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 Scaly Mountain, 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 think they do a pretty good job.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like 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 am a current client of this provider I couldn't have a life without them. They”
“I am a current client of this provider This helps us both be more refreshed and”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped tremendously with her sadness. I like”
“Always Best Care was always responsive to our family’s caregiving and respite needs. They created”
“I am a past client of this provider They have helped the most with just providing”
“I am a current client of this provider They help the most by talking to him. They're”
“I am a current client of this provider They provide me with company. They make you 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 I think they do a pretty good job. We've been with them for a long time now, so they serve our needs. They have improved my mom's quality of life.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It gives me time to go to the grocery store.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive by sending me Barbara.”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't have any problems getting things done when the caregivers show up.”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa and Autumn have given extra effort and care to assist with managing my client's needs. I don't know how I would have made it without them.”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They take the time to assess the needs of caregivers and care recipients alike and establish a detailed person-centered plan of care that addresses the care needs and wellbeing of the care recipient. This approach builds rapport and confidence with the caregiver and emphasizes respite for the caregiver while meeting the care recipients’ needs.”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and more. Belinda has gone above the call of duty.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps keep him interactive with people.”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the nurse, is very encouraging. Their presence is helpful because I can't be there.”
“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 am a current client of this provider I couldn't have a life without them. They do the cooking and everything for me. One was a poor caregiver and the other was good.”
“I am a current client of this provider This helps us both be more refreshed and get breaks from each other. I like the fact that they seem to be a Christian-based organization. That comes through with the care that is provided.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped tremendously with her sadness. I like how I can call, get a person and not just a recording.”
“Always Best Care was always responsive to our family’s caregiving and respite needs. They created a thorough and detailed individual care plan with us that addressed all of our concerns and caregiving requirements. Our caregiver Elaine was fantastic. She is genuinely caring, compassionate, friendly, and engaging. My father was always excited when Elaine came to the house. They would talk for hours, laugh, play games, do puzzles, look at photo albums, and watch all kinds of sports together including tennis, football, soccer, and basketball. He said that Elaine made the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches too. She even stopped by to check on us after hurricane Helene to make sure that we were ok. I fully recommend Always Best Care to any family needing respite and caregiving services for their loved ones. They are truly the Best!”
“I am a past client of this provider They have helped the most with just providing me really good care and there was a never struggle with them. I liked that Always Best Care was always very kind and worked with me very easily.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help the most by talking to him. They're very good about doing what they are supposed to be doing.”
“I am a current client of this provider They provide me with company. They make you feel comfortable.”
“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.”
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 Scaly Mountain, 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 Scaly Mountain, 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 Scaly Mountain, 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 town of Highlands, North Carolina, is a retreat in every sense of the word. Situated high within the Nantahala National Forest, near where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet, this quaint community is a getaway destination for much of the Southeast. With enchanting inns, five-star spas, and white-tablecloth dining, the outdoors isn't all this mountain town has to offer—but it's definitely at the top of the list. The town became known as a health and summer retreat over a century ago, a spirit it still embodies today. F...
The town of Highlands, North Carolina, is a retreat in every sense of the word. Situated high within the Nantahala National Forest, near where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet, this quaint community is a getaway destination for much of the Southeast. With enchanting inns, five-star spas, and white-tablecloth dining, the outdoors isn't all this mountain town has to offer—but it's definitely at the top of the list. The town became known as a health and summer retreat over a century ago, a spirit it still embodies today. From the best overlooks to our favorite meals in Highlands, here's how to spend a long weekend in this quaint corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If it's views you're looking for, Nantahala National Forest is a gold mine. Beginner and expert hikers can make their way from gushing waterfalls to panoramic peaks on any given day. You can also take in the views on Whiteside Mountain, a landmark along the eastern continental divide. The moderate 2-mile loop will take you by cliff edges for sprawling views. Keep your eyes peeled for falcons flying above.
Warm up with a trip to one of the area's closest waterfalls, Dry Falls. An easy start to the day, the short, half-mile stroll will take you to where the Cullasaja River projects over a cliff. A path lets you venture behind the falls without getting wet, hence the name.
Keep things flowing with a trip to Glen Falls. The trailhead starts 3 miles from downtown, and the trip to the multilevel, 640-foot splash and back is just over 2 miles total. Don't let the downhill start trick you. Be sure to conserve your energy for the walk back up.
For visitors looking for accessibility, drive to Bridal Veil Falls. The drop is roadside, so you can take in the view from the comfort of your car. It's also the only waterfall in the state that a vehicle can drive under.
Highlands is a jumping-off point for outdoor adventures, from zip-lining to golf. Brookings Anglers can outfit you for a day of fly fishing for smallmouth bass or mountain trout. Or, book a tour with one of their friendly guides at the nearby Cashiers location—just make sure you reserve your spot a month or two out.
brookingsonline.com; 273 Spring St, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-482-9444
Take the kids 8 miles west of town to Highlands Outpost for the longest gravity-powered roller coaster in the state. Then check out the gem mine to see what treasures you can find. Snow tubing and ice skating begin in November.
The new Combo Pass offers four hours of unlimited tubing and coaster rides for $55/person.
highlandsoutpost.com; 7420 Dillard Rd., Scaly Mountain, NC 28755; 828-526-3737
Begin your day at Mountain Fresh Grocery, where a homemade breakfast sandwich is sure to fuel the day's adventure. Their stollen bread is legendary, so be sure to grab one for the road. 4th Street Market, a small convenience store, will come in handy at the start of the day with to-go snacks for the trail. Much more than a convenience store, this market carries breakfast biscuits, warm cinnamon rolls, and barbecue fixings you can bring on a picnic.
mfgro.com; 521 E. Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-2400
If you're not still in the mountains mid-day, stop by The Wine Garden at the Old Edwards Inn for its can't-miss patio. Sunshine and stonework mix with great sips, dips, salads, and sandwiches for a lunch that feels like a destination in its own right. Another local favorite, Wild Thyme Gourmet, is often packed with patrons eating under its cheerful red umbrellas. The menu features American cuisine with an Asian flair. If you don't get back in time for lunch, both are open for dinner service as well.
oldedwardshospitality.com; 445 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741; 866-526-8008 wildthymegourmet.com; 343 Main St., Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-4035
If you stay at Old Edwards Inn and prefer not to leave your hotel, make reservations for dinner at Madison's Restaurant. The indoor dining room serves farm-to-table fare where you can treat yourself to everything from pork saltimbocca to a crispy leg of duck confit. If you're game for heading out, head to the main strip and eat at Ristorante Paoletti for excellent Italian fare from pastas to veal and fish. Reservations are recommended at these restaurants, especially during the vacation season.
oldedwardshospitality.com; 445 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741; 866-526-8008 paolettis.com; 440 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-4906
There are many good reasons to wander away from the inn, as dinner options within walking distance of downtown are endless. Bring a picture of your pup with you to The Ugly Dog Public House, and they'll put it on their photo-studded walls while you grab a burger and a local beer. If you visit on a Wednesday, you'll be treated to live bluegrass, while Sunday brings music bingo.
theuglydogpub.com; 294 S 4th St., Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-8364
Head to Four65 for city-chic style blended with small-town warmth. Dine on Neapolitan-style pizzas and Mediterannean classics made in the restaurant's wood-fired oven, with a focus on local ingredients.
four65.com; 465 Main St. Box 2130, Highlands, NC 28741
Around town, opportunities abound for frozen treats, pastries, and chocolates. Between shopping or after a meal, be sure to stop into Kilwins for a plethora of confections and ice cream cones sure to keep your blood sugar from dropping. Most of their recipes date back to the 1940s, and their turtle fudge is nearly impossible to pass up.
kilwins.com; 341 Main Street, PO Box 1193, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-3788
Stick around downtown at least one day to explore the many shops. Locally owned storefronts strike a balance between mountain treasures and high-end clothing boutiques on Main Street. Start by gearing up for your mountain adventures at Bear Mountain Outfitters. From outdoor appeal and equipment for the trail to casual wear you can sport around town, this local shop has something for everyone.
facebook.com/bmo97; 302 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-5784
Pop into Rosenthals Boutique for an elevated look. A family store that's been passed down three generations, the shop prides itself on a selection of designer brands and high-end service. Wander into TJ Baily's for classic style. This once men's-only store now carries women's clothing too.
rosenthalsboutique.com; 375 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-2100 tjbaileys.com; 343C Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-2262
Find a little something for your home at Dutchman's Casual Living, where you'll be delighted by colorful decor and handcrafted furnishings. The boutique has planted 700,000 trees since 2005, with the goal of planting one tree with every piece of furniture sold. On North Fourth, CK Swan sells carefully selected home goods and furniture, jewelry, gifts, art, and even bouquets of flowers.
dutchmanscasualliving.com; 342 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-8864 ckswan.com; 223 North 4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-2083
Downtown Highlands has a number of antique stores that are definitely worth checking out, but it's also worth a trip to Reclamations. Located between Highlands and Cashiers, Reclamations is so much more than an antique store. You'll find an incredible array of architectural salvage, hand-crafted hardware, yard art, and more. After an hour of browsing their vast barn, you're sure to find buried treasure somewhere.
facebook.com/ReclamationsNC; 99 Cherrywood Dr, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-787-2299
A short drive or walk from downtown, a 6-acre horse farm is home to The Bascom, a visual arts center that exhibits local and world-renowned artists. After visiting the exhibits, meander down the Horst Winkler Sculpture Trail to enjoy the beauty of nature and art.
thebascom.org; 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-4949
While plenty of rustic cabin rentals dot the woods, you can splurge on a stay at Old Edwards Inn and Spa for a taste of refined mountain charm. Spend your nights at the elegant inn or in one of their charming cottages. Located in the heart of downtown, this mountain refuge delights with crackling fireplaces, inviting porches, and dining options galore. You'd be remiss to check out without experiencing the property's heated mineral pool or standout spa treatments.
oldedwardshospitality.com; 445 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741; 866-526-8008
Trailborn Highlands, a 63-room downtown Highlands hotel, is the second in a set of luxury stays that hotel brand Trailborn has planned for popular outdoor destinations across the country. Set on 4.5 acres, the property’s epicenter is a 1924 log cabin that houses the Highlands Supper Club restaurant. Other amenities include cold-plunge showers, saunas, firepits, a lily pond, and flower gardens.
trailborn.com/highlands; 96 Log Cabin Lane, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-482-1581
Also downtown, you can stay at the 18-room Highlander Mountain House, a cozy establishment that was converted from a retired sea captain's sprawling home. The inn calls itself "equal parts Appalachian lodge and refined English country estate." An all-day tavern, The Ruffed Grouse, serves a menu featuring seasonal ingredients from Blue Ridge farmers.
highlandermountainhouse.com; 270 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-2590,
Highlander Mountain House's latest venture and sister property, Outpost Inn, is another worthy option. The lodge-style, summer camp-inspired stay features 14 guest rooms, plus thoughtful touches like complimentary coffee and banana bread, a guest happy hour, bikes, a vinyl collection, and a healthy selection of board games and books.
828-676-2939
