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How to Have a Perfect Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC

July 5, 2022 by Karyn Locke

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If you adore true southern hospitality, amazing mom and pop restaurants, and a trip through musical history, you’re going to absolutely love Cleveland County, NC. When it comes to having a couple’s getaway in Cleveland County, there are plenty of places to choose. From cool hiking trails to historical mansion, to live concerts, here’s how to have a perfect couples getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC.

couples getaway in Shelby NC - Morgan and Wells B&B
couples getaway in Shelby NC – Morgan and Wells B&B

Disclosure: I was graciously hosted by the fine folks at Visit Cleveland County to give you the scoop on the best things to do for couples. All opinions are my own.

How to Have a Perfect Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC

Page Contents

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  • How to Have a Perfect Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC
  • Shelby & Cleveland County NC – The Story
  • Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC – The Banker’s House
  • Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC – Check Out Murals and Art
  • Don Gibson LP Project
  • Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC – Don Gibson Theatre
  • Earl Scruggs Center
  • Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard and Winery
  • Antique Market of Shelby
  • The Shelby Chamber of Commerce
  • The Hotel Charles
  • Where to Eat in Shelby NC & Cleveland County
  • Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC – Where to Stay in Shelby NC

Shelby & Cleveland County NC – The Story

Cleveland County NC is about 1 1/2 hours east from Asheville and 5 hours west from Onslow County, NC – the home of my new favorite spot to play in the sand, North Topsail Beach. When I visited, I felt that true southern hospitality that I crave.

Its big city, Shelby, is quaint and adorable – so perfect for a couples getaway. So, we packed up the car and made the 8-hour drive from the Pittsburgh area to see what we’ve been missing and what makes the area idea for couples. Here are my suggestions.

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC – The Banker’s House

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC - Morgan and Wells B&B -The Bankers House exterior
The Banker’s House in Shelby

Nearly across the street from the Morgan & Wells B&B (more on that below), the Banker’s House was essentially just that: a beautiful mansion owned by several local bankers. Absolutely stunning both inside and out, the property is ideal for weddings and special occasions, but you don’t have to have an invitation to enjoy its beauty.

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC - Morgan and Wells B&B -The Bankers house interior
One of the many gorgeous rooms at the Banker’s House

Mr. Locke and I took a morning tour and, as a lady that loves beautifully decorated historical properties, I was not disappointed in the least. The mansion is decorated with period accurate furniture and decor, and simply walking through its many stories I couldn’t help but think of the mansion and its owners in its heyday.

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC – Check Out Murals and Art

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC - Shelby Bobby Bell mural
Bobby Bell Mural in Downtown Shelby- pro football player and all-around good guy

A visit to Shelby, NC, the main city in Cleveland County, wouldn’t be complete without a leisurely walk around the Uptown Shelby area to check out its many beautiful murals. Designed and created by both local and nationally known artists, each represents the beauty of the city.

If there’s one that’s a must-see, check out Bobby Bell’s colorful one. He’s a Cleveland County native and Football Hall of Famer.

Don Gibson LP Project

One of several Don Gibson LP Project art pieces in Downtown Shelby
One of several Don Gibson LP Project art pieces in Downtown Shelby

While you’re walking around town checking out the murals, keep an eye out for giant Don Gibson LP Art pieces. One of Shelby’s hometown heroes, Mr. Gibson was a well known singer and songwriter. These giant records can be found around the city and depict art that goes along with them.

For additional information at every stop, scan the QR Code to learn all about the song.

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC – Don Gibson Theatre

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC -Don Gibson Theater
Don Gibson Theater

If you’re looking for a theater with an old school feel, Don Gibson Theater is a must visit. While still decorated with a vintage theme, the theater offers state of the art sound and screen, and shows everything from popular movies and well known performers.

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC - Morgan and Wells B&B -Don Gibson Theater Autograph wall
Lisa Marie Presley’s autograph at Don Gibson Theater

The feature I found the coolest was the autograph wall. Dawning signatures from Whitney Huston to Lisa Marie Presley and Pam Tillis, the hallway is like a cool yearbook for the venue’s performers.

Earl Scruggs Center

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC - Earl Scruggs Center
Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby

If you’re a fan of bluegrass, you’ll definitely know the name Earl Scruggs. If not, here’s a quick history lesson. Known for essentially being a creator of Bluegrass along with Lester Flatt and Bill Monroe, the new southern style of music was officially named in 1945.

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC - Early Scruggs Center statue
A statue of Earl Scruggs in the Center’s museum

Scruggs was well known for his three finger banjo picking style. As a tribute to the Cleveland County native, the Earl Scruggs Center was created in his honor, and features not only memorabilia from the man himself, but about bluegrass as a whole.

Did I mention that the center also hosts live bands? During our visit, we had the pleasure of checking out Zoe and Cloyd, a band that melds bluegrass and klezmer musical styles seamlessly.

Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard and Winery

couples getaway in Shelby NC -Baker Winery
Wine Flights at Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard & Winery

Located about 20 minutes outside of Shelby, Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard & Winery is a true hidden gem in the county. If you’re familiar with the Hillshire Farm commercials with the big, red barn, don’t forget to check out the one on property- it’s the same one used in the commercials.

Its wine selection is deliciously impressive and offers both dry and sweet styles. If you really want to make it a romantic afternoon, pack some snacks or a picnic lunch, buy a wine flight, and grab a seat under one of its massive, shady trees.

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC - Baker Buffalo Creek Vinyard and Winery - Murder Mystery Dinner
One of four suspects at Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard’s First Murder Mystery Dinner

Sidenote: We were invited to its first ever murder mystery party and it was so enjoyable! Centered around a wine theme, the walk around the property, whodunit live story, plus a massive southern dinner was worth every penny for a ticket.

Antique Market of Shelby

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC - Shelby Antique mall
Antique Market of Shelby – who knows what you’ll find!

If you love antiques, you’ll love all three stories of the Antique Market of Shelby. What I found different as a northern gal is that antiques in the south tend to be very different from what we’re offered up north. Even if you’re not interested in purchasing, walking around the building is like taking a trip back in time.

The Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC - Visitors Bureau
Grab all the info you need at the Chamber of Commerce in Shelby

The Chamber of Commerce in Downtown Shelby is an ideal place to get recommendations on where to eat, what to see, and where to go in Cleveland County.

The Hotel Charles

Directly across the street from the chamber of commerce, Hotel Charles was THE hotel in Cleveland County. Now just an exterior memory of days gone by, I did hear that there are plans to renovate the building completely. If you love architecture, definitely put this stop on your walking tour of Shelby.

Where to Eat in Shelby NC & Cleveland County

If you love southern food with fun spins and affordable prices, you’re going to love the restaurants in and around Shelby NC:

Newgrass Brewing Company

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC - Newgrass Brewing beer flight
Beer Flight at Newgrass

The first place that we dined in Shelby, Newgrass Brewing Company is a brew pub you’ll definitely want to check out, especially if you love craft beer. The dining menu is both creative and hip and includes everything from a signature farm burger to Irish nachos to a twisted falafel sandwich. My recommendation is to grab a beer flight and a sandwich for lunch.

J-Birds Deli

Some of the best sandwiches I've eaten is at J.Birds Deli in Shelby
Some of the best sandwiches I’ve eaten is at J.Birds Deli in Shelby

J-Birds Deli is so delicious that we actually ate there twice on our trip. A no frills kind of restaurant, but still very hip. It has both sandwiches and craft beer from local breweries. It has sandwiches panini style, its prices are super affordable, there’s both indoor and outdoor seating, and Mr. Locke loved the brew selection.

Dragonfly Wine Market

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC - Dragonfly winery
Dragonfly Winery’s cool, antique vibe.

Not technically a place to eat, but Dragonfly Wine Market is more of a super adorable shop in downtown to buy wine. If you’re a pet lover, keep an eye out for the store’s in-house furry friend.

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC – Where to Stay in Shelby NC

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC - Morgan and Wells B&B - breakfast area
The immaculately gorgeous Morgan and Wells B&B

One of the most beautiful bed and breakfasts I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying at, Morgan and Wells Bed & Breakfast is a five-star luxury accommodation. Not only is the decor both in each room and the common rooms accurate to the early 1900’s, each of five guest rooms has its own theme and vibe.

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC - Morgan and Wells B&B - our guest room
Guest room at Morgan and Wells B&B

I absolutely adored the gorgeous, polished oak, pine floors, massive ceilings, and furnishings to be historic in the most romantic of ways.

Breakfast at Morgan and Wells B&B
Breakfast at Morgan and Wells B&B

Each morning, we had a hearty, southern style breakfast (on the last morning of our stay, a chef was brought in to make us homemade shrimp and grits), and the B&B’s manager, Pam, came in to wish us well. I mean, the Steel City love is strong, after all.

Couples Getaway in Shelby and Cleveland County NC - Morgan and Wells B&B couples massage
In-Room couples at Morgan and Wells B&B

If you really want to up the romance during your stay, make a reservation for an in-room couple’s massage. The masseuses brought everything from slippers to robes to light-blocking eye protection to make us feel like we were in a low lit spa room. Having the ability to simply walk out of one and into our own guest room afterwards was lovely and so convenient.

Filed Under: On the Go, Travel Tagged With: Couples getaway, shelby nc

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