Shelby County is one of the most unique and beautiful counties in Alabama. What does that mean for you? It means that there is no shortage of fun and exciting adventures and things to do in Shelby County! We’ve put together a list of 10 things we think you absolutely have to try when you’re in Shelby County this year.
10 Things You Have To Do In Shelby County This Year
The best thing about Shelby County is that this list doesn’t even come close to naming all of the fun ways you and your loved ones can create memories this year! From exploring mountain trails to grabbing some incredible food, you’re sure to find something you love on this list.
1. Explore Oak Mountain State Park
Whether on foot, bike, or horseback, the trails at Oak Mountain State Park offer some of the most breathtaking views in Shelby County and the state of Alabama. With more than 100 miles of well-maintained trail systems throughout the park, you can expect scenic views of Alabama’s plant and wildlife species all while taking in the fresh mountain air. The best part? It’s right here in our own backyard. Head to Pelham, make your reservation, and get out and explore the wonders of Shelby County’s natural beauty!
2. Catch a Birmingham Bulls Hockey Game!
Did you know that Shelby County is home to one of Alabama’s two hockey teams? The Birmingham Bulls play in the Pelham Civic Center from October to April, which means there’s plenty of time to head out and catch a game! This isn’t your average hockey team, either. The Bulls are coming off a stellar 2022 season and have their eyes set on bringing home gold for Shelby County!
3. Tour the Cat-N-Bird Winery!
Located in Chelsea, the Cat-N-Bird Winery is a must-visit place for local wine lovers. Explore the sprawling grounds tucked into the beautiful Shelby County countryside. This special Shelby County winery offers tastings and tours, and every Saturday they are open to the public. Come out and enjoy live music in the great outdoors while you sip Shelby County’s finest local wines. Cat-N-Bird Winery is the perfect place for wine and nature lovers, and the space is perfect for large events as well!
4. Check Out A Local Brewery!
You may know about the beer scene in Birmingham, but did you know that there are expert brewmasters throughout Shelby County brewing up award-winning pints everyone can enjoy? Dotting Shelby County are local favorites like Siluria Brewing in Alabaster with their spacious seating area. For a small-town feel without compromises made on the taste of their expertly crafted beer, check out Oversoul Brewing in Helena. No matter where you go in Shelby, be sure to go local. These are only a few of the many awesome places to grab pints in Shelby County!
5. Go Fishing in One of Many Shelby County Angling Destinations!
Shelby County’s outdoor options are almost endless, and one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Shelby County is by heading to one of the many Shelby County fishing destinations. Once you’ve purchased your necessary licenses from the DNR, you can expect to enjoy some world-class fishing in any of the bodies of water in Shelby County! Some of the spots include Beeswax Creek Park in Columbiana, Joe Tucker Park in Helena, Orr Park in Montevallo, and Gorman Park in Vincent. Fishermen can catch trophy bass and bream and take in all the natural wonders of our beautiful state and Shelby County. Head out to discover a new fishing spot today!
6. Book A Tee Time at A Shelby County Golf Course!
Did you know that Shelby County is home to some world-class golf courses? If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air playing a golf course you may not have tried yet, head to any of Shelby County’s award-winning golf courses. New golfers and seasoned vets alike can enjoy a day on the links at Ballantrae in Pelham, Oak Mountain Golf Course, or Timberline Golf Course in Calera. Head out to any Shelby County golf course for a guaranteed excellent day having fun and breaking par!
7. Spend a day at the Museum!
The educational opportunities in Shelby County are endless. The topics span history, biology, geology, and many more! You can explore the great outdoors at the Alabama Wildlife Center, or you can take a locomotive ride through history at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. For an in-depth look at one of the dominant industries in Alabama’s history, check out the Aldrich Coal Mining Museum. As you can see, the opportunities to learn more about our great state and about Shelby County’s history are almost endless. Get out and discover more of what makes our home so special!
8. Try Out A New Restaurant
Shelby County is a foodie’s dream destination. Across the county, there are so many unique dining experiences that will have you coming back again and again. It may not be a big surprise that you can find incredible Alabama bar-b-que like they serve up at Buddy’s BBQ in Alabaster, or that you can find a plate of soul food that will remind you of your grandma’s cooking like Beulah Mae’s food does, but did you know there are several unique, upscale options too? Oak House, The Anvil Pub, and Ragtime Cafe all serve up incredible and expertly curated dishes that bring a big city feel right to our backyard in Shelby County. The options for dining are endless, so head out and discover a new Shelby County restaurant today!
9. Go to a Concert at Oak Mountain Amphitheater!
One of the most historic amphitheaters in the region, Oak Mountain Amphitheater has hosted some of the biggest names across every genre of music. This year you can expect a completely stacked lineup with some of your favorite musicians and artists, but also some you may not have heard of! There’s never been a better opportunity to go discover some new music or hear some of your old favorites at Oak Mountain Amphitheater. Keep an eye on their calendar for dates and artists and be sure to catch a concert at the Amphitheater while you still can!
10. Attend a Local Festival
Enjoying a local festival in Shelby County is a great way to experience the community’s culture. Each city has its own unique event. Alabaster has CityFest, with music and food for families. Helena’s Old Town Live Series brings live music to the historic town during the summer. Columbiana celebrates Liberty Day with parades and fun activities. Montevallo’s Tinglewood Festival focuses on arts and crafts. The American Village hosts an impressive Independence Day Celebration, and Pelham offers Palooza in the Park, full of fun for all ages. These diverse festivals in Shelby County have something for everyone to enjoy year-round.
Discover More With Discover Shelby!
As you can see, there are endless opportunities to experience something new in Shelby County this year. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, at a park or in a restaurant, the opportunity to make memories that last a lifetime awaits around every turn in Shelby County. So next time you’re planning a special occasion, a day on the water, or a night on the town, discover all that Shelby County has to offer, and you’ll be glad you did!