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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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.

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Home Care In Zebulon, NC

Home Care Zebulon, NC

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 Little River Park in Zebulon, NC 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 Zebulon, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Zebulon, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I'm very happy with this company. They are delivering the services what they promised to do. I'm very happy to have Judith . She is very smart and understanding. I couldn't get any better person than Judith to help me. I had a couple to othe care givers who were smart and good as well.”

Karol P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ahana was such a pleasure to work with! We didn’t know what to expect or how the process would go at first, but she was friendly, personable, and very communicative every step of the way. She made my grandmother’s transition to assisted living feel smooth and stress-free. We really appreciated her help and support!”

Katie H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I would recommend Misty she has been great working with my mom. She goes above and beyond to make sure she is cared for, safe, and happy”

Julie R.
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“Misty Wilkins is by far the best and most amazing caregiver she is an amazing person and a hard worker . She's always going above and beyond”

Joseph G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Asia is THE best! She has the most beautiful caregiving heart and is an exceptional caregiver. A true natural. And, she has formed a beautiful bond with my MIL. So grateful for Asia and Always Best Care.”

Tracy B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Alice Sharper is a wonderful helper. She always looks out for my health and she does chores around the house without being asked. She has driven me to multiple appointments. She is always is an up mood. Camille Bialik”

Dan B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I've done the dementia virtual training experiment with a previous employer. The experience with Always Best Care was by far a better experience. Truly a heart felt opportunity to walk in the shoes of someone living with dementia. Thank you ????????”

Angel W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“"Virtual Dementia Tour" was awesome - an eye opener in helping to understand.”

Mike M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We moved my mother-in-law in with us fifteen months ago. ABC has been providing excellent care since then. Her current caregivers are Felicia, Katherine, Yolanda and Robin. They all have been professional and easy to work with. I've enclosed a picture from Brownie-Making-Day. Thank you to all for a great job.”

Crystal J.
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“Very promising????”

Gygett U.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ive always been a old soul,being with elderly people helps my mental health and warms my heart. Theve given so much of their lives to their families and they should be comfortable for the remainder of their days. I love ABC because I can set my own hours,and that being said,give more time and love to Mrs. Dina without feeling pressure.”

Lisa B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“A good company that cares for both employees and clients.”

katherine V.
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“ABC Wake Forest has been a blessing to me and my family! The compassion ans dedication for my mom was the best. Wonderful caregivers and staff!”

Christina D.
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“Wonderful company! Best services.”

Afton H.
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“Wonderful company!”

Artisha B.
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“Great company !!”

Krystal P.
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“Absolutely love this company”

Devra
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“Great company even better staff”

Loren
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“This is an amazing company and the staff do an amazing job.”

Asia A.
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“Great company”

Ty W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is the most respectful nicest company I’ve work with I love working with them.”

Nikita R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I love Always Best Care, it’s a great company….”

Brandi P.
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“Great company”

Keith A.
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“Always great”

sheikh K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great people ‼️‼️‼️‼️❤️❤️❤️”

kay W.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Zebulon, NC?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Zebulon, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Zebulon, NC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Zebulon, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Zebulon, NC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 Little River Park in Zebulon, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Zebulon, NC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 Southland Steakhouse or visit Olde Raleigh, 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.

 In-Home Care Zebulon, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Zebulon, NC

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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 Zebulon, 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.

 Elderly Care Zebulon, NC

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Zebulon, NC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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 Zebulon, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Zebulon, NC

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Zebulon, NC

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:

  • Zebulon House
  • Coventry House of Zebulon
  • The Maple by Senior Fluent
  • Cust
  • Lynn's Care Homes At Riverside LLC
  • Silver Spring Apartments
Home Care Zebulon, NC

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.

 In-Home Care Zebulon, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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 Zebulon, 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.

 Elderly Care Zebulon, NC

Latest News in Zebulon, NC

Neuse Charter Girls Varsity Volleyball @ East Wake Academy

Neuse CharterCougars1-9Monday, Oct 5, 2026East Wake AcademyEagles8-3Neuse Charter Girls Varsity Volleyball @ East Wake AcademyStreaming & TicketingSign Up To WatchGame InfoThe Neuse Charter varsity volleyball team has an away conference match @ East Wake Academy (Zebulon, NC) on Monday, October 5 @ 6p.MatchupRosterGame DetailsTeam ComparisonNeuse Charter (Smithfield)95KillsEast Wake Academy (Zebulon)341Neuse Charter (Smithfield)70To...

Neuse CharterCougars1-9

Monday, Oct 5, 2026

East Wake AcademyEagles8-3

Neuse Charter Girls Varsity Volleyball @ East Wake Academy

Streaming & Ticketing

Sign Up To Watch

Game Info

The Neuse Charter varsity volleyball team has an away conference match @ East Wake Academy (Zebulon, NC) on Monday, October 5 @ 6p.

MatchupRoster

Game Details

Team Comparison

Neuse Charter (Smithfield)95

Kills

East Wake Academy (Zebulon)341

Neuse Charter (Smithfield)70

Total Blocks

East Wake Academy (Zebulon)25

Neuse Charter (Smithfield)28

Serving Aces

East Wake Academy (Zebulon)122

Neuse Charter (Smithfield)146

Digs

East Wake Academy (Zebulon)571

Neuse Charter (Smithfield)91

Assists

East Wake Academy (Zebulon)333

Neuse Charter (Smithfield)309

Receptions

East Wake Academy (Zebulon)-

Key Players

Avg. Per Game

Lyla Jones

#8

Kills

31125

Avery Pearce

#7OH/DS

Lyla Jones

#8

Total Blocks

4311

Lydia Todd

#4MH

Abi Benson

#14

Serving Aces

1042

Avery Pearce

#7OH/DS

Kenzy Cochran

#18

Digs

50131

Avery Pearce

#7OH/DS

Mikayla Leonard

#24

Assists

36282

Avery Schmidt

#5S

Jozie Martinez

#7

Receptions

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Not Enough Data

Scoring Averages

WinsS1S2S3S4S5
Neuse Charter0.312.612.113.316.015.0
East Wake Academy2.223.422.723.625.0--

Rankings

North Carolina

#589

#217

North Carolina Class 1A

#47

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North Carolina Class 2A

--

#20

Raleigh

--

#54

Season Recap

Overall Record

1-9

8-3

Conference

1-6

6-3

Non-Conference

0-3

2-0

Head to Head

0-1

1-0

Home

0-6

5-2

Away

1-3

3-1

Neutral

0-0

0-0

Common Opponent

1-6

6-3

Playoff

0-0

0-0

In-State

1-9

8-3

Out-of-State

0-0

0-0

Win %

.100

.727

Conference %

.143

.667

SW

3

24

SL

29

11

Common Opponents

Thales Academy Flowers Plantation

0-1

1-0

Research Triangle

0-1

0-1

Triangle Math & Science Academy

1-0

1-0

Roxboro Community

0-1

1-1

NCSSM: Durham

0-1

1-0

Voyager Academy

0-1

1-0

Franklin Academy

0-1

0-1

Raleigh Charter

0-0

1-0

Head-to-Head

08/17/2026

0

3

10/05/2026

--

--

Former NC Gov. Vance's birthplace offers a look into his controversial life and legacy

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — The birthplace of former North Carolina Gov. Zebulon Baird Vance is offering visitors a chance to explore one of the state’s most controversial historical figures — and the times he lived in.Vance was born in 1830 at Reems Creek in what is now northern Buncombe County. He went on to become the only North Carolina governor to serve two terms during two very different periods in the state’s history: first as governor of the Confederate state of North Carolina during the Civil War, a...

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — The birthplace of former North Carolina Gov. Zebulon Baird Vance is offering visitors a chance to explore one of the state’s most controversial historical figures — and the times he lived in.

Vance was born in 1830 at Reems Creek in what is now northern Buncombe County. He went on to become the only North Carolina governor to serve two terms during two very different periods in the state’s history: first as governor of the Confederate state of North Carolina during the Civil War, and later as governor of North Carolina after the war.

But Vance’s legacy is complicated. He was well educated and known as a powerful and persuasive speaker who could connect with both wealthy and working-class audiences. He was also born into a family that enslaved at least 34 people between 1790 and 1865.

The property was once a plantation where the Vance family grew corn and raised hogs. That agricultural operation helped build the family's wealth and prominence, ultimately contributing to Vance's political career.

AMERICA 250

Visitors to the historical site can see a one-room cabin dating to the 1790s, believed to be representative of the slave quarters on the property. The site also preserves physical connections to Vance's early life, including the home's original fireplace.

In 1898, the City of Asheville erected a monument honoring the former governor. More than a century later, in 2021, the monument was removed amid controversy over Vance's history as an enslaver. His birthplace, however, is a historic site rather than a monument — a distinction site manager Jordan Jenkins sees as an opportunity to examine history rather than erase it.

“Whether or not you agree with Zebulon Vance and his choices as a politician,” Jenkins said, there is still much to learn from “the world he grew up in and the world that he helped shape” as governor.

The Vance Historic Birthplace is located a few miles east of Weaverville and is open Tuesday through Saturday.

From fallen trees to custom furniture: How a Zebulon company is giving Triangle timber a second life

ZEBULON, N.C. (WTVD) -- Every day, trees come down across the Triangle -- cleared for new developments, felled by storms or simply reaching the end of their life. Most end up in a landfill or are ground into pulp. Dylan Selinger has spent the last decade making sure some of them don't.Selinger is the founder and owner of Oak City Customs, a custom furniture company that has turned reclaimed local trees into a growing business -- and into bar tops, dining tables and shelving found across the region."There's so much furnitur...

ZEBULON, N.C. (WTVD) -- Every day, trees come down across the Triangle -- cleared for new developments, felled by storms or simply reaching the end of their life. Most end up in a landfill or are ground into pulp. Dylan Selinger has spent the last decade making sure some of them don't.

Selinger is the founder and owner of Oak City Customs, a custom furniture company that has turned reclaimed local trees into a growing business -- and into bar tops, dining tables and shelving found across the region.

"There's so much furniture out there that's kind of an attitude of buy it and use it, then throw it away and get a new one," Selinger said. "And that's the opposite of what we do. We want to build something that stands the test of time -- that you never have to buy again."

Oak City Customs didn't start as a business plan. It started as a hobby.

Selinger, a North Carolina State University graduate, had already helped launch Crank Arm Rickshaw and Crank Arm Brewing Company in downtown Raleigh before woodworking pulled him in a new direction. What began with small handyman jobs found through Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist grew, piece by piece, into something bigger, a shift he says he didn't fully see coming.

"A hobby can quickly turn into a business without you really realizing it," Selinger said.

More than 11 years later, that hobby has become a 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Zebulon with 18 to 20 employees. The company handles nearly every step of the process in-house -- sourcing, sawmilling, kiln-drying, CNC cutting, metal fabrication and finishing -- something Selinger says sets Oak City Customs apart.

"It really makes the experience for our customer much more simple," he said. "You're dealing with one company, and we care about all of those steps."

Tree to Table

The company's trademarked process is what Selinger calls "tree to table."

Logs that would otherwise be hauled to a landfill, a yard-waste facility or a pulp and paper mill instead make their way to Zebulon, sourced through partnerships with local tree services and property owners.

The transformation isn't quick. Selinger says it typically takes three to five years for a piece of material to go from a standing tree to finished furniture.

"Seeing the unique pieces of material start from a tree, and three to five years later turn into a beautiful, finished product - it's just really rewarding," he said.

The scale has grown with the company. Oak City Customs now produces roughly 100,000 board feet of lumber a year -- enough for about 1,000 tabletops -- and Selinger says he'd like to double or even triple that in the years ahead.

One of the company's largest undertakings to date came through a partnership with Novo Nordisk, which is building a new pharmaceutical facility in Clayton. Rather than see the site's trees hauled off to a pulp mill, Oak City Customs stepped in.

"There was about 300 acres of material that we walked and made possible to bring here, rather than going to a pulp or paper mill," Selinger said.

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A Familiar Name Around the Triangle

Even if you don't know the name Oak City Customs, there's a good chance you've sat at one of its tables.

The company's work can be found at Crank Arm Brewing's Raleigh and Durham locations, The Davie, and multiple Dram & Draught locations across North Carolina, a build Selinger says his team has now completed six times.

Asked to pick a favorite project after more than a decade of custom work, Selinger laughed off the question.

"It's like being a parent - you can't pick your favorite kid," he said.

For Selinger, durability isn't just a selling point. It's the whole philosophy. Every piece is meant to be an heirloom: sturdy enough to be passed down and refinished rather than replaced.

"We're not buying and throwing away something," he said. "We're building it once, and it's going to last forever."

It's also, he says, a vote for local manufacturing at a time when much of the furniture industry has moved overseas.

"We're really proud to be a part of the community, producing something, bringing jobs to this community," Selinger said.

Oak City Customs opens its doors to the public every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for walk-in shop tours.

"Come see us. We'd love to give you a shop tour," Selinger said. "Bring your family, bring a kid, show them something pretty interesting and just different. The big machinery is really fun."

Oak City Customs is located in Zebulon. More information is available at their website.

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