If you think your birthstone should be a coffee bean, then a visit to Hannah's Coffee House is the perfect way to start any day. This little coffee shop has been in Shelby since 2013. The coffee is actually roasted less than five miles away by Broad River Roasters. The menu includes seasonal blends and local favorites. Order up a cappuccino, latte, or Snickers frappe. Pair that up with a Chocolate Croissant, Blueberry Muffin or your favorite bagel. You’ll be perked up and inspired in no time.

A visit to Shelby would not be complete without a tip of the hat to native son Don Gibson. This prolific songwriter and country music legend, penned more than 375 songs during his career. The list includes I Can’t Stop Loving You, which has been recorded in several languages and across genres by over 750 artists. As a tribute to this poet of song, Shelby has a walking tour that highlights Don’s work. There are ten stops around Uptown Shelby. Each location has a different LP sculpture designed by a different artist that features information about one of Don’s hit songs. You'll even see a mural of Don along the way. The stroll will take about 45 minutes to see them all. You’ll be humming the tunes for days after.

Earl Scruggs was born right here in Cleveland County in the small town of Flint Hill. (Ever hear Flint Hill Special?) Earl helped to define the voice of the banjo to the world. His three-finger playing style (Scruggs style) didn’t just cross musical boundaries, it created a whole new style of play. He was an innovator. He was a music lover. This Center that bears his name is our way to keep his legacy alive for future generations. You can even try your hand at the banjo in the Banjo Petting Zoo! Toe-tapping and inspiration included with admission.

The hills of Cleveland County are filled with creative minds. Ron Philbeck is one of our best. He’s a potter whose work is as functional as it is beautiful. He makes pots for daily use as well as pots that serve a more decorative role. To that end, his work can be found in collections and kitchens around the world. His studio is just minutes outside of Uptown Shelby. Studio visits are welcome but call ahead. Be sure to pick up some one-of-a-kind creations as unique as their creator.

Picture this: Tender, hand-chopped pork, painstakingly pit-cooked over a bed of glowing hickory and oak, slathered in red, Lexington-style sauce. Oh, and hush puppies and red slaw. For three generations this is what the Bridges family has been serving up in Cleveland County. The same old-fashion flavor perfected in 1946 is what you get today. If the packed parking lot is any indication, visitors can’t get enough. Just make sure you stock up on extra napkins. If your face and hands don’t get messy eating this barbecue, you’re doing it all wrong.

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.

Less than 20 minutes from Uptown Shelby, you’ll find the King’s Mountain Gateway Trail. This area has some of the best hiking and biking in the entire region. Choose from four different trails that cover over 8 miles. Each trail connects to the other and weaves throughout the forest and hills. Along the path you may pass the edge of an active quarry, a garden designed for Monarch Butterflies, a bamboo forest or a scenic overlook of Kings Mountain and Crowder’s Mountain. It’s time to gear up and head out. May the forest be with you.

Anybody can drink a beer. But it takes intelligence to enjoy it. At least, that’s the thinking at Newgrass Brewery. That’s why they handcraft beer in small batches using only the finest ingredients from local farmers and around the world. Quality ingredients are the start of any great brew. Try a flight and see for yourself. It doesn’t matter if you prefer a pale ale or a stout, this place has the flavors to keep your beer palate at full attention. (Sit outdoors by the Earl Scruggs mural if you can.)

About 3 miles south of Boiling Springs you’ll find the Broad River Greenway. This natural area joins more than 20 miles of trails. It's the perfect place for biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, canoeing or perfecting the art of doing nothing as you hang out by the river. The greenway covers 1,500 acres. So bring your outdoor gear and prepare to spend a full day high-fiving Mother Nature.

This Colonial Revival structure was built as the US Post Office in 1916 and served as Shelby's post office until 1967. It presently houses the Cleveland County Arts Council with gallery space, classrooms, studio and offices. The Annex served as the law offices of federal judge E.Y. Webb.

If you think your soulmate might be carbs, then this is the place for you. Pleasant City Wood Fired Grille is a lively joint in Uptown Shelby offering a wood-fired menu, cold brews & cocktails. It’s been filling the streets of Uptown Shelby with the sounds of good times since 2008. Boasting the only brick oven menu and most beer taps in Cleveland County, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds. Healthy, lighter options are available and are so tasty you won't miss the calories!

Dubbed the baddest outlaw track–period. Shadyside Dragway features some of the best outlaw racing in the country. The smooth ⅛-mile dragstrip has your fix for fast cars, be they street cars or hot rods. It makes for an exciting family outing with crowds cheering and wheels screeching. Your time there will fly almost as fast as the cars racing around the track.

A visit to Shelby would not be complete without a tip of the hat to native son Don Gibson. This prolific songwriter and country music legend, penned more than 375 songs during his career. The list includes I Can’t Stop Loving You, which has been recorded in several languages and across genres by over 750 artists. As a tribute to this poet of song, Shelby has a walking tour that highlights Don’s work. There are ten stops around Uptown Shelby. Each location has a different LP sculpture designed by a different artist that features information about one of Don’s hit songs. You'll even see a mural of Don along the way. The stroll will take about 45 minutes to see them all. But you’ll be humming the tunes for days after.

Located in Historic Downtown Kings Mountain, 133 West brings a modern and creative approach to Southern cuisine. The atmosphere is light and relaxing. The menu is always changing. There is a focus on freshness and seasonality. But there's also a global curiosity to the dishes at 133 West. They are definitely Southern at heart. But you may also find a kick of Greek or Arab mixed in to keep your taste buds on high alert. (Ask to sit on the patio. It's the perfect way to enjoy your meal this time of year.) Burn off brunch in Patriot’s Park which boasts a gorgeous mountain mural by the splashpad, a gazebo, outdoor amphitheater, and easy walking trails.