When we turned onto the inner city streets of Shelby, NC, I was filled with joy – almost as if I was returning home after a long absence. Which is because, in a way, I was. Though I had never visited Shelby before, this was my first day trip and small town experience since returning to the USA after a year living in Germany. I was admittedly nervous (and afraid I’d be disappointed) to see how traveling in America would compare after our extensive travels in Europe. Fortunately, the city of Shelby did not disappoint. I immersed myself in this small American town, walking around the historic city center much like I have in cities throughout Europe – except this time I could speak the language without making embarrassing mistakes. Or, at least without making them regularly.
My tips for a city break in Shelby, NC.
What to see and do.
1| Take a self-guided walking tour to see the statuesque, historic buildings.
The Cleveland County Courthouse (103 S Lafayette St.) was built in 1907 and now houses the Earl Scruggs Center.
The Cleveland County Chamber (200 S Lafayette St.).
Shelby City Hall (300 S Washington St.).
Shelby First Baptist Church (120 N Lafayette St.).
Other buildings, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, within walking distance include the Banker’s House (319 N. Lafayette St.), James Heyward Hull House (710 N Lafayette St.), Masonic Temple Building (203 S Washington St), Dr. Victor McBrayer House (507 N Morgan St.), and the O. Max Gardner House (403 S. Washington St.).
2| Enjoy the visual art placed throughout the city.
The mural, “Scenes from Cleveland County”, is one of many projects by the Shelby Rotary Club and is located at 1 E Marion St.
Many artistic records can be found in the city thanks to the Don Gibson American Music Foundation. Don Gibson is a Shelby native and Country Music Hall of Fame member; you can also check for events hosted at the Don Gibson Theatre, a vintage cinema converted into a concert hall, during your visit.
3| Shop local, have a beer, and simply stroll along the tree-lined streets taking in the relaxing, small town America vibes.
There are plenty of shops in Shelby to choose from. We particularly enjoyed the fun, friendly vibes at Hip O Kat Retro & Vintage (105 N Lafayette Street). If you’re looking for something delicious to drink, then head to the Dragonfly Wine Market (101 W Warren Street) or Newgrass Brewing Co. (213 S Lafayette St.).
4| Get hiking.
The First Broad River Trail (940 W Grover St.) is located just five minutes from uptown Shelby. (See my guide to the trail!) Head a bit further away and you’ll find the River Trail and Cottonwood Trail at the Broad River Greenway. Entrance to the Greenway is $5 per car for out of county residents.
Where to eat.
We were ready for lunch after our hike on the First Broad River Trail in Shelby. We headed to the uptown area with a few restaurant recommendations but I was drawn to Bar Celona Tapas and Wine (238 S Lafayette St.) because of the creative play on words and also because I love Barcelona. The restaurant offers Spanish tapas infused with southern favorites. I enjoyed delicious peach chardonnay and the fried green tomato BLT while Mr. Meena sampled a German beer and a vegetarian mushroom wrap.
It was delicious and I can’t promise that I won’t be making the hour long drive there just to have it again.
Other lunch spots recommended by locals include the Shelby Cafe (which was packed to the brim when we walked by) and Ni Fen Bistro. The Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge is also popular, but I can’t personally recommend because we were treated rudely and felt that the food was sub-par. Browse more places to eat here.
More & resources.
Here are a few more attractions that we didn’t quite get to (an afternoon football game may have been at fault) but are recommended and we’d like to do during our next visit!
+ Ride the historic Herchell Spillman carousel and restored Rotary Miniature Train in the city park (901 W Sumter St.).
+ Visit the Earl Scruggs Center (103 S. Lafayette St.), a new, interactive music history museum that honors banjo innovator and legend Earl Scruggs.
+ Have a drive-in movie experience at the Sunset Drive In Theatre (3935 W Dixon Blvd.). The theatre is cash only and closed during winter.
Want even more ideas? Visit the City of Shelby or Uptown Shelby websites.
What to see + where to eat in #Shelby – a lovely, historic small town in North Carolina. Share on X
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This post is linked up with Lauren, Isabel, Van, and Marcella from Wanderful Wednesday, Fly Away Friday. and City Tripping.
So cool! I would love to just travel the US on a Small Town Tour! haa. Pinning for refernce 🙂
I would too!
Well that plate looks like the perfect reward for a city break 🙂
It was! 🙂
So funny, we have a Bar Celona restaurant in my hometown in Germany. They serve delicious pizza on a really flat dough and amazing cocktails 😉 Anyway, Shelby looks really lovely!
Sounds like another good place to eat!
This town looks lovely! In a way it reminds me of Greenville, South Carolina, where I lived for a few months before moving down to Santiago. Small towns like this just have the best vibe and such friendly people. I have to say that the South in general surprised me as I'm a Northerner at heart. But I really did love my time there. Bar Celona looks amazing, and I'd probably visit this town just to try it 😀
How cool is it that you lived in Greenville?! I’ve spent a lot of time there because I went to school nearby. The tree lined downtown streets really reminded me of Greenville as well. 🙂
Shelby looks like such a quaint and beautiful town! Small town America really can be so much fun to explore, especially with a lot of history!
Yes, and I’m so glad for that!
I love the play on words And the food looks amazing! Shelby looks like an interesting place. #flyawayfriday
It definitely is!
oh that looks like a lovely all American town! So cute! I've always been fascinated by this true American vibes. Have never been to Carolinas but definitely will. #FlyAwayFriday
Some American towns can be hit or miss, but this one I can highly recommend!
There's something so fun about small town America. I love learning about places I would never think to visit–hidden gems, I guess. I'm always going on road trips when I'm home in the U.S. so it's nice to find new places to stop in. #FlyAwayFriday
I feel the same way!
What a cute city!! I love cities in the South, there are so charming and I love the architecture. Not to mention, that food looks amazing (the sandwich made me hungry haha) Thank you for sharing on FlyAwayFriday!! We love seeing you each time!!!
Thank you, I enjoy being part of the FlyAwayFriday community!
Oh wow, it looks so charming I love it! It makes me miss living in the south! If I'm ever out there, I'm keeping this in mind! Love having you on #FlyAwayFriday!
Thanks for the tour around Shelby. I'd nor heard of it before. Looks like a really quaint place. Thanks for linking #citytripping
Looks such a lovely laid back place to explore – great to have all the history to wander past too. #citytripping
wow…I've been to Shelby twice now for work and I've found Red Bridges to be completely the opposite. Chase and all of the waitress staff were welcoming and had sincere smiles on their faces. Food is authentic and good. We share love of bbcue sauces and food. I'm heading b.c.avk to Shelby in 2 weeks for work…guess where I'm eating…yep….Red Bridges .
I’m glad to hear you had a good experience! Hopefully ours was an anomaly.