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Shelby is a city in and the county seat of Cleveland County, North Carolina. [5] It lies near the western edge of the Charlotte - Concord , NC- SC Combined Statistical Area . The population was 21,918 at the 2020 census .
- Earl Scruggs Center
- Don Gibson Theater
- International Lineman’s Museum
- Banker’s House
- Shelby City Park
- Metcalfe Station
- Public Art
- Cleveland County Arts Council
- Uptown Shelby
- Antique Market of Shelby
Who can forget the banjo-picking theme song from The Beverly Hillbillies? The old Cleveland County Courthouse, circa 1907, is now Earl Scruggs Centerin honor of a local boy who perfected a new way to play the banjo. I started with a video about Earl Scruggs’ life, then a docent named Clyde Buckner showed me around. In the center of the museum, Earl...
The theateris a shrine to Don Gibson, who wrote “Sweet Dreams,” “Oh Lonesome Me,” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” among dozens of other hits. It’s a venue for music and live theater and movies. In the lobby, there is a mini-museum from Don Gibson’s long career. Stan Lowery, the theater director, took us backstage to see the wall filled with autograp...
While I’m thinking about music, remember Glen Campbell’s hit, “Wichita Lineman”? This museumpreserves the history of real-life linemen and the electrical utility industry. There are thousands of items dating as back to the 1880s. The most impressive exhibit for me is the Pulitzer Prize-winning photo “Kiss of Life.” Jacksonville Journal photographer...
The Banker’s Housegot its name because it has been owned by bankers since its construction in 1874. Its Second Empire-style turret and mansard roof are enough to draw you in, but it tells the history of the families who have owned it as well. Caroline Jackson showed us around. The house is furnished as it was when the last family, George and Nancy ...
Shelby City Parkis home to the Carrousel and Rotary Special Train. The Carrousel began in 1919 and contains 29 original horses and three hand-carved new ones. It runs year-round. The organ plays authentic music for riders. Shelby Rotary Train was purchased in 1952 and restored in 2000. The “Mickey Shull Izzi Depot” also serves as a rental venue. Th...
Metcalfe Stationwas once the stop for the railroad connecting Cleveland’s mills to major railways. When automobiles became popular, it was a gas station. The gravity-fed pumps from back when gas cost less than a quarter a gallon are still there. My favorite is the boxcar used when Shelby was a big railroad town.
Shelby is filled with public art. Many buildings feature murals, like Newgrass Brewing, where Earl Scruggs is painted. Bobby Bell, a local Black football star, is portrayed in his football-playing days and his wiser years. Perhaps he’s smiling because a town that once wouldn’t let him play football at the local school now recognized his achievement...
We found more art in a pottery display at Cleveland County Arts Council. When I visited they were doing an event called “Treasures of the Earth” featuring over 25 artists. The pottery is for sale and ranges from jewelry to large vases. They host several events annually.
Uptown Shelbyis a walkable place to enjoy boutique shops, galleries, and dining. There are no chains. Instead, you find more art at Buffalo Creek Gallery, a co-op gallery. There’s a large chunk of history, too. This was Smith’s Drug Store where Black high school students staged a sit-in in February 1960. There’s a marker on the North Carolina Civil...
The antique marketis four floors of antiques ranging from Depression glass to oriental furniture. I found a heavenly silver ring with six different semi-precious stones that I couldn’t resist. Since it is home to many dealers, you will find some treasure here.
- Kathleen Walls
- Tony F. 1 contribution. This is an excellent venue. The seats are uncommonly wide, and there is lots of leg room. Facility was very clean, and the staff were helpful and welcoming.
- Bridget S. 64 contributions. Part of My Childhood. This was one of the best museums we have ever visited. The exhibits are laid out in chronological order in 3 rooms.
- Frkris. Shelby, NC 137 contributions. Lovely place to walk and play. This city park has a merry go round and a small train as well as a wonderful playground.
- Erin B. 47 contributions. Baseball Exhibit. Such a fun exhibit with the American Legion World Series in town. Such amazing talent! Opening receptions are always a good time!
Sep 19, 2024 · Shelby NC is in Cleveland County near the South Carolina border. The town and its surroundings sit in the Foothills region of North Carolina, just below the Blue Ridge Mountains. The county borders two counties in South Carolina (Cherokee County and York County) and four NC counties, including the following: Burke County (North ...
Shelby, city, seat (1842) of Cleveland county, in the Piedmont region of southwestern North Carolina, U.S., about 40 miles (65 km) west of Charlotte. The area was originally inhabited by Catawba and Cherokee peoples and was settled after 1760. The city was chartered in 1843 and named for Colonel.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Shelby stands as a remarkable town for the contributions it made to the literary, industrial and political life of North Carolina and the United States. Shelby was granted a U.S. Post Office on December 11, 1841, and William B. Morris was the first Postmaster.
Affectionately known as the "City of Pleasant Living”, Shelby is located at the confluence of the beautiful rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the bustling Metrolina region of the Carolinas.
