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.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Hyman Heights-Mount Royal Historic District gets harder without someone by their side. 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 Hendersonville, 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. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Patton Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
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. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Postero or visit Lennox Park Historic District, don't feel bad. 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 Hendersonville, 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 Hendersonville, 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.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
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 Hendersonville, 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.
LOCALHendersonville Times-NewsHENDERSONVILLE - With temperatures rising, we’re getting into high season for cups and cones.The Hendersonville Ice Cream Trail, a sort of directory for dairy freezes, whippy dips and soft-serve windows from Fletcher to Flat Rock, is entering its third summer this year.The trail was started in 2023, Ashley Downer of the Hendersonville Welcome Center, which organized the trail, told the Times News.This year, it’s running a sweepstakes: anyone who signs...
LOCAL
Hendersonville Times-News
HENDERSONVILLE - With temperatures rising, we’re getting into high season for cups and cones.
The Hendersonville Ice Cream Trail, a sort of directory for dairy freezes, whippy dips and soft-serve windows from Fletcher to Flat Rock, is entering its third summer this year.
The trail was started in 2023, Ashley Downer of the Hendersonville Welcome Center, which organized the trail, told the Times News.
This year, it’s running a sweepstakes: anyone who signs up for an ice cream trail pass on its website will be entered for the chance to win a prize basket, she said.
The Times-News tried reaching out to every parlor and scoop shop on the list to find out how this summer is shaping up.
Here are the 13 ice cream joints to cross off your list.
The Ice Cream Trail helps Baabal’s business a lot, “especially since I'm the first one on the (list),” owner-operator Roy Dickerson winkingly told the Times-News.
Baabal’s, named for the initials of all the members of Dickerson’s family, has been in business 14 years.
Of the 28 flavors he serves, Dickerson said that Cappuccino Crunch is his top seller. “People come in just for that,” he said.
“When school gets out, naturally, everything blossoms (for Baabal’s) because kids are out and running around.
Business at Celtic Creamery has been doing better than last year because the streetscape renovation project that had shut down 7th Avenue was finally completed this spring, Austin Smith, nephew of Celtic Creamery’s founder, told the Times-news. “It's been great to bounce back and get back to normal.”
Smith’s uncle started the business, now a local chain, in 2018 after tasting ice cream at a shop run by the neighbor of his father (Smith’s grandfather) in Ireland and brought the formula back to the U.S.
The 7th Avenue shop has been in business since 2021. Its best-sellers are Irish Butter Pecan and From the Sea and Bee, a combination of sea salt, caramel and honey.
Dairi-Q is a North Carolina chain of burger joint style restaurants offering “good food, great company and the unmistakable hospitality,” according to its website.
It offers a wide variety of ice cream flavors, from banana pudding to fly fishing fudge to panther claw.
The family owned and operated El Rio has been in business since 2014 and offers homemade ice creams and Mexican-style snacks like esquite, or seasoned corn with cheese, and icy, mango flavored chamoyada, according to its Facebook page.
Espresso chocolate chunk, a new flavor, has been a success this year, Elaine Thompson, owner-operator along with her husband, told the Times-News. Piggy’s Ice Cream has been in the Thompson family since it was founded by her in-laws in 1979.
Chocolate, an old reliable standby is a top performer and banana splits have also “been a big thing,” she said.
Piggy’s gets a lot of out-of-town traffic from people road-tripping, going to summer camp, visiting relatives in Hendersonville, or going out of their way to visit what has become something of a local landmark from as far away as Greenville or Charlotte.
Karolina Kremes is a “small, locally owned ice cream shop (and) eatery,” according to its Facebook page, offering shakes, sundaes, hot dogs, burgers and cones.
Kilwin’s is a chain of shops, best known for their fudge, which offer a wide array of ice cream choices as well.
Sea salt caramel and double dark caramel chocolate are some of its most popular flavors, a Kilwin’s employee told the Times-News.
La Vida Loca offers antojitos, or street-food style snacks, along with cones, popsicles and aguas frescas, fruity, creamy drinks similar to smoothies, according to its website.
True to its title, McConnell Farms is indeed located on an actual farm. Besides its homemade ice cream, it sells fruit, vegetables, cider, fruit butters and preserves, according to its Facebook page.
“We are ready to brighten up your day with a scoop of happiness!” Sunny Sundaes says on its Facebook page.
Offering shakes, banana splits, affogatos (espresso over ice cream), floats, and warm waffle cones and bowls, Sunny Sundaes is “ready for Sunny Days.”
Sweetfrog has self-serve, soft-serve frozen yogurt taps all across the walls of its downtown Hendersonville location.
It has sugar-free, low fat, nonfat and dairy-free options.
“You pick the flavors, you add the toppings, you make it your way for a light, healthy treat, a swirling, decadent dessert, and everything in between!!” it says on its website.
The Baker’s Box is a full-service restaurant and cafe? that also offers a varied selection of pastries and other desserts, as well as scoops and shakes.
Whit’s Frozen Custard’s Hendersonville shop has been open for about three years now, owner Ben Jones told the Times-News. A “more inviting” store, with a big deck out back, has meant that the shop has “become a little bit more of a destination,” he said.
Whit’s Shift Leader Addison Robinson told the Times-News that the Blue Ridge Madness “Whitser” is one of the shop’s best-sellers.
You can find hours, addresses and other information on all of these local parlors on the Hendersonville Ice Cream Trail’s website.
George Fabe Russell is the Henderson County Reporter for the Hendersonville Times-News. Tips, questions, comments? Email him at [email protected].
The City of Hendersonville’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) recognized three outstanding award winners during the City Council meeting on May 28, 2025. The awards celebrate individuals and organizations who demonstrate a deep commitment to preserving Hendersonville’s historic character through restoration, conservation, and community engagement.2025 Hendersonville Preservation Commission Award Winners Homeowners Shawn and Evie Fuller received the residential award for their exceptional stewa...
The City of Hendersonville’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) recognized three outstanding award winners during the City Council meeting on May 28, 2025. The awards celebrate individuals and organizations who demonstrate a deep commitment to preserving Hendersonville’s historic character through restoration, conservation, and community engagement.
2025 Hendersonville Preservation Commission Award Winners
Homeowners Shawn and Evie Fuller received the residential award for their exceptional stewardship of the Fullbright House, also known as the Fuller House. Since moving into the home in 2016, the Fullers have beautifully preserved the outside and improved the landscaping while doing interior renovations to the bathroom and living space in 2022 and following Hurricane Helene. Beyond their preservation efforts, the Fullers have contributed significantly to the Hyman Heights neighborhood. Evie created a neighborhood chat used to coordinate support for neighbors and organizes a weekend brunch gathering for the neighborhood every 6-8 weeks which draws 30-40 people to build neighborhood connections. Shawn was instrumental in raising money to help restore trees on the greenway after storm damage. Their contributions exemplify the spirit of preservation and community building.
Andrew Riddle and Riddle Development were honored for the restoration of the King and Allen Building. The project demonstrated a deep respect for the buildings' historical features and contributed significantly to the vibrancy of downtown Hendersonville. Restoration efforts included opening the original windows facing Allen Street and refurbishing the terrazzo floors in the two retail spaces facing Allen. The team utilized exposed brick on interior walls, and the original staircase was retained with its original finish and handrail. The former boiler room was creatively reclaimed and transformed into office space, while a space known as ‘History Hall’ was created to celebrate the building’s past. A new exterior mural was installed to add to the cultural vitality of downtown. In recognition of these efforts, the King and Allen Building received the BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) Award for Historical Adaptive Reuse in the Southeast in 2022.
The Cultural Heritage Award honors exceptional individuals, organizations, and projects that celebrate the rich tapestry of Hendersonville history and cultural history. The award was established to posthumously honor Crystal Cauley, a Historic Preservation Commissioner and community leader who was passionate about telling the history of all communities in the City of Hendersonville.
“She was passionate about what she did but was also so kind and generous of both her talents and her time, and we were honored to have her on the board for the period of time that we did,” said Cheryl Jones, Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission.
During the City Council meeting, HPC members also presented the board’s annual report and highlighted upcoming activities.
Inside: Local mom visits a fairy garden in Bullington Gardens located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and shares all the tips for visiting this magical garden!Have you found the fairies in Hendersonville, NC? Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC, just a little over an hour north of Greenville, SC has an adorable fairy garden over the summer. And it’s free.What could be cuter than finding fairies in the woods? Finding them in a beautiful and fun trail at Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC, of ...
Inside: Local mom visits a fairy garden in Bullington Gardens located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and shares all the tips for visiting this magical garden!
Have you found the fairies in Hendersonville, NC? Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC, just a little over an hour north of Greenville, SC has an adorable fairy garden over the summer. And it’s free.
What could be cuter than finding fairies in the woods? Finding them in a beautiful and fun trail at Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC, of course.
C.S. Lewis, a prolific and famous author of the Narnia chronicles, wrote this to his goddaughter, Lucy, in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe:
My Dear Lucy, I wrote this story for you, but when I began it I had not realized that girls grow quicker than books. As a result you are already too old for fairy tales, and by the time it is printed and bound you will be older still. But someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. You can then take it down from some upper shelf, dust it, and tell me what you think of it. I shall probably be too deaf to hear, and too old to understand, a word you say, but I shall still be your affectionate Godfather, C.S. Lewis
As a grown-up, are you ready to be old enough to read – or see – fairy tales again? If so, step into the Bullington Gardens Fairy Trail.
Here are some scenes from our visit last year to the Fairy Trail.
Bullington Gardens is only a little over an hour north of Greenville and is a beautiful spot to stop and literally smell the roses. The gardens are public and encompass 12 acres right in the middle of the apple orchards in that part of Western North Carolina.
They also do several events and programs aimed at education and carry on the legacy and vision of Bob Bullington, who collected many unusual trees and plants. They often have school groups come out and learn about horticultural science.
I found the gardens to be just beautiful and so peaceful. The volunteers I interacted with were all so kind and helpful. It’s really a great place to visit for any occasion.
The fairy trail is exactly as it sounds except cooler. The trail winds through shaded woods and guests are encouraged to find all the little fairy houses and trolls and llamas and bridges. It is really fun and entertaining!
The little worlds that the fairies inhabit are all unique and my kids and I just loved trying to find them all and figure out what was happening in each scene. The exhibits change every year (photos are from the summer of 2022 and 2023) but the creativity and genius stay the same.
The trail isn’t long, maybe a quarter-mile on natural, unpaved ground, but there are plenty of fairies and gnomes to find. Be sure to stop at the side trail before you get to the very end where there are lots of fairies and trolls and toadstools and gnomes doing yoga amongst the trees.
Bullington Gardens asks that guests be respectful of the fairies, only touch gently, and to stay on the trails. The trail is one way only so if you want to take your time, go for it but make room for others to pass. And please follow the rules of Leave No Trace, don’t litter, and don’t move the fairies from their little houses.
The Fairy Trail is open Mondays – Saturdays from June 2nd – August 31, 2025 from 9 am – 4 pm.
Bullington Gardens is offering some cool fairy-themed events over the summer, like the Fairy Tea Party on June 10th, June 24th, and July 12th. In addition to that event, they also have a ton of other special events you can attend. Check the Bullington Gardens website for more info.
Per the gardens, parking is limited, and please do not park on Zeb Corn Road.
The gardens are open year-round but the Fairy Trail is only open June 1 – August 30, 2025, Mondays – Saturdays from 9 am – 4 pm.
There is no charge to visit the fairies or Bullington Gardens (unless it is a special event) but as a nonprofit, they gladly accept donations.
I saw some people with strollers but I’d say that unless you have an all-terrain stroller, it’s best to carry your littles or baby wear. The trail is natural, so not paved, which makes it hard to roll wheels on.
Please keep your children and dogs on the trail and don’t litter. The trail is one-way only.
The gardens received a grant for new restrooms, which were installed last spring.
There are plenty of cool things to do in Hendersonville to make your trip up to see the fairies a day trip.
You can visit the goats at the Carl Sandburg Home (be sure to get pizza at the nearby Village Bakery), let the kids play on the awesome playground at The Park at Flat Rock, check out the free train museum, or visit the aquarium in downtown Hendersonville. Apple orchards open up in July usually so you can add those to your day trip as well.
Bullington Gardens Website95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC 828.698.6104
On what felt like a crisp fall day in the middle of February, I wandered barefoot along the French Broad River as the sun set over Mount Pisgah. The contrast between my morning and afternoon was crystal clear—the utter chaos of scurrying to the airport during New York City rush hour, and the sense of calm that washed over me just a few hours later when I arrived at The Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville, North Carolina.The boutique farm resort aims to give guests the space to relax, heal, and ground. And clearly, my bare feet cou...
On what felt like a crisp fall day in the middle of February, I wandered barefoot along the French Broad River as the sun set over Mount Pisgah. The contrast between my morning and afternoon was crystal clear—the utter chaos of scurrying to the airport during New York City rush hour, and the sense of calm that washed over me just a few hours later when I arrived at The Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville, North Carolina.
The boutique farm resort aims to give guests the space to relax, heal, and ground. And clearly, my bare feet couldn't have felt more grounded. During my three short days at The Horse Shoe Farm, the property earned a special place in my travel heart. Since its opening in 2018, the family-owned and operated business has become a pillar of the community, and even more so in the wake of Hurricane Helene. After the storm, the property served as a critical home base for the nonprofit organizations Ariel Recovery and Global Empowerment Mission during the first wave of relief efforts, and it also provided meals to the local community.
At the beginning of my stay, the property steward Jordan Turchin told me that one of the greatest luxuries he believes one can have is privacy and a sense of peace. Before moving to Hendersonville to open the hotel, he and his wife Rachel lived in places like New York City and Miami. He's no stranger to the grind of a big city.
I know it all too well, too—it's easy to lose yourself in the chaos. The Horse Shoe Farm gave me the space and clarity to take a deep breath, for the first time in what felt like years.
Here's what it's like to stay at The Horse Shoe Farm.
The boutique farm resort has a variety of accommodation types ranging from "estate" homes, two-room cottages, and charming loft suites. In total, the property can host up to 75 people at a time. All the room types are spacious and luxurious, in a quirky, eclectic way.
The Turchin family’s lifelong passion for art and design was evident across all the rooms. Vintage furnishings, global artifacts, and crystal guitars are just a few of the personal touches you may find in your space, each of which has its own unique flair and personality.
I stayed in one of the new Pond Cottages, the Blue Heron Suite. It felt like my personal oasis—I watched the sky and the surrounding mountains in the distance turn a silky pink each evening from the private deck as wind chimes rang in the breeze. Each Pond Cottage also has a freestanding gas fireplace, a rainfall shower, and a deep soaking tub, each of which I enjoyed immensely.
There is one on-site restaurant at The Horse Shoe Farm is Silo Cookhouse, which offers a modern farm-to-table dining experience and feels like the heart of the farm. The food served here is either grown on the property or sourced from local vendors and farmers in the area. The space is a lounge, a lobby, and a communal dining room all in one.
Dining at Silo is all about intention, purpose, and community. Before my meals, I mentioned that I have Celiac disease to my server and asked about gluten-free options. Almost immediately, chef Dan Williams greeted me at my table and explained that his wife has Celiac, too. He then listed all the items on the menu that could be prepared gluten-free and assured me that the team would take extra precautions to ensure my meal was safely prepared. The above-and-beyond attitude was also reflected in the food—and especially in the banana cheesecake, which I ordered three times.
Meals at Silo are served at family-style tables, which allow for the opportunity to connect with other guests or easily eat with a large group of loved ones. The property calls it a “Modern Farm to Table Dinner Party,” and each night felt as such.
Let’s start with the Pool House. The Farm offers a unique take on the traditional luxury pool experience, with a self-guided hydrotherapy circuit with a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and cold plunge. It’s open year-round, and you can take a dip in the saltwater pool or relax in the hot tub with gorgeous views of Mount Pisgah.
You'll also find ball fields, basketball courts, bike paths, pickleball, a game room, and areas for yoga and meditation on the property.
My favorite activity, however, was the “Ponder Wander,” a self-guided exploration of the 85-acre farm. There's a map to help guide your journey that's inspired by the four elements: water, air, earth, and fire. I’m not going to spoil it all, but you may just come across a meditation labyrinth on your journey.
Guests can also participate in wellness classes, including meditation, yoga, and sound healing. I participated in breath work for the first time with breath work coach and nurse, Rachele Scevola, who hosts sessions for guests. I was new to the practice, and Scevola provided a warm, safe environment to learn in. It’s become a life skill I’ve carried with me since.
Perhaps one of the most underrated (but much appreciated, at least by me) aspects of staying at The Horse Shoe Farm, is that you’re surrounded by animals throughout your stay. I got to pet horses, and spotted chickens and goats around the property.
The Stable Spa is a full-service spa operating out of a renovated stable—and getting a treatment here is nothing short of magical. When the temperature permits, guests have the luxury of breathing in that fresh mountain air during their sessions. The spa offers everything from foot therapies to lymphatic massage and intuitive energy therapy, and they use herbs grown on-site during services.
The Farm offers a family reunion package, which encourages guests to spend quality time and create new memories with loved ones. With over 85 acres of space to play games and activities, bonfires and s’mores, and morning yoga for the group, each family member is sure to find an activity that speaks to them.
The Field Cottage or Pond Cottages are the most accessible accommodations for wheelchair users. Both the Silo Cookhouse and Stable Spa are also wheelchair accessible. Keep in mind that The Horse Shoe Farm is 85 acres, so driving might be the best way to get around to all the different amenities on-site.
The Horse Shoe Farm strives to have as little impact on the local environment as possible. Produce is sourced from local farms and gardens, and food waste is composted.
Horse Shoe Farm is located in the small town of Hendersonville, which is about 20 miles south (or a 30-minute drive) from Asheville, North Carolina. It's about 15 minutes from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), an hour from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in Greer, South Carolina, and two hours from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina. Uber and Lyft do operate in the area, however, since it's a small town, wait times may be long, and you may have trouble snagging a ride. If you plan to explore the area, your best bet is to rent a car.
The Horse Shoe Farm is an independently owned hotel and isn't a part of any loyalty or travel credit card programs. However, you can often find special offers and discounts on individual, couple, and group stays, in addition to spa packages and seasonal features on their website. Nightly rates at The Horse Shoe Farm start at $389.
Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — North Carolina’s Health Secretary, Dr. Devdutta “Dev” Sangvai is checking in on several Hendersonville nonprofits nearly nine months after Helene.Caja Solidaria is at risk of losing 90% of their funding if a first of its kind pilot health program is not included in the state's budget.The Healthy Opportunities Program (HOP) helps Medicaid members with access to housing, food and other social health services.Nonprofit Love and Respect moved into its new facilities two weeks be...
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — North Carolina’s Health Secretary, Dr. Devdutta “Dev” Sangvai is checking in on several Hendersonville nonprofits nearly nine months after Helene.
Caja Solidaria is at risk of losing 90% of their funding if a first of its kind pilot health program is not included in the state's budget.
The Healthy Opportunities Program (HOP) helps Medicaid members with access to housing, food and other social health services.
Nonprofit Love and Respect moved into its new facilities two weeks before Helene, tripling its space. That made it a resource hub and put it next door to another nonprofit, Caja Solidaria.
Since joining HOP in 2022, Caja Solidaria provided health-supporting services to 532 families. This includes delivering more than $2.4 million in local food.
The collaboration is relied on, but with state budget cuts, Love and Respect may not be able to count on its neighbor as heavily.
"Not having that neighbor there where we can sit down and brainstorm deficits would be absolutely detrimental," said Love and Respect director of operations Alivea Turner.
Both nonprofits are hoping lawmakers will change their minds by June 30 and add funding for the Healthy Opportunities Program which provides a majority of their funding.
Caja Solidaria provides healthy local produce that is sourced from regional farmers to help the community.
The organization isn't the only one who stands to lose if the funding is cut.
Local farmers who are participating with the program also rely on their funding for their farm's lively hoods.
"If Caja Solidaria goes away, I have to let probably three people go," Riverview Family Farm owner Thomas Riley said.
Right now, Riley only has a five-person team, near the French Broad River but he has hopes to expand his farm in the future.
If the state budget is approved without it included, Riley will have to search for 50% of his farm's income elsewhere.
828-676-2939
