Posted in North Carolina Attractions January 18, 2023 by

The Best City In America, Shelby, Is Actually Right Here In North Carolina

Shelby, North Carolina, offers many reasons to visit, attracting about 22,000 permanent residents to live in its 22.39 square miles, and bringing another 165,000 visitors each year. Hosting festivals, concerts, and the everyday offerings of shopping, dining, and beautiful parks, you’ll find reasons to celebrate here. Come for the fair, see what’s happening at the pavilion, or eat the best meal you’ve ever had. Whatever the reason you will find plenty of fun in Shelby, one of the best cities in America.

Uptown Shelby's historic district showcases a variety of independent businesses and unique attractions on the charming tree-lined streets.
BGUTHRIE2, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Shelby, NC, USA
1. Gather
Management/TripAdvisor
The Bobby Bell Pavilion is a popular community gathering space for summer concerts or private rentals.
Bobby Bell Pavilion, 126 W Marion St, Shelby, NC 28150, USA
And more importantly, it hosts Foothills Farmers Market on Saturdays and some other days during the year, offering locally grown produce, cheese, meat, goat milk soaps, baked goods, and eggs, just to name a few.
Foothills Farmers' Market/Facebook
The Saturday Market averages 30 vendors each week.
Foothills Farmers' Market/Facebook
And don't forget the Holiday Market for your decorating and gift-giving needs.
Foothills Farmers' Market/Facebook
2. Stretch your legs
Ellen Hendrick/TripAdvisor
The easy 4.3-mile out-and-back Twin Trestle Trail will take you to some interesting places.
Twin Trestle Trailhead, 940 W Grover St, Shelby, NC 28150, USA
The trail runs under a steel railroad trestle.
BRIGITTE Davenport/AllTrails
This lovely hike follows the First Broad River, of which you can see awesome views from a 170-foot-long suspension bridge if you dare.
BRIGITTE Davenport/AllTrails
3. Stay
wagonerbriank/TripAdvisor
It's the people that make the difference here at the historic Morgan and Wells Bed and Breakfast. Built in the early 1900s, the interior's heritage remains intact with polished oak, heart pine floors, and 12-foot-high ceilings.
Morgan and Wells Bed & Breakfast, 400 N Morgan St, Shelby, NC 28150, USA
The staff likes to give back through its five luxurious guest suites featuring spacious queen- and king-sized beds, with all the modern amenities, including Wi-Fi.
Morgan and Wells Bed & Breakfast/Facebook
Each room has a private bath where you can soak in the tub or shower off, wrap in a provided fluffy robe, and enjoy the deluxe, hand-picked details.
Morgan and Wells Bed & Breakfast/Facebook
Oh yeah, and don't forget to look forward to the delicious custom breakfasts.
wagonerbriank/TripAdvisor
Reserve a room today.
But if you prefer a more relaxed accommodation, camp at the John H. Moss Lake Campground overlooking the lake, with full electric water and sewer at each site.
Uncle Bill/TripAdvisor
Reserve your camping spot soon.
John H. Moss Lake Recreation Park, 2621 Oak Grove Rd, Shelby, NC 28150, USA
This excellent outdoor facility is located in Kings Mountain which borders Shelby.
MIchael T/TripAdvisor
With more than 2,000 acres and 57 miles of shoreline, the John H. Moss Recreation Park offers 10 public boat ramps, and fishing tournaments as the lake is stocked with crappie and bass.
Michael T/TripAdvisor
5. Dine
Bistro 214/Facebook
If cooking out gets a little tiresome, enjoy a scrumptious meal at Bistro 214.
Bistro 214, 214 - A S Lafayette St, Shelby, NC 28150, USA
After a few hotdogs, this fancy grilled shrimp and chorizo sausage linguini might hit the spot with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and artichoke hearts.
Bistro 214/Facebook
And be the first to break this sugary crust on a velvety cream brulee.
Bistro 214/Facebook
Choose from the traditional, cosmopolitan, and Lemon Drop on House Martini Night.
Bistro 214/Facebook
6. Shop
Buffalo Creek Gallery/Facebook
The inviting Buffalo Creek Gallery offers one-of-a-kind gifts from local and regional artists.
One of these unique, hand-carved candles would definitely upgrade your home.
Buffalo Creek Gallery/Facebook
And how handsome you will look sipping a warm beverage from one of these hand-thrown coffee mugs.
Buffalo Creek Gallery/Facebook
7. Culture and music
The Don Gibson Theatre/Facebook
Take in a show at the Don Gibson Theatre, a charming, 400-seat, intimate concert hall.
Don Gibson Theatre, 318 S Washington St, Shelby, NC 28150, USA
Check out live the best nationally known, award-winning musicians.
The Don Gibson Theatre/Facebook
See who’s playing next.
And from far and wide folks come for the Earl Scruggs Center, located just a few miles from the Flint Hill Community where Earl Scruggs was born and raised.
The Earl Scruggs Center/Facebook
Its historic location is enough of a draw in the beautifully restored 1907 Cleveland County Courthouse.
Earl Scruggs Center, 103 S Lafayette St, Shelby, NC 28150, USA
Explore the life, career, and legacy of Earl Scruggs, the legendary banjo master, with self-guided tours of long-term and special exhibits available year-round.
The Earl Scruggs Center/Facebook
Another reason to visit one of the best cities in America, and maybe the most fun, is since 1924 it hosts the magical Cleveland County Fair.
Cleveland County Fair/Facebook
The fair usually runs from late September through early October, bringing rides, food vendors, livestock, and entertainment to this traditional, hometown event. Check back for 2023 dates.
Cleveland County Fair Association, 1751 E Marion St, Shelby, NC 28152, USA

Well, how about a trip to one of the best cities in America? Another reason to visit is the outstanding annual Livermush Festival. If you go, please let us know how it went in the comments below.

Address: Don Gibson Theatre, 318 S Washington St, Shelby, NC 28150, USA
Address: John H. Moss Lake Recreation Park, 2621 Oak Grove Rd, Shelby, NC 28150, USA
Address: Bistro 214, 214 - A S Lafayette St, Shelby, NC 28150, USA
Address: Morgan and Wells Bed & Breakfast, 400 N Morgan St, Shelby, NC 28150, USA
Address: Twin Trestle Trailhead, 940 W Grover St, Shelby, NC 28150, USA
Address: Shelby, NC, USA
Address: Bobby Bell Pavilion, 126 W Marion St, Shelby, NC 28150, USA
Address: Cleveland County Fair Association, 1751 E Marion St, Shelby, NC 28152, USA
Address: Earl Scruggs Center, 103 S Lafayette St, Shelby, NC 28150, USA

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