Things to Do in Shelby

 

Things to Do in Shelby

Wondering where to go on your next weekend getaway? Consider adding Shelby, North Carolina, to your list of destinations! Just a short distance from Charlotte, and only a few hours from Durham, Shelby becomes a perfect weekend getaway destination. With so many things to do in Shelby and surrounding areas, you can achieve the perfect blend of relaxation and sightseeing.

Shelby is the city and the country seat of Cleveland Country, North Carolina, United States. The area has lately become a noted tourism and wedding destination in Western North Carolina. The architecture of Shelby is noteworthy in that despite being in a rural area, there are magnificent homes and buildings with unique character. Some buildings are county landmarks, such as the Historic Campbell Building and others are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: Banker's House, Joshua Beam House, Central Shelby Historic District.

I had already made a booking with a hotel named Morgan and Wells. This hotel was suggested to me by one of my close friends. He had a lot of good things to say about this hotel and I thought I might as well give it a try. I am happy to say that my decision was absolutely correct. It was undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Shelby.

This polished bed and breakfast is built in a craftsman style. It is beautiful and comfortable. Breakfast is complimentary and other amenities include a spa offering massages and facials. The hotel also provides recreation amenities such as bicycles to rent. It also includes complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services and barbecue grills.

Shelby is known affectionately as the “City of Pleasant Living”. There are a number of interesting things to do in and around the area of Shelby which give you a number of reasons to start planning your journey to this scenic destination.

1. Visit the world famous Don Gibson Theater

This State Theatre opened in 1939 and is praised as one of the most beautiful buildings in Shelby. It was a highly popular small movie theatre. Known as the Don Gibson Theatre, this 400 seat venue is now mainly an intimate concert hall. You will find only the best in touring nationally famous acts here, including musicians that have been featured on magazine covers and those who have won Grammy Awards, gold albums and “Best of the Year” awards.

2. Tour the Owl's Eye Vineyard and Winery

This exciting vineyard is situated near Charlotte, in North Carolina, just outside Shelby. If you are a wine connoisseur or you are just starting to explore wine, you will have a memorable and enjoyable experience here.

3. Trek in South Mountains State Park

The South Mountains State Park lies in one of Shelby’s most rugged areas and features elevations up to a height of 3,000 feet (914.4 meters). It has an 80-foot (24.4 meter) waterfalls, streams and 40 miles (64.4 km) of trails for hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. You will have a real backcountry experience here and there are 20 backpacking sites at six different locations.

Racing & Pro Sports

Charlotte’s racing history is alive and well—in fact, almost 90% of racing teams are based in the region. Feeling the need for speed? Try the NASCAR Racing Experience, where you’ll zoom off at 160 mph in race cars that have been driven by the likes of Dale Jr. and Jeff Gordon.

Outdoor Exploration

With a mild climate, you’ll want to find plenty of time to spend outdoors. The most adventurous of travelers should hit the US National White-water Centre, an open-air recreation center and training facility for white-water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, biking and hiking. (Fun fact: Its artificial white-water river is an Olympic Training Center for white-water slalom racing.)

Arts & Entertainment

Whether you love the art scene or live music, Charlotte’s got it covered. In the heart of Centre City in a building designed by Mario Botta, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art houses 20th-century art by masters like Miro, Calder and Picasso. Also a must for arts buffs: The Light Factory, one of only four museums for photography and film in the U.S.