Shelby, NC
Cleveland County is filled with “Sweet” experiences. But, what exactly makes something “Sweet?” Waking up to a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains without leaving your bed. That’s sweet. Hitting the jackpot with your first pull on a one-arm bandit. That ‘s mucho dinero sweet. Watching a mound of clay be molded into a vase. That’s both sweet and slightly messy. Here in Cleveland County, “sweet” is a word that is used to capture kindness, beauty, and joy. Say so long to bitterness and follow this trail to discover where “sweet” is more than a flavor.
Medium Activity
1 day | 12 stops
Day 1
STOP 1: Wooden Carousel
SWEET RIDE: A century old wooden Carrousel has become a treasured stop at the Shelby City Park. Volunteers spent thousands of hours restoring this artifact to her original beauty. Today, music fills the park from an authentic Carrousel Band Organ as the carousel spins with a blur of color and new life. Twenty-nine original horses and three hand-carved replacements form a ring around hand-painted rounding boards. For a mere dollar, kids of all ages can take a ride. Giddy up over and choose your horse.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 2: Back Road Pickers
SWEET FINDS: With a collection of vendor booths packed with antiques and collectibles, the number of sweet finds are infinite. If you want a kids chair in the shape of a small bull? They have it. if you are thinking about a turn of the century desk. They have that, too. It's all here. So many sweet finds.
1.5 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 3: Uptown Sweets & Treats
SWEET TREATS: If your sweet tooth likes a lot of choices, then Uptown Sweets and Treats is your kind of place. Choose from 28 flavors of premium, hand-dipped ice cream, eight flavors of fudge, 25 flavors of gourmet popcorn, and any number of homemade cupcakes. Grab your pants with the stretchy waist and head on over.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 4: Two Kings Casino
ReSWEET BETS: Ready to double down and walk out with a fatter wallet than you walked in with? Then a visit to Two Kings Casio is in the cards for you. Located just outside Charlotte, it offers the casual and pro gambler over 30,000 square feet of total gaming space. Try your luck on one of 1,000 state-of-the-art slot machines. Go all in in a high-stakes poker game. Or use your new found wealth to order up the finest steak and discuss where you want to buy your next island to call home. Your throne awaits.
4 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 5: Redbone Willy's
SWEET SHOPPING: This shop is full of sundresses to flannels and everything in-between. Hand-made steampunk hats dot the shop and necklaces dangle from silver boho decor on the wall. The aroma of fresh apple turnovers speak directly to your stomach. Wander further and you’ll find everything from antique treasures to homemade jams and jellies. Redbone Willy's is not a quick grab and get out kind of store. It’s a place to take your time and enjoy all its sweetness
2 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 6: A. Griffin Pottery
SWEET CREATIONS: Hand thrown pottery in the shape of your new favorite coffee mug are waiting at Griffin Pottery. This shop is a must-stop in Shelby, owned by potter Susan Jones and featuring the works of several talented artisans. Honey pots, wine mugs, intricately crafted trays are all sculpted, glazed, and fired on site in the kiln. Stop in and see what’s new. These artists always have their hands in a new creation.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 7: Southern Artisan Spirits
SWEET SIPS:
Southern Artisan Spirits in Kings Mountain offer signature cocktails that include Cardinal Gin, Cardinal Barrel Rested Gin, and Turning Point Rye Whiskey, that are all crafted by the Mauney brothers. Enjoy their sweet sips and much more while having a beautiful view of Kings Mountain. Their flavorful cocktails will satisfy anyone cravings for a good drink.
Southern Artisan Spirits in Kings Mountain offer signature cocktails that include Cardinal Gin, Cardinal Barrel Rested Gin, and Turning Point Rye Whiskey, that are all crafted by the Mauney brothers. Enjoy their sweet sips and much more while having a beautiful view of Kings Mountain. Their flavorful cocktails will satisfy anyone cravings for a good drink.
3 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 8: Crowder's Mountain
SWEET VIEW: Crowders Mountain State Park offers a scenic hike to anyone who wants to put on some boots and go. Choose from the easy flat Fern Trail to the difficult Rocktop Trail with rocky terrain and steep cliffs. With 11 trails ranked from easy to difficult, it is easy to choose the trail for you, Sweet views of the Carolina piedmont and the sparkle of Charlotte's skyline waits for on top of Crowders.
4 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 9: Earl Scruggs Center
SWEET SOUNDS: Earl Scruggs was born right here in Cleveland County in the small town of Flint Hill just over yonder. Earl helped to define the voice of the banjo and introduced its sweet sound to the world. His three-finger playing style (Scruggs style) didn’t just cross musical boundaries, it created a whole new style of play. Stop by the Earl Scruggs Center to hear this sweet sound from Cleveland County that moved the world.
1.5 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 10: Wolfman Disc Golf
SWEET SUCCESS: Find your sweet success on 100 acres of pure disc golf paradise in Lattimore, NC. This place boasts a state-of-the-art driving range and two epic 18-hole courses named Wolfman Run and Knobby's Revenge. Beginners to seasoned pros are all welcome. We look forward to seeing you cursing at trees soon.
3 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 11: Veronet Vineyards
SWEET LIFE: Do you believe that wine is the answer, but you can’t remember the question? Where the foothills begin to ripple towards the Blue Ridge Mountains you’ll find Veronét Vineyards & Winery. This 70-acre estate includes panoramic views of Crowders Mountain along with six acres under vine. Good soils and a sustainable approach allow for a variety of grapes to grow abundantly. Sample a Chardonnay or Orange Muscat. Pour a glass of Malbec or Sauvignon Blanc. Each wine bearing the Veronet name is chosen, blended and aged with the utmost care and passion.
3 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 12: Opal + West
SWEET DREAMS: Walk in the front door and you can feel the character and charm that was put into this home almost 200 years ago. Enjoy a book in a quiet corner of the library. Roast some marshmallows around the firepit on the patio. Or retreat to one of seven bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathrooms, flat screen televisions, nespresso machines, luxury linens, and comfy robes to curl up in for the night. Rent a room for your romantic getaway. Assuming the romantic weekend goes well, rent the entire house for your wedding party.
8 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
