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.
As more states across the U.S. move to legalize recreational marijuana, North Carolina remains on the sidelines.While 24 states have adopt...
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 [email protected]m.
Looking for a wild ride on a beautiful river in North Carolina in the Smoky Mountains? Smoky Mountain Tubing in Cherokee, NC, is the place to go. Thanks to Smoky Mountain Tubing for hosting us!Beautiful scenery, the possibility of elk sightings, fun rapids, and nice and cold water await in Cherokee, North Carolina at Smoky Mountain Tubing. My daughters, ages 10 and 14, and I had such an awesome time tubing here and would recomme...
Looking for a wild ride on a beautiful river in North Carolina in the Smoky Mountains? Smoky Mountain Tubing in Cherokee, NC, is the place to go.
Thanks to Smoky Mountain Tubing for hosting us!
Beautiful scenery, the possibility of elk sightings, fun rapids, and nice and cold water await in Cherokee, North Carolina at Smoky Mountain Tubing. My daughters, ages 10 and 14, and I had such an awesome time tubing here and would recommend it to anyone looking to cool off on hot, summer days while also enjoying the beautiful town of Cherokee, NC.
Smoky Mountain Tubing has been running the Oconaluftee River since the 1990s. The owners are local and are well-acquainted with the town, the land, and the river. The customer service was great as well. It was an easy check-in process and our driver was super helpful with getting us on the water and telling us exactly where we needed to go on the river and when to get out to get back to the outpost.
Once you sign your waiver and apply sunscreen, you can leave your keys with the company so they aren’t lost in the river. Then you’ll hop on a bus and head to the put-in area along the river.
The water is quite chilly but it feels amazing on hot days. Once you are in the water, just chill out and try to avoid branches in the water and get in the current.
If you want to be tethered to your kids/friends/fellow tubers, be sure to ask the driver or the attendant when you check in so they have them available. My youngest daughter got a tube with a bottom but my other daughter and I had bottomless tubes, which was fine. I think they use the bottom tubes for younger tubers.
The Oconaluftee is not a lazy river. There are lots of rapids! Some of the rapids are faster and bigger than others so be sure to lean back and keep your feet up going through them. One of my daughters flipped on her tube going through one but the water isn’t deep so she was able to stand up and grab onto my tube while we chased hers down. I also got a dip when I ran into a tree branch – whoops. Maybe use a broomstick or large stick to maneuver in the river!
My daughters and I had a lot of fun. The scenery is just beautiful as you are right on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While we didn’t see any elk, the owner of Smoky Mountain Tubing said they can be in the river sometimes so you’ll have to be prepared to hang tight while they cross. I think elk are pretty cool so I was disappointed we didn’t see any that day.
There are some swimming holes and rope swings on the river plus places to stop and hang out if you want to extend your time and enjoy all the fun things.
And yes, there are snakes around because it is their home after all. We didn’t see any in the river or on the banks but are always on the lookout and try to stay in the middle of the river to avoid the banks.
The trip was a lot of fun and took about two hours. Some days it can be shorter if the water level is higher and the river is running faster and other days it can take longer depending if the water level is low.
While my older daughter and I did not use a life jacket, I would recommend them after running this river due to the faster currents and rapids. We are all good swimmers but I think it’s always a wise decision to choose safety when adventuring so will definitely make that choice when we go again. Smoky Mountain Tubing does have life jackets available.
Bring cash. SMT only accepts cash.
They have life jackets. Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket but they have them for those older than 12 if you want to use one.
Trips are usually a couple hours. Plan to be on the water for around two hours depending on the water level.
Wear sunscreen and a hat. Most of the river is in the sun and it’s hot.
Bring a change of clothes and a towel. There are changing rooms available and wet clothes are no fun.
Kids need to be at least 5-years-old to tube. No lap riders.
Since SMT is about a 2.5 hour drive from Greenville, you may want to call them the night before or the morning of to make sure the water level isn’t running too high and they are closed that day.
Tubes are first-come, first-served so get there with plenty of time to enjoy the river and have fun! They have an abundance of tubes, so you should be able to get one whenever you come. Tubes are $14/person + tax (it comes to out just over $15).
Dogs are allowed to tube but if damage occurs, the guest will be charged $50.
Cherokee, NC is honestly such a cool place to visit. The history of the Cherokee Nation runs deep and we recommend checking out the famous Unto These Hills show. Bethany went with her family and absolutely loved it.
Also in Cherokee is the Oconaluftee Visitor Center where elk are frequently seen and where they have an awesome Junior Ranger book that kids (and adults) can work on.
There are tons of shops with authentic Cherokee-made goods, which are beautiful. There are also restaurants – we wholeheartedly recommend Peter’s Pancakes. Oh my gosh, that breakfast was amazing. Anything on the menu is great.
If you want to stay overnight, you can camp nearby at Smokemont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We’ve camped there and loved it. We’ve also stayed at the Rivers Edge Motel, a clean and comfortable motel right on the river (you actually tube by it on the tubing trip). It’s in a great location and every room has a balcony that overlooks the river.
On your way home from Cherokee, you can stop at Mingo Falls, an easy (but steep with lots of stairs) and short hike to an incredibly beautiful waterfall. Keep heading east and hit the Blue Ridge Parkway and hike the half mile up to Waterrock Knob, the highest point on the Parkway. It’s stunningly gorgeous and you feel like you’re on top of the world.
Smoky Mountain Tubing1847 Tsali Boulevard, Cherokee, NC828.497.4545Smoky Mountain Tubing Website | Smoky Mountain Tubing Facebook
I must admit the first time I visited Cherokee, North Carolina – circa 1991 or so – it didn’t make much of an impression. Of course, I was a sullen teenager who found the drive across the mountain full of more tedium than wonder. The fact that the adults in my party were going to a casino that I couldn’t set foot in didn’t help.I don’t remember many details from that trip, just the overall feeling of boredom or classic teenage ennui. But now that I have a better clarity of vision and Cherokee has gr...
I must admit the first time I visited Cherokee, North Carolina – circa 1991 or so – it didn’t make much of an impression. Of course, I was a sullen teenager who found the drive across the mountain full of more tedium than wonder. The fact that the adults in my party were going to a casino that I couldn’t set foot in didn’t help.
I don’t remember many details from that trip, just the overall feeling of boredom or classic teenage ennui. But now that I have a better clarity of vision and Cherokee has grown and developed over the years, I can assure you that today Cherokee, North Carolina is anything but boring.
So, let us help you as you navigate your way out of Gatlinburg, through the National Park and into one of the better tourist destinations in the mountains.
From moonshine to other illicit substances, the mountains have their share of vices for anyone who cares to go looking. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is a full-service Vegas-style casino and resort though don’t go expecting it to compare to Vegas.
In addition to the Casino and Sports Book, it has all the resort features you’d want. There are also multiple restaurants including Gordan Ramsey’s Truffles Pub and Guy Fieri’s Cherokee Kitchen + Bar. It hosts a variety of comedy and music shows. Some of them on the bill for this summer include The Black Crowes, Jeff Foxworthy, Wynonna Judd and Gabriel Iglesias.
While we certainly support making adult choices while doing adult things like gambling, we would be remiss if we didn’t urge caution. Gambling – like many mountain vices – is best done in moderation. If you have a competitive personality – like myself. Or have a healthy belief in your own luck – like myself. Have ever believed you could use your secret mind powers to control dive – what? Is that just me? If you can relate, then gambling can pose something of a slippery slope. We strongly recommend setting an amount you’re willing to lose and then walking away once you’ve lost it.
Do I believe that one day I will be struck by the lightning bolt and walk away a big winner? Firmly, I do. Am I pragmatic enough to know that I’m crazy for believing that? Yes, I am.
I do not speak for the Cherokee people, of course. And it is important to remember that they are not monolith. In other words, each member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee has their own unique opinions, ideas and comfort level in dealing with tourists coming into their community.
In my experience, the Cherokee by and large are happy to share parts of the culture with anyone who is interested. From the classic outdoor – now in its 75th year – “Unto These Hills” to a variety of demonstrations about the Cherokee traditions and way of life, it’s important for these stories and customs to be shared.
But don’t overstep. Don’t misunderstand. There’s a deliberate process that goes with being a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee. Your great grandmother having “Cherokee blood” does not put you into the club. Most people who come and visit Cherokee understand are respectful. But a few tend to think of native peoples as a relic of the past – something or someone they saw on TV growing up – and they treat them as such rather than the modern and equal people they are.
The mountains of Western North Carolina might not be as hyped as those in East Tennessee; But they are every bit as beautiful. From the hiking trails to places like Mingo Falls to the wide fields near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the mountains of North Carolia are amazingly beautiful. As a bonus, if you’ve spent most of your time on the Tennessee side, you’ve got a whole lot of new-to-you natural beauty to explore.
In addition, the mountains around Cherokee are home to the Smokies’ elk herds. Reintroduced to the Smokies in 2001, it still gives me a thrill every time I see an elk in the mountains. Some people go on and on about seeing bears in the mountains. However, bears are almost as common as deer anymore. Everything I go to the park it’s bear after bear after bear. At this point, I see bears more often than I see most of my family members. But elk? Because I live on the Tennessee side of the mountains, elk sightings remain a rare thing.
A few years ago, when my oldest was just starting out in travel softball, our coaches passed on the traditional tournament destinations in Johnson City, Cleveland or Crossville, TN. We liked to drive over the mountain to play in Cherokee. The ball fields were beautiful, mountaintop with a nice scenic view. Even on the hottest day, you’d get a nice breeze and were surrounded by rich green mountains. It was a lot better than some of the other regional fields where your best view was of the parking lot.
We made a lot of good memories on that field. But among the best were the days when we got put out early and – after the appropriate amount of doleful soul searching and addressing of relative shortcomings – the team would adjourn to the Oconaluftee Island Park for wading, swimming and general tomfoolery.
The park – so named for the island in the middle of the mostly shallow Oconaluftee River – is great for picnics, swimming, wading, fishing or tubing. There’s plenty of room to stretch your legs and play and lots of shady spots to rest. You can also – on occasion – photo bomb wedding party photos being taken there. But I would never condone – much less participate – in such childish activities.
Whether you’re coming through Newfound Gap on Highway 441 or tooling around the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway – whatever parts of it are open in the wake of Hurricane Helene – the scenic drives around Cherokee are nearly unmatched.
Yes, the very thing that bored the teenage me to tears is now a highlight of any trip to Cherokee or the mountains of Western North Carolina and beyond. Drive the mountains around Cherokee, y’all. And make that surly teenager in the back seat sit up and pay attention. One day he might even thank you for it.
Cherokee Bluegrass Festival opened yesterday under the new management of Classic Promotions, Allen Dyer and Lorraine Jordan of Jordan Entertainment. Ernie Evans, the previous promoter and manager of Evans Media Source, was present to lend a helping hand for their inaugural year.Dyer told us, “We were so thankful for a great turn out. It...
Cherokee Bluegrass Festival opened yesterday under the new management of Classic Promotions, Allen Dyer and Lorraine Jordan of Jordan Entertainment. Ernie Evans, the previous promoter and manager of Evans Media Source, was present to lend a helping hand for their inaugural year.
Dyer told us, “We were so thankful for a great turn out. It was probably the biggest first day of Cherokee ever. We had a great day of music from start to finish. All the bands played their hearts out and the audience response was incredible. There’s just an atmosphere at Cherokee that’s really special.”
MC Sherry Boyd obviously agreed, announcing from the stage, “It’s looking good for a Thursday.”
The mountain weather was perfect, sunny and warm, and the Happy Holiday Campground in Cherokee, NC served as a picturesque venue for the large crowd.
Following Junior Sisk singing, It’s So Cold, Sisk mused, “It ain’t cold, but we’re trying to cool you down a bit.”
Thursday’s show featured Sisk, Authentic Unlimited, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Deeper Shade of Blue, and host band Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road.
There were some funny moments involving ear monitors.
Authentic Unlimited’s Eli Johnston asked the crowd, “Does anyone have a set of hemostats or needle nose pliers? My monitor is stuck inside my ear.”
Rhonda Vincent also temporarily lost her monitor in her clothing during their afternoon set. She looked to Rage member, Zack Arnold and asked, “Where is it?”
Zack threw up his hands and replied, “I ain’t going looking for it.”
Their laid-back set continued as Vincent sang So Happy I’ll Be, sharing lyrics with the band from her cell phone. Then Arnold was featured on a hymn that he initially thought his mama wrote.
“The words were in Mama’s handwriting stuck in her Bible, so I assumed she wrote it,” he readily admitted.
The festival continues the next two days. Friday features the Kody Norris Show, Fast Track, The Edgar Loudermilk Band, Coyote Ugly, and Jordan’s band. Saturday’s schedule includes The Malpass Brothers, Lonesome River Band, Darren Nicholson Band, Fast Track, Larry Cordle with Country Grass, and a Native American Show.
The Cherokee Family Style Festival offers a large tent-covered seating area, shuttles to/from the parking lot to the stage area, food and other vendors, and a jam tent.
Happy Holiday Campground is located at 1553 Walkertown Road, Cherokee, NC. For more info, call (919) 526-0662.
Photos by Bill Warren and Laura Ridge.
Cherokee defies expectations: a Smoky Mountains town where visitors snap photos of waterfalls and browse handmade crafts by day. At the same time, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort lights up the night, drawing crowds with the promise of jackpots.There are no billion-dollar mega-residents like in Vegas, and no celebrity chefs slinging overpriced steaks. Instead, Cherokee offers something better: opportunity without the frenzy. While tourists feed slot machines and are attracted to the mountain trails, the shrewdest players are buil...
Cherokee defies expectations: a Smoky Mountains town where visitors snap photos of waterfalls and browse handmade crafts by day. At the same time, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort lights up the night, drawing crowds with the promise of jackpots.
There are no billion-dollar mega-residents like in Vegas, and no celebrity chefs slinging overpriced steaks. Instead, Cherokee offers something better: opportunity without the frenzy. While tourists feed slot machines and are attracted to the mountain trails, the shrewdest players are building equity: one acre, one rental property, one strategic deal at a time.
When Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort opened its doors in 1997 under the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ operation, it became North Carolina’s pioneering gaming destination [1]. Gambling was already permitted on tribal land since 1988, but this move flipped the switch. Surprisingly, despite generating $105 million in the first year in taxes, online sports betting in North Carolina was legalised and launched only in 2024.
Overnight, Cherokee morphed from a sleepy mountain gateway into a tourism powerhouse, becoming one of the economic drivers for the region. Jackson County, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and hiking paths, attracted nearly 1 million tourists by 2022, generating $119 million in local economic impact, with the casino doing its part of the job [2]. Today, it’s the heartbeat of a town that thrives on visitor dollars.
That tourism surge is Cherokee’s golden ticket, driving a hot property market. Short-term rentals near the casino and vacation homes by the Great Smoky Mountains trails are in high demand [3]. While tribal lands remain off-market, neighboring areas in Jackson County now show a $440,000 median home price, approaching Asheville’s $480,000 benchmark [4][5]. Investors capitalize on two key drivers: consistent rental demand from annual Smokies visitors, casino traffic, and long-term appreciation as regional development accelerates.
The market carries calculated risks: occupancy rates fluctuate seasonally, and interest rate sensitivity impacts buyer pools. However, strategic investors find the risk-reward equation compelling, particularly for properties within 15 minutes of casino corridors.
Want in? Here’s your strategy. Snap up cabins or condos near the casino or in scenic Jackson County, which are prime spots for renters. Time your buy for the off-season when prices dip, or eye up-and-coming areas near new developments. Homes move fast, selling in about 50 days, indicating solid demand [6]. With visitor spending topping $452 million in 2022 [2], diversify your portfolio, blend short-term tourist rentals with long-term leases for casino workers. Play it smart, and the returns could stack up.
Cherokee’s story has transformed from tribal heritage to a gambling hub, now a real estate contender. The seasonal fluctuations require careful navigation, but the fundamentals of limited inventory, sustained visitor spending, and regional development position Jackson County as a market where disciplined investors can build lasting equity. In Cherokee’s high-stakes growth story, the smart money isn’t on fleeting luck, but on calculated plays anchored in tourism’s unwavering momentum.
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