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 Franklin, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am a current client of this provider I like the caregiver they give us. They always”
“I am a current client of this provider I'd like to see the communication improved. The”
“such a good environment everyone’s so kind so easy and welcoming !!”
“I am a current client of this provider They need to be better at communication and”
“Lindsay was the most helpful and professional individual I have ever worked with. Highly recommended!!”
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Lindsay at Always Best Care. She is kind,”
“I am a current client of this provider I didn't like different caregivers coming all the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are responsive when I”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that the agency is responsive. I am”
“Lindsay was amazing to work with. She made the whole process so much easier. She”
“Hiring process is amazingly easy, absolutely friendly environment, they care about what your needs are.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are showing up. We set”
“I am a current client of this provider I had a caregiver come to my home,”
“I am a current client of this provider Maybe the selection of employees could be improved;”
“I am a current client of this provider They are very reliable. They provide transportation. They help”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are easy to work”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are always on time. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like the caregiver they give us. They always come out once a while to make sure everything is okay.”
“I am a current client of this provider I'd like to see the communication improved. The people they have sent have been pretty good. They make it positive by taking care of my daily needs.”
“such a good environment everyone’s so kind so easy and welcoming !!”
“I am a current client of this provider They need to be better at communication and scheduling. The caregiver is amazing; the issue is with the office staff having high turnover and not being reliable. The caregiver has helped the most by giving my dad transportation to go to places like the grocery store, and she offers companionship.”
“Lindsay was the most helpful and professional individual I have ever worked with. Highly recommended!!”
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Lindsay at Always Best Care. She is kind, compassionate, and truly goes above and beyond to make sure her clients feel comfortable, respected, and well cared for. Her professionalism, patience, and genuine concern for others really stand out. Knowing someone like Lindsay is there gives families real peace of mind.”
“I am a current client of this provider I didn't like different caregivers coming all the time, but we just have one now, and that's good. The days that the caregiver comes are good for us.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are responsive when I have questions or concerns. I like having one caregiver. I don't know what they could improve on.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that the agency is responsive. I am out and about, and I don't have to be with the client.”
“Lindsay was amazing to work with. She made the whole process so much easier. She went above and beyond to help us.”
“Hiring process is amazingly easy, absolutely friendly environment, they care about what your needs are. Orientation was quick and painless which is always a PLUS in my book! 10/10 recommend if you are looking for that 1st step into the healthcare field without all the extra certifications and such!”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are showing up. We set up a plan of care, and the plan has been executed very nicely.”
“I am a current client of this provider I had a caregiver come to my home, whom I liked very much, and they took her away. Since then, I have had a bunch of different ones come in, but I need one like that caregiver I liked. They do things for me that I can't do for myself anymore.”
“I am a current client of this provider Maybe the selection of employees could be improved; I don't know for sure. Explain to them that you don't need a cell phone at work. I appreciate them letting me stay in touch with them or them staying in touch with me.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are very reliable. They provide transportation. They help with anything she needs, depending on the day.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are easy to work with and they are good. They have been great with dealing with her.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are always on time. They have helped me the most with light housekeeping.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It gives me time to go to the grocery store.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive by sending me Barbara.”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't have any problems getting things done when the caregivers show up.”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa and Autumn have given extra effort and care to assist with managing my client's needs. I don't know how I would have made it without them.”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They take the time to assess the needs of caregivers and care recipients alike and establish a detailed person-centered plan of care that addresses the care needs and wellbeing of the care recipient. This approach builds rapport and confidence with the caregiver and emphasizes respite for the caregiver while meeting the care recipients’ needs.”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and more. Belinda has gone above the call of duty.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps keep him interactive with people.”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the nurse, is very encouraging. Their presence is helpful because I can't be there.”
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 Franklin, 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 Franklin, 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 Franklin, 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.
I love camping, especially in the fall, but sometimes I want campfires, mountain views, and sleeping by the river without packing half my garage. That’s why I love Winding Stair Campground near Franklin, NC. You can pitch a tent if that’s your style. Or you can stay in a glamping tent, cozy cabin, or the River House (my favorite) and enjoy all the fun of camping without sleeping on the ground. It’s also a working farm, so you get the bonus of seeing cute animals like goats, sheep, and ducks.I’ve spent a weekend...
I love camping, especially in the fall, but sometimes I want campfires, mountain views, and sleeping by the river without packing half my garage. That’s why I love Winding Stair Campground near Franklin, NC. You can pitch a tent if that’s your style. Or you can stay in a glamping tent, cozy cabin, or the River House (my favorite) and enjoy all the fun of camping without sleeping on the ground. It’s also a working farm, so you get the bonus of seeing cute animals like goats, sheep, and ducks.
I’ve spent a weekend here every October for the past three years, and it’s become one of my favorite fall traditions. Here’s everything you need to know about staying at this cozy mountain campground.
Winding Stair Campground is a gated property that sits on 15 acres. It’s set back from the road, so you don’t really hear any traffic. At night, it’s so quiet that all you hear is the river and the occasional owl. It’s one of the most peaceful campgrounds I’ve stayed at.
Even though the campground has several lodging options (more on that below), everything is spread out, so it never feels crowded. There’s no playground, but there are wide open spaces where kids can run around and explore.
For the past three Octobers, I’ve stayed at the River House. It’s a great option if you’d rather not sleep in a tent but still want the camping experience. The River House is just steps from the river and includes four full-size beds, a super cozy wood-burning stove, and a fire pit with Adirondack chairs overlooking the water. It even comes with adorable, outdoor-themed pillows, linens, and blankets, which you’ll need because it gets pretty chilly on autumn nights.
One of my favorite things to do here is grab a cup of coffee, sit by the river with a book, and listen to the water flow by. It’s a great place to hang a hammock and relax. The river is pretty shallow, so it’s not ideal for swimming or wading, but it is a good spot for fly fishing.
The River House is also conveniently close to the campground pavilion. Since several people in our group were staying at different campsites, the pavilion became our gathering place for potluck dinners, music, and relaxing.
There are no restrooms at The River House, but the bathhouse is within walking distance. Be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight, because it’s gets very dark here at night.
One of the great things about Winding Stair is all the fun options for lodging, along with traditional campsites.
Some of the more unique options include:
Larger groups can reserve dedicated group camping areas, while families wanting all the comforts of home can stay in The Studio or Gooseberry House.
Winding Stair has clean bathhouses with showers and little conveniences like toiletries and hair-styling tools. After a long day of hiking, I was so grateful for the hot showers.
The campground also has an honesty store stocked with firewood, snacks, sunscreen, and other essentials in case you forget something. There’s also a gorgeous covered pavilion with a massive stone fireplace that’s perfect for groups to relax and hang out. There are also refillable water stations, recycling, EV charging, and golf cart rentals if you want to take a spin around the campground.
Between certain hours, guests can wander over to the farm area to meet the sheep, goats, chickens, and ducks. It’s not a petting zoo, though, so be respectful of the animals. Campers can bring their dogs to the campground, but pets aren’t allowed in the farm area.
One thing to know before you go: cell service is basically nonexistent. Wi-Fi is available near the camp store, though.
If you like hiking, Winding Stair Campground is close to many gorgeous trails and waterfalls! Some of my favorites include:
If you want to head into town for food or drinks, Franklin is a short drive away. We always stop at The Lazy Hiker Brewing Company for pizza, burgers, and live music. It’s also fun to see the Appalachian Trail thru-hiker banner covered in signatures from AT hikers passing through town.
Other places you might want to try:
There are loads of campgrounds throughout Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina, but Winding Stair is pretty special. If you go in the height of autumn, when the leaves are a brilliant red and gold, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.
I’ve stayed at Winding Stair every October for the past three years, and I don’t see that tradition ending anytime soon. I look forward to the visit all year. If you’re craving a quiet mountain weekend, this is one campground that’s well worth the drive.
Address: 7984 W Old Murphy Road, Franklin, NC 28734Phone: 828.283.4182
Learn more or book your stay at windingstaircampground.com.
There’s a lot to love about mountain towns—cozy lodging, gorgeous scenery, and endless opportunity for outdoor adventure, just to name a few. Towns in and around the Great Smoky Mountains have their own special brand of magic, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in Franklin, North Carolina. The town of just over 4,000 people in Western North Carolina is located about 20 miles north of the more popular Highlands, but it flies a bit under the radar.With beautiful natural surroundings, a historic downtown, interes...
There’s a lot to love about mountain towns—cozy lodging, gorgeous scenery, and endless opportunity for outdoor adventure, just to name a few. Towns in and around the Great Smoky Mountains have their own special brand of magic, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in Franklin, North Carolina. The town of just over 4,000 people in Western North Carolina is located about 20 miles north of the more popular Highlands, but it flies a bit under the radar.
With beautiful natural surroundings, a historic downtown, interesting museums, and excellent restaurants, Franklin may be small, but it has a lot going for it. Keep reading for our favorite things to do, places to eat, and places to stay in Franklin, North Carolina.
If you want to spend some time with nature but can’t commit to a whole hike, get out on the Little Tennessee River Greenway, which runs alongside the Little Tennessee River through the heart of downtown for five miles. The paved trail is a great place for walkers, joggers, and bikers. It’s also an official North Carolina Birding Trail and offers numerous points of entry around town that are coupled with parks and playgrounds.
; 828-369-8488
Franklin is known as the “Gem Capital of the World” thanks to a long history of gem mining in the area. The hills in and around Franklin are filled with all kinds of precious gems and minerals, from quartz to garnet to rubies. You can learn all about the area’s geological history and see some really cool gems at this small museum located downtown.
The Gem & Mineral Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday each week, from noon until 4:00 p.m. and offers free admission.
; 25 Phillips St.?, Franklin, NC 28734; 828-369-7831
Scottish Highland heritage is big in the area (hence the name of Franklin’s neighboring town), and you can learn all about it at the Scottish Tartans Museum & Heritage Center. Open six days a week, the museum gives a crash course in traditional Scottish Highlands dress with tartans and kilts dating back to the 17000s. After you’ve gotten a crash course in tartan history and design, head to the gift shop to pick out some Scottish dress to take home yourself. Pieces were both made in the Appalachian Mountains and shipped directly from Scotland.
; 86 E. Main St., Franklin, NC 28734; 828-524-7472
As the first officially recognized Appalachian Trail town, Franklin is no stranger to hikers passing through. The Appalachian Trail runs through the area, and the ever-popular Bartram Trail runs through the center of downtown after all. You can’t throw a rock in Franklin without ending up on a trail, which means it's super easy to lace up your boots and have an awesome adventure. Popular routes to check out include Wayah Bald, a short walk to a lookout tower, and Standing Indian Mountain, a 10-mile trek to the highest point along the Nantahala River.
Experiencing gem mining firsthand at Mason Mountain Mine. Their native dirt pile, which sits atop Mason Mountain, is brought down to the water flume for people of all ages to sift through. Guest miners will have the chance to find all kinds of minerals, including sapphire, moonstone, smoky quartz, and ruby. After you’ve mined for goodies, take your findings into the gift shop to have them cut and made into jewelry.
; 5315 Bryson City Road, Franklin, NC 28734; 828-421-1457
For three decades, locals have gathered at the Gazebo on the Square in downtown Franklin to hear live music. The free concert series occurs every second and fourth Saturday from May through October, starting at 6 p.m. Each week features a different band, with genres represented ranging from bluegrass to Americana to country to rock to blues. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy a picnic of delicious food sold onsite by local vendors and food trucks.
Spend time wandering the charming streets of downtown Franklin and popping into any shop that catches your eye. One spot not to miss is Crabtree General Store & Coffee Vault, where you can do a bit of shopping and indulge in an afternoon pick-me-up of your choice: hand-dipped ice cream or a specialty latte are both great options. Other places to check out include Mossy Rock for home décor and gifts; Uptown Gallery for art; and A Novel Escape bookstore.
; 30 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734; 60 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734
After a long day of hiking in the mountains, an ice-cold beer is especially satisfying. Rather than cracking open a domestic from the grocery store, head to one of Franklin’s two local breweries to sample craft beers instead. Lazy Hiker Brewing Company plays perfectly into that post-hike craving with its hiking-themed beers like the Trail Mate Golden Ale and Slack Pack IPA. Enjoy a pint and dinner from their Hiker’s Kitchen food truck on their sunny patio. Sip on a flight and enjoy a view of the water at the riverfront beer garden at Currahee Brewing Company. Currahee also offers meals from its on-site barbecue restaurant called Smokejack.
; 188 W. Main St., Franklin, NC 28734; 828-349-BEER; 100 Lakeside Dr., Franklin, NC 28734; 828-634-0078
Try vineyard-to-bottle wine produced at nearby Senamore Vineyard and Farms in the Slanted Window Tasting Station, the vineyard’s sister tasting room and restaurant in Franklin. We recommend ordering the Winemaker’s Flight, a guided tasting of five wines, and pairing it with a charcuterie board or flatbread. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening, especially if you visit on a Friday or Sunday evening when there’s live music to soundtrack your experience.
; 587 Harrison Ave, Franklin, NC 28734; 828-276-9463
For delicious food at any time of day, pay a visit to Gracious Plates on Main, which is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Franklin on Main Street. Working with local farmers and purveyors to source ingredients, the favorite restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, as well as brunch on the weekends. Lunch options range from sandwiches, salads, and plenty of fun shareables, while dinner trends a bit heartier with dishes like flat iron steak with garlic blue cheese mashed potatoes and sautéed salmon in a lemon Dijon sauce with seasoned orzo.
; 46 E Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734; 828-369-2690
We’d venture to bet that you’ve never had fine French cuisine served anywhere attached to a gas station, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Caffe REL. The one-of-a-kind roadside restaurant is the creation of Chef Richard E. Long, who’s classically trained in European cooking. Open since 2003, this iconic and unexpected spot is known for impressive dishes like Pork Osso Bucco, Opal Basil Shrimp, and Crawfish Cognac & Cream.
; 459 East Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734; 828-369-9446
Bed and breakfasts are the ideal stay for a small-town getaway. Not only will your innkeepers make sure you receive the highest hospitality and feel perfectly pampered, but they’ll be able to give you the best recommendations for lesser-known gems in town. In Franklin, check out McTernan Manor (five suites in a historic 1888 home) or Franklin Terrace Bed and Breakfast, an 1887 Antebellum home that reopened as a gracious B&B, complete with spacious porches and home-cooked daily breakfasts, in 2015.
; 1689 Old Murphy Road, Franklin, NC 28734; 828-342-8237; 159 Harrison Ave, Franklin, NC 28734; 828-369-8888
Nestled in a serene valley surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, Rose Creek Campgrounds and Cabins is the place to stay if you’re all about being surrounded by nature. In addition to RV sites, tent sites, and cabins, guests can also choose to camp like cowboys by staying in a covered wagon. The converted wagons feature twin bunk beds, a king bed, air conditioning and heat, and electricity. An outdoor grill, picnic tables, and nearby renovated bathhouse provide all the amenities you need for a full camping experience.
; 140 Terrace Ridge Drive, Franklin, NC 28734; 252-286-2008
828-676-2939
