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Itinerary
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Uptown Shelby Walking Tour
As one of North Carolina’s first Main Street Communities, Uptown Shelby includes the nationally registered Central Historic District. Experience it all on a walking tour, starting with the stately former Cleveland County Courthouse, now known as the Earl Scruggs Center.
Earl Scruggs Center
Born in Shelby in 1924, Scruggs’ three-finger picking revolutionized banjo and bluegrass music. The center explores and preserves his life, worldwide influence and the story of where he grew up. You’ll find the Common Threads interactive table that lets you explore musical styles and milestones; special, limited-run exhibits; an oral history recording booth; the Great Hall, which hosts performances, meetings and events; and more.
Don Gibson Theatre
Scruggs’ influence is still heard today, as is Don Gibson’s — Shelby's other native son and Country Music Hall of Famer. A self-proclaimed songwriter who sings, Gibson penned “Sweet Dreams,” which is forever connected to Patsy Cline, and “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” which Ray Charles made famous. The Don Gibson Theatre is just a few blocks away from the Earl Scruggs Center and welcomes many music genres, films and comedians. Every seat offers a front-row experience for mainstream artists and up-and-comers alike.
Miss Molly’s Boutique
Not only does Miss Molly’s offer the latest in women’s fashion, but you can also find Scott Nurkin’s building-sized mural of Don Gibson on the side of the boutique. It’s part of his statewide North Carolina Musician Murals Project.
A. Griffin Pottery
While Uptown Shelby’s musical connections make it a Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina hub, its palette is diverse. Step inside A. Griffin Pottery to learn how they turn drab clay into beautiful, handcrafted treasures or Workshop Vintage Market for unique vintage finds and repurposed furniture.
Shelby Cafe
Events are held year-round — including the Mush, Music and Mutts Festival in October — in the court square. The celebration highlights liver mush, the locally made and beloved food that tastes best with grape jelly or mustard, depending on who you ask. Skeptical? Give it a try at Shelby Café, which has been serving Southern favorites for lunch and dinner for more than 100 years.
Newgrass Brewing Company
Enjoy more local ambience at Newgrass Brewing Company, where Nurkin’s Earl Scruggs mural overlooks the open-air patio. Fresh North Carolina-sourced ingredients are used in the brewery’s food and rotating beer selection, which includes the raspberry-flavored Forced Laughter and the American light lager Shelby Y’allstars, a nod to the city’s annual American Legion World Series. Enjoy a pint with a sandwich.
LilyBean Coffee & Creamery
Kick back at LilyBean Coffee & Creamery, whose signature iced coffee or espresso pairs great with a fresh pastry. The coffee beans are roasted locally, as are those at Hannah’s Coffee House, where you can enjoy your drink on the patio adorned with hanging baskets and other plants for sale.
Bistro 214
You’ll have to save Bistro 214 for dinner, where the warm and inviting atmosphere makes it one of the best spots for casual fine dining in Shelby. Start with Cha Cha Shrimp, served with a citrus sriracha sauce, or the popular pot stickers. Main courses of seafood, beef or the chef’s special come next, and most diners save room for Bananas 214, featuring bananas, assorted berries and vanilla bean ice cream served in a crepe with bourbon-butter sauce.
J-Bird's Deli & Ales
Check out the wide selection of draft and bottled craft beers at J-Bird's Deli & Ales, where locals love the family-friendly atmosphere and scratch-made food. Black bean hummus, served with tortilla chips and pico de gallo, makes a great snack. But the stacked sandwiches can satisfy bigger appetites.
Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge
From reliable national chains to cozy bed and breakfasts, Shelby’s lodging options can extend your Uptown visit to an entire weekend. That makes time to visit nearby notable attractions, including Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge, what USA Today calls North Carolina’s best barbecue. Bridges has been family run since the 1940s, which upholds the low-and-slow tradition of cooking pork over hickory wood. But don’t dawdle; once its daily batch sells out, it closes, sometimes well before the time posted on the door.
Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard and Winery
A short drive north of Uptown Shelby is Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard and Winery, where the rolling landscape is perfect for relaxing afternoons or picnics with friends and family (even your furry ones). Sample a crisp chardonnay, oak-barrel-aged cabernet sauvignon and seasonal favorites such as summery Milk House White and holiday-hit Merry Berry, which features cranberries.
This article was produced in partnership with Visit Cleveland County.
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Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Uptown Shelby Walking Tour
Stop 2
Earl Scruggs Center
Stop 3
Don Gibson Theatre
Stop 4
Miss Molly’s Boutique
Stop 5
A. Griffin Pottery
Stop 6
Shelby Cafe
Stop 7
Newgrass Brewing Company
Stop 8
LilyBean Coffee & Creamery
Stop 9
Bistro 214
Stop 10
J-Bird's Deli & Ales
Stop 11
Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge
Stop 12