Tucked into the Appalachian foothills, Shelby County offers unparalleled winter-time attractions that highlight many of the picturesque mountain-town views that make the county so beautiful. However, mountain views of beautiful winter scenes aren’t the only reason to visit Shelby County during the cooler months; you’ll come for the views, but stay for the unapologetic southern hospitality.
A Winter Weekend In Shelby County: A Visitor’s Itinerary
The communities of Shelby County shine in the winter months. While the shopping centers in bigger towns bustle with the crowds of shoppers during the holiday season, the communities in Shelby County enjoy a peaceful winter where you can still shop, play, eat, and relax all while enjoying the natural beauty and small-town feel of Shelby County towns. Keep reading to plan on the perfect weekend in Shelby County during the winter months!
Old Baker Tree Farm
On Friday night, head over to Harpersville to check out the Old Baker Tree Farm, one of the most beloved Shelby County Holiday destinations. There, you can stroll through the rows and rows of Virginia Pines, Leyland Cyprus, and many more, all free of charge! While you stroll through all of the beautiful scenery, head over to the giant Christmas tree, lit up with thousands of bright lights! This beloved tradition is the perfect way to spend an afternoon and evening enjoying the beautiful natural landscapes of Shelby County.
Heading to the farm and still need a Christmas tree? At the Old Baker Farm, the main attraction is cutting the tree down yourself and hauling it home! There won’t be any Griswold mishaps, though. The staff and crews are there to assist you in getting the tree loaded up so you can get on your way. Be sure to check out Old Baker Farm and spend the evening in the great outdoors.
Main Street Tavern
On Friday night, after you’ve worked up an appetite at Old Baker Farm, how about some delicious pub food to warm you up after being in the cold? Main Street Tavern in Montevallo is a warm place to dine and drink where you can escape those winter chills and enjoy some delicious food.
This pub style restaurant offers bar food classics like wings and burgers, but also more upscale options like steaks and even seafood. When you pair their awesome food menu with a fully stocked bar with expert mixologists and beer aficionados, you get a guaranteed good time that anyone can enjoy! If you’re worried you might miss the big game, Main Street Tavern has several TVs so you never have to miss a second of the action while you’re dining in. Don’t forget to ask about the dessert menu!
Birmingham Bulls Hockey
On Saturday it’s time to cheer on the bulls! One of Alabama’s two minor league hockey teams, the Bulls have quickly become a hometown favorite since they came to Pelham in 2017. Since then, the Bulls have enjoyed tremendous success. They just came up short in the 2022 season, losing in game four of the President’s Cup, but this year will be their year for sure!
Games are played at the Pelham Civic Center and the Saturday games always draw in a big crowd. If you plan on attending, be sure to check out the Bulls’ website and Facebook page to see if any promotions are being offered. The promotions can be a great place to win tickets, accessories, and other prizes that you can use to show your support of our Birmingham Bulls: Shelby County’s home team!
Oak Mountain State Park
To round out the weekend, head over for a relaxing Sunday hike at Oak Mountain State Park. Although it may be a bit chilly, the views from some of the summits are breathtaking. The expanse of the park means that you and your family will have plenty of room to make a day of it if that’s what you’d like! If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous than a hike, the mountain biking and horseback trails, and the lakes and streams mean that there is fun to be had by all.
There are few places in Alabama where you can experience the sheer, unbridled beauty of Shelby County and the state of Alabama. During the winter months, when the leaves have fallen off the trees, your views are seemingly endless over the treetops. Located just a stone’s throw from Birmingham, Oak Mountain is the perfect place to visit on a Sunday if you’re catching a flight out of town after your weekend visit. Call or visit the website ahead of time to book a reservation within the park. You will not be disappointed.
A Weekend Well Spent In Shelby County
For weekenders, Shelby County is often wrongly overlooked, but as you can see, there is enough to do in Shelby County to fill out an entire jam-packed itinerary! Whether it’s cutting down your own Christmas tree or cheering on the home team, your weekend in Shelby County will be anything but boring. And be sure to come hungry, because Main Street Tavern doesn’t even come close to covering all the awesome food in Shelby County! Whether it’s work or play, spend your next weekend exploring Shelby County and get in on Alabama’s best-kept weekend secret.