Two foods are synonymous with Shelby and Cleveland County: Barbecue and livermush.
The latter is a popular and unique form of sausage made with pork liver and cornmeal that's a staple not only at the breakfast table, but also at local lunch counters.
Around lunch and dinner time, drivers along U.S. 74 and Grover Street will see the car-packed parking lots of two eating establishments well known throughout the Tar Heel State: Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge and Alston Bridges Barbecue.
Customers ready their stomachs for a mouth-watering meal of pit-cooked barbecue (chopped or sliced), hushpuppies and barbecue slaw. And don't forget the multi-purpose tangy sauce for the barbecue and the hushpuppies.
One word: yummy.
American Legion World Series visitors shouldn't leave Cleveland County without sampling one or both of these famous barbecue institutions.
But Cleveland County serves up a lot more than just great barbecue. And it has many other unique culinary offerings besides livermush. Take it from two mayors, a local food columnist and a 20-year Shelby resident. On the next page, they offer up a few of their favorites eats.
Sweet tea. Southern hospitality. Scenic mountain views. These are just a few of the things that will greet visitors to Cleveland County for the 2011 American Legion World Series.
Jackie Sibley, the county's travel and tourism director, says the World Series offers a great opportunity to introduce Tar Heel culture to many out-of-state visitors.
"Getting to explore Southern culture for the first time, learning about a rural community, it's going to be a new experience for a lot of people," Sibley says. "And we want them to have as wide of an experience as they can."
Visitors will have a chance to explore and enjoy the great outdoors; shop, dine and visit the art galleries in Shelby's uptown historic district; catch a concert or a movie; visit a winery and vineyard; and much, much more.
The county is also nestled conveniently between Charlotte and Asheville, allowing for convenient trips to these and other nearby cities and attractions. "We don't want visitors to overlook the regional things that are just within an hour's drive," says Sibley.
Here are just a few of the offerings you'll find locally and nearby.
Shelby City Park
Located on West Sumter Street, the park offers families a chance to ride the miniature train, enjoy the historic 1919 carrousel or cool off with a swim in the city's Olympic-sized pool. A new walking track circling the recently completed baseball fields and two playgrounds offer opportunities for both kids and parents.
The great outdoors
Visitors can take a leisurely hike or a relaxing walk along the trails of the Broad River Greenway just outside of Boiling Springs or the Gateway Trail in Kings Mountain. Crowders Mountain State Park, off U.S. 74 just east of Kings Mountain, and South Mountain State Park, off Interstate 40 near Connelly Springs, offer a variety of outdoor fun and adventure ranging from hiking to fishing to canoeing.
And, just across the state line in upstate South Carolina are the Kings Mountain National Military Park, the site of one of the Revolutionary War's most pivotal battles, and beautiful Kings Mountain State Park.
Shopping and entertainment
Park the car and take a casual stroll down the sidewalks of the uptown Shelby's historic district, where you'll fine a variety of unique shops, art galleries and restaurants. Uptown is also home to the historic Don Gibson Theatre, which draws a variety of world-class musical acts each year.
Across town, visitors can take in Cleveland Mall and catch a movie at the adjacent Carmike 10 cinema.
An afternoon or evening of family fun can be had at Challenger 3 on North Post Road, which offers go-karts, miniature golf and bumper boats.
Art and history
The visual arts are alive year-round in Cleveland County. At Buffalo Creek Gallery in uptown Shelby, visitors will find a variety of fine art and handcrafted works by local artists that include pottery, paintings, jewelry, quilting, wood sculpture and more.
Art Blooms on Main Street in Boiling Springs takes the gallery experience one step further, offering visitors a chance to paint pottery, fashion jewelry or make crafts.
Perhaps the must-see arts happening for ALWS visitors is at the Arts Center in uptown Shelby, where the Cleveland County Arts Council is presenting the exhibit "Baseball as Art." The show features a variety of artwork celebrating America's favorite pastime.
If you want to learn about Cleveland County's rich baseball history, the Kings Mountain History Museum is hosting the exhibit "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" through Aug. 13.
Wine country
Visitors to Cleveland County may not know it, but they're in wine country. The county is home to two wineries - including Owl's Eye Vineyard and Winery less than 2 miles north of the courthouse square in uptown Shelby - and several vineyards.