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.
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a”
“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. The staff and”
“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”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me -”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a lovely caregiver, and I especially appreciated Carli's guidance throughout the process.”
“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. The staff and management are extremely professional and caring, resulting in a very comfortable experience.”
“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.”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also cared for me and my family.”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in caring for a loved one. We have a brother and his significant other who were living independently and when visiting them realized they had not been eating or keeping their home clean. Since we knew of Always Best Care and heard of their excellent reputation we contacted them. They immediately stepped in and assisted us in knowing what steps we needed to take. After taking both our brother and his significant other to the doctors and learning that they had the beginnings of Alzheimer’s disease, we met with Carmen who helped us set up a plan. She suggested that we start with a few days a week of in home care so that we would know that they were eating. She provided us with excellent aids that not only helped prepare meals, but also interacted with our family members to encourage socialization. These few days increased to five days a week which left us with Saturday and Sunday to monitor their eating. While this was taking place, Carmen helped us find an Assisted Living Community where they could move. We visited several in the area and decided on one after consulting with Carmen. She and Gimbert were always available to take our calls if we had any questions. They helped us with finding someone to clean out the house and assisted us in relocating our bother and his significant other to their new home. We have recommended Always Best Care to several of our neighbors who have needed assistance with caring for loved ones. Carmen is on top of any situation that needs attention. Whether a person needs an aid for a week, a month or indefinitely she arranges the right person for the client’s needs. Always Best Care, Carmen and Gimbert, cared for our family members as if they were their own family. We would not have been able to care for our family members as well as the aids from Always Best Care.Hopefully we will not need the services of Always Best Care again, but if we do we know that they will be there to help us.”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me - her knowledge/advice, genuine caring, and friendly personality. We're managing well and hopefully that continues and if needed, we know to call ABC.”
“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.”
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.
Nestled atop the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, where rhododendrons line winding streets and Fraser firs brush carpeted hills, the Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival – slated for September 18–21 at the Highlands Performing Arts Center – offers more than cinema. It’s a celebration of storytelling, community, and the enduring power of place.Day one of the festival features a powerful moment: an exclusive sneak preview of The Gardener, set primarily in Highlands, where much of its story was brought to life....
Nestled atop the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, where rhododendrons line winding streets and Fraser firs brush carpeted hills, the Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival – slated for September 18–21 at the Highlands Performing Arts Center – offers more than cinema. It’s a celebration of storytelling, community, and the enduring power of place.
Day one of the festival features a powerful moment: an exclusive sneak preview of The Gardener, set primarily in Highlands, where much of its story was brought to life.
Produced and directed by Dabney Day, the story centers on Sabena Weathers (Radha Mitchell), a high-powered executive teetering on the edge of a corporate takeover. On a fateful drive home, she encounters a raven that leads her to a mountaintop property and a neglected garden. There, she meets Walter, an unassuming gardener whose presence gently guides her toward healing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Adding tension to Sabena’s unraveling world is Tom, her attorney, played by David Andrews—an accomplished actor and North Carolina resident whose grounded portrayal adds both complexity and suspense. Whether Tom is ally or adversary remains uncertain until the film’s final moments.
“For me, The Gardener is a reflection of life’s quiet truths,” Day shares. “We each have our own higher power, our own small voice that knows the way. And when we choose to listen, to pay attention, we are forever changed.”
Featuring an original score by acclaimed composer Jeremy Little and a cast that brings depth and nuance, The Gardener stands at the heart of this year’s festival.
“Bringing this film to life was a tapestry woven from many generous hearts. Three in particular, Mike Macke, my beloved, and Ray and Diane McPhail, whose magical home became our set and gave the production an authenticity and warmth you’ll feel in every frame,” continues Day.
She adds, “Diane’s radiant kindness infused the air, while Ray—ever the steady hero—kept his distance but gave us his full blessing. The Highlands community itself wrapped us in support, from flower shops to restaurants, to the Highlands Hatter, where our Walter, the gardener played by William Miller, and master craftsman Derek ‘Duke’ created the extraordinary hat Walter wears—a style symbol in its own right.”
Diane, an artist and author, reflects: “To see our garden transformed into a living set was surreal. Dabney treated it with reverence. It wasn’t just backdrop—it was character.” She pauses, then smiles. “And now, to welcome our neighbors here for the Festival’s Soirée—it feels like the garden is giving something back.”
At its core, The Gardener is a meditation on love, loss, and the quiet art of release. Woven with symbolism and dreamlike transitions, the film invites viewers to journey through memory, presence, and the shadowed terrain of fear. Like life itself, it drifts between reality and reverie—reminding us, gently, that life is truly ‘but a dream.’
But the festival doesn’t stop at premieres – it reaches into the vaults of cult cinema to honor one of Highlands’ own. On Saturday night, the horror-thriller Grizzly (1976) returns to the screen, starring the late Andrew Prine, a longtime Highlands resident and beloved figure. Described as “Jaws on a tight budget,” Grizzly follows a park ranger’s desperate attempt to stop an 18-foot, 2,000-pound man-eating bear terrorizing a national forest. Shot in nearby Clayton, Georgia, the film featured several local extras, including members of the Rickman family. It was during this production that Prine met teenager Mary Bynum – now the owner of McCulley’s in Highlands – cementing a connection between Hollywood and the Highlands that endures to this day.
The screening includes a tribute clip featuring Prine, who passed away in Paris in 2022. Known for his roles in Chisum, CSI, and Quentin Tarantino’s favorite 1970s genre films, Prine is remembered not only for his talent but for his humility and kindness. “He was our favorite cowboy,” says festival organizer Heather Lowe. “This screening is our way of saying thank you.”
The festival’s heartbeat is its commitment to place. Over four days, more than 50 features and shorts—from independent dramas to beloved classics—will screen in venues that feel as welcoming as a neighbor’s living room. Filmmakers sit elbow to elbow with local residents who share a love of story. By day, they trade tips over coffee in local cafés; by night, churches and galleries transform into pop-up screening rooms.
Hollywood glitz arrives courtesy of Illeana Douglas, who on September 19 will introduce and discuss her breakout role in Ghost World. Known for memorable turns in Goodfellas, Cape Fear, and Grace of My Heart, Douglas brings a dual lens as performer and film historian. In a moderated Q&A, she’ll explore the indie spirit that made Ghost World a cult touchstone and share stories from her new book, Connecticut in the Movies. Festivalgoers will leave with fresh insight into how setting shapes cinematic storytelling—whether on a bustling city street or a sleepy mountain town.
The following afternoon, Catherine Wyler, daughter of legendary director William Wyler, will illuminate her father’s legacy in a special presentation. Alongside a newly restored screening of Roman Holiday, Wyler will offer a personal documentary tracing the behind-the-scenes evolution of her family’s cinematic heritage. From Audrey Hepburn’s debut to the Golden Age glamour that defined her father’s work, Catherine’s perspective bridges Hollywood lore and Highlands’ admiration for timeless artistry.
Beyond premieres and powerhouses, the festival champions grassroots voices. Seminars on Technicolor restoration, panel discussions with set decorator Bill Brzeski (Matilda), and hands-on workshops for young filmmakers ensure that every guest can participate – not just spectate.
When the credits roll on Sunday, the celebration continues with Highlands Porchfest, a free music event that spills onto front stoops and sidewalks. Banjo players, poets, and bluegrass trios will share stages carved from folding chairs and front steps, extending the festival’s invitation to create – and connect – long after the film reels rewind.
In Highlands and Cashiers, cinema is more than entertainment. It’s a shared experience, a spark for conversation, and a bridge between neighbors. This inaugural festival may be new, but its roots run deep in the soil of a town that knows how to tell a story.
For tickets and more information about the festival’s slate of events, workshops, and lectures, visit highlandscashiersfilmfestival.com.
On a sun-dappled afternoon in late July, the Plateau gathered in quiet reverence and joyful celebration as Highlands unveiled its newest symbol of unity – a 12-foot Peace Pole, gifted to the town by the Mountaintop Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Highlands.The ceremony, held beside the Highlands Community Building on US 64, marked the culmination of a year-long collaboration and joined Highlands with more than 250,000 communities worldwide who host Peace Poles bearing the universal message: May Peace Prevail on Earth.I...
On a sun-dappled afternoon in late July, the Plateau gathered in quiet reverence and joyful celebration as Highlands unveiled its newest symbol of unity – a 12-foot Peace Pole, gifted to the town by the Mountaintop Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Highlands.
The ceremony, held beside the Highlands Community Building on US 64, marked the culmination of a year-long collaboration and joined Highlands with more than 250,000 communities worldwide who host Peace Poles bearing the universal message: May Peace Prevail on Earth.
In Highlands, that message is etched in Cherokee, Gaelic, Spanish, and English – a reflection of the town’s cultural tapestry and its commitment to honoring diverse voices.
Rotary Presidents Cath Connolly Hudson and Randy Foster presented the pole to Mayor Pat Taylor, who commended the Rotarians for sparking a meaningful dialogue about peace in a time when such conversations are more vital than ever.
The dedication ceremony unfolded with heartfelt grace. Jessica Jenkins, Rigo Ortega, Alistair Fox, and Cath Connolly Hudson each offered a poem, prayer, or song from their heritage, weaving a lyrical thread through the afternoon’s proceedings. Children from the Highlands Community Child Development Center sang “It’s a Small World,” their voices rising amid a sea of handmade peace doves, pinwheels, and signs crafted by students from The Bascom, The Gordon School, the Boys and Girls Club, HCCDC, The Literacy and Learning Center, and local residents.
Bagpipers Margaret Tooke and Glenn Morris bookended the event with soulful airs, lending a Highland solemnity to the occasion and reminding all present of the town’s unique cultural heartbeat.
The vision for expanding Peace Poles across North Carolina originated with Rotary District Governor Connie Molland, who attended the Highlands dedication alongside incoming Governor Alex Portelli. Molland praised the initiative as a beacon of Rotary International’s mission to foster peace through education, mediation, and community engagement.
Architect Jim Ward and landscape architect Hank Ross led the design, with contributions from Robi Decking, Yonah Mountain Timber Frame, Rigo’s Stonework, Bryson’s Grading, Tate Landscaping, and Reeves Ace Hardware.
The Peace Pole now stands as a quiet sentinel of hope, inviting all who pass to pause, reflect, and carry peace forward.
For more information, contact Jane Jerry at [email protected] or Cath Connolly Hudson at [email protected].
Set against the rolling hills of Scaly Mountain, The Vineyard at High Holly offers more than just breathtaking views—it’s a destination where music, flavor, and fellowship converge in perfect harmony. Whether you’re sipping wine beneath the dappled shade or swaying to the rhythm of a live set, every visit to Barrel & Vine feels like a celebration of the senses.Live Music & September VibesThis September, the vineyard pulses with energy as live music fills the air every Friday fr...
Set against the rolling hills of Scaly Mountain, The Vineyard at High Holly offers more than just breathtaking views—it’s a destination where music, flavor, and fellowship converge in perfect harmony. Whether you’re sipping wine beneath the dappled shade or swaying to the rhythm of a live set, every visit to Barrel & Vine feels like a celebration of the senses.
Live Music & September Vibes
This September, the vineyard pulses with energy as live music fills the air every Friday from 3:00–6:00 P.M. and Sunday from 2:00–5:00 P.M. From soulful acoustic duos to lively ensembles, each performance is handpicked to complement the vineyard’s relaxed elegance and scenic charm. Guests are invited to unwind, dance, and let the melodies mingle with mountain breezes and clinking glasses.
Seasonal Menus & Wine Flights
Barrel & Vine’s menu evolves with nature, spotlighting fresh, local ingredients in every dish—from vibrant summer produce to comforting late-season harvests. Each plate is paired with curated wine flights, offering a journey through bold reds, crisp whites, and unique blends that reflect the vineyard’s terroir. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or simply savoring the moment, every bite and sip tells a story.
A Gathering Place Like No Other
Open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 12:00–6:00 P.M., The Vineyard invites you to linger longer—whether for a romantic afternoon, a family outing, or a spontaneous stop on your mountain adventure. Beyond the table, guests can enjoy artist-led workshops, themed dinners, and seasonal events that celebrate creativity, connection, and community. It’s a place where every moment feels elevated, and every visit leaves a lasting impression.
Time flies, and the Highlands High School Class of 2005 recently came together for their 20th reunion weekend – reminiscing, reconnecting, and sharing memories of growing up in Highlands.For this close-knit group, the weekend wasn’t just about catching up; it was about celebrating the lifelong bond with people they still consider family.Classmates Angela Aspinwall Brown, Kayla McCall Bryson, Alex Osteen, McKenzie Thompson, and Erin Munger Estes sat down for an interview.They all agreed that they were like fam...
Time flies, and the Highlands High School Class of 2005 recently came together for their 20th reunion weekend – reminiscing, reconnecting, and sharing memories of growing up in Highlands.
For this close-knit group, the weekend wasn’t just about catching up; it was about celebrating the lifelong bond with people they still consider family.
Classmates Angela Aspinwall Brown, Kayla McCall Bryson, Alex Osteen, McKenzie Thompson, and Erin Munger Estes sat down for an interview.
They all agreed that they were like family, having spent 15 school years together, beginning with Mrs. Wilma Gordon’s Preschool. They also shared that the Highlands Community was like family because everyone knew everyone and everyone watched out for you – and when necessary weren’t afraid to tattle on you – but we won’t go into that.
They felt safe.
Stories of Mrs. Wilma’s brought smiles to all their faces and memories started flowing as they remembered the weekly walks to the Hudson Library to check out a book and the Halloween parades when they all dressed in their costumes and held a parade down Main Street. Their parents lined the street to watch, all the business owners came out to say hello, and all the passersby watched and waved. They felt 10 feet tall.
Some recalled that in later years at elementary school, Mrs. Gordon’s son, Dana, worked there and never let anyone go hungry. If someone’s lunch account ran short, he quietly covered the cost.
Throughout their school years, many teachers left a lasting impact. Cathy McIntyre Ross was especially supportive and involved, even attending one of the reunion events with a poster board of class memories. Jane DeWolf helped them remember formulas and equations by turning them into songs — songs they still remember. Coach Mueller was funny and inspiring. Coach Smith always seemed like their number-one fan.
Speaking of coaches, school sports were an important part of most of their lives and while they may have started out as rag tag teams in the beginning, they excelled by the end, dominating in both soccer and basketball – all with incredible community support.
They loved High School Band and are sad that Highlands School no longer has a band.
When not in school they spent hours talking on corded phones. They hung out at the Rec Park, attended church and youth groups, and ate at their favorite spots – SweeTreats, Mountain Fresh, Hilltop Grill, Rib Country, Don Leon’s, Pescado’s, and The Pizza Place.
They felt loved, embraced, seen and valued in Highlands, and as they look back, they know that all children should be so lucky.
The countdown is on for the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment’s Fifth Annual Highlands Porchfest! On Sunday, September 21 from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M., the streets of downtown Highlands will come alive with the sounds of nearly every genre imaginable (sorry Swedish death metal fans, maybe next year) at various venues and businesses around town.Whether you’re a fan of rock and roll, gospel, country, latin pop, singer-songwriter, or even bagpipes, there’s sure to be a sound that suits everyone!New to Porch...
The countdown is on for the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment’s Fifth Annual Highlands Porchfest! On Sunday, September 21 from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M., the streets of downtown Highlands will come alive with the sounds of nearly every genre imaginable (sorry Swedish death metal fans, maybe next year) at various venues and businesses around town.
Whether you’re a fan of rock and roll, gospel, country, latin pop, singer-songwriter, or even bagpipes, there’s sure to be a sound that suits everyone!
New to Porchfest this year is the festival’s “Family Zone” at The Bascom. Parents and kiddos alike are encouraged to stop by for all sorts of free family fun. There will be an arts and crafts station with coloring and rock painting, live music (of course!), dancing, and more!
The Highlands-Cashiers Hospital will also be on site with their “Teddy Bear Clinic.” Kids can bring their own stuffed animals – or adopt one on site – for a “checkup” by a health care professional and learn all about medical procedures and instruments, how to fix “boo-boos,” and help alleviate fears around hospital workers and environments. There will also be free water and snacks while supplies last.
Also new to Porchfest this year is the festival’s first ever collaboration with the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival.
Be on the lookout for two HCCMF musicians, cellist Helen Kim and violinist Charae Krueger, who will bring a whole new sound to our ever-growing musical lineup. We are thrilled to have HCCMF musicians represented at this year’s festival. If you missed their stellar performances during the Chamber Music Festival, then this is your chance to witness these remarkably talented artists.
Highlands Porchfest is organized by the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment staff, board members, and volunteers. The event is free to attend, and all are welcome. The festival’s goal is to support local musicians, businesses, and the community through a day of fun, free, inclusive music and connection.
No outside event producers or marketing agencies are commissioned, however CLE can’t bring this event to life alone. Thank you to all of our 2025 event sponsors, volunteers, Arts Reach Council of Macon County, and Plateau community for your ongoing support. You’re the ones who truly rock!
For more information on Porchfest, artists, venues, schedules, or how to get involved, please visit highlandsporchfest.com. We hope to see you there!
609-455-2886
