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.
Request More Information
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.
CHEROKEE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — “Unto These Hills” has been running in Cherokee, N.C. for 75 years. The outdoor drama, chronicling the formation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the tragedy of the Trail of Tears, is a tour-de-force of Cherokee culture and a defining example of the unique power of open-air theater.What t...
CHEROKEE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — “Unto These Hills” has been running in Cherokee, N.C. for 75 years. The outdoor drama, chronicling the formation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the tragedy of the Trail of Tears, is a tour-de-force of Cherokee culture and a defining example of the unique power of open-air theater.
The most arresting thing about the show is its scope, from the size of the auditorium itself to the ranks of the cast. The massive Mountainside Theatre, carved into the side of a ridge and sloping down to its large, multi-tier stage, seats nearly 3,000 people, while the ensemble cast of “Unto These Hills” includes more than 70 actors, nearly half of which are members of the EBCI. The show spans centuries, comprised of vignettes from Cherokee history ranging from European contact in the 16th century all the way to Cherokee removal in the 1830s.
The best parts of the production are when it leans into the grandeur of its stage. There are several Cherokee dance performances throughout the production that are among the most visually arresting things you’ll see in a theatre performance, aided by fire elements and gorgeous costuming. Impressive, too, are the battle scenes, which span the scope of the stage and envelope the action in smoke from simulated cannon and gunfire. “Unto These Hills” is at its best when dozens of actors are onstage, each contributing to the sensation that you’ve traveled back in time.
The less successful parts of the show came when it leaned too heavily on the original 1950 script by playwright Kermit Hunter. While the show has been updated over the years, focusing more on Cherokee characters and adding in more Cherokee language, Hunter’s words were clunky for many of the actors onstage. While the voice-of-god narration is grandiose and gorgeous – a Hunter trademark, as seen in his other famed outdoor drama, “Horn in the West,” still performed in Boone, N.C. – other vignettes were ungainly and cumbersome. However, thanks to several of the performers’ skillful comic timing, the humor of the show came through, even if the more dramatic dialogue felt leaden.
“Unto These Hills” is a singular experience. There is not a single other show in the country that has been running as long or focused as heavily on the Cherokee experience, and certainly not another show with production value like this one.
“Unto These Hills” begins at 8 p.m., with pre-show entertainment at 7:30 p.m., and runs Monday–Saturday until Aug. 23 at the Mountainside Theatre, 688 Drama Road, Cherokee, N.C.
General admission tickets cost $35 for adults, $30 for seniors ages 65 and up, $25 for children ages 6 to 11 and free admission for infants and toddlers.
Reserved seating tickets cost $45 for adults, $40 for seniors, $35 for children and free admission for infants and toddlers.
VIP tickets, which include reserved seating, early admission to the Mountainside Theatre and a souvenir bag, are $60. Tickets for groups of 15 people or more may be purchased for a reduced rate.
For more tickets and more information, visit www.visitcherokeenc.com/play/attractions/unto-these-hills-outdoor-drama.
CHEROKEE, N.C. – The 2025-26 schedule continues to develop, as Ole Miss women's basketball announces it will participate in the 2025 Cherokee Invitational at the Harrah's Cherokee Casino on Dec. 21-22.The other teams making the trip to Cherokee, N.C. to compete in the third annual invitational will be Michigan State, Indiana State and Old Dominion.The television schedule, times and matchups will be announced at a later date.Head coach ...
CHEROKEE, N.C. – The 2025-26 schedule continues to develop, as Ole Miss women's basketball announces it will participate in the 2025 Cherokee Invitational at the Harrah's Cherokee Casino on Dec. 21-22.
The other teams making the trip to Cherokee, N.C. to compete in the third annual invitational will be Michigan State, Indiana State and Old Dominion.
The television schedule, times and matchups will be announced at a later date.
Head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin returns for her eighth season in Oxford after leading Ole Miss to its second Sweet 16 in three years. The Rebels bring back three players, including SEC All-Freshman Sira Thienou and key contributor Christeen Iwuala.
Joining the squad are nine newcomers, including eight transfers, as McPhee-McCuin secured the nation's No. 2 transfer portal class, according to ESPN. The group is headlined by four-time All-American Cotie McMahon, who ranked as the top transfer forward this offseason. Freshman Lauren Jacobs also joins the fold, earning recognition as the top 2025 recruit from South Carolina.
Season tickets for the 2025-26 campaign are on sale now. Click here to secure yours today or visit OleMissTix.com.
Want to stay up-to-date on the latest Ole Miss basketball news? Subscribe to The Sip, the official newsletter of the Rebels to have all the crucial content, stories, videos and more sent to your inbox.
Follow the Rebels on X at @OleMissWBB, Facebook at Ole Miss WBB and on Instagram at Ole MissWBB. You can also follow head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin on X at @YolettMcCuin.
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.
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."
We reached out to both TVA and the US Forest Service and are waiting to hear back.
Read the full letter below:
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, N.C. (828newsNOW) — First performed in 1950 and celebrating its 75th anniversary on July 1, 2025, “Unto These Hills” is the story of the Cherokee people in Western North Carolina in the years following the Trail of Tears.The show runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p...
CHEROKEE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — First performed in 1950 and celebrating its 75th anniversary on July 1, 2025, “Unto These Hills” is the story of the Cherokee people in Western North Carolina in the years following the Trail of Tears.
The show runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday at the Mountainside Theatre, 688 Drama Road. The season began on May 31 and will run until Saturday, August 23. Find tickets here.
“We’re certainly excited about the 75th anniversary and it is quite a milestone, particularly for this region,” said Lance Culpepper, the show’s operations director. “North Carolina actually has a long, rich history of outdoor theatre, and the outdoor theatre movement for the country actually started in North Carolina with native son Paul Green.”
While “Unto These Hills” has its contemporaries, such as “The Lost Colony,” Green’s history of the Roanoke Colony staged at the Outer Banks, and “Horn in the West,” a fellow septuagenarian show about frontiersman Daniel Boone, the show is singular in its subject matter.
“It’s very unique within the outdoor drama community in that it is focused on that native population, who are now the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and is led by a board of enrolled Eastern Band members,” Culpepper explained. “We are looking for ways to continue to grow the organization, maintain its standing within the outdoor theatre community, but also be true to the mission of cultural preservation.”
The production has morphed and changed over the years, but in its latest incarnation, “Unto These Hills” has returned to the original script by Kermit Hunter in its 75th year, though not without a couple alterations.
“We returned to that original script as the base line, but then making those adjustments through not only a 21st century lens, but also just a more culturally introspective lens, removing some of those tropes that were in the script and pop culture of the 50s,” Culpepper said. “You hear more Cherokee language spoken on stage. We’ve been making those fine-tuned adjustments.”
However, Culpepper said, the show has not been sanitized of the harsher, sadder aspects of the history it portrays.
“Sometimes language is so very important, and I think sometimes if you begin to remove some of that language and usage by certain characters, then you lessen that impact on the culture. The words carry weight,” Culpepper said. “Sometimes words are hard to hear and it’s hard to witness when a fellow human is being treated in a certain way.”
As the show examines its own history during its 75th anniversary, it continues to ratify its mission statement.
“It’s a very important mission for us to continue to raise awareness for the public, who simply may know portions of that story. They may have known something about the Trail of Tears, however they may not understand all the promises and treaties that were made by the U.S. government to the Cherokee people that have been broken over time,” Culpepper said.
According to the director, the enduring legacy of “Unto These Hills” comes from its ability to contribute to the public’s cultural consciousness through the power of live performance.
“I think this is, you know, outdoor drama, and history, and preserving history and communicating the impacts of those historical events, is just such an important part of our national dialogue,” Culpepper said.
“We hope to inspire people to do some more research on their own, to learn more about this chapter of history and also to understand that the Cherokee are not a people of the past. It is a growing and thriving culture today.”
For more about “Unto These Hills” and visiting Cherokee, check out www.visitcherokeenc.com.
828-676-2939
