Southern Charm: The Hidden Gems of Shelby County

If you’re going to start your day anywhere near Calera, you need to make sure you stop by Adventurer's Coffee Co.! Adventurer's boasts a menu of coffee roasts originating from Colombia and Brazil, and the authenticity and boldness of the roasts’ flavors make Adventurer’s the prime coffeeshop of Calera. While you’re choosing which coffee roast you’d like to try, make sure you also check out their pastries and breakfast sandwiches (the Everything Breakfast Sandwich cannot be beat)! Adventurer’s Coffee Co. believes that every day is a new journey, and this local favorite is here to fuel you up for whatever your next adventure has ahead.

For all of the board game lovers out there, R.O.E. Hobby is a necessary stop in Calera as well! R.O.E. seeks to “build community through the love of games,” hosting game nights every week and carrying the county’s most impressive inventory of tabletop, role-playing, and board games.

Main Street Columbiana is the definition of Southern hospitality. Down the block, you can find an array of restaurants and drinking holes to refresh. Those looking for the classic American diner feel need not look any further than the Davis Drug Co. Snack Bar! Grab a burger, hot dog (which Discover Shelby has declared as a top three hot dog in the county), and milkshake before you stroll the store and peruse adorable locally-made t-shirts that rep collegiate sports teams and the beauty of the Columbiana!

A few steps away from Davis Drug Co. stands the Pink Sheep Boutique. Supplied clothes for shoppers young and old, Pink Sheep offers an inventory of the cutest children’s outfits for any casual or dressy occasion, as well as a women’s collection that is to-die-for! After an hour spent in the Pink Sheep you and the kiddos will be walking out in style!

You really can’t go wrong in Columbiana! Discover Shelby’s other Columbiana favorites include Just A Tish, Pastries on Main, Blue Agave Cantina, and Leaders' Corner!

Harpersville, one of Shelby County’s most charming and quaint areas, houses Black Sheep Antiques, your classic antique shop full of uniquely Southern treasures. Filled with ornate items steeped in history, this is where you will find the most meaningful and unique gifts. Black Sheep is one of the most popular antique shops and estate sellers, so sometimes they have to be out of the store! Keep a watchful eye on their Facebook to confirm their hours, and if you happen to be in the area when they’re hosting an estate sale, definitely take the chance to track them down and see what one-of-a-kind items might be available! You never know what you’ll find at Black Sheep!

You need to make the most of your time in Harpersville by making the necessary stop at the Wallace Center for Arts and Reconciliation. The Wallace Center provides Harpersville visitors and locals a glimpse into the history behind this area. This local non-profit uses arts, education, and public programming to help us reckon with the darkness of our American history. Use their walking tour to take in the history of the grounds and find the opportunity during the visit to reflect.

Old Town Helena truly stands apart. The charm of the streets’ old-timey streets makes it a must-stop for anyone who’s looking to feel the love of a Southern small town. The Depot Deli & Grill sits over-looking a rushing river and bright, green scenery that serves as the perfect backdrop for your meal. Set at affordable prices, this menu has a little something for everyone!

The Oh My Sole boutique stocks up on adorable pieces that are perfect for college game day, a business casual event, or a dressier night out! The staff of Oh My Sole dedicate themselves to picking out pieces that will make everyone feel confident and stylish!

In the Mt Laurel Town Center, spend the afternoon walking through the town square and going in and out of the local businesses and restaurants, and Jimbo's Soda Fountain is a perfect place for you to grab a bite! Jimbo’s, decorated with vintage posters and license plates, evokes the classic malt shop vibe and fits right into the quaintness and cuteness of downtown Mt. Laurel. The expansive menu of salads, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream ensure that, at Jimbo's, everyone (even the picky eaters!) will find something they love.

Another Discover Shelby favorite restaurant is Area 41 Pizza Company. Area 41 bakes some the best pizza in the whole county, and the impeccable, friendly atmosphere makes it an absolute slam dunk. The menu of authentic New-York-style pizza, made with house-made dough, stays unafraid to adventure into bolder flavors, whilst also keeping your familiar favorites--we recommend the 41 Special, the Brooklyn Hot Honey, and the Meat & Three. For any of the beer aficionados, the selection of locally-brewed draft beers go unmatched in the Mt. Laurel area.

After you’ve visited American Village (one of Shelby County’s most popular attractions for tourists and residents!), take a walk down Montevallo Main Street and you’ll find Meri Moon, and we promise you that there is no menu quite like this one anywhere else in the county. Awarded by Shelby Living as having 2025’s best coffee, wine selection, brunch, milkshake, and lunch spot, no one is walking away from this restaurant, café, bar, and wine shop unsatisfied. Meri Moon is nestled in downtown Montevallo and operates in a renovated historic movie theater, adding to Montevallo’s small-town charm. Enjoy the café’s food, prepared with Southern ingredients like Conecuh sausage and boiled peanuts, while you sip on a refreshing glass of wine at a table surrounded by good company.

La Conchita Bakery is another great to grab a bite in Montevallo, stocked with the tastiest sweet treats around that are sure to satisfy any of your sweet tooth’s cravings. This hidden gem serves favorite Mexican-style desserts (such as Magdalenas, Tres Leches, and Lengua) and offers sweets at a quality you can’t find anywhere else in Shelby County.

If neither of these options sound up your alley (but why wouldn’t they be?), check out Main Street Tavern, a more popular pic but nonetheless absolutely beloved by Discover Shelby. We also recommend that, while you’re in Montevallo, you also need to check out the Montevallo leg of the Shelby County Mural Trail. Murals and fire hydrant art decorate Montevallo and elevate it into one of the most beautiful, exciting places to just stroll around with good company. If you manage to hit any. of the murals on the trail, tag us on Instagram or Facebook with the #DiscoverShelbyMuralTrail to get some free Discover Shelby goodies!