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'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here,”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the”
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer my caregivers to and know that they will receive the service they need to assist with the care of their loved ones with dementia,”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting the owner Jim Smeaton to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They are reliable, and the caregivers are sweet and attentive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are always able to be reached and are willing to work with you.”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in knowing my husband is safe with excellent care. The office listens, really hears and is helpful to support and meet needs. Our caregiver, Chip, has become family. He was very personable, attentive to needs, brings extra in music, stories, making sure to pay attention to the patient and give accordingly. He is always kind and gracious. We are blessed to have them.”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and helpful anytime I call or come in, and my clients are wonderful! It’s more like helping a friend all day instead of working like clockwork!”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy just being in there in their organization .. my google is under Stephanie young but my last name is now Duarte . Young was my married name , I’m divorced now”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice and welcoming. I’m excited to join the team and see the great things they have in store.”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack thereof. It is regarding his cooperation regarding the service. He tends to not wake the caregiver for assistance during the night time. I would give specific names of individuals in this organization that I would request over others.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the care of ABC Senior Services. I have had the privilege of enjoying the care of Lois C. She is the best advertisement for your agency. When I am asked, which happens frequently, about my experience with ABC, I refer to Lois as being your prime example of the type of care they can expect from you. She goes beyond just basic care and does all she can to help remedy any problem we have. I love that I can trust her and feel safe having her share my home with me. She is very professional yet very "down home", a rare combination. You should be very thankful she is on your "team"! Because of her, I have no problem recommending your company to all who ask.”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I have had a couple of very good people, one of which I have now. When I was getting going with them, I had a couple of people I would never like to have again, but that has all been ironed out.”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great. But they could be more proactive. They need to be better at communicating.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never worked for a company that was so dedicated to clients and caregivers. Everyone is always happy, clients and staff. I am blessed to work here.”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my health, so it's been a blessing to have them taking care of him for me. I appreciate that the caregivers are friendly.”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do. They've helped the most just by being here.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here, and doing what they're supposed to. They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do.”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the Always Best Care team. I have watched the staff there change lives for the better, not only for clients but each other as well. It is a pleasure to be a part of this team, nothing compares to it!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in 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.
The Highlands Heritage Jamboree is back! And this year, it’s bigger, bolder, and bursting with hometown pride as we celebrate Highlands’ 150th anniversary. On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park will come alive with the sounds, flavors, and traditions that define our mountain town.From the soul-stirring wail of bagpipes to the foot-stomping rhythms of bluegrass and clogging, the Jamboree will be a daylong celebration of Highlands’ rich history and vibrant community spirit. Residents and visi...
The Highlands Heritage Jamboree is back! And this year, it’s bigger, bolder, and bursting with hometown pride as we celebrate Highlands’ 150th anniversary. On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park will come alive with the sounds, flavors, and traditions that define our mountain town.
From the soul-stirring wail of bagpipes to the foot-stomping rhythms of bluegrass and clogging, the Jamboree will be a daylong celebration of Highlands’ rich history and vibrant community spirit. Residents and visitors can savor authentic barbecue, explore a historic moonshine display, and dance the evening away under the September sky.
“Highlands’ heritage is something we live and breathe every day,” said Johanna Fein, Executive Director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. “This year’s Jamboree is not just an event, it’s a heartfelt nod to the traditions, music, and stories that have shaped our community for 150 years.”
2025 Highlands Heritage Jamboree Schedule
1pm – Highlands Bagpipers | Fountain
Kick off the day with the stirring sounds of the Highlands Bagpipers, a cherished local tradition.
1-5pm – Historic Moonshine Display by the Highlands Historical Society | Tent
Discover the storied past of Highlands’ moonshine trade and its colorful characters.
1:30–3:30pm – U.S. Navy Band: Four-Star Edition | Main Stage
The popular music group Four-Star Edition entertains audiences with a high-energy show performing a wide range of music from classic hits to today’s top roc, pop, hip hop and country music. As part of the larger United States Fleet Forces Band, the Musicians of Four-Star Edition are among the most versatile performers in the fleet.
3-4pm – Barbecue by Highlands Smokehouse| Tent
Indulge in mouthwatering BBQ from a local favorite that’s been satisfying hungry visitors and locals for years.
-3:45-4:45pm – J Creek Cloggers | Patio
The J Creek Cloggers return to show off their award-winning footwork. These Appalachian dancers, educators, and storytellers are dedicated to preserving traditional clogging and flatfooting. After going viral in March 2022, the J Creek Cloggers were featured on Spectrum News, where Zeb Ross and the team appeared in an Emmy-winning news segment that elevated their story to a national audience
5-7:30pm – The Shedhouse Trio with Darren Nicholson | Main Stage
The Shedhouse Trio is a dynamic blend of talent and energy, bringing a fresh sound to the mountain music scene. Comprised of core members Brady Wallen on banjo and vocals, Sarah Griffin on bass and vocals, and Avery Welter on guitar and vocals, the trio effortlessly fuses bluegrass, western swing, classic country, folk, and gospel into a vibrant musical tapestry. Adding depth and flair to their sound are special guests Darren Nicholson on mandolin and vocals and Aynsley Porchak on fiddle – plus a special guest square dance caller to get everyone on their feet!
Whether you’re a history buff, music lover, or simply looking for a day of small-town charm, the Highlands Heritage Jamboree offers something for everyone. Admission is free, and all are welcome to join the celebration.
For more information about the event, visit www.highlandschamber.org or call the Welcome Center at 828-526-5841.
Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce and the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC are pleased to host a celebratory ribbon cutting for the grand opening of Atelier Maison & Co.’s new space on Tuesday, August 19 at 10am. The event will take place at 75 Village Walk Way in Cashiers. Members of the public, local business leaders, and media representatives are invited to attend and celebrate.The new space marks a significant milestone for the entire Sullivan Family Company, as it introduces an opportunity for clients t...
Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce and the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC are pleased to host a celebratory ribbon cutting for the grand opening of Atelier Maison & Co.’s new space on Tuesday, August 19 at 10am. The event will take place at 75 Village Walk Way in Cashiers. Members of the public, local business leaders, and media representatives are invited to attend and celebrate.
The new space marks a significant milestone for the entire Sullivan Family Company, as it introduces an opportunity for clients to engage with Atelier Maison & Co., Living Stone Design + Build, Living Stone Commercial, Living Stone Restorations, and ID.ology Interiors & Design all under one roof.
Located in the heart of Cashiers, the new location allows prospective homeowners and current clients alike to experience a seamless, integrated process – from initial design concepts to construction and furnishing and decor.
“This new office represents more than just added space, it’s a reflection of our growth, our commitment to this community, and our belief that thoughtfully designed and built spaces can truly improve lives,” said Sean Sullivan, Owner & President. “We’re excited to welcome clients, partners, and friends into a place that embodies everything the Sullivan Family of Companies stands for.”
The new showroom features beautifully crafted furniture pieces, exclusive textiles for custom designs, and thoughtfully curated design elements that reflect Atelier Maison’s commitment to styles that last. It also acts as a working studio space for consultations across the entirety of the Sullivan Family of Companies brands, so clients can Design + Build + Furnish their dream custom home, restoration, or renovation project.
For more information about Atelier Maison & Co. follow them on social media. Facebook @AtelierMaisonCo or Instagram: @AtelierMaisonCo.
Robert Doe, creator of hand-forged sterling silver jewelry available under his Art & Soul label, is far from a solo operation. While he may be the only physical producer of his work, his heart, soul, body, resources, and mystical stories join him at his creative table. If you watched his process, you’d see there’s much to touch upon before he finally bonds silver and stone.Out of 500 stones, Robert might select only 20 for a few treasured pieces. He engages in conversation with that final handful of talismans. Decision...
Robert Doe, creator of hand-forged sterling silver jewelry available under his Art & Soul label, is far from a solo operation. While he may be the only physical producer of his work, his heart, soul, body, resources, and mystical stories join him at his creative table. If you watched his process, you’d see there’s much to touch upon before he finally bonds silver and stone.
Out of 500 stones, Robert might select only 20 for a few treasured pieces. He engages in conversation with that final handful of talismans. Decision-making is as much feeling as it is thinking.
Sketching the images in their settings helps finalize evolutions. The stones’ images might speak of desert night magic or a setting sun on a placid sea. Another stone might emanate an inexplicable pulsation that demands to be wearable sculpture.
Each image is wrapped in a unique aesthetic. One that’s sturdy. And knowing the artist, one that’s reliably exquisite.
Deserts, oceans, mountains, and more call to Robert, but it’s that exceptional stone that vibrates an essence right down to his marrow and finds its place in the score of stones at his table.
In Robert’s words: “For me my jewelry is an expression of a spiritual condition. I look at the stones for days. I don’t pick a stone that doesn’t move me. My spiritual connections are wide and varied.
Sometimes I choose a plain stone with no matrix. Other times intricate stones pull me in. When I do see something that moves me, I instantly know what I am going to do with it. It may go through several transitions, but it’s a satisfying journey – I with that captivating stone.”
It’s as though Robert and stone develop friendships that are bound forever, no matter whose arm or neckline becomes their lucky home.
His current love is a spiny oyster shell with variant purples/whites and oranges/whites in a lovely textured shell. He says, “It moves me, and then I have to move it.”
Robert frequently exhibits his pieces in craft fairs and private galleries. See his celebrated silver jewelry at both Jeanie Edwards Fine Art in Highlands and Objet d’Art Gallery in Cashiers.
To explore the soulful alchemy of Robert’s work, visit his Instagram page at @robertdoe_artandsoul, where each piece is an expression of silver, spirit, and story.
For inquiries, call (828) 399-0262 — and let the conversation between silver and stone continue.
Most people are aware as they hike through our forests that they are not walking amid virgin old-growth forests; old black-and-white pictures of massive trees in the “Primeval Forest” that once covered most of the land between Highlands and Cashiers provide sad reminders of the incredible forestland that must have provided an almost ethereal experience to hikers a century ago.With few exceptions, most of the standing timber in our area was harvested in the early decades of the 20th century, much of it ignominiously sold as...
Most people are aware as they hike through our forests that they are not walking amid virgin old-growth forests; old black-and-white pictures of massive trees in the “Primeval Forest” that once covered most of the land between Highlands and Cashiers provide sad reminders of the incredible forestland that must have provided an almost ethereal experience to hikers a century ago.
With few exceptions, most of the standing timber in our area was harvested in the early decades of the 20th century, much of it ignominiously sold as pulp wood. It is understandable that the lushness of our current woods, however, can lead to a first impression that our current forests have fully healed.
However, as noted by Robert Zahner, a former professor of natural resources at Clemson, in his excellent book The Mountain at the End of the Trail, while acknowledging that after wholesale timber operations “the forest will grow back,” unfortunately while even after “a few hundred years we may have the outward appearance of a forest – we now know that a thousand years or more is required for the biota of such an ancient forest community to be restored to all its diversity, integrity, and beauty.”
Forests thrive on disturbance, such as that caused by the occasional windstorm or fire, which serve to open pockets within mature woods that allow sunlight to penetrate and nurture species that could not thrive in the shady environs of full tree canopies.
Unfortunately, however, manmade disturbances such as the wholesale timbering operations the Plateau experienced 80-100 years ago did not result in these healthy gaps but rather widespread clearing; in these types of situations tree species that replicate via wind dispersal such as tulip poplars, white pines, red maples, and sweet birch, have an advantage over other species such as oaks where reproduction is more dependent on forces such as gravity or animals.
Many forest stewards are increasingly looking to actively manage their properties to intentionally mimic the natural disturbances in canopy to foster diversity; in fact, a recent study conducting in conjunction with the US Forest Service found that such open pockets are “rich in biological legacies” because they are frequently characterized by “complex food webs” that “provide resources that attract and sustain high species diversity” and can allow a variety of tree species to reestablish.
On your next hike take time to note the tree species, including the distinctive oak, and give thanks when you see this diversity returning to our forests!
The woman once charged with transforming the most powerful house in America into a place of poetry and petals is bringing her floral vision to the mountains of North Carolina.Laura Dowling, Chief Floral Designer at the White House from 2009 to 2015, will visit Highlands on Saturday, September 20, for a day of inspiration, artistry—and a touch of presidential glamour.From her basement in Alexandria, Virginia, to the East Room of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Dowling’s career is a study in reinvention. A former policy ana...
The woman once charged with transforming the most powerful house in America into a place of poetry and petals is bringing her floral vision to the mountains of North Carolina.
Laura Dowling, Chief Floral Designer at the White House from 2009 to 2015, will visit Highlands on Saturday, September 20, for a day of inspiration, artistry—and a touch of presidential glamour.
From her basement in Alexandria, Virginia, to the East Room of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Dowling’s career is a study in reinvention. A former policy analyst with degrees in political science and public administration, she discovered her passion for flowers in Paris, where she stumbled upon the loose, naturalistic arrangements of French floral icon Christian Tortu. That encounter reshaped her life. What began as a hobby became a calling—and ultimately, a job application to the White House. Eight months later, after a competitive selection process worthy of a reality show, she was personally chosen by First Lady Michelle Obama.
During her six-year tenure, Dowling reimagined the White House’s floral identity with her signature “garden-style” arrangements: painterly compositions of rambling vines, flowering branches, and delicate blooms spilling from classical vessels. Her work graced state dinners, diplomatic receptions, and holiday celebrations, all while reflecting a philosophy that flowers should tell a story—of season, setting, and spirit.
Her latest book, Designing Christmas, showcases her signature approach—combining French-inspired artistry with the wildness of nature to create romantic, garden-style arrangements. The book offers innovative ideas and step-by-step tutorials for festive décor, featuring 10 design schemes including vintage Parisian and Italian-style motifs.
Highlands will have two opportunities to welcome Dowling and her vision. On Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 A.M. to noon, she’ll appear at Acorns, Old Edwards’ home décor, jewelry, furniture, and gift store, to sign copies of Designing Christmas and her previous books. Everyone is welcome to stop by for this free event.
In the afternoon, High Country Wine and Provisions will host a hands-on bouquet workshop with Dowling from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. Limited to 40 participants, this ticketed event offers guests the chance to learn directly from the woman who once arranged flowers for world leaders. (Tickets at kp-designs.com/events.)
Dowling’s visit isn’t just about floral technique. It’s a story of how creativity, discipline, and the courage to change course can bloom into something extraordinary. In a town that values beauty and craftsmanship, her presence feels like the perfect arrangement.
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