Located in the rolling foothills of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, nestled between Asheville and Charlotte, Cleveland County, North Carolina is a place that welcomes visitors from around the world. A rich and varied past has made way for a new generation of creators who find inspiration here. Potters, artists, chefs, brewers, winemakers, writers, and musicians. We invite you to come feed your soul and leave with a little inspiration of your own.
MUSIC ROOTS
Earl Scruggs, native son and innovator of “Scruggs-style” five string banjo playing, which became a foundational part of bluegrass music, spent his formative years here. Visit the Earl Scruggs Center: Music & Stories from the American South to see and hear Earl’s worldwide legacy and the history and culture of this area he grew up in.
Love live music? Check out The Don Gibson Theatre. Named for native son, singer/songwriter Don Gibson, who penned such hits as “Sweet Dreams” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” the theatre presents nationally touring musicians and comedians. Find live music at local restaurants, bars, and events. Watch for NC Musician Murals in Shelby and Kings Mountain. Proud to be a hub site of the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina.
HANDCRAFTED ART
The foothills of the Carolinas offers inspiration to those who experience it. Locally crafted art beckons in galleries and shops in Uptown Shelby and Kings Mountain. Buffalo Creek Gallery, Southern Arts Society, and Cleveland County Arts Council offer an ever-changing array of handcrafted items from local and regional artists.
If you enjoy transformations, plan a visit to A. Griffin Pottery or Ron Philbeck Pottery and watch potters give form to treasures of the earth.
PREPARE YOUR PALATE
From world-class Carolina BBQ, to soulfully infused southern food, prepare your palate to dine with our winemakers, craft-brewers, pit-masters, and award-winning restaurateurs. Savor locally sourced foods prepared by inspired chefs. Don’t miss legendary NC Barbecue! North Carolina is known for regional variations of barbecue. Within our county even, there are different styles of barbecue and sauces. With five primary barbecue spots, each has their own rendition of this favorite NC food.
Nationally Award Winning Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge has been around for generations and is regularly recognized. The farm to table Honey Hog, offers whole hog bbq raised on their farm and have made a place for themselves at the barbecue table. Other local spots include unassuming but fantastic The Flying Pig, Alston Bridges Barbecue, and Izzi Que.
INSPIRED CRAFT BEVERAGES
Newgrass Brewing Company partners with a local farmer to swap spent grains from brewing as cattle feed. Then, in turn, purchase beef from that farmer that is crafted into juicy, delicious burgers. Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard and Winery grows eight varietals in the fertile soil of their 100-plus year old family farmland turned vineyard. They produce 16 different wines which can be enjoyed in their tasting room in the original milk house or in the shade of an old oak tree or other relaxing spot on the grounds.
Veronet Vineyard and Winery provides the perfect setting to enjoy their wines with a panoramic view of their vineyard and Crowders Mountain & The Pinnacle in the background.
STAY AWHILE
Innkeeper Melanie Graham crafted a welcoming environment at Morgan and Wells Bed & Breakfast, walkable to the best of Uptown Shelby.
Or, stay “in the country” at the Hunt House Bed and Breakfast, a traditional country home away from home. On the 60 acres of pasture and forest, Hunt House guests can enjoy an exclusive disc golf course and nature trails. Whatever your reason for traveling you’re sure to return home with lasting memories and plans for what to do on your next visit to the LandofRhythm.com.
Trip Tips: Explore these curated tours to inspire your visit: Cleveland County African American Heritage Trail, Locally Crafted, The Great Outdoors, Historic Homes Walking Tour.
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