cherokee language.) According to the , between October 1838 and March 1839, the federal government forcibly removed the Cherokee people from their lands in western North Carolina. About 11,000 Cherokee were relocated due to the Indian Removal Act in what became known as the . Some Cherokee stayed in North Carolina, however, including many who hid in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Snowbird Cherokee are their descendants.
“Our community has been a relatively quiet, unknown group, and the knowledge or lack of knowledge about the Tutiyi (Snowbird community) exists even today within our Tribal membership,” said Gil Jackson, First Language speaker and Cherokee language teacher. “While many people have read or heard about the Trail of Tears, very few know the beginning point, which is in our community.”
A Sacred Thread also features a younger generation of Snowbird Cherokee committed to learning the Cherokee language and traditions.
“This film shows why we fought so fiercely to remain in our ancestral lands,” said Angelina Jumper, cultural resources supervisor, Junaluska Museum. “It captures everything that shapes us today: the history passed down by our Elders, the language carried through generations and our continued cultural expressions.”
“I hope others will come to understand and see the family-like bond our community has,” said Cassidy Chekelelee, Cherokee language specialist, Dadiwonisi. “We’re the proud, resilient descendants of those who chose to stay in our homelands, where we’ve been for thousands of years, despite the many obstacles they faced.”
A Sacred Thread is a PBS NC Original Production funded in part by the .
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources manages, promotes and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina—its diverse arts and culture, rich history and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility and strengthens community resiliency. The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the N.C. Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund and the Natural Heritage Program. Learn more at .
As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit or follow us on , and .
-PBS NC-
As more states across the U.S. move to legalize recreational marijuana, North Carolina remains on the sidelines.While 24 states have adopted laws allowing adults to purchase and consume cannabis for non-medical use, North Carolina continues to prohibit it.There is one place in North Carolina, Cherokee, where the sale of medical marijuana has been legalized. Here is everything to know.Is weed legal in North Carolina?Marijuana is not legal in N.C. It is decriminalized, however, meaning possession of small amounts ...
As more states across the U.S. move to legalize recreational marijuana, North Carolina remains on the sidelines.
While 24 states have adopted laws allowing adults to purchase and consume cannabis for non-medical use, North Carolina continues to prohibit it.
There is one place in North Carolina, Cherokee, where the sale of medical marijuana has been legalized. Here is everything to know.
Marijuana is not legal in N.C. It is decriminalized, however, meaning possession of small amounts intended for personal use rather than illegal sales will generally mean punishments of civil or local infractions rather than state crimes.
Industrial hemp – marijuana with no THC – is legal in NC. Additionally, a popular loophole in hemp legislation has made it possible to get legally stoned. It is illegal to grow cannabis plants with more than a 0.3% concentration of delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC, however, is not mentioned in the legislation.
Delta-8 is one of over 100 cannabinoids produced by cannabis plants, and while it is usually not found in high amounts, many N.C. hemp businesses have begun extracting the compound from plants or converting other compounds like CBD into delta-8. If you've seen weed sold at gas stations, tobacco stores or anywhere else, it's likely psychoactive "delta-8" or a similar compound.
It's worth mentioning that, while delta-8 causes a "high," the FDA has not evaluated or approved it as safe for consumption, meaning that delta-8 products are not regulated by the FDA and could therefore be harmful to your health.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians voted in 2021 to legalize the sale of medical marijuana within its tribal territory known as the Qualla Boundary. Cherokee is a sovereign nation that has its own elections, laws, government and institutions that are self-governed and autonomous. That's why it can make legal the sale of marijuana despite being within North Carolina.
The Great Smoky Cannabis Co. opened on April 20, 2014 and was the EBCI's first dispensary. At first, it sold cannabis products to people with a medical marijuana card. It later branched out to recreation marijuana, and now visitors 21 and older can shop there.
Note that it remains illegal to take marijuana off the Qualla Boundary.
According to U.S. News and World Report, here are the 24 states to legalize marijuana:
For more information, visit usnews.com/news.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for Carolinas Connect and the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected]. Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at m.
The 6th Annual Outdoor Economy Conference kicks off in Western North Carolina, September 15-18. Returning from its 2024 cancellation in the wake of Hurricane Helene, this national convening of leaders from over 35 states, representing every aspect of the outdoor economy, is set to take place at The Cherokee Convention Center in Cherokee, NC.This year’s conference centers on the theme Investing in the Ecosystem – exploring how businesses, agencies, and organizations can collaborate to strengthen the resilience of outdoor re...
The 6th Annual Outdoor Economy Conference kicks off in Western North Carolina, September 15-18. Returning from its 2024 cancellation in the wake of Hurricane Helene, this national convening of leaders from over 35 states, representing every aspect of the outdoor economy, is set to take place at The Cherokee Convention Center in Cherokee, NC.
This year’s conference centers on the theme Investing in the Ecosystem – exploring how businesses, agencies, and organizations can collaborate to strengthen the resilience of outdoor recreation economies, communities, and natural resources. The program emphasizes the importance of collective investment—in people, infrastructure, and place—to ensure that America’s outdoor spaces remain vibrant sources of wellbeing, revitalization, and economic opportunity for generations to come.
“The Outdoor Economy Conference reflects the momentum we’re seeing across North Carolina and the nation—where outdoor recreation is not only a driver of health and well-being, but also a powerful economic engine for our communities,” said Amy Allison, Director of North Carolina’s Outdoor Economy Office. ”By bringing together stakeholders from across the outdoor ecosystem, we’re creating space for meaningful collaboration—and showcasing what’s possible when we invest in people, partnerships, and the places that connect us all.”
With over 80 speakers, deep-dive workshops, and immersive outdoor networking excursions, this year’s conference offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with key stakeholders and leaders in the outdoor recreation economy. Attendees will experience an Expo Hall with over 40 exhibitors, a featured Accessible Outdoor Recreation & Adaptive Sports Workshop led by Tourism Impact Services, Waypoint Adventure and Catalyst Sports, and keynote sessions from national organizations including the Outdoor Foundation, Outdoor Industry Association, and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. The event also includes curated networking receptions, the World Trails Film Festival, and a full menu of outdoor excursions in Western North Carolina—giving participants a firsthand look at the region’s thriving outdoor economy in action.
The Outdoor Economy Conference is made possible by the invaluable support of many dedicated sponsors. Presenting partners include the Made by Mountains Partnership, North Carolina Outdoor Economy Office, The Outdoor Business Alliance of WNC, and Mountain BizWorks, whose collaboration and commitment contribute to making this conference an exceptional and impactful experience.
About Made by Mountains Partnership
The Made By Mountains Partnership (MADE X MTNS) is working to expand the outdoor industry and economy across North Carolina’s Appalachian region and catalyze rural development by building vibrant outdoor communities, growing outdoor businesses, and amplifying outdoor culture. For more information, visit madexmtns.com or @madexmtns
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