The Best City In America, Shelby, Is Actually Right Here In North Carolina
By Carolyn Harmon|Published January 18, 2023
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Carolyn Harmon
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Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
Shelby, North Carolina, offers many reasons to visit, attracting about 22,000 permanent residents to live in its 22.39 square miles, and bringing another 165,000 visitors each year. Hosting festivals, concerts, and the everyday offerings of shopping, dining, and beautiful parks, you’ll find reasons to celebrate here. Come for the fair, see what’s happening at the pavilion, or eat the best meal you’ve ever had. Whatever the reason you will find plenty of fun in Shelby, one of the best cities in America.
Uptown Shelby's historic district showcases a variety of independent businesses and unique attractions on the charming tree-lined streets.
The Bobby Bell Pavilion is a popular community gathering space for summer concerts or private rentals.
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And more importantly, it hosts Foothills Farmers Market on Saturdays and some other days during the year, offering locally grown produce, cheese, meat, goat milk soaps, baked goods, and eggs, just to name a few.
It's the people that make the difference here at the historic Morgan and Wells Bed and Breakfast. Built in the early 1900s, the interior's heritage remains intact with polished oak, heart pine floors, and 12-foot-high ceilings.
The staff likes to give back through its five luxurious guest suites featuring spacious queen- and king-sized beds, with all the modern amenities, including Wi-Fi.
But if you prefer a more relaxed accommodation, camp at the John H. Moss Lake Campground overlooking the lake, with full electric water and sewer at each site.
John H. Moss Lake Recreation Park, 2621 Oak Grove Rd, Shelby, NC 28150, USA
If cooking out gets a little tiresome, enjoy a scrumptious meal at Bistro 214.
After a few hotdogs, this fancy grilled shrimp and chorizo sausage linguini might hit the spot with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil,
and artichoke hearts.
Take in a show at the Don Gibson Theatre, a charming, 400-seat, intimate concert hall. See who’s playing next.
And from far and wide folks come for the Earl Scruggs Center, located just a few miles from the Flint Hill Community where Earl Scruggs was born and raised.
Earl Scruggs Center, 103 S Lafayette St, Shelby, NC 28150, USA
The fair usually runs from late September through early October, bringing rides, food vendors, livestock, and entertainment to this traditional, hometown event. Check back for 2023 dates.
Well, how about a trip to one of the best cities in America? Another reason to visit is the outstanding annual Livermush Festival. If you go, please let us know how it went in the comments below.
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