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 Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge, TN 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 Pigeon Forge, TN 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.
“ABC came on board as part of our team to provide excellent care for aging”
“Quality care, Well trained caregivers! Would recommend to family and friends”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency provides home care for my elderly”
“I cannot say enough good about the service we received from Always Best Care. My”
“Always Best Care provided amazing and professional care for my Mom in a very difficult”
“Always Best Care provides exceptional senior care. They provided care for my dad who”
“Thank you for providing us with compassionate and reliable sitters. They were amazing.”
“Thank you for providing us with compassionate and reliable sitters. They were amazing.”
“SO GLAD we found Always Best Care!! Lynn Pique was easy to work with &”
“Always Best Care first assisted us with my Mom while she was living in our”
“My Dad has had great care & the staff has been so great to help”
“The girls at Always Best Care are loving and caring. They do a great job”
“I would recommend Always Best Care and have. Their caregivers are very attentive and go”
“always Best Care has provided consistency and highly professional. I appreciate that my caregivers are”
“I appreciate that I can call the owner anytime and get what I need. My”
“Always Best Care has been very reliable and does what they say they will do.”
“The office staff was very nice, they called and followed up and if I had”
“Our caregiver is reliable, empathetic, always there for us and does what she needs to”
“I like that they are prompt and provide good people”
“the caregivers were very kind and considerate and very nice people. They made my dad”
“They are reliable and the person they sent us is responsible and know what he”
“Our caregiver is punctual and professional and is committed to my wife’s well-being. She is”
“The quality of Care is excellent. They are professional and the do the job well.”
“the office staff is very friendly, helpful and make sure we are cared for. I”
“they have been very accommodating with my schedule. I have gotten some very good helpers.”
“I want to thank you and Audra. If I hear of anyone looking for in-home”
“I like their management staff. They are good to work with.”
“I like their flexibility of their services.”
“They are Great”
“I don’t have to worry because my mother is being well taken Care of.”
“I was with two other agencies and then I found Always Best Care. My wife”
“One thing she does well is puts my wife as priority one. And it works”
“I could always count on them to show up and provide good care.”
“The caregivers are very proactive in anticipating the things I need help with”
“They went over and beyond”
“Always Best Care has sent good caregivers that have helped me get better”
“I appreciate that my care giver is willing to help and take care of things.”
“Them being available has been very helpful to me.”
“They were very accommodating, quick to respond and easy to work with.”
“The Caregivers are very neat, well-spoken and good people.”
“Always Best Care was compassionate, personable, caring and paid attention to detail.”
“So comforting to have the personal resource and knowledge that Always Best Care has caring”
“Your service to my deceased wife and I has been outstanding for the past few”
“Andrew, Clay, Lynn and the entire team at Always Best Care take a compassionate and”
“My children have peace of mind knowing Always Best Care is caring for me”
“We love our team of care providers. We couldn’t do it without them.”
“My children have peace of mind knowing Always Best Care is caring for me”
“Just want to express my thanks for everything Always Best Care has done to help”
“Thank you again for your help! Great employees and great company!”
“After moving from Florida to TN mom had been missing her friends, Melissa comes and”
“I love the fact that whenever I call Always Best Care will have my mother”
“We thank you for your services and the good care provided by your employee Belisa.”
“Wonderful caring staff”
“Your care providers were more than excellent. 10 plus! Compliments to Always Best Care, I”
“I am a current client of this provider My husband has been a client of this”
“Lynn was a Godsend and took great care of my mom. Deb was a huge”
“I must express my appreciation to you for your help along with all of the”
“Thank You! It was comforting and reassuring knowing mom was cared for well, and safely”
“I am a current client of this provider We are working with Always Best Care for”
“You all have been such a huge blessing to our dad and his situation. Many”
“We have completed our first week back home, and we never could have made it”
“We have completed our first week back home, and we never could have made it”
“Our services with ABC are going really great! I am so pleased, I am appreciative”
“After wonderful care of my Aunt and my Mom, I am happy to recommend ABC”
“Tracey and Lydia have been working out real well. They both go above board in”
“ABC has provided care for both my father-in-law and my sister. When my mother-in-law died”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care of Knoxville if you or an elderly loved one”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care of Knoxville if you or an elderly loved one”
“Andrew Scruggs takes each Senior's care to heart and goes beyond the call to ensure”
“It’s the best”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As an employee of Always Best Care for 2+ years, I am thankful for”
“Love working with the company and I LOVE BEING A CAREGIVER! Great experience.”
“Always Best Care has been my lifeline from the past few years. My mother moved”
“Andrew's company is a breath of fresh air when looking for accountable senior in-home care”
“Always Best Care has been my lifeline from the past few years. My mother moved”
“I am a past client of this provider Personalized service and care. In-home care was excellent;”
“I am a past client of this provider We have been very pleased with the assistance”
“We have been very pleased with the assistance from all of you, during some very”
“I am so grateful for the excellent care provided to my dad by three different”
“I am a current client of this provider I am so grateful for the excellent care”
“I have worked with ABC for 5+ years and love this company. I also have”
“Personalized service and care. In-home care was excellent; professional and personal. Assisted living placement was”
“Care with dignity and compassion. Able to staff within hours. Knowledgeable and CNA trained.”
“Care with dignity and compassion. Able to staff within hours. Knowledgeable and CNA trained.”
“ABC came on board as part of our team to provide excellent care for aging family members. The staff were professional, friendly and very accommodating. I think the only suggestion I would make is care providers need to be in an ongoing program of training to improve skills. Having worked in the medical care field as a young man in the military I know from experience that consistent, ongoing training is good for everyone involved. I think this is needed industry-wide. That being said I think ABC is one of the best, and I would recommend them without hesitation.”
“Quality care, Well trained caregivers! Would recommend to family and friends”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency provides home care for my elderly parents. The agency is responsive and professional. The caregiver we use is kind, dependable, trustworthy and has good communication skills. We are thankful for ABC and have no complaints.”
“I cannot say enough good about the service we received from Always Best Care. My mother so enjoyed the caregivers who came and they were very kind and patient with her. It was a great experience for all of us.”
“Always Best Care provided amazing and professional care for my Mom in a very difficult time for our family. They arranged care around the clock with very little notice. Every care taker that sat with my Mom was kind, respectful and went over the top to make sure she was safe and comfortable. I would highly recommend their services for any level of care.”
“Always Best Care provides exceptional senior care. They provided care for my dad who was in hospice. The individuals that provide the care are very caring and strive to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. I was extremely pleased. In my case we needed 24 hour care, but they provide both care during the day or evening and can help with some chores around the house which was very helpful. Also, I was pleased with those who took care of my dad. The care givers are all extremely kind and empathetic not just for the needs of the patient, but to the family. I would give them an A+ - I am quite guarded about endorsements, but for how they supported our situation for our family, I felt it was important to share my experience with those that need this support.”
“Thank you for providing us with compassionate and reliable sitters. They were amazing.”
“Thank you for providing us with compassionate and reliable sitters. They were amazing.”
“SO GLAD we found Always Best Care!! Lynn Pique was easy to work with & ready with great referrals for things she doesn't cover. We got a call that my mom's assisted living facility was shutting down & I found myself with only a WEEK to find her a new place AND get her moved in! Some said it couldn't be done -- and if I hadn't had Lynn and the movers she referred me to, I probably wouldn't have made my deadline. I had done a great deal of exploration before I tracked down Lynn. I was VERY RELUCTANT to use a "service" to find another assisted living facility for my mom, as we'd had a HORRIBLE experience the last time with "A Place for Mom" -- they were SO BAD -- However, a friend recommended Lynn, so I called her. She, too, had had a bad experience with that Place, so she understood my hesitation. She gave me a few places and I called. I felt like she definitely knew the properties better than I did AND she NEVER pressured me about anything. She was useful, kind and patient through the entire maddening process -- SO MANY things to consider! This is not an easy business to be in & there is a LOT of competition for few rooms available -- especially when a whole facility is shutting down & everyone is looking for new apartments.”
“Always Best Care first assisted us with my Mom while she was living in our home and they provided wonderfully caring adults who sat with my Mom when I was at work or out-of-town. Then, when she needed more consistent care, Andrew and his team helped me in the selection of Raintree Terrace which was a wonderful and successful nine years for my Mom. I recently found her diary after she passed away and she even noted about visits from Andrew, and how wonderful her friends and caregivers were and how much she loved her "home". After she needed even more help we moved her to a Nursing Facility and I hired Andrew's Team to sit with her as companions. Throughout my Mom's later years, Always Best Care has been prompt to provided wonderful caregivers and they have listened well to my needs for the care of my Mom. I can't say enought of how much that lifted so many worries and concerns from our family. Thank you Always Best Care!!!!!!!”
“My Dad has had great care & the staff has been so great to help me with his home care needs! I highly recommend this company! They really work hard to meet expectations for the needs & safety of your parent in their home!”
“The girls at Always Best Care are loving and caring. They do a great job with my mom.”
“I would recommend Always Best Care and have. Their caregivers are very attentive and go above and beyond what is asked.”
“always Best Care has provided consistency and highly professional. I appreciate that my caregivers are timely.”
“I appreciate that I can call the owner anytime and get what I need. My caregivers are very helpful, sweet and decent.”
“Always Best Care has been very reliable and does what they say they will do.”
“The office staff was very nice, they called and followed up and if I had a question I got in touch with them immediately. They exceeded my expectations.”
“Our caregiver is reliable, empathetic, always there for us and does what she needs to do.”
“I like that they are prompt and provide good people”
“the caregivers were very kind and considerate and very nice people. They made my dad feel comfortable.”
“They are reliable and the person they sent us is responsible and know what he is doing. He’s always on time.”
“Our caregiver is punctual and professional and is committed to my wife’s well-being. She is a phenomenal person.”
“The quality of Care is excellent. They are professional and the do the job well.”
“the office staff is very friendly, helpful and make sure we are cared for. I appreciate their attentiveness to my husband.”
“they have been very accommodating with my schedule. I have gotten some very good helpers.”
“I want to thank you and Audra. If I hear of anyone looking for in-home care and assisted living referral service, I will not hesitate to recommend Always Best Care.”
“I like their management staff. They are good to work with.”
“I like their flexibility of their services.”
“They are Great”
“I don’t have to worry because my mother is being well taken Care of.”
“I was with two other agencies and then I found Always Best Care. My wife has been able to bond with her care provider and I can still work. I’m totally comfortable leaving the house with her.”
“One thing she does well is puts my wife as priority one. And it works out well.”
“I could always count on them to show up and provide good care.”
“The caregivers are very proactive in anticipating the things I need help with”
“They went over and beyond”
“Always Best Care has sent good caregivers that have helped me get better”
“I appreciate that my care giver is willing to help and take care of things.”
“Them being available has been very helpful to me.”
“They were very accommodating, quick to respond and easy to work with.”
“The Caregivers are very neat, well-spoken and good people.”
“Always Best Care was compassionate, personable, caring and paid attention to detail.”
“So comforting to have the personal resource and knowledge that Always Best Care has caring people.”
“Your service to my deceased wife and I has been outstanding for the past few years and I have nothing but praise for their work. I’m particularly want to draw attention Ms. Erin who served our needs the longest period since August of 2019. Nothing but praise for her performance.”
“Andrew, Clay, Lynn and the entire team at Always Best Care take a compassionate and personal approach to caring for their clients. They are invested in the success of Knoxville’s senior health industry and consistently support area programs and businesses who serve our golden generation. I am grateful for everything they do.”
“My children have peace of mind knowing Always Best Care is caring for me”
“We love our team of care providers. We couldn’t do it without them.”
“My children have peace of mind knowing Always Best Care is caring for me”
“Just want to express my thanks for everything Always Best Care has done to help with my handicapped son, Grant. Clay and the team at Always Best have been nothing but phenomenal since day one.”
“Thank you again for your help! Great employees and great company!”
“After moving from Florida to TN mom had been missing her friends, Melissa comes and makes a difference in her day. She truly feels a connection with her care provider. Thank you so much!”
“I love the fact that whenever I call Always Best Care will have my mother in law on the schedule the next day. We have a unique case and they are very accommodating.”
“We thank you for your services and the good care provided by your employee Belisa. We enjoyed getting to know her and having her in our home. We wish she and Always Best Care the very best for 2020.”
“Wonderful caring staff”
“Your care providers were more than excellent. 10 plus! Compliments to Always Best Care, I loved each and every person I met, I will use you again. Thank you for everything!”
“I am a current client of this provider My husband has been a client of this agency for almost 4 years. He suffers from dementia and other health problems. We received in home care for him for about 40-36 hours per week. We had one exceptional caregiver for most of that time. She was a most kind and helpful woman who provided companionship,cleaning and cooking. When we at times needed a substitute,they were generally also kind and helpful. If we had one who was not a good match, we reported that to the agency,and never saw that caregiver again. We continue to use this agency even though my husband is in memory care assisted living in a residence. They are able to provide good caregivers,most of them CNA's, on short notice when he requires hospitalization,so that I do not need to stay in the room with him 24/7.”
“Lynn was a Godsend and took great care of my mom. Deb was a huge blessing too. Your assistance has been overwhelmingly appreciated. I would recommend this company to anyone needing care.”
“I must express my appreciation to you for your help along with all of the office staff and our caregivers! We are so very appreciative for the care and concern shown to my dad and his wife. Sandra has been so patient and kind with the numerous texts I have sent her in recent days. You folks have been a blessing to our family!”
“Thank You! It was comforting and reassuring knowing mom was cared for well, and safely while I was out of the country. I will be using ABC on a permanent basis.”
“I am a current client of this provider We are working with Always Best Care for my mother. So far it has been really good. I'm pleased with it. They mostly do domestic things. They help around the house. I would recommend them. We only have to deal with one person and she has been really good.”
“You all have been such a huge blessing to our dad and his situation. Many gave up, but you didn’t. He had the BEST quality care, we were praying for. The office staff were ALWAYS available and Hailey was a God send to our daddy”
“We have completed our first week back home, and we never could have made it without you!! The ladies you sent to care for us are wonderful—excellent in their positions, considerate, and a delight to have in our home. They know how to cook too! We, all of us, are so grateful and cannot thank you enough.”
“We have completed our first week back home, and we never could have made it without you!! The ladies you sent to care for us are wonderful—excellent in their positions, considerate, and a delight to have in our home. They know how to cook too! We, all of us, are so grateful and cannot thank you enough.”
“Our services with ABC are going really great! I am so pleased, I am appreciative of you the ABC team! I have peace of mind knowing ABC is engaging my with mom”
“After wonderful care of my Aunt and my Mom, I am happy to recommend ABC care to anyone!”
“Tracey and Lydia have been working out real well. They both go above board in cleaning and taking care of dad. He likes their company. Deanna is his favorite and I believe most of his healing is due to her encouragement.”
“ABC has provided care for both my father-in-law and my sister. When my mother-in-law died we needed someone to stay with my father-in-law during the day and help him get to meals and provide companionship. ABC was always very accommodating to his schedule. Since the care we needed for him was for three months, they were able to schedule consistent caregivers who became familiar with him and his schedule. I highly recommend ABC”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care of Knoxville if you or an elderly loved one is in need of professional in-home care. The office staff and especially the caregivers go beyond what is expected of them and provide peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in the best hands when it comes to being cared for.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care of Knoxville if you or an elderly loved one is in need of professional in-home care. The office staff and especially the caregivers go beyond what is expected of them and provide peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in the best hands when it comes to being cared for.”
“Andrew Scruggs takes each Senior's care to heart and goes beyond the call to ensure quality and compassionate care is provided.”
“It’s the best”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As an employee of Always Best Care for 2+ years, I am thankful for the care that they do not forget to show to me - as well as creating a team centered workplace! The difference we make in our clients' lives is clearly evident and I am proud to be part of a company that truly gives our BEST CARE- ALWAYS!”
“Love working with the company and I LOVE BEING A CAREGIVER! Great experience.”
“Always Best Care has been my lifeline from the past few years. My mother moved with us after we lost my father around four years ago in a car accident. But as my husband and I both work, we weren’t able to manage my mom’s declining health. This is when we decided to hire Always Best Care. Their caregivers are knowledgeable, honest, compassionate, and always ready to go the extra mile to meet your needs. They have been a great help to us in all these years. I would highly recommend them.”
“Andrew's company is a breath of fresh air when looking for accountable senior in-home care options. No contractors here. Only supervised employees which bring a great peace of mind. Highly recommended.”
“Always Best Care has been my lifeline from the past few years. My mother moved with us after we lost my father around four years ago in a car accident. But as my husband and I both work, we weren’t able to manage my mom’s declining health. This is when we decided to hire Always Best Care. Their caregivers are knowledgeable, honest, compassionate, and always ready to go the extra mile to meet your needs. They have been a great help to us in all these years. I would highly recommend them.”
“I am a past client of this provider Personalized service and care. In-home care was excellent; professional and personal. Assisted living placement was also excellent. The owner, Andrew, had compassion while coaching us and giving us confidence in the difficult process of moving our mother out of her home and into an assisted living. We could not be more pleased with their services. - Marshall L Wilkins”
“I am a past client of this provider We have been very pleased with the assistance from all of you, during some very difficult times. Thanks to all of you! - Lester & Anne S.”
“We have been very pleased with the assistance from all of you, during some very difficult times. Thanks to all of you! - Lester & Anne S.”
“I am so grateful for the excellent care provided to my dad by three different caregivers! They each stepped into a different challenging and fluid situation and they each beautifully managed things with grace and skill. I always knew my dad was in good hands and that he would get everything he needed.. Furthermore, I appreciated the gracious flexibility and understanding I experienced when coordinating times, days and duties over the phone with the administrative staff. Each time I got off the phone, I felt like ABC had completely taken the stressful load off my shoulders and that my dad was going to be cared for in a loving,, competent fashion. ABC deserves the highest ranking and review I can give. Thanks for being there for me and my dad!!”
“I am a current client of this provider I am so grateful for the excellent care provided by three different caregivers! They each stepped into a different challenging and fluid situation and they each beautifully managed things with grace and skill. I always knew my dad was in good hands and that he would get everything he needed.. Furthermore, I appreciated the gracious flexibility and understanding I experienced when coordinating times, days and duties over the phone with the administrative staff. Each time I got off the phone, I felt like ABC had completely taken the stressful load off my shoulders and that my dad was going to be cared for in a loving,, competent fashion. ABC deserves the highest ranking and review I can give. Thanks for being there for me and my dad!!”
“I have worked with ABC for 5+ years and love this company. I also have had the privilege of my family providing work for others through this company. The owners and staff are great to be around and I wouldn't trade them for the world.”
“Personalized service and care. In-home care was excellent; professional and personal. Assisted living placement was also excellent. The owner, Andrew, had compassion while coaching us and giving us confidence in the difficult process of moving our mother out of her home and into an assisted living. We could not be more pleased with their services.”
“Care with dignity and compassion. Able to staff within hours. Knowledgeable and CNA trained.”
“Care with dignity and compassion. Able to staff within hours. Knowledgeable and CNA trained.”
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 Wear Farm City Park in Pigeon Forge, TN 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 Private Dinner Chef or visit Alcatraz East Crime Museum, 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 Pigeon Forge, TN, 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 Pigeon Forge, TN 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 Pigeon Forge, TN 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.
There's something special about buying local for the holidays.These holiday craft fairs in the area are a great way to check off your list, enjoy the lights and music, and chat with the people who actually make their own products to find something that's just right for you.Each has its own vibe, from spending time outdoors to highlighting true craftsmanship to offering edgier gifts with cocktails. You and your friends and family will find the one that fits your shopping personalities!Did we miss your holiday market? ...
There's something special about buying local for the holidays.
These holiday craft fairs in the area are a great way to check off your list, enjoy the lights and music, and chat with the people who actually make their own products to find something that's just right for you.
Each has its own vibe, from spending time outdoors to highlighting true craftsmanship to offering edgier gifts with cocktails. You and your friends and family will find the one that fits your shopping personalities!
Did we miss your holiday market? Please email the details to [email protected].
Winterfest in Pigeon Forge has a free market with local seasonal gifts and holiday goodies. Thirty-five-plus booths are lined up near the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail.
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!11 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 6-9, 14-16, 21-19 | Patriot Park, 186 Old Mill Ave. in Pigeon Forge | mypigeonforge.com/event/wonders-of-light-christmas-village
It's a holiday tradition with displays, artisan crafts, kids' activities, treats and a visit by Santa. It's a place to stock up on decor and gifts in a festive setting. There is an admission fee.
2-8 p.m. Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 8, noon-5 p.m. Nov. 9 | Knoxville Expo Center | christmasfairtn.com
A free festive outdoor event with 40 artisans and bakers, food, drinks, music and merriment! Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance at the Historic Ramsey House, built in 1797. Proceeds support preservation and educational programming.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 8 | ramseyhouse.org
The team behind Honky Tonk Thursday will host this new community event, , featuring 20+ local vendors selling art, vintage clothing, records, jewelry and western goods, plus a gift-wrapping station run by local artists. Visitors can shop and mingle and enjoy country music, two-step dance lessons and even an evening potluck supper. Admission is free.
2-8 p.m. Nov. 9 | The Birdhouse Neighborhood Center, 800 N, Fourth Ave.
Curated artists and craftspeople in a stylish setting with boozy drinks. Retropolitan ain't your grandma's craft fair.
The fair has grown into one of the top holiday markers in the Southeast. Dozens of vendors sell useful gifts and one-of-a-kind creations.
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 23 | Mill & Mine, 227 W. Depot Ave. in Knoxville | retropolitancraft.com
Transport yourself to one of Germany's famous outdoor holiday markets. Schulz Brau puts on its specialty German food and drinks (including boozy holiday favorites like gluhwein and eggnog) as vendors sell their unique wares. Free admission.
3-8 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (brewery open later each night), Nov. 28-Dec. 21 | Schulz Brau, 126 Bernard Ave. in Knoxville | knoxvillechristmasmarket.com
Local vendors join with the Mountain Mile's popular shops for a market with holiday treats, a Christmas Kid Zone, Santa visits and more.
4-8 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays Nov. 28-Dec. 27 | Mountain Mile, 2655 Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge | mountainmilepigeonforge.com
Tennessee artists and craftspeople focus on traditional, useful gifts designed to be handed down through the decades - think of mountain paintings, pottery, baskets, dulcimers, leather goods, toys, handmade jewelry and candles. Free admission.
10a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 2-6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7 | Gatlinburg Convention Center, 234 Historic Nature Trail in Gatlinburg | greatsmokyartsandcrafts.com
A free, large market with 150 local and regional makers and bakers selling gifts for everyone special in your life.
Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6-7 and 13-14 | World's Fair Exhibition Hall, 935 Worlds Fair Park Drive | holiday.market
Twelfth annual festive event with handcrafted goods and holiday cheer. Enjoy a hike and support local vendors at Ijams Nature Center.
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 7 | Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave. in Knoxville | ijams.org
If you love food (and who doesn’t?), The Local Goat is your spot for an unforgettable meal. Nestled in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with sweeping views of Mount LeConte, this lively “New American” eatery blends down-home comfort with chef-driven creativity. Since opening in 2016, it’s become a must-visit for locals and travelers alike seeking a taste of the Smoky Mountains at their most delicious.Family-owned by Tom and Sandye Horne, The Local Goat was built on one clea...
If you love food (and who doesn’t?), The Local Goat is your spot for an unforgettable meal. Nestled in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with sweeping views of Mount LeConte, this lively “New American” eatery blends down-home comfort with chef-driven creativity. Since opening in 2016, it’s become a must-visit for locals and travelers alike seeking a taste of the Smoky Mountains at their most delicious.
Family-owned by Tom and Sandye Horne, The Local Goat was built on one clear mission: to serve honest, scratch-made dishes crafted from locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Nearly everything on the menu is made in-house, the only exceptions being the ice cream, mustard, and mayonnaise.
Tom, a self-taught chef with more than 30 years in the restaurant industry (including time alongside Paula Deen and her sons), brings deep culinary experience and heartfelt Southern flair to each plate. Sandye is one of the most charming and kindhearted people you could ever hope to meet. She has an obvious good sense for business, but an underlying love for others and a caring and giving spirit. She is the type of person who makes you feel like you have found a long-lost best friend when making her acquaintance for the first time.
Together, Tom and Sandye have created a space that’s both elevated and inviting. It’s a place where both guests and staff feel like family and every bite invites a sigh of pure contentment.
Their website states, “We’ve got it all!” It’s true. The extensive menu at The Local Goat has something for everyone, and is equal parts Southern tradition and inspired innovation.
Standouts include the N’awlins Style BBQ Shrimp, jumbo shrimp simmered in a rich New Orleans BBQ sauce served with grilled baguette slices for dipping, and the Strawberry Salad, a bright mix of grilled chicken, fresh greens, blue cheese, and strawberry cream vinaigrette (delightful!).
Pasta lovers swear by the Fettuccine Rocco, featuring wood-grilled chicken tossed with bacon, spinach, onions, tomatoes, and mushrooms in a pecorino Romano cream sauce. For comfort food devotees, the BHAAHHBY Back Ribs, paired with caramelized onion mashed potatoes and creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, will certainly stick to your ribs.
The Tennessee Whiskey Glazed Burger, crowned with smoked bacon, crispy onions, and garlic aioli, pays delicious tribute to the state’s iconic spirit. Now that’s a burger!
And dessert is every bit as indulgent: don’t miss the White Chocolate Bread Pudding with vanilla ice cream or Sandye’s Red Velvet Cheesecake, both sweet showcases of the restaurant’s made from scratch ethos.
One of Sandye’s personal favorites is the Whipped Sweet Potatoes. Order them. She affectionately calls the dish “Thanksgiving in a bowl,” and she’s absolutely right. One spoonful captures the nostalgia and warmth of holidays past.
Inside, The Local Goat pairs rustic charm with modern energy. Warm wood accents, local artwork, and a bustling bar create a cozy, convivial vibe.
The bar highlights regional craft beers, an extensive whiskey list, signature cocktails, and a curated wine selection. With HDTVs throughout, guests can easily catch a sporting event or settle into an intimate dinner for two.
The Hornes’ commitment to community runs as deep as their flavors. They proudly support local farms and breweries, and display works by regional artists throughout the dining space. Somehow, even though you’re going out to eat, they’ve created a place that feels like you’re coming home.
Tom’s sensational cuisine ingenuity, coupled with Sandye’s genuine care for people, makes for an unparalleled restaurant experience. And their dedication has not gone unnoticed. The Local Goat earned national acclaim as #2 in the U.S. for “Everyday Eats” on Tripadvisor, praised for delivering exceptional food without the premium price tag.
Whether you’re a visitor exploring the Smokies or a local searching for a dependable favorite, The Local Goat delivers a dining experience that’s as heartfelt as it is flavorful—proof that when food is made with love, it truly tastes like home.
Open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the restaurant offers both lunch and dinner in a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Guests appreciate the ample parking, wheelchair accessibility, and family-friendly layout.
While diners were happy to wait for this extraordinary culinary experience, reservations can be made online at www.local-goat.com or by phone at (865) 366-3035.
The Local Goat???? 2167 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863???? (865) 366-3035???? Open daily, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM???? www.local-goat.com
Second Location in Ooltewah, TN
The Local Goat???? 6108 Artesian Circle, Ooltewah, TN 37363???? (423) 910-0067???? Open daily, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM???? www.local-goat.com
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where the air smells faintly of barbecue sauce and adventure. “Family entertainment” in these parts often involves sequins, spotlights, or someone being launched out of a barrel. It’s the kind of town where you can eat your weight in comfort food, buy a T-shirt with a bear on it, and play a game or two of mini golf, all before noon.So naturally, at the top of our list sat Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show because if there’s anything better ...
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where the air smells faintly of barbecue sauce and adventure. “Family entertainment” in these parts often involves sequins, spotlights, or someone being launched out of a barrel. It’s the kind of town where you can eat your weight in comfort food, buy a T-shirt with a bear on it, and play a game or two of mini golf, all before noon.
So naturally, at the top of our list sat Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show because if there’s anything better than dinner and a show, it’s dinner, a show, and people enthusiastically throwing axes at things. It’s a uniquely Southern blend of heart, humor, and good old-fashioned competition. The kind that makes you clap louder than you meant to and leave wondering if you could pull off steel toe boots as a lifestyle choice.
Let’s chop this down into three parts: Dinner. Show. Feud.
The Dinner
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to eat like a lumberjack after a long day of chopping down trees (or emails), this is the place. This is lumberjack fuel. The all-you-can-eat buffet offers BBQ pork (squeeze bottle of sauce on the side), mac and cheese, green beans, sauerkraut, potato salad, rolls, and a warm apple-oat crisp. This meal could make you forget your manners and yell, “Timber!” before you sit down. And yes, the selection of Coke products flows freely, but hang on to your cup like it’s your logging license. Refills are free, but only if you have your cup. Each season brings a new menu, but one thing’s consistent: you’ll need a lumberjack-sized appetite, both hands, an elastic waistband, and maybe a short nap afterward. Be careful, though, or they just might have to log-roll you out. (Pro tip: baggy flannel hides buffet damage nicely.)
The venue looks like a logging camp straight out of a reality TV tournament. The kind where facial hair is mandatory and safety rules are more like suggestions. Two families, the Dawsons (in green) and the McGraws (in red), go head-to-head in a series of wild, wood-splitting, ax throwing, log rolling, chain sawing, and pole climbing competitions. Basically every activity that would void your insurance policy at home. It’s like the Olympics, if the Olympics had more sawdust and fewer rules.
The audience gets split right down the middle, and suddenly you’re cheering for people you’ve never met like they’re your cousins at the county fair. There’s a whole lot of clapping, hollering, enthusiastic “yo-hos!” and occasional booing for every contest won or lost. Each time a competition ends, a wooden “cookie”, a chain-sawed slice of an actual log is proudly handed to the rowdiest, wildly hooting audience member on the winning side. This is usually a smaller lumberjack or lumberjill in the crowd. The reason is the pure, unfiltered enthusiasm of the kids cheering for their team could power the lights for the entire show.
These aren’t your average prizes; they’re honest-to-goodness chunks of lumber. It’s proof that in Pigeon Forge, even victory comes handcrafted, with small slices of tree trunk serving as rustic bragging rights. Each one is complete with signatures of the lumberjacks and lumberjills themselves. It’s good, clean, slightly splintery fun.
These lumberjacks and lumberjills are both fierce competitors and obvious friends. The kind of friends who’d help you move a couch, then challenge you to a chainsaw duel for fun. The competitions are comprised of such raucous events as log rolling, boom running, speed climbing, ax throwing, wood sawing, and tree chopping. These matches include high energy, good humor, and even a couple of lucky adult buffet volunteers. This is a seamless blend of genuine skill and just enough slapstick to keep everyone entertained and giggling.
It’s the kind of family-friendly chaos that leaves you both impressed and a little nervous about your own coordination, as well as the limbs of the people in the show. You’ll laugh, you’ll cheer, and by the end of the night, you may feel a little more rugged than when you came in. Why, you might even consider buying an ax on your way home! Or, you can simply buy a commemorative foam one in their gift shop. You could also pick up a flannel shirt and a chain-saw-carved bear.
If you ever find yourself in Pigeon Forge, do yourself a favor. Grab your appetite, your sense of humor, and maybe a pair of suspenders, and join in Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud. Don’t “ax” why, just do it.
Website https://lumberjackfeud.com/
We cruised into Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, when something gleaming in the afternoon sun caught our eye. A flash of chrome, a glint of red, and maybe even a wink from the past into our future? Intrigued? So were we.The Sunliner Diner, a shiny chrome-and-red diner with black accents and two classic cars sunbathing out front invited us in with a bold, rock-’n’-roll shout to come see what the ’50s had to offer. Before even stepping through the doors, it felt like a dream come true for a few of us ...
We cruised into Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, when something gleaming in the afternoon sun caught our eye. A flash of chrome, a glint of red, and maybe even a wink from the past into our future? Intrigued? So were we.
The Sunliner Diner, a shiny chrome-and-red diner with black accents and two classic cars sunbathing out front invited us in with a bold, rock-’n’-roll shout to come see what the ’50s had to offer. Before even stepping through the doors, it felt like a dream come true for a few of us former bobbysoxers in our group of four.
Inside, the nostalgia hit full throttle. We were greeted warmly by Nolan, the manager, and ushered to a charming pink Cadillac convertible. Yes, a dining booth was transformed into a car right in the center of the restaurant. (“Watch out, Ma! She’s sitting in the driver’s seat backwards!”) Chrome details, Formica tabletops, and smooth vinyl upholstery gleamed throughout the diner, a perfect homage to what was once considered “modern” décor.
Next to us, the old-fashioned soda fountain buzzed with chatting, chomping, and chuckling, as patrons, sitting on shiny red and chrome swivel stools, sipped milkshakes and dug into their comfort food favorites.
The “newspaper” menus revealed very 50’s classic all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner choices. This menu itself is a glimpse into former times. It reads like an honest-to-goodness actual print newspaper. Kids used to deliver these for extra money back in the day. That was a time when rotary phones, black and white TVs, Elvis Presley and Schwinn bicycles were all the rage. Sunliner Diner transports you comfortably and deliciously back to those simpler times. Our server, Jacob, promptly greeted us and patiently walked us through the most popular picks.
We started with fried pickles and a side of house-made ranch dressing for dipping, along with sweet, savory candied bacon both of which disappeared faster than a sock-hop dance-off. Thankfully, before we could lick our fingers clean, steaming plates of homestyle entrees arrived to save the day.
The Buffalo Chicken Sandwich featured a crispy, breaded chicken breast topped with Sunliner’s signature sauce, crisp lettuce, tomato, and pickles, all tucked into a pillowy brioche bun. The All-American Classic Burger came griddled to perfection and served on a buttered brioche bun with a smooth slice of melted cheese.
The Classic Waffle Breakfast included a golden Belgian waffle, two farm-fresh eggs, and a choice of bacon (our choice), sausage, or smoked ham, plus hash browns or grits. And the Avocado Benedict was a standout. Two poached eggs are layered with fresh avocado and sliced tomato, all covered in a rich Creole hollandaise sauce and served atop a warm Sunliner biscuit.
Each dish was as picture-perfect as it was delicious.
Of course, no visit to the Sunliner Diner would be complete without a milkshake (we had strawberry) and a slice of apple pie à la mode, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. The apple pie was delicious and we would highly recommend it to round out any meal.
As we ate, the jukebox kept spinning favorites from every decade, but the musical highlight came when Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline filled the room and everyone joined in for the loudest, proudest “Bop bop bas” the Smoky Mountains have to offer.
If the menu doesn’t convince you to visit the Sunliner Diner, the ambiance surely will. Between the poodle skirts, cat-eye glasses, leather jackets, vinyl records, Pez dispensers, hula hoops, and chrome-trimmed cars, it’s a living postcard from the 1950s. Whether you’re a nostalgia lover or just hungry for a fun dining experience, the Sunliner Diner promises a meal and a memory you won’t soon forget.
???? Address: 2302 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863???? Hours: Daily 8 AM – 10 PM | Weekends 8 AM – 11 PM???? Phone: (865) 366-1263
Other Locations: Gulf Shores, AL | Orange Beach, AL
Visit Sunliner Diner’s website at: https://sunlinerdiner.com/
Or to go directly to their menu: https://sunlinerdiner.com/menu/
People are welcome to enjoy the country’s most-visited national park during the federal government shutdown – for the most part. But with limited facilities and services at Great Smoky Mountains National Park right now, local tourism leaders are balancing optimism with concern as the region enters its busiest time of year.“You couldn’t almost pick a worst time to shut down the national park,” Pigeon Forge tourism department director Leon Downey told Knox News. “October is a critical time for all of ...
People are welcome to enjoy the country’s most-visited national park during the federal government shutdown – for the most part. But with limited facilities and services at Great Smoky Mountains National Park right now, local tourism leaders are balancing optimism with concern as the region enters its busiest time of year.
“You couldn’t almost pick a worst time to shut down the national park,” Pigeon Forge tourism department director Leon Downey told Knox News. “October is a critical time for all of our businesses in the surrounding communities.”
Nearly two million people visit the Smokies during October, according to Visit My Smokies, drawn by the fall colors and seasonal attractions and events.
People already are asking questions about the shutdown as they arrive in town or make plans, but Downey doesn't have all the answers.
“Right now, we're just sort of in the limbo,” Downey said. “We have to have correct information from the National Park Service in order to make sure that our guests are well aware.”
A collection of state and local government bodies are working together to come up with a plan to fully reopen Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the federal government shutdown. Details of the plan had not been announced as of Oct. 2.
Sevier, Blount and Cocke counties, the cities of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Pittman Center, along with the state of Tennessee, North Carolina, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are among the entities developing the plan.
Despite the uncertainty, the region’s tourism foundation is expected to hold – for now.
“We are not projecting a loss,” commissioner Mark Ezell of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development told Knox News in a written statement Oct. 2. “Thanks to local leadership, we’re confident visitors will still have the experience they’re planning for."
So far, the impact has been minimal in Gatlinburg, where the park’s entrances are closely tied to the popular downtown area full of shops, restaurants and attractions.
“You know, I got to be honest, I think if you showed up in the area and you were completely oblivious of what was happening, you wouldn't know the difference,” said Chad Netherland, president of the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“Town is full today,” Netherland added. “The parking lots are full, the stores are full.” He noted hotels have not reported cancellations based on the shutdown.
Having Newfound Gap Road/U.S. 441, a major federal highway through the park, remain open is a big factor in keeping tourism going in the area. It was shut down recently fo repairrs after a creek washed out part of the road.
“If 441 was closed, we'd be having a drastically different conversation,” Netherland said.
Local governments are stepping in to ensure the national park returns to being fully open because it is so vital to the regional economy. Officials and leaders want visitors to know that people are welcome, especially amid the federal shutdown.
“Our message to visitors is simple. Don’t change your plans,” Ezell said. “The Smokies are open, and this is one of the best times of year to experience them.”
As for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, most roads and trails are open. Several visitor centers will remain open, such as Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Kuwohi Visitor Center. Restrooms will be open and trash collection will continue during the shutdown, too.
However, a few areas are closed, and some services are not available.
What is closed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Sevier County ranks third in visitor spending among all 95 Tennessee counties, according to Tourism Economics. Visitors spent $3.9 billion in the county last year.
More than 12 million visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park last year, generating $2.04 billion in visitor spending and $2.86 billion in total economic output, according to a recent National Park Service report. Ninety-five percent of that spending came from nonlocal visitors, with 76% spent on the Tennessee side of the mountains.
Knox News reporter Tyler Whetstone contributed to this report.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected].
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