It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic The Boone-Withers House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Waynesville, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here,”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the”
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer my caregivers to and know that they will receive the service they need to assist with the care of their loved ones with dementia,”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting the owner Jim Smeaton to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They are reliable, and the caregivers are sweet and attentive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are always able to be reached and are willing to work with you.”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in knowing my husband is safe with excellent care. The office listens, really hears and is helpful to support and meet needs. Our caregiver, Chip, has become family. He was very personable, attentive to needs, brings extra in music, stories, making sure to pay attention to the patient and give accordingly. He is always kind and gracious. We are blessed to have them.”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and helpful anytime I call or come in, and my clients are wonderful! It’s more like helping a friend all day instead of working like clockwork!”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy just being in there in their organization .. my google is under Stephanie young but my last name is now Duarte . Young was my married name , I’m divorced now”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice and welcoming. I’m excited to join the team and see the great things they have in store.”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack thereof. It is regarding his cooperation regarding the service. He tends to not wake the caregiver for assistance during the night time. I would give specific names of individuals in this organization that I would request over others.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the care of ABC Senior Services. I have had the privilege of enjoying the care of Lois C. She is the best advertisement for your agency. When I am asked, which happens frequently, about my experience with ABC, I refer to Lois as being your prime example of the type of care they can expect from you. She goes beyond just basic care and does all she can to help remedy any problem we have. I love that I can trust her and feel safe having her share my home with me. She is very professional yet very "down home", a rare combination. You should be very thankful she is on your "team"! Because of her, I have no problem recommending your company to all who ask.”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I have had a couple of very good people, one of which I have now. When I was getting going with them, I had a couple of people I would never like to have again, but that has all been ironed out.”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great. But they could be more proactive. They need to be better at communicating.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never worked for a company that was so dedicated to clients and caregivers. Everyone is always happy, clients and staff. I am blessed to work here.”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my health, so it's been a blessing to have them taking care of him for me. I appreciate that the caregivers are friendly.”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do. They've helped the most just by being here.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here, and doing what they're supposed to. They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do.”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the Always Best Care team. I have watched the staff there change lives for the better, not only for clients but each other as well. It is a pleasure to be a part of this team, nothing compares to it!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Vance Street Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Chef's Table or visit Francis Grist Mill, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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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 Waynesville, 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 Waynesville, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Waynesville, 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.
Nestled along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee in the eastern United States, the Smoky Mountains are home to some of the most inviting small towns, boasting awe-inspiring scenery. Travelers flock here year-round to experience the beauty of misty peaks, cascading waterfalls, and endless trails winding through the lush fo...
Nestled along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee in the eastern United States, the Smoky Mountains are home to some of the most inviting small towns, boasting awe-inspiring scenery. Travelers flock here year-round to experience the beauty of misty peaks, cascading waterfalls, and endless trails winding through the lush forests of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
For many visiting North Carolina's Smokies, Asheville is a popular choice for those who want a mix of vibrant city atmosphere and easy access to outdoor adventures. In addition, like many adorable towns in North Carolina, Asheville has a bustling downtown with a thriving arts scene, local businesses, and historic architecture. Despite all these offers, Asheville’s popularity comes with a downside of crowds and soaring prices.
Fortunately, there are other mountain towns in North Carolina that are better than Asheville. And one gem in Haywood County offers an authentic escape in the Smokies with its rich Appalachian heritage, welcoming community, and natural beauty.
This stunning state park protects sublime mountain views and amazing adventures just outside of North Carolina's largest city!
Waynesville is a beautiful town tucked between the rolling peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Situated about 32 miles west of Asheville, this charming town offers the same (if not better) breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures but without the hustle and bustle of a tourist-heavy city.
While Asheville has long been a magnet for artists, hikers, and craft beer enthusiasts, Waynesville provides a quieter, more authentic experience. With a population of just over 10,000, Waynesville retains a close-knit, small-town feel.
Waynesville is the perfect destination for travelers who crave both relaxation and adventure. With its proximity to the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, this town is surrounded by an abundance of hiking trails, scenic drives, and waterfalls, making it an outdoor lover’s paradise.
America’s most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which saw 13.3 million visits in 2023, is 18 miles away, accessed via the Cove Creek Road from Waynesville. In this magnificent natural area, travelers discover wildlife, history, and endless trails leading to panoramic vistas, cascading falls, and serene woodland escapes.
Meanwhile, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the scenic highway in North Carolina, is right at Waynesville’s doorstep. About 7 miles south of Waynesville, travelers can explore the Parkway’s mileposts 421 and 423, offering access to scenic spots like Waterrock Knob, Black Balsam Knob, and Richland Balsam.
A Smoky Mountains getaway, the small town has gorgeous scenery among its waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Asheville’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, attracting flocks of tourists who come for its artsy vibe, thriving food scene, and easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unfortunately, this has made Asheville great for vacations only and not retirement, due to increased tourism, which leads to a higher cost of living.
On the other hand, Waynesville offers a slower, more peaceful mountain escape without sacrificing the natural beauty, culture, or outdoor recreation that makes this region special. Here, travelers find quieter streets lined with locally-owned shops and restaurants and a welcoming, unhurried atmosphere.
Although the small-town charm is a major draw for most visitors, Waynesville’s proximity to the Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway makes it a nature lover’s haven. With a less than 45-minute drive from town, adventurers can chase waterfalls or enjoy a scenic drive to an overlook for a sunset view at scenic spots like Richland Balsam Overlook.
Waynesville, one of the towns in North Carolina with the best quality of life in the Smokies, also provides a more budget-friendly alternative to Asheville. With affordable accommodations, reasonably priced restaurants, and free or low-cost outdoor activities, budget travelers can enjoy a mountain getaway without breaking the bank. Instead of big-chain hotels, visitors can stay in cozy mountain lodges, historic inns, or charming bed-and-breakfasts, all at a fraction of Asheville’s prices.
Waynesville is one of the towns in North Carolina with the best Downtown Main Streets. This walkable, charming district is where history, creativity, and Southern hospitality come together. Waynesville’s downtown area invites visitors to take their time strolling past historic buildings, exploring locally-owned boutiques, and soaking in the town’s relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
One of the best ways to experience downtown is to start at Main Street, featuring a mix of art galleries, antique stores, and unique shops selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to Appalachian pottery.
Twigs and Leaves Gallery is a must-visit for those who appreciate local art and mountain-inspired crafts, while Wall Street Books offers a cozy spot for book lovers to browse rare and secondhand titles.
Waynesville also has a thriving food scene, and downtown is the perfect place to sample it. Travelers can stop by The Sweet Onion for elevated Southern cuisine, featuring dishes like Southern fried chicken and fresh mountain trout. Food lovers craving something casual head to the Smoky Mountain Sub Shop, which serves up hearty sandwiches perfect for a midday bite. And for dessert? A visit to Kilwins for handmade chocolates and ice cream is the ideal way to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, the 20-acre Winchester Creek Farm offers visitors a unique chance to connect with nature, meet friendly alpacas, and experience farm life in a serene setting. This charming, family-owned farm is home to dozens of adorable alpacas, as well as other farm animals, including miniature donkeys and goats.
Visitors can book guided farm tours to learn about alpaca care, fiber production, and sustainable farming practices. The highlight of any visit is the chance to feed and interact with these gentle creatures, making it a perfect stop for families, couples, and animal lovers.
Whether traveling with kids or just want to relive the fun of a classic roller rink, Smoky Mountain Sk8way & Family Entertainment Center promises hours of fun. As the largest roller-skating facility in Western North Carolina, it features a spacious rink, arcade games, an obstacle course, and even party rooms for those planning special events like birthdays.
The rink hosts open skating sessions, themed skate nights, and even glow-in-the-dark skating, making it a hit with both locals and tourists. The entertainment center also has a café serving pizza, snacks, and drinks, ensuring visitors can refuel between activities.
Just a short drive from downtown Waynesville, Lake Junaluska is a serene retreat renowned for its scenic beauty. This 200-acre lake is surrounded by rolling hills and framed by the majestic Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, creating a tranquil and picturesque spot for outdoor recreation.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the 3.8-mile loop trail, which offers stunning lake views, charming footbridges, and beautifully landscaped gardens. For those who love water activities, kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals are available, providing a peaceful way to explore the lake’s tranquil waters.
Fall is one of the best times to visit Waynesville, as the crisp mountain air, comfortable temperatures, and spectacular foliage take over. Visitors can explore scenic overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway for an immersive fall experience. Hikes like the Waterrock Knob and Purchase Knob offer panoramic views of the autumn landscape.
As winter sets in, Waynesville transforms into a scenic mountain retreat, with snow-dusted peaks, twinkling holiday lights, and cozy fireside settings creating a magical atmosphere. The town comes alive with festive events, including the Waynesville Christmas Parade, featuring twinkling floats and Santa Claus himself.
The Night Before Christmas Waynesville celebration turns downtown into a winter wonderland, with luminaries lighting the streets, horse-drawn carriage rides, and carolers spreading holiday cheer.
As the snow melts and the mountains awaken, Waynesville bursts to life with blooming wildflowers, lush greenery, and endless outdoor adventures. Spring is an especially picturesque time to visit, as dogwoods, rhododendrons, and mountain laurels add pops of color to the landscape.
Hiking trails like Purchase Knob Trail come alive with fresh greenery, while the Blue Ridge Parkway offers stunning springtime views with fewer visitors than in peak summer and fall.
Summer in Waynesville is all about festivals, outdoor activities, and warm mountain breezes. Travelers can kayak or paddleboard on Lake Junaluska or explore the waterfalls of Pisgah National Forest.
Waynesville may not have the same recognition as Asheville, but it is worth a visit for its laid-back atmosphere, natural beauty, and diverse attractions. This underrated town delivers an authentic experience with its abundant outdoor adventures in the surrounding mountains and quaint downtown filled with local shops and Appalachian flavors.
As restaurants across Western North Carolina continue to face significant challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Ben’s Backdraft Barbecue has emerged as a rare success story in the region’s recovery.The Waynesville-born business, which has weathered its own trials — including a devastating fire and the impact of the storm — has managed to not only survive but thrive.Now, as the industry works to regain its footing, Ben&...
As restaurants across Western North Carolina continue to face significant challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Ben’s Backdraft Barbecue has emerged as a rare success story in the region’s recovery.
The Waynesville-born business, which has weathered its own trials — including a devastating fire and the impact of the storm — has managed to not only survive but thrive.
Now, as the industry works to regain its footing, Ben’s Backdraft is celebrating a major milestone with the grand opening of its first brick-and-mortar location on Saturday, March 1, marking a new chapter for the barbecue joint that’s long been a favorite on the food truck circuit.
In 2018, Ben Hooper, owner of Ben’s Backdraft Barbecue, picked up a side gig of small caterings before buying a food trailer three years later. During this time, Hooper was working at several different fire departments after finally getting the gig at Asheville Fire Department. Business for his barbecue joint began expanding faster than he expected, and Hooper decided to move departments to pursue more time with his food trailer.
“And then in the beginning of 2024, I went into business full-time, which was the worst year to do it,” Hooper said.
Ben’s Backdraft Barbecue suffered a setback in July 2024, when one of their primary trailers caught on fire and burnt to the ground the week before a busy time of the year: July 4.
Luckily, they had a second trailer in the works, but it wasn’t completely done yet. About a month later, the truck was back up to full steam and the team was getting geared up for festival season. However, right before one of the biggest festivals of the year, Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina.
[READ MORE: What’s open and safe to do in Asheville after Helene hit Western North Carolina?]
When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, Ben’s Backdraft Barbecue faced one of its toughest challenges yet.
It was fortunate to avoid structural damage, but it came within six inches of being flooded. But instead of waiting for normalcy to return, Hooper and his team sprang into action.
With roads impassable and many still without power or communication, Hooper and his team decided to start giving away food.
“We ordered about $10,000 worth of food, and I looked at my wife and our staff, and I was like, ‘I don’t know if we’re going to make it out of this, but we’re going to rely on our faith and our community and try to make it through.’”
Donations started pouring in from supporters across the country, and even other barbecue joints.
TMG Pits in Knoxville made a seven-hour drive to bring the team $5,000 worth of supplies. Sweet Lew’s BBQ in Charlotte helped send product through one of its vendors, and Jon G’s Barbecue even brought gas and wood.
Duke Energy reached out, dedicating one of the barbecue trailers to support their crews, while the other continued serving free meals to those in need.
“I don’t know how many thousands of meals we gave out, but we did as much as we could.”
The aftermath of the storm left financial challenges, but it also reinforced the restaurant’s commitment to the community.
In December, Hooper acquired a deal on a brick and mortar off of chance and faith, he said. The building is three times the size of the former commissary. It has indoor and outdoor seating and spacious parking for both of the trailers and customers.
But what sets Ben’s Backdraft Barbecue apart from other barbecue joints? It’s all in the fire.
“We don’t use gas or charcoal — nothing like that on our smokers. It’s strictly all wood-fired,” Hooper said.
That dedication to traditional, wood-fired barbecue sets it apart, earning Ben’s a place among a select group of pitmasters recognized by Truecue, a website that tracks barbecue joints across North Carolina that cook exclusively with wood or charcoal.
Hooper considers himself one of the “young guys” in the business. He gets help from different barbecue joints across the state, including Charlotte-area favorite Jon G’s Barbecue. The Pageland restaurant sold Hopper his first fridge in his trailer.
“We try to use the most simple ingredients we can over all wood and kind of fill in everything else as we can,” Hooper said.
While some menu items require pre-made ingredients — simply because certain things can’t be made using just a smoker — the focus remains on traditional, wood-fired barbecue. That commitment has earned Ben’s Backdraft Barbecue a spot at the Carolina BBQ Festival in Charlotte in April, where the team will join other top pitmasters from across the state.
While Hooper remains optimistic about the future, he knows there are still challenges ahead — not just for his business, but for the entire industry in Western North Carolina.
The new brick and mortar is the very last exit that’s open on Interstate 40. One of the biggest obstacles right now, he said, is the ongoing closure of that interstate, a major traffic artery that has been shut down since Hurricane Helene.
“There’s hundreds of thousands of cars that go through there every day,” Hooper said. “Even if we only got a tenth of a percent of those, that would float our business annually without any advertising whatsoever.”
But at the same time, Ben’s Backdraft Barbecue has such a good local following, he’s not too worried about that.
Instead, Hooper is focused on the road ahead — not just for his business, but for the community as a whole.
“The biggest thing I want to do is kind of get back to that reset from Hurricane Helene — financially, economically — and try my best to take part in helping rebuild the best we can,” he said.
3028 Jonathan Creek Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785
Cuisine: Barbecue
Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Instagram: @bensbackdraftbbq1
Movers Near Me LLC (828-365-8056) expands to Waynesville, NC, bringing top-tier moving services from Candler to Western North Carolina.Movers Near Me LLC brings expert moving services to Waynesville, NC, offering local and long-distance moves with care.WAYNESVILLE, NC, UNITED STATES, February 28, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Movers Near Me LLC, a leading moving company ba...
Movers Near Me LLC (828-365-8056) expands to Waynesville, NC, bringing top-tier moving services from Candler to Western North Carolina.
Movers Near Me LLC brings expert moving services to Waynesville, NC, offering local and long-distance moves with care.
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The expansion will be handled by the company's existing team, ensuring that the same high standards of service are maintained in the new area. No new hires are planned at this time, reflecting confidence in the current team's capabilities.
Movers Near Me LLC looks forward to engaging with the Waynesville community through local events and partnerships. The company is committed to being an active and supportive member of the areas it serves.
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Movers Near Me LLC is a leading moving company based in Candler, NC, founded in 2018. The company offers a comprehensive range of moving services to residential and commercial clients across Western North Carolina, emphasizing reliability, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.
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