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 Highlands, 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 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 that they are flexible and the”
“The team with Always Best Care were instrumental in the assistance with my mom during”
“I'm a new hire and the office staff is wonderful, informative and thorough. I feel”
“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 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.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are flexible and the people that they provide have been good so far. They have removed a lot of stress from my life.”
“The team with Always Best Care were instrumental in the assistance with my mom during her decline and eventual passing. They were thoughtful, kind, supportive, considerate and readily available. Mary, one of the nurse managers at the Asheville location, was so supportive it is as if she became family. She would come without hesitation as I navigated through this difficult time offering tremendous support. She not only foresaw what was needed, but understood what I needed and catered to that need. She is a tremendous asset to your team! I am forever grateful for her.”
“I'm a new hire and the office staff is wonderful, informative and thorough. I feel like this will be a most rewarding opportunity.”
“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.”
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 Highlands, 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 Highlands, 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 Highlands, 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.
This month, Highlands gets a brush with White House history – and a master class in floral artistry – when acclaimed designer Laura Dowling visits for a weekend of blooming inspiration. On Saturday, September 20, Dowling will make two public appearances: a morning book signing from 10:00 A.M. to noon at Acorns, followed by a hands-on bouquet-making workshop from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. at High Country Wine and Provisions.The Acorns event is free, offering guests a chance to meet the former Chief Floral Designer to President and ...
This month, Highlands gets a brush with White House history – and a master class in floral artistry – when acclaimed designer Laura Dowling visits for a weekend of blooming inspiration. On Saturday, September 20, Dowling will make two public appearances: a morning book signing from 10:00 A.M. to noon at Acorns, followed by a hands-on bouquet-making workshop from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. at High Country Wine and Provisions.
The Acorns event is free, offering guests a chance to meet the former Chief Floral Designer to President and First Lady Obama. Dowling will be signing her newest book, Designing Christmas—a festive volume packed with ten inventive décor schemes and photographs that show her signature garden-style at its most dazzling. She’ll also be signing past favorites like Floral Diplomacy at the White House and A White House Christmas.
In the afternoon, Dowling will lead a rare hands-on bouquet workshop at High Country Wine and Provisions. Limited to just 40 participants, the class offers an intimate experience with one of the most celebrated floral voices of our time. Guests will learn not only bouquet construction, but how Dowling’s signature style—romantic, loose, and garden-inspired—emerges from her deep understanding of color, season, and narrative. Tickets are available at kp-designs.com/events.
Dowling’s own story is as unexpected as it is inspiring. A former policy analyst in Washington, D.C., she began arranging flowers in her home as a creative outlet. A serendipitous trip to Paris introduced her to the work of French designer Christian Tortu, whose wild, expressive style changed the course of her life. Her husband spotted the job posting for White House Chief Floral Designer who encouraged her to apply. She eventually landed the job after a rigorous audition personally judged by First Lady Michelle Obama.
From 2009 to 2015, Dowling brought her poetic sensibility to America’s most iconic address, filling rooms with flowering branches, trailing vines, and painterly compositions that elevated every occasion.
Highlands floral designer Ken Proctor, whose work is regularly featured at Acorns, collaborated with Dowling on a dramatic installation at Nashville’s Cheekwood Estate. He praises her fearless use of color: “The photos in her latest book are amazing and exemplify Laura’s ability to translate palette into mood.”
In a town that prizes beauty and craftsmanship, Dowling’s visit feels like the perfect arrangement – fleeting, elegant, and not to be missed.
A couple of years ago, I wrote about the rare Arkansas Black Apple Trees thriving on the grounds of The Bascom. Such an exotic heritage variety—how on earth did they end up on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau? I tried to pin down the truth, but their arrival remains a mystery.A bit of snooping through old journals and correspondence with passionate apple historians (who knew?) revealed that the Plateau has a history of hardy apples grown here and nowhere else. Two rare apple varieties—Cullasaja and Junalusk...
A couple of years ago, I wrote about the rare Arkansas Black Apple Trees thriving on the grounds of The Bascom. Such an exotic heritage variety—how on earth did they end up on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau? I tried to pin down the truth, but their arrival remains a mystery.
A bit of snooping through old journals and correspondence with passionate apple historians (who knew?) revealed that the Plateau has a history of hardy apples grown here and nowhere else. Two rare apple varieties—Cullasaja and Junaluska—tell a story of Cherokee heritage, horticultural ingenuity, and the quiet persistence of the land.
The Cullasaja apple, also known as Winter Horse or Callasaga, first took root in the 1830s when Nancy Bryson planted a seed near the Cullasaja River in Macon County. Its tough, russeted skin and aromatic flesh made it a prized dessert apple. The variety caught the attention of Silas McDowell, a polymath and horticulturalist who lived in the old Cherokee village of Sugartown, near present-day Highlands. McDowell introduced the apple to the pomological world in 1850, praising its resilience and flavor. Though it faded from orchards by the mid-1900s, it was rediscovered in 1989 by apple historian Lee Calhoun, who found a lone tree still clinging to life in Macon County—its roots deep in the soil of memory.
The Junaluska apple carries the name of Chief Junaluskee, the Cherokee leader who helped Andrew Jackson win the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Though his land grant was later revoked, Junaluskee returned to reclaim his Cheoah property, where the apple tree stood. McDowell again played a pivotal role, cataloging the Junaluska in the 1850s and propagating it from cuttings. With its dense, subacid flesh and russeted skin, the Junaluska was a late-season treasure, used for fresh eating and cider. Thought extinct for over a century, it was rediscovered in 2001 by apple hunter Tom Brown, just eight miles from McDowell’s historic orchard.
Today, neither apple is grown commercially in Macon or Jackson counties, but both survive through the efforts of heritage orchardists and apple preservationists. Their stories are more than agricultural footnotes—they are living heirlooms of the Plateau’s cultural and botanical heritage. They whisper of Cherokee stewardship, McDowell’s quiet genius, and the region’s enduring connection to the land.
In Highlands, where McDowell’s writings on the “thermal belt” inspired businessmen like Samuel Kelsey and Clinton Hutchinson to plant orchards and promote the area as a health resort, the Cullasaja and Junaluska apples remain symbols of resilience. Their revival is a testament to the power of memory, and a call to preserve the fruits of history before they fall from the tree of time.
The countdown is on for the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment’s Fifth Annual Highlands Porchfest! On Sunday, September 21 from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M., the streets of downtown Highlands will come alive with the sounds of nearly every genre imaginable (sorry Swedish death metal fans, maybe next year) at various venues and businesses around town.Whether you’re a fan of rock and roll, gospel, country, latin pop, singer-songwriter, or even bagpipes, there’s sure to be a sound that suits everyone!New to Porch...
The countdown is on for the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment’s Fifth Annual Highlands Porchfest! On Sunday, September 21 from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M., the streets of downtown Highlands will come alive with the sounds of nearly every genre imaginable (sorry Swedish death metal fans, maybe next year) at various venues and businesses around town.
Whether you’re a fan of rock and roll, gospel, country, latin pop, singer-songwriter, or even bagpipes, there’s sure to be a sound that suits everyone!
New to Porchfest this year is the festival’s “Family Zone” at The Bascom. Parents and kiddos alike are encouraged to stop by for all sorts of free family fun. There will be an arts and crafts station with coloring and rock painting, live music (of course!), dancing, and more!
The Highlands-Cashiers Hospital will also be on site with their “Teddy Bear Clinic.” Kids can bring their own stuffed animals – or adopt one on site – for a “checkup” by a health care professional and learn all about medical procedures and instruments, how to fix “boo-boos,” and help alleviate fears around hospital workers and environments. There will also be free water and snacks while supplies last.
Also new to Porchfest this year is the festival’s first ever collaboration with the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival.
Be on the lookout for two HCCMF musicians, cellist Helen Kim and violinist Charae Krueger, who will bring a whole new sound to our ever-growing musical lineup. We are thrilled to have HCCMF musicians represented at this year’s festival. If you missed their stellar performances during the Chamber Music Festival, then this is your chance to witness these remarkably talented artists.
Highlands Porchfest is organized by the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment staff, board members, and volunteers. The event is free to attend, and all are welcome. The festival’s goal is to support local musicians, businesses, and the community through a day of fun, free, inclusive music and connection.
No outside event producers or marketing agencies are commissioned, however CLE can’t bring this event to life alone. Thank you to all of our 2025 event sponsors, volunteers, Arts Reach Council of Macon County, and Plateau community for your ongoing support. You’re the ones who truly rock!
For more information on Porchfest, artists, venues, schedules, or how to get involved, please visit highlandsporchfest.com. We hope to see you there!
On a sun-dappled afternoon in late July, the Plateau gathered in quiet reverence and joyful celebration as Highlands unveiled its newest symbol of unity – a 12-foot Peace Pole, gifted to the town by the Mountaintop Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Highlands.The ceremony, held beside the Highlands Community Building on US 64, marked the culmination of a year-long collaboration and joined Highlands with more than 250,000 communities worldwide who host Peace Poles bearing the universal message: May Peace Prevail on Earth.I...
On a sun-dappled afternoon in late July, the Plateau gathered in quiet reverence and joyful celebration as Highlands unveiled its newest symbol of unity – a 12-foot Peace Pole, gifted to the town by the Mountaintop Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Highlands.
The ceremony, held beside the Highlands Community Building on US 64, marked the culmination of a year-long collaboration and joined Highlands with more than 250,000 communities worldwide who host Peace Poles bearing the universal message: May Peace Prevail on Earth.
In Highlands, that message is etched in Cherokee, Gaelic, Spanish, and English – a reflection of the town’s cultural tapestry and its commitment to honoring diverse voices.
Rotary Presidents Cath Connolly Hudson and Randy Foster presented the pole to Mayor Pat Taylor, who commended the Rotarians for sparking a meaningful dialogue about peace in a time when such conversations are more vital than ever.
The dedication ceremony unfolded with heartfelt grace. Jessica Jenkins, Rigo Ortega, Alistair Fox, and Cath Connolly Hudson each offered a poem, prayer, or song from their heritage, weaving a lyrical thread through the afternoon’s proceedings. Children from the Highlands Community Child Development Center sang “It’s a Small World,” their voices rising amid a sea of handmade peace doves, pinwheels, and signs crafted by students from The Bascom, The Gordon School, the Boys and Girls Club, HCCDC, The Literacy and Learning Center, and local residents.
Bagpipers Margaret Tooke and Glenn Morris bookended the event with soulful airs, lending a Highland solemnity to the occasion and reminding all present of the town’s unique cultural heartbeat.
The vision for expanding Peace Poles across North Carolina originated with Rotary District Governor Connie Molland, who attended the Highlands dedication alongside incoming Governor Alex Portelli. Molland praised the initiative as a beacon of Rotary International’s mission to foster peace through education, mediation, and community engagement.
Architect Jim Ward and landscape architect Hank Ross led the design, with contributions from Robi Decking, Yonah Mountain Timber Frame, Rigo’s Stonework, Bryson’s Grading, Tate Landscaping, and Reeves Ace Hardware.
The Peace Pole now stands as a quiet sentinel of hope, inviting all who pass to pause, reflect, and carry peace forward.
For more information, contact Jane Jerry at [email protected] or Cath Connolly Hudson at [email protected].
The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts will host the 15th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival from September 4–6, 2025. This community-centered program brings horticulture into dialogue with the visual arts through a weekend of public events, including a fall reception, floral installations, a juried single bloom competition, studio pottery offerings, and educational presentations.In advance of the festival, The Bascom will present an educational talk by longtime grower Peggy Boruchow Arnette on Saturday, August 30, at 11 a.m. Des...
The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts will host the 15th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival from September 4–6, 2025. This community-centered program brings horticulture into dialogue with the visual arts through a weekend of public events, including a fall reception, floral installations, a juried single bloom competition, studio pottery offerings, and educational presentations.
In advance of the festival, The Bascom will present an educational talk by longtime grower Peggy Boruchow Arnette on Saturday, August 30, at 11 a.m. Designed for both new and experienced enthusiasts, the session will clarify what makes a bloom competition-ready and prepare participants to present their dahlias for judging in the Single Bloom Competition.
The festival opens with The Bascom’s Fall Reception on Thursday, September 4, at 5 p.m. The evening will mark the start of the fall exhibition season, recognize Shannon Woodford the winner of the 2025 Dahlia Poster Contest, and formally launch the Dazzling Dahlia Festival. Guests are invited to view the exhibitions, enjoy light refreshments, and preview the weekend’s floral-themed programs.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can experience Petals and Perspectives, a special floral design showcase on view September 4–6. Participating nonprofit organizations will create arrangements in direct response to works of art on view in The Bascom’s galleries, fostering a thoughtful exchange between botanical design and visual art.
Fall Exhibitions
The Bascom’s fall exhibitions remain on view beyond the festival weekend:
• Community Call: History of Highlands — through November 29.
• Chatov: A Retrospective of Works by Roman, Constantin, and Marc Chatov —through January 3, 2026.
• Forms of Inspiration: Ceramic Artists of the Bascom Clay Symposium — through November 29.
Single Bloom Competition
The festival’s signature event invites dahlia growers of all ages and experience levels to present their finest blooms. The juried show will be on view Friday, September 5, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, September 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Studio Member Pottery Show
Running concurrently on September 5 and 6 in The Bascom’s Studio Barn, this sale features handcrafted wall pockets and vases created by Studio Members. Each work will be adorned with fresh dahlias and available for purchase.
The Dahlia Dialogue with Drew English
Renowned gardener and dahlia expert Drew English will present The Dahlia Dialogue on Saturday, September 6, at 11 a.m. at The Bascom. This accessible talk traces the history of dahlias with particular attention to their legacy on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. The session will include an extended Q&A. Attendees are encouraged to bring dahlia specimens for individualized diagnostics and practical growing advice.
Emerging Designer Collaboration
This year’s festival and exhibition collateral were developed in collaboration with the inaugural cohort of The Bascom’s Emerging Designer Program: Seth Baker and Parks Felton, graphic design students at Western Carolina University. Felton contributed design for the Dazzling Dahlia Festival, while Baker developed materials for Chatov: A Retrospective. The internship provides hands-on experience in arts marketing, design strategy, and visual communication.
All events are free and open to the public. For details, visit thebascom.org or follow @TheBascom on social media.
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