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 Hot Springs, 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 Hot Springs, 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 Hot Springs, 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 Hot Springs, 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.
275 miles in, the Trail passes through the small town of Hot Springs, NC. Going into this journey, I had Hot Springs as a virtual checkpoint. It would be a good time to critique and adjust my initial plans and evaluate my progress to date. The last 25 miles before arriving in town, I was already mentally dissecting my pack and its contents, as I needed to enhance my ability to succeed in potentially getting to MaineThe ShakedownTaking a zero in Hot Springs allowed me time to fully contemplate and evaluate my pack and weight. ...
275 miles in, the Trail passes through the small town of Hot Springs, NC. Going into this journey, I had Hot Springs as a virtual checkpoint. It would be a good time to critique and adjust my initial plans and evaluate my progress to date. The last 25 miles before arriving in town, I was already mentally dissecting my pack and its contents, as I needed to enhance my ability to succeed in potentially getting to Maine
Taking a zero in Hot Springs allowed me time to fully contemplate and evaluate my pack and weight. With the help of Justin at Bluff Mountain Outfitters, I identified a new pack – ULA Ultra Circuit, a full 2.3 lbs LIGHTER than my ancient, 13 year old pack. Combined with a shakedown by Big Catt, the caretaker @ Appalachian Trail-er, and ‘22 AT Alum, I was successful in reducing my pack by 6 lbs! Big Catt spent time with me reviewing everything. Her knowledge & experience was so valuable, and her suggestions came across sympathetic, caring, and not arrogant. In addition, she helped me repack everything, considering weight distribution, and made sure the pack was adjusted to fit me properly. I was a new man! Hustling out of Hot Springs, with the dinosaur off my back, I found my trail legs, putting up my first 20s on back to back days, arriving in Erwin, TN four days later.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Hurricane and the lasting devastation to Hot Springs. Not much in town was open; many hostels were closed, as were many stores, taverns and restaurants on the main strip. Cleanup and construction was ongoing, but too many stores looked far from opening anytime soon. The locals were all optimistic, and discussed the rebuild with a smile, but the New Yorker in me thought that was fucking bullshit – evidenced by the fact that the United States Post Office was STILL not fully functional -WTF?!
16 miles past Hot Springs, I met the Southern Cookie Lady, who resides 0.1 miles from Trail. Here she posts a sign inviting hikers to come get a free cookie! She’s been doing this the past four years, but this year she was asking for donations for Hot Springs, and with such a donation, you get a choice of peach cobbler with ice cream, or a cinnamon roll. It was the best cinnamon roll ever! Hot Springs (and other towns) that have been affected by Hurricane Helene are yesterday’s news, long forgotten in today’s fast-paced news cycle, and it’s so sad, as they need our help! For those interested in helping the community, please visit the following: https://rebuildhotsprings.org
Thank you to Big Catt, Justin @ Mountain Bluff, and the Southern Cookie Lady. Woodstock, who gave us drinks watching the sunset @ Max Patch, and the girls who shared their birthday cookies. Blueberry Corndog for cooking for us @ Appalachian Trail-er, Kado and Gunner (AT Alum) for their Trail advice, and the mystery cooler @ Devils Fork Gap for the pop-tarts, Rice Krispies and soda! And Jackie @ Uncle Johnny’s in Erwin, TN. Lastly to all the volunteers who helped open and maintain the trail since Hurricane Helene, the number of downed trees spanned hundreds of miles – its incredible!
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North Carolina is known for its breathtaking mountain ranges and miles of tranquil shoreline. Peppered throughout the diverse landscape are some pretty quirky and offbeat communities that many don’t even know exist. These rare North Carolina cities offer unexpected twists and turns, from exploring the remains of the forgotten Wizard of Oz theme park to hopping aboard a moonshine train in Bryson City. So, get ready to experience th...
North Carolina is known for its breathtaking mountain ranges and miles of tranquil shoreline. Peppered throughout the diverse landscape are some pretty quirky and offbeat communities that many don’t even know exist. These rare North Carolina cities offer unexpected twists and turns, from exploring the remains of the forgotten Wizard of Oz theme park to hopping aboard a moonshine train in Bryson City. So, get ready to experience the unexpected in these weird and wonderful North Carolina towns!
More in North CarolinaThese Small Towns in North Carolina Come Alive in Summer
No matter where you are coming from, the path to Hot Springs is a long and winding road. Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s a community not known by many, but beloved by those hiking the Appalachian Trail. For long-distance hikers, it’s a welcome respite from the long journey and has become an artsy, spiritual retreat welcoming those who want to recover in this idyllic mountain village.
You can rest your tired bones in one of their private natural hot springs at the Hot Springs Resort And Spa, and then grab a bite to eat at the Smoky Mountain Diner. The chicken fried steak is worth the trek alone! To understand the spiritual impact of Hot Springs, be sure to stop by Gallery339 Hot Springs, a gallery showcasing pottery and selling souveniers.
From its founding in 1910, every detail of Little Switzerland was designed to replicate a Swiss village hidden away in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The walkable downtown district is home to charming Swiss-themed shops, including Little Switzerland Books and Beans (a cozy bookstore), the Switzerland General Store, and the beloved Swiss Shoppe. It’s a wonderful place to unwind and stock up on snacks before setting out to explore the rest of the scenic area.
And just like Switzerland, outside of central Little Switzerland are lush mountains to explore. Emerald Village is a fun tourist attraction that is perfect for the family. It is home to 12 historical mines deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains where visitors can mine for gems, and keep everything they find. If you want to learn a little more about the mining in the area, be sure to swing by the Museum Of North Carolina Minerals.
In Central North Carolina just outside of Chapel Hill is Pittsboro.At first glance, Pittsboro looks like your average small town. It has friendly locals, a walkable downtown district, and cozy shops set against the gentle hills of North Carolina’s Piedmont region.What makes Pittsboro unique is what lies beyond its city limits: The Plant. The Plant is a unique eco-industrial park with family-friendly activities, local shops, and distilleries with a heavy focus on zero-waste initiatives for organic farming. It’s a laid-back and artsy village where visitors can do anything from throw axes at Chatham Axes to enjoy a true farm-to-table meal at Copeland Springs Farm and Kitchen.
The Plant isn’t the only unique attraction in Pittsboro. While the Appalachian Mountains are home to wildlife such as black bears, bobcats, and elk; only in Pittsboro can you see tigers! The Carolina Tiger Rescue allows visitors to tour enclosures with tigers, lions, cougars, and other wild cats rescued from dangerous conditions. You can learn more about these rare animals from their knowledgeable staff, and ways to help.
North Carolina is famous for its pristine, windswept beaches. The area of Beaufort is no exception. You can expect calm shores along the Atlantic, seaside nature trails (like the Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail), and historic lighthouses at Cape Lookout. What sets Beaufort apart from other beach retreats is its history as the former home of the infamous pirate Blackbeard! While you won’t find Blackbeard’s final resting spot in Beaufort (or anywhere else for that matter, since his body was thrown into the Pamlico Sound), you will find artifacts from his ship Queen Anne’s Revenge at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort.
Aside from Blackbeard lore, Beaufort has other unique attractions that are worth checking out. Outside central Beaufort is Carrot Island in the Rachel Carson Reserve. You can access the island by boat to catch a rare glimpse of wild horses roaming the shores. And if you just want to relax on the beach and soak up the sun, it has many public beaches like Emerald Isle or Indian Beach.
Located on the highest peak in the Eastern United States (with an elevation of 5,506 feet), Beech Mountain is a popular ski resort village in North Carolina. The Beech Mountain Resort is a Bavarian-themed destination that’s an excellent place for skiing in the winter, and mountain biking or hiking in the warmer months. If you get the chance, make sure to grab a drink at 5506’ Skybar, which offers some of the most amazing panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The thing that makes Beech Mountain truly unique, aside from its high altitudes and top-notch skiing is the short-lived “Land of Oz”. It was a Wizard of Oz theme park that operated from 1970-1980 but has since been abandoned (but not entirely forgotten). The park was never torn down but still lies in ruins outside of Beech Mountain. The defunct amusement park isn’t open to the public, but Beech Mountain still holds annual events in the park, like the Autumn at Oz Festival where you can meet characters, tour the park, and see live performances.
The great thing about Bryson City isn’t what it has, but what it doesn’t have. This small community located on the Western edge of the state is free of chain restaurants and instead opts for fun and quirky locally owned establishments. You can dine on some of the best Southern cooking in the state at cozy places like River's End Restaurant with a view of the Nantahala River, or Derailed of Bryson City. Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, it's a secluded community with stunning mountain views and crisp, fresh air.
To say that Bryson City is obsessed with trains is a bit of an understatement. While dining at Derailed, visitors can watch trains come in via the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad located in central Bryson City. If you want a better view of the Smokies, you can hop aboard one of the trains for a scenic drive through the mountains. Or, you can “Shine and Dine” on the railway by purchasing a ticket for the local favorite Moonshine Train where you can sip on local moonshine while traveling through the Smokies in style.
Fun fact: Bath was founded by European settlers in the late 1600s, and it hasn’t expanded much since then. This small walkable village of just shy of 300 residents is a small, charming, and little-known village that’s worth checking out. As a city rich in history, there are quite a few historical landmarks worth checking out. You can visit incredibly old buildings, like the Palmer-Marsh House (1751), the stunning St. Thomas Episcopal Church (1734), and the Bonner House (1830) that weave the tale of Bath’s early days. The preservation of these old establishments makes Bath feel like it’s locked away in time.
One of the reasons Bath is North Carolina’s first settlement is because it’s absolutely beautiful. Nestled on Bath Creek that leads to Pamlico River, there are uncrowded beaches and public parks ideal for slowing down and taking in the sights. Bonner’s Point is a must-see, with a historical house that overlooks the calm shores of Bath Creek. It’s particularly beautiful if you visit around sunset.
Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains is West Jefferson, known for its colorful murals, mountain views, and cheese! West Jefferson is famously the home of Ashe County Cheese, which was founded in 1930 by the Kraft Cheese Company and North Carolina’s oldest cheese factory. When you want to get a little cheesy, you can watch the cheese-making process through viewing windows of the plant, and then stop by the gift shop to buy all types of cheese products, like curds, fudge, and butter.
But there’s more to West Jefferson than just cheese. There are a myriad of cozy shops and storefronts on Jefferson Ave that come alive with colorful murals that tell the tale of the community and showcase the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can stop in quaint, locally owned shops like The Vintage Farmhouse, or Antiques On Main. To gain a better viewpoint of the mountains, be sure to check out the observational deck at Jefferson Overlook.
In the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains is the picturesque village of Sylva. Its charming Main Street is quite famous, appearing in major films like Three Billboards, The Fugitive, and Deliverance.
Before there was the silver screen there were books, and Sylva is famous for its books, too! The Jackson County Public Library is the soul of Sylva, towering over Main Street and providing amazing views of the area. It opened as the Jackson County Courthouse in 1914, but a small group of locals created a book club within, and in less than 10 years the famous library was born.
After touring the amazing public library, be sure to stop by City Lights Bookstore. This cozy bookstore is a great place to pick up a new read for the drive home and grab a cup of coffee at the cafe inside. When you’re ready to get your nose out of a book and explore the wilderness surrounding Sylva, Pinnacle Park is an idyllic place to get your heart pumping. It’s located just on the edge of Sylva and offers easy to challenging hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Another fantastic park, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, is Yellow Face Overlook where the views can’t be beat!
Life is never boring in the Tar Heel State! Many travelers flock to the pristine shores of the Outer Banks or the thrilling towns like Asheville, but the real heart of North Carolina lies in cities that are slightly off the beaten path. If you are willing to make the drive through winding mountain roads, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most charming and quirky little neighborhoods with plenty of unusual things to discover. Pack a bag (and an empty cooler to stock up on cheese in West Jefferson) and get ready for unexpected surprises in North Carolina.
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Hot Springs is a small but popular North Carolina tourist destination. It was devastated when Helene hit in September 2024.HOT SPRINGS, N.C. — In the small mountain town of Hot Springs, glimmers of hope are finally starting to return amid the destruction from Helene."That day, it destroyed the town [and]our businesses, but at the same time, that day brought this community together," Hot Springs Mayor Abigail Norton said. "From any disaster, I think good things happen. So, it won't be the same, but this town...
Hot Springs is a small but popular North Carolina tourist destination. It was devastated when Helene hit in September 2024.
HOT SPRINGS, N.C. — In the small mountain town of Hot Springs, glimmers of hope are finally starting to return amid the destruction from Helene.
"That day, it destroyed the town [and]our businesses, but at the same time, that day brought this community together," Hot Springs Mayor Abigail Norton said. "From any disaster, I think good things happen. So, it won't be the same, but this town is going to be stronger than it ever was."
While many businesses still remain closed, Big Pillow Brewing has partially reopened. The town hopes it will be the first of many.
"Just recently, we've been able to get close enough to reopen on weekends, and that's kind of changed the outlook a little bit," Big Pillow Brewing owner Chris Donochod said.
Over the past six months, the community has experienced holidays differently.
"I didn't see many costumes on Halloween this year," Donochod said.
However, they did come together to celebrate Christmas with a community potluck.
"We just had a giant community potluck, and we expected maybe 60 or 70 people, but we wound up having over 200 people here having a potluck on Christmas Day. That was really touching," Donochod said.
Credit: Chris Donochod
Credit: Chris Donochod
While the recovery continues, the town sees a light at the end of the tunnel.
"I'm now just trying to concentrate on the towns—the municipality's issues," Norton said. "But, still be there for all of our businesses [and] do what I can."
"We're getting to that point where we're kind of ready for full-on tourists to come back. I don't think we're quite there yet," Donochod said.
For some, Hot Springs won't feel fully back in action until all the businesses return.
"I have hope that within the next six months ... Every door on this street's going to be open," Norton said. "Every business will be able to welcome you in and say, 'Welcome to Hot Springs.'"
The town is having a Town & Trail Fest on the first weekend of May. If you would like to support the town's recovery, you can donate here.
HOT SPRINGS - In Hot Springs, things are starting to more closely resemble spring thru-hiking seasons of the past as the town rebuilds following Tropical Storm Helene.In a February news release, the U.S. Forest Service announced it has reopened more trails and roads throughout areas of the Pisgah National Forest&rsqu...
HOT SPRINGS - In Hot Springs, things are starting to more closely resemble spring thru-hiking seasons of the past as the town rebuilds following Tropical Storm Helene.
In a February news release, the U.S. Forest Service announced it has reopened more trails and roads throughout areas of the Pisgah National Forest’s Appalachian Ranger District.
More than 114 miles of the Appalachian Trail in the Pisgah National forest reopened, the Forest Service announced. With the support of partners and volunteers, the Forest Service has successfully cleared 137 miles of trails in the Appalachian Ranger District since the storm struck in late September.
According to the Forest Service, these account for 42% of the district’s trails.
To date, the U.S. Forest Service has surveyed and cleared nearly 240 miles of roads across the district, accounting for nearly 76% of the district’s roads and providing improved access to the public and local residents.
According to Appalachian District Ranger Jennifer Barnhart, multiple organizations assisted with the cleanup effort, including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Carolina Mountain Club, Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club, North Carolina High Peaks and EcoForesters.
The reopening comes just in time, as Hot Springs' Appalachian Trail festival, formerly known as Appalachian Trailfest or "Trailfest" for short, will return in 2025 after being canceled in 2024.
The festival is being organized by Rebuild Hot Springs Area, a new nonprofit organization focused on assisting the residents, workers and businesses of Hot Springs following the devastation left in the wake of Helene. In December, the Rebuild team donated $115,000 to local employees who lost their jobs in Helene.
But it's not all good news for the Appalachian Trail and the U.S. Forest Service.
In mid-February, President Donald Trump and his adviser Elon Musk announced major cuts to a number of federal organizations, including the U.S. Forest Service, as part of Musk's campaign to radically cut back on federal spending.
The terminations represent about 10% percent of the U.S. Forest Service workforce and about 5% of Park Service employees and targeted employees in their one-year probationary period.
The U.S. Forest Service terminated approximately 3,400 probationary employees, including several in Western North Carolina working on Helene recovery efforts. Workers told The Citizen Times the terminations will impede local Helene recovery efforts.
On Feb. 19, Appalachian Trail Conservancy President Sandi Marra issued a statement in which she said the terminations "are threatening the very fabric of the A.T.’s cooperative management and compromising efforts to ensure a healthy, resilient and connected A.T. for millions of visitors during this hiking season and for years to come."
Marra said repairs to bridges, shelters, treadway, and natural resources — including those damaged by Helene — will also be severely impacted.
"These terminations also weaken wildfire and emergency response at a time when wildfires are growing more destructive," Marra said.
The Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, ranging from Maine to Georgia. The trail spans nearly 2,200 miles. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, the trail is managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers.
There are approximately 96 miles of the AT in North Carolina.
The trail runs along the Tennessee/North Carolina border for approximately 220 additional miles, according to The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, a nonprofit organization formed in 1925 that manages the day-to-day operations of the Trail.
The trail reaches its highest point at 6,643-foot at Kuwahi, formerly known as Clingmans Dome, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina.
Roughly 159 million people use national forests annually. The U.S. Forest Service operates the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina and the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee.
More than 3 million people visit the Appalachian Trail each year, and more than 3,000 attempt to hike the entire trail. About 25% of those who attempt a thru-hike are successful, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
The number of northbound thru-hikers has been increasing by about 10% each year since 2010, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Helene resource page, there are still three sections of the trail that are closed, all in Tennessee.
The closures include the 344.6-mile marker at Chestoa Bridge over the Nolichucky River.
The trail is also closed for a more than 20-mile stretch near Unicoi, Tennessee, from Indian Grave Gap to Hughes Gap, including the Cherry Gap Shelter, which was destroyed in Helene's devastation.
The AT is also closed at the Moreland Gap Shelter in Hampton, Tennessee, as the shelter was damaged in Helene.
Johnny Casey is the Madison County communities reporter for The Citizen Times and The News-Record & Sentinel. He can be reached at 828-210-6074 or [email protected].
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