| Shelby,
North Carolina, known as ‘The City of Pleasant
Living’ is found where the foothills of the Blue
Ridge Mountains meet the state’s thriving Piedmont
Region. Shelby offers the grace of small town
living among lovely rolling hills, along with the
growing prosperity of southwestern North
Carolina. Designated an All
American City in 1970, Shelby also became one of
the very first National Main
Street Communities in 1980.
Incorporated in 1843, Shelby’s population is
19,477 according to the Census 2000. Residents enjoy a
moderate climate, with a January average temperature
of 39 degrees, and July temperatures averaging 78
degrees. A mere five inches of snow falls during the
winter months. Shelby townspeople delight in the
rugged mountains to their west as well as quick and
easy access to the beautiful North Carolina Coastal
Region. Interstates 85 and US-74 serve the town,
along with NC routes 150, 18 and 26, giving businesses
and residents alike plenty of transportation choices
to the nearby cities of Gastonia
and Charlotte.
The Norfolk
Southern and CSX
Railroads also provide transport.
Shelby is the county seat of Cleveland
County, known as the gateway between Asheville
and Charlotte. Strategically located in the center of
the thriving metropolises of Greenville
/ Spartanburg SC and Charlotte, county residents
enjoy a diverse economy, which does not rely on one
industry. Manufacturing firms count for 40% of the
employers, making a broad array of products, from
truck cabs to compact discs. Over 250 trucking firms
flourish in the county, where more than half the
nation can be reached within 24 hours.
Shelby’s Uptown
District, known as the ‘front porch’ of
Cleveland County, draws visitors and shoppers from all
over the region. A nationally recognized Historic
District, quality shops and restaurants entice
tourists and locals alike. Old-fashioned Southern
cooking is served up as well as Asian, Italian and
Mexican cuisine. The annual Livermush
Expo can only be experienced here. Antiques, books
and crafts abound and the year-round Farmer’s Market
is just the place to shop for local fresh produce. The
Shelby Arts Council is found in the Uptown District
and puts on “Alive After Five” concerts in the
town square.
Shelby’s City Park Carousel
delights young and old. Originally built in 1918, the
32-horse carousel was lovingly restored and brought
back to service by the volunteer hours of labor and
funding from the community. An authentic Carousel Band
Organ provides the joyous music. A miniature train
ride through the park tops off the day. The train
was also restored through the efforts of Shelby’s
Rotary club, serving as an example of the pride and
care that Shelby residents have in their wonderful
town.
Shelby, North Carolina is the epitome of Southern
small-town gracious living, while the bustle and
excitement of modern day life lays just a stone’s
throw away. Whether one is just visiting, or
relocating, Shelby offers something for everyone.
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