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 Fort George 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 Highlands, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding!”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind,”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to thank you personally and Always Best Care for taking care of our needs! Your professionalism and support made our experience pleasant. After having experienced three different service providers in Maryland I can say your services are above par! And Ernesta is truly supportive of Megan’s needs. She is calm, compassionate and respectful. Also your on call service is very quick to react to our changing needs!”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding! And extra thanks to Carli, who always came through when we needed backup. Many thanks to the ABC team for all the care you gave to my husband Al H. through 3 years of Parkinson's suffering, and the support you gave me through a hard time.”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind, attentive, and provided excellent care tailored to our family’s needs. Communication was clear and supportive throughout. We’re so grateful for their compassion and professionalism. Highly recommend them for anyone seeking trusted senior home care in the area!”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services in the future if needed. I would recommend you to anyone needing your help. Again, thank you for caring.”
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 Grayson Highlands State 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 The Secret Garden or visit Urquhart Castle, 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 Highlands, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Highlands, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
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 Highlands, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The woman once charged with transforming the most powerful house in America into a place of poetry and petals is bringing her floral vision to the mountains of North Carolina.Laura Dowling, Chief Floral Designer at the White House from 2009 to 2015, will visit Highlands on Saturday, September 20, for a day of inspiration, artistry—and a touch of presidential glamour.From her basement in Alexandria, Virginia, to the East Room of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Dowling’s career is a study in reinvention. A former policy ana...
The woman once charged with transforming the most powerful house in America into a place of poetry and petals is bringing her floral vision to the mountains of North Carolina.
Laura Dowling, Chief Floral Designer at the White House from 2009 to 2015, will visit Highlands on Saturday, September 20, for a day of inspiration, artistry—and a touch of presidential glamour.
From her basement in Alexandria, Virginia, to the East Room of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Dowling’s career is a study in reinvention. A former policy analyst with degrees in political science and public administration, she discovered her passion for flowers in Paris, where she stumbled upon the loose, naturalistic arrangements of French floral icon Christian Tortu. That encounter reshaped her life. What began as a hobby became a calling—and ultimately, a job application to the White House. Eight months later, after a competitive selection process worthy of a reality show, she was personally chosen by First Lady Michelle Obama.
During her six-year tenure, Dowling reimagined the White House’s floral identity with her signature “garden-style” arrangements: painterly compositions of rambling vines, flowering branches, and delicate blooms spilling from classical vessels. Her work graced state dinners, diplomatic receptions, and holiday celebrations, all while reflecting a philosophy that flowers should tell a story—of season, setting, and spirit.
Her latest book, Designing Christmas, showcases her signature approach—combining French-inspired artistry with the wildness of nature to create romantic, garden-style arrangements. The book offers innovative ideas and step-by-step tutorials for festive décor, featuring 10 design schemes including vintage Parisian and Italian-style motifs.
Highlands will have two opportunities to welcome Dowling and her vision. On Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 A.M. to noon, she’ll appear at Acorns, Old Edwards’ home décor, jewelry, furniture, and gift store, to sign copies of Designing Christmas and her previous books. Everyone is welcome to stop by for this free event.
In the afternoon, High Country Wine and Provisions will host a hands-on bouquet workshop with Dowling from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. Limited to 40 participants, this ticketed event offers guests the chance to learn directly from the woman who once arranged flowers for world leaders. (Tickets at kp-designs.com/events.)
Dowling’s visit isn’t just about floral technique. It’s a story of how creativity, discipline, and the courage to change course can bloom into something extraordinary. In a town that values beauty and craftsmanship, her presence feels like the perfect arrangement.
Built during the Depression era as a luxury retreat for well-heeled survivors of the 1929 crash, Skyline Lodge in Highlands, North Carolina, has found new life as a boutique hotel.The transformation is thanks to Indigo Road Hospitality Group, the team behind some of the Southeast’s most beloved restaurants. When they relaunched the lodge in 2021, it marked their first foray into the hotel industry.Mid-Century Mountain Style From the moment you arrive, it’s clear Skyline Lodge isn’t your average mounta...
Built during the Depression era as a luxury retreat for well-heeled survivors of the 1929 crash, Skyline Lodge in Highlands, North Carolina, has found new life as a boutique hotel.
The transformation is thanks to Indigo Road Hospitality Group, the team behind some of the Southeast’s most beloved restaurants. When they relaunched the lodge in 2021, it marked their first foray into the hotel industry.
From the moment you arrive, it’s clear Skyline Lodge isn’t your average mountain lodge. The retro-chic property, conceptualized by Frank Lloyd Wright student Arthur J. Kelsey, leans into clean, low-slung lines and expansive windows, with ’60s and ’70s-inspired interiors that highlight details such as reclaimed wood, cork, stone and natural hues that mirror the surroundings. It’s not trying too hard to be cool — it just is.
Designer Carrie Dessertine of Mey + Co brought the interiors into the present without stripping away the lodge’s soul. In the 40 guestrooms, you’ll find penny tile bathroom floors, original art, wood paneling, custom furniture and cozy throws. In many of the rooms, there are fireplaces and terraces with mountain views.
The best steaks in town are found on the second floor at Oak Steakhouse. An offshoot of Indigo Road’s original in Charleston, Oak is the first and only steakhouse in Highlands and has become one of the area’s most sought-after dining spots. Executive Chef Matt Weinstein and his team work with local farms and producers to craft a menu that honors Appalachia. Think venison Wellington with prosciutto and celery root pure?e or mainstays like Sunburst Farms trout. There’s Certified Angus Beef, of course, and signature sides like beer-braised mushrooms and truffled mac and cheese.
For a nightcap, enjoy a sip by the granite fireplace in the lounge or outside around the crackling fire pit, taking in the sounds of the creeks below.
Beyond incredible dining at Oak, Skyline’s chef dinners are a favorite among locals and guests. These monthly, one-of-a-kind dinners are held under a covered pavilion, complete with string lights, a four-course family-style meal paired with wine, and a rotating cast of acclaimed guest chefs.
At a recent dinner, guest chef Luke Owens, owner of Native Fine Diner and Julep Contemporary Kitchen in Greenville, North Carolina, collaborated with Chef Weinstein to create an unforgettable meal. The menu? Apps like pork belly skewers and pate egg rolls, followed by a tomato-watermelon salad, swordfish piccata, spatchcock chicken, and a finale of vanilla bean and honey semifreddo. Wine pairings flowed freely, and the outdoor setting felt more like a scene from a movie.
This summer’s lineup promises even more star power. In July, it’s Chef Trey Smith, co-owner of Saint-Germain in New Orleans (a tasting-menu gem), who has multiple James Beard nominations for "Best Chef: South.”
Then, in August, it’s Chef Jennifer Carroll, owner of Philly-based Carroll Couture Cuisine, who has garnered numerous accolades, including Eater’s Chef of the Year, Bravo’s Top Chef appearances, and recognition as the prote?ge?e of renowned chef Eric Ripert by the James Beard Foundation.
These monthly dining events are intimate, wildly atmospheric and book up fast.
Skyline is also surrounded by some of the best hiking, fly-fishing and waterfall-hopping in the area. Also convenient is downtown Highlands.
But it’s OK if you just want to hang out at the lodge. Between fireside cocktails, reading nooks, and unforgettable dining, it’s less about unplugging completely and more about plugging into something different.
For more info, visit skyline-lodge.com
Upcoming guest chef dinner event: August 12, 2025, Chef Jennifer Carroll, Carroll Couture Cuisine, Philadelphia, Space is limited. To reserve your spot, visit skyline-lodge.com
A trip to Highlands, North Carolina, is always a reprieve. My breath deepens as I pass my favorite sign for Pumpkintown, South Carolina, and cross the state line, knowing I’ll soon be cozying up with a good book or a fireside nightcap. For someone whose job requires them to be chronically online, it’s a place to disconnect and truly connect; the people I’ve met in Highlands have become bonded friends with whom I regularly correspond—on social media, of course, as modern pen pals do.I’m fortunate enough to...
A trip to Highlands, North Carolina, is always a reprieve. My breath deepens as I pass my favorite sign for Pumpkintown, South Carolina, and cross the state line, knowing I’ll soon be cozying up with a good book or a fireside nightcap. For someone whose job requires them to be chronically online, it’s a place to disconnect and truly connect; the people I’ve met in Highlands have become bonded friends with whom I regularly correspond—on social media, of course, as modern pen pals do.
I’m fortunate enough to get up to the small mountain town a few times a year for work and pleasure, and these are just a handful of the stops I always recommend to first-time visitors.
Skyline’s midcentury-modern vibe makes me feel as though I’ve stepped onto the set of Dirty Dancing. For my most recent trip to Highlands, my sister and I booked the lodge’s slumber party package and were greeted with our favorite snacks, fresh-baked cookies, and beauty masks. We booked dinner at the on-site Oak Steakhouse, easily one of my favorite restaurants in the area, and took their chocolate cake and espresso martinis back to our room for a cozy movie night in the revamped 1930s-built structure.
I first stayed at HMH for G&G’s Women in the Field event. Owner Jason Reeves and I bonded over our love of traveling abroad, design details, and going analog in the digital era, and his otherworldly hotel captures all those interests. There are vinyl records and retro clocks in each room, gorgeous printed wallpapers, and a large, intimate fireplace downstairs that makes you feel like you’re holing up in the chic English countryside. Tip: Plan your visit around their Salon Series—many of the artists are alums of G&G’s Back Porch Sessions!
Jason does it again with his newly opened Outpost Inn, a luxuriously rugged spot he has described as what you’d get if “Topanga Canyon had a baby with the Catskills and raised it in Appalachia.” Even if I’m not staying at Outpost, I always save a morning to come by and have coffee in front of the vintage wood-burning Malm fireplace, or stop by on the way home from dinner to roast a marshmallow and make conversation around the outdoor firepits. Be sure to give beverage director Jeremy Carter a visit and get his recommendations at their new wine bar.
I celebrated my thirtieth birthday at Old Edwards, and I am afraid no birthday will live up. I highly recommend spending the day at the spa (if you don’t want a treatment, get a day pass for the facilities) or the pool (why not both—treat yourself!), followed by cocktails and live music at the Hummingbird Lounge, then dinner at Madison’s…Or cozied up with room service in front of the fireplace in your room.
Staying at Skyline Lodge is a treat for so many reasons, but I’m most excited that I’m right on site for a delicious meal after my four-hour drive from Charleston. I have my order pretty much down to a science. Step 1: a chilly gin martini. Step 2: the pork belly with peanut butter and red onion jam. Step 3: a steak or the lobster risotto. Step 4: chocolate cake to go! It’s sheer decadence overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tip: Don’t skip out before joining Oak for brunch.
Inside one of the quaintest downtown buildings is a do-it-yourself wine tasting setup, which hits the spot after a long hike. Put together a little charcuterie board for an extra pick-me-up. Tip: If you stop by on the right Thursday night, the sommeliers will take you through a more in-depth tasting experience.
Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden
In town for a celebration? Go to Madison’s. Not in town for a celebration? Make one up and go to Madison’s. The guest experience at this Old Edwards Inn restaurant is top-tier (red roses greet those marking an occasion, for example) and the menus are seasonal—pea shoots for spring, pumpkin elements for fall. Get there a bit early to grab a drink at one of the outdoor bars or the Hummingbird Lounge.
Other favorites: Four65 for wood-fired pizza, Highlands Smokehouse if you’re in the mood for insane barbecue, Ugly Dog Pub for bar food when you’re feeling casual, and On the Verandahfor a quaint and celebratory upscale spot.
Highlands is where I learned to fly-fish during G&G’s Ladies in the Field weekend—and with the incredible Brookings crew, no previous experience is required. The sport itself is ballet and, once you catch your stride, pure relaxation. It doesn’t hurt that you’re casting a line amid the majesty of the Western North Carolina mountains.
If you need a reason to venture up to the mountains, there is no greater excuse than November’s Highlands Food & Wine. Top chefs from across the region ascend to this tiny town for specially curated dinners and a daytime tented sampling; it’s one of the most well-run and upscale festivals I’ve attended. And while the food is the main course, the weekend’s musical acts are the cherry on top. Get up close and personal in intimate venues with the likes Molly Tuttle, Greensky Bluegrass, Futurebirds, Katie Pruitt, and Wilder Woods.
Evenings in Highlands feel more intimate than your typical late-night city scene, most of the time ending around a roaring firepit. If you are interested in heading out on the town, though, might I recommend my favorite little dive, erm, High Dive? There are pool tables, a disco ball, and cold beer. A must-hit.
I’m so glad to have stumbled upon the Bascom during the Highlands Food & Wine festival. Located on a stunning former horse farm, the campus offers artist’s lectures, regional art exhibitions, and classes such as watercolor for beginners and still-life painting.
Hiking
Everywhere you go in this WNC town, there’s an entrance to a hike. Whether you choose to walk out of Ugly Dog Pub and veer left to ascend into the clouds, or drive forty-five minutes to find spectacular waterfalls, there’s no wrong turn. Tip: Hire a guide. (Sadly my go-to guide moved, but she recommends Alarka Expeditions or Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust). I haven’t seen the world in the same light after gazing upon the oldest mountain range on the planet and learning how it came to be, and how the region’s flora and fauna depend on this incredibly specific climate.
Other favorites: While I’ve never been, it’s on my list to explore the Highlands Biological Station botanical gardens. I’ve also been told that a round of golf at one of the town’s many courses is pretty special.
If you do nothing else in Highlands, go to Mirror Lake Antiques. This treasure hunter’s paradise harbors rows of unique crystal glassware, beautiful estate jewelry, hard-to-find books, chic furs, elaborate china, and more. I have brought home a memento from each trip, but my most notables are a 1940s edition of the book The Wizard of Oz, which I had been searching for for months, and a cameo ring with three ladies dancing to commemorate a mother-daughter-sister vacation.
I’m from Los Angeles and live in Charleston and I’m telling you right now, Bardo and Bardo Style are some of the coolest and chicest home stores I’ve patronized. Each has a different vibe—Bardo is set in a large warehouse-esque building on Main Street (and sometimes hosts live music), and Bardo Style is a smaller boutique—but both sell furniture, accessories, and trinkets you won’t find anywhere else.
You’ll find the top trending clothing brands at Vivace—Shop Vince, Favorite Daughter, White and Warren, Frank & Eileen, Equestrian, Clare V. The staff is so kind and usually has Champagne on hand if you need a little help swiping your card.
This is the store to hit if you’re at all tapped into your witchy, mountain mama (or man) side. My favorite purchases are the tarot-themed bath soaks and mountain flower elixirs. I feel closer to nature in the mountains, and bringing home these surcees reminds me to hold onto that energy no matter where I go.
LINVILLE, N.C. – At the 69th-annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in 2025, two track and field athletes secured the Outstanding Men’s Athlete and Outstanding Women’s Athlete honors.Nick Goard from Aberdeen, N.C., and Veronica Cheechov from West End, N.C., earned the respective titles. Both athletes run for Sandhills Classical Christian School’s track and cross country teams, and they hope to return next year.Goard placed first in two events, securing top scores in the men’s 100-yard dash and ...
LINVILLE, N.C. – At the 69th-annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in 2025, two track and field athletes secured the Outstanding Men’s Athlete and Outstanding Women’s Athlete honors.
Nick Goard from Aberdeen, N.C., and Veronica Cheechov from West End, N.C., earned the respective titles. Both athletes run for Sandhills Classical Christian School’s track and cross country teams, and they hope to return next year.
Goard placed first in two events, securing top scores in the men’s 100-yard dash and high jump — along with second-place scores in the 220- and 440-yard dashes and a third-place score in the 880-yard dash. Cheechov placed first in the women’s 440-yard dash, 880-yard dash and 1-mile run.
In his first year of eligibility at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Goard appeared in many events, notably with a 5’ 6” high jump and :10.75 finish in the 100-yard dash. The high school junior has competed in the Adidas national and Hoka regional competitions, as well as Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) districts and regionals, and his favorite event is the high jump.
“I was so anxious to get out there and start running last year, but I was too young to compete,” Goard said. “I’m glad I could do it this year, and you’ll see me next year.”
Alongside Goard in the men’s events, returning athlete Jordan Schilit of Charlotte, N.C., placed first in the 880-yard dash, 1-mile run and 2-mile run. Jaiden Lytle of Hillsborough, N.C., impressed in the jump events, scoring first place in the triple and long jumps.
Cheechov excelled in distance-running events with a 1:11 finish in the women’s 440-yard dash, a 3:29 finish in the 880-yard dash and a 6:31 finish in the 1-mile run. This is Cheechov’s second appearance at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. In 2024, she placed second in the 880-yard dash and the 1-mile run. The high school senior has competed in the Hoka regionals and AAU district and regional competitions, and her favorite event is the 440-yard dash.
“Running here on the track, you hear people cheering for you regardless of where you are in the competition,” Cheechov said. “The support you feel here — that’s what running’s all about.”
Alongside Cheechov in the women’s events, Elliott Bradley of Charlotte, N.C., achieved three top-three results: third place in the triple jump, first place in the long jump and first place in the 220-yard dash. Returning competitor Andrea Isenberg of Bean Station, Tenn., had four top-three scores.
For participating athletes, the Highland Games offer a chance to display their talents at a culturally significant event that has been in place at Grandfather Mountain’s MacRae Meadows for several decades.
“Seeing all the different cultures is amazing, coming from a small town where there isn’t as much variety,” Goard said. “We’re all one big team here. Everyone’s cheering for each other.”
Track and Field Results
Most Outstanding Men’s Athlete
Most Outstanding Women’s Athlete
Men’s Triple Jump
Women’s Triple Jump
Men’s Long Jump
Women’s Long Jump
High Jump
Men’s 100-Yard Dash
Women’s 100-Yard Dash
Men’s 220-Yard Dash
Women’s 220-Yard Dash
Men’s 440-Yard Dash
Women’s 440-Yard Dash
Men’s 880-Yard Dash
Women’s 880-Yard Dash
Men’s 1-Mile Run
Women’s 1-Mile Run
Men’s 2-Mile Run
Women’s 2-Mile Run
The 2025 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games took place July 10-13 at Grandfather Mountain’s MacRae Meadows in Linville, N.C. To learn more about the Highland Games, visit www.gmhg.org.
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