Explore Shelby County 2025

A GUIDE FOR RESIDENTS, NEWCOMERS AND VISITORS

Compliments of Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc. 2025-2026

WHAT’S INSIDE

County Leadership

WELCOME TO SHELBY COUNTY

Whether you’re visiting, new or a lifelong resident, see what makes this area Alabama’s best

Shelby County continues to experience rapid growth in our community as we focus on enhancing the sustainable high quality of life. Our county is ranked by various resources as one of the best places to live in the state, and we strive to increase the offerings that make residents proud to live

here. Centrally positioned in the state of Alabama, our residents and visitors enjoy an abundance of recreational opportunities from the natural settings of Oak Mountain State Park and Cahaba River Park to the educational and historical offering of the American Village Citizens Trust. Our culture,

“SHELBY COUNTY’S QUALITY OF LIFE OPPORTUNITIES AND PROXIMITY TO THE SOUTH’S MAJOR METROPOLITAN AREAS MAKE IT ONE OF THE BRIGHTEST SPOTS ON THE MAP.”

business, housing options and events makes Shelby County one of the South’s most dynamic counties.

Shelby County school systems are ranked among the best in our state and provide a variety of quality public and private school offerings. The county is also home to two higher educational institutions: Jefferson State Community College and the University of Montevallo. In addition, Shelby County hosts sporting and recreational events in our mountains and on Lay Lake. Through 58 Inc., Shelby County’s economic development entity, we focus on maturing a vibrant economy

where talent and workforce development opportunities are provided for those for seeking highly skilled positions.

Quality of life is important too. It is the standard of health and comfort that contributes to the enjoyment experienced by each of us living here. The resources afforded residents in Shelby County are plentiful and accessible for each to enjoy in reaching our highest potential. Shelby County’s quality of life opportunities and proximity to the South’s major metropolitan areas make it one of the brightest spots on the map.

EDITORIAL

Anna Grace Moore

Michaela Bankston

Dave Domescik

Tyler Raley

Andrew Simonson

Noah Wortham

DESIGN

Sydney Allen

Jamie Dawkins

Rowan Futrell

Connor Martin-Lively

MARKETING

Kelsey Alexander

Noah Brakefield

Octavia Campbell

Evann Campbell

Rachel Henderson

Rhett McCreight

Viridiana Romero

ADMINISTRATION

CHAD SCROGGINS

County Manager, Shelby County

ON THE COVER Independence Day

American Village throws a great celebration each July 4 and will now play a major role in the country’s semiquincentennial.

Cover Design by Rowan Futrell

Mary Jo Eskridge

Alec Etheredge

Stacey Meadows

Lauren Morris

Kayla Reeves

Brittany Schofield DISCOVER SHELBY

Visit Shelby County is published yearly by Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. The magazine is published annually and available year-round through Alabama welcome centers, Shelby County area chambers of commerce, and local businesses and organizations. Additional copies may be purchased by calling the SCNI office at 205-669-3131, or by emailing circulation@ shelbycountyreporter.com.

Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission is prohibited. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Shelby County Newspapers, Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Please email advertise@shelbycountyreporter.com for advertising inquiries.

Chad Scroggins

SHELBY COUNTY

THE NUMBERS

93,205

29.7

46.2%

Percentage of population with a bachelor’s degree or higher

1

Indian Springs School ranks as the top private school in Alabama

28

Percentage of population to graduate high school or higher

26TH

Shelby County Schools ranks as the 26th best school district in the state of Alabama

235,969

Total Population 94%

5TH

Hoover City Schools ranks as the fifth best school district in the state of Alabama

9TH

Alabaster City Schools ranks as the ninth best school district in the state of Alabama

Briarwood Christian School ranks as the 28th best private school in Alabama

14TH

Pelham City Schools ranks as the 14th best school district in the state of Alabama

$93,543

Median Household Income

65.5% A total of 65.5 percent of the population 16 years and older is in the civilian labor force

2.4%

Shelby County has the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 2.4 percent

7TH

Shelby County is the seventh largest county as of the 2020 Census, but estimates now have them moving up to sixth

5TH

Shelby County was the fifth-fastest growing county between 2010 and 2020

$4,461,024

Total retail sales during the most recent economic Census in 2022

5,446

Total employer establishments

DESTINATIONS

Looking for a fun outing with the family? Shelby County offers a variety of venues and destinations fit for the entire family.

FAMILY FUN

HEART OF DIXIE RAILROAD MUSEUM

Visiting this museum in CALERA is like taking a step back in time and seeing firsthand the traveling accommodations for some American travelers in the early 1900s. Visitors can ride on trains that date from 1910 to the 1970s—including its oldest passenger car the Frisco Coach 1062—through Shelby County countryside every Saturday at 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Guests can also explore the gift shop and railroad museum. hodrrm.org

PELHAM CIVIC COMPLEX AND ICE ARENA

Step into winter to ice skate any time of year on one of two indoor ice skating rinks in PELHAM. You can show up for a free skating time, take lessons, play in a hockey league or catch the Birmingham Bulls hockey team in action. The team, a member of the Southern Professional Hockey League, plays from October to April in a newly renovated arena that seats 5,000. Season tickets are also available. pelhamciviccomplex.com

THE AMERICAN VILLAGE

This recreated colonial village and historic park in MONTEVALLO features interactive programs that help visitors relive the great American experiment in liberty and selfgovernment. Costumed historical interpreters engage visitors to witness Patrick Henry’s famous speech, drill in Washington’s army and become a Patriot spy interrogated by a British soldier. The designs of the buildings on its 113-acre campus are inspired by significant structures in history. americanvillage.org

STONE HOLLOW FARMSTEAD

This HARPERSVILLE family business produces farm-fresh cheeses, honey, specialty foods, botanicals, cosmetic extracts and cosmeceuticals. In addition to production, the farmstead hosts groups and events. The farm also offers a CSA subscription and has a second farm stand at Pepper Place in downtown Birmingham. stonehollowfarmstead.com

HELENA HOLLOW

Helena Hollow, formerly Griffin Farms, is a family-owned event venue on Highway 17 in HELENA. It features a full-service pumpkin patch, petting zoo, party barn, wedding and birthday party venue and more. Owners Jamie and Amy Griffin live on the land with their daughters, Sawyer and Cricket. helenahollow.com

OLD BAKER FARM

This HARPERSVILLE farm endured the Civil War and stands today as a traditional family farm managed by a fourth-generation family member, Jerry Baker and his wife, Pam. The Baker family invites the public to join them each October for the Cotton Pickin’ Celebration with its pumpkin patch, hay rides and more, while November and December offers the Christmas tree farm and each summer features the Summer Shindig event. oldbakerfarm.com

OAK MOUNTAIN LANES

Put on your bowling shoes and get ready for a strike. This bowling alley in PELHAM also features a laser tag area, ropes course and virtual reality experience—plus pizza and beer of course. It hosts birthday parties and weekly bowling, food and drink special as well. oakmountainlanes.com

FAMILY FUN

BLUE WATER PARK

Blue Water Park invites divers of all ages and skill levels to visit for recreational and technical and diving closer to home in PELHAM. Mark DiGiorgio, owner of Scubaventures Inc., aims to make the park the premium inland diving experience for the Southeast, and their divers can practice diving skills, conduct trainings and enjoy a beautiful escape under the water. They also rent kayaks and paddleboards, or visitors can bring their own and pay an entrance fee. bluewaterparkal.com

PUTTER UP

Hoping to perfect your putting stroke on a rainy day or have a good time with family and friends, look no further than Putter Up. This new business will be located at Campus 124 in PELHAM will feature a high-tech mini golf course with nine holes. Each hole will feature different special effects, lighting, sound and robotic surprises with unique layouts. The venue is expected to open this summer. Putterup.net

HIGH POINT CLIMBING AND FITNESS

This climbing gym on HIGHWAY 280 offers membership, day passes, a kids zone, fitness classes, youth parties and more. Altogether, it has 25,000 square feet of indoor climbing surface for beginners and seasoned pros alike, with a 52-foot climbing wall, 25 auto belays, more than 100 bouldering problems and a rappelling tower. highpointclimbing.com

ALABAMA WILDLIFE CENTER

Located in the heart of PELHAM’S Oak Mountain State Park, this center rescues about 2,000 of Alabama’s native birds from more than 100 species each year. Visitors can see and interact with raptor species up close and personally, and they can get a behind-the-scenes look at their rehabilitated birds, baby bird nursery and exam area through digital video cameras and monitors. Its Wildlife Help Line also offers free advice and assistance for wildlife issues and emergencies. awrc.org

SHELBY IRON WORKS PARK

One of only two such mills existing in the South at the outbreak of the Civil War, this plant in SHELBY produced the armor that covered the hull of the famous Confederate gunboat “Tennessee.” The old Shelby Iron Company dates back to 1842 when Horace Ware built a cold blast furnace. Today, the park features living history and tours. shelbyironworks.com

MOVIE THEATRES

Looking to watch a new release on the big screen with popcorn and candy? Check out the recently-renovated AmStar Cinemas theater in ALABASTER. This theater is a go-to spot for all of the hit movies with reclining and heated seats in addition to other perks with 14 total theaters. amstarcinemas.com

INDOOR PLAY CENTERS

On HIGHWAY 280, Let’s Play offers an indoor soft play center for kids ages 0-12 and features play equipment designed to encourage sliding, crawling, balancing, swinging, bouncing, squeezing, hand-eye coordination and ball skills. Down the road, Defy features 50,000 square feet of connected trampolines in a 60,000-squarefoot facility, including the famous angled wall trampolines. Over in Pelham, Altitude Trampoline Park has a warped wall, dodgeball court, rock wall and more. letsplayparty. com, defy.com/locations/defy-birmingham, altitudebirmingham.com,

Shelby County &

Museum Archives

THEATRE & ARTS

SOUTH CITY THEATRE

South City Theatre produces six main stage shows per year, as well as wo yearly productions and a summer camp for kids. At the PELHAM location, the theater can seat up to 60 people comfortably. On average, their shows attract 3,000 audience members annually. southcitytheatre.com

SHELBY COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

Located in the heart of COLUMBIANA, the Shelby County Arts Council has become one of the more bustling venues in the county. The goal of the venue is to promote arts and cultural opportunities in the county. Not only do they host several popular art galleries and camps throughout the year, but they also bring popular music acts to the intimate Song Theater that make this venue a must visit. shelbycountyartscouncil.com

UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS

The University of Montevallo Department of Theatre presents several shows on-campus every year at its new Center for the Arts just one block from downtown MONTEVALLO’S Main Street. You can also find an art gallery, sculpture garden, a voice studio, production shops and much more at the facility. montevallo.edu

MUSEUMS

ALABAMA NATIONAL CEMETERY

This 479-acre cemetery houses the graves of our nation’s veterans on Highway 119 just north of MONTEVALLO. Its 54 developed acres feature facilities for dignified and honorable burials. Onsite you can find a public information center complex with an electronic gravesite locator, water fountains and public restrooms, a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway and two committal shelters. cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/alabama.asp

KENNETH R. PENHALE CITY OF HELENA MUSEUM

This city museum in contains numerous artifacts, photographs and other memorabilia revealing Helena’s rich history as a mining town. You’re sure to learn a lot about coal mining towns, natural disasters and more on any visit, and it will help you bridge a gap between Helena’s past and present. cityofhelena.org

ALDRICH COAL MINE MUSEUM

This historic industrial attraction in MONTEVALLO features coal mining memorabilia, a mine replica and vintage equipment photographs of the town of Aldrich at its coal-mining peak. Inside, it displays pictures and artifacts of the community of Aldrich, the coal mine, prison, stores, churches and post office to impart the history of coal mining in Alabama. The site also has the only coal miner monument in Alabama. shelbyal.com

Museums

KARL C. HARRISON MUSEUM OF GEORGE WASHINGTON

This museum will soon move from COLUMBIANA to MONTEVALLO at American Village and includes one of the largest privately-owned collections of George and Martha Washington memorabilia outside of Mt. Vernon. It showcases art and artifacts from the colonial period through 1865, including Martha Washington’s prayer book printed in New York in 1783 and an original 1787 Samuel Vaughn sketch of the Mt. Vernon grounds. washingtonmuseum.com

COUNTY MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

The Shelby County Historical Society is located in the historic 1854 courthouse building in COLUMBIANA. The building is also home to an archive containing research material such as books, microfilm and U.S. Federal Census Records from 1790. Its Albert Baker Datcher, Jr. Collection contains an index of enslaved individuals living in Shelby County from 1818 and references over 3,500 slaves. shelbycountymuseum.com

SHELBY

ALABASTER

Albert L. Scott Library 100 9th St. NW Alabaster, AL 35007 205-664-6822

CALERA

Roy Downs Memorial Library 9700 Highway 25 Calera, AL 35040 205-668-7200

CHELSEA

Chelsea Public Library 16623 U.S. 280 Chelsea, AL 35043 205-669-3910

COLUMBIANA

Columbiana Public Library 50 Lester Street Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-5812

HARPERSVILLE

Harpersville Public Library 39414 Highway 25 Harpersville, AL 35078 205-644-6331

HELENA

Jane B. Holmes Library 230 Tucker Road Helena, Al 35080 205-664-8308

MONTEVALLO

Parnell Memorial Library 277 Park Drive Montevallo, Al 35115 205-665-9207

MT LAUREL

Mt Laurel Library 111 Olmsted St. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-991-1660

NORTH SHELBY COUNTY

North Shelby Library 5521 Cahaba Valley Road Birmingham, AL 35242 205-439-5500

PELHAM

Pelham Public Library 3160 Pelham Parkway Pelham, AL 35124 205-620-6418

VINCENT

Vincent McGraw Public Library 42860 HIghway 25 Vincent, AL 42860 205-672-2749

WESTOVER

Westover Public Library 3312 Westover Road Westover, AL 35147 205-678-3375, Ext. 703

WILSONVILLE

Vernice Stoudenmire Public Library 9905 N. Main Street Wilsonville, AL 35186 205-669-6180

Helena Library

WALKABLE SHOPPING DESTINATIONS

DOWNTOWN COLUMBIANA

Walk down historic Main Street to find an array of shops and restaurants, including Leaders’ Corner Coffee & Tea, The Farm Company, Pink Sheep Boutique, Davis Drug, Just a Tish Wine & More, Blue Agave, Amazing Flowers, Pastries on Main, Chula’s Bakery and more. Main Street, Columbiana, AL 35051

MT LAUREL

MT LAUREL’S quaint business district is home to its flagship Mt Laurel Hardware Store and Mt Laurel Grocery & Deli, as well as Blissful Boutique and Bella Couture bridal, and you’ll also find a fitness studio, a salon spa and an array of restaurants. 5 Mt Laurel Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35242

OLD TOWN HELENA

Old Town Helena has an array of specialty shops filled with unique gifts housed in restored turn-of-the-century buildings. Shops include Oh My Soul shoes, The Trading Boutique, Taylor Bug’s Kids Boutique, Buck Creek Stained Glass and The Petal Cart. Stop by the amphitheater, a gathering spot for community events, and the waterfall while you are there. 4151 Helena Road, Helena, AL 35080

DOWNTOWN CALERA

A revitalized area that continues to see upgrades each year, Main Street in downtown Calera has become a destination. With several locally-owned businesses lining the street, murals and much more, it is a popular spot for residents each week. The area also holds First Friday each spring and summer with special themed events drawing big crowds and lots of local flavors. 1120 17th Ave, Calera, AL 35040

DOWNTOWN MONTEVALLO

Located in the heart of the city just seconds from the University of Montevallo campus and Montevallo High School, Main Street in Montevallo is an exciting area in downtown Montevallo. Local food, coffee and shopping creates for the perfect combination of college students and families with special events throughout the year. 710 N Boundary St, Montevallo, AL 35115

‘ONCE-IN-AGENERATION’

American Village in Montevallo prepares for Semiquincentennial

BY NOAH WORTHAM PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

First drawn out on a napkin by founder Tom Walker in the early 1990s, the American Village is a 188-acre educational institution in the city of Montevallo that is known for its historical reenactments, programs and festivals that draw in thousands of visitors each year.

At the Village, visitors can tour 20 historicallyinspired buildings and structures, witness Revolutionary War reenactments, watch fireworks on the Fourth of July and dine with patriots such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abigail Adams and more.

“We at the American Village are so very proud to have been here 25 years helping students and adults alike remember what it means to be an American and to refamiliarize themselves with our founding history,” said Melanie Poole, communications officer for American Village.

American Village officially opened its doors on Nov. 30, 1999 and has since served as a staple of Shelby County offering residents and visitors a variety of annual and seasonal activities to enjoy while also learning about America’s rich past.

“Tom Walker, our founder, recognized that his own children were not learning American history

in the classroom, so he envisioned a place where students could come and learn through doing, through participation and through interactivity,” Poole said.

Now, 25 years later, the American Village campus is immersed with historically-accurate buildings and facilities that are complimented by dedicated staff and historical interpreters that bring the founding fathers and the world they live in to life.

“All you have to do is walk out on the campus and just be inspired by his vision, his commitment and dedication to creating this place,” said Alan Miller, American Village CEO.

WALKING THROUGH HISTORY

As visitors drive into the American Village, they are greeted by Liberty Hall and a visitor’s center on their left with the patriotic National Veterans Shrine on the right. As you step out of your car you may my greeted by one of the village’s many historical interpreters such as Patrick Henry on his way to the Colonial Chapel. Ahead lies the rest of the village with numerous facilities to explore such as Washington Hall, the Oval Office, the Founders

Hall, Estes Theatre, barn, courthouse and more.

“When people visit the American Village, it’s like walking into a history book,” said Val Croft, chief education officer and chief historian at the American Village. “You’re part of the story. Our interpreters do this immersive history where you are involved in it.”

The American Village endeavors to immerse it visitors in a realistic depiction of colonial living that honors the Founding Fathers and the individuals who crafted America to be the country it is today.

“My hope is that everything that we do here helps people walk in the footsteps of the founders,” Miller said

Alongside the various facilities and attractions are an assortment of staffed historical interpreters who help educate visitors on colonial living and bring the larger-than-life heroes from America’s past to life.

“The interpreters do a great job of helping the audience understand the challenges of everyday life at that time,” Miller said. “We try to move beyond the Founding Fathers themselves and spend time focusing on what daily life was like for just your average colonial citizen at that time.”

The village has a selection of vignettes set up with demonstrations on the medical procedures of the time, food of the era and the challenges that people faced during America’s early days.

“I know everybody here and they all have a distinct

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

APRIL 18

Two Lights for Tomorrow: 250th anniversary celebration of Paul Revere’s Ride.

APRIL 19

Battle at Concord Bridge: A reenactment of the Shot Heard Around the World will take place on the event’s 260th anniversary.

MAY 26

Because of the Brave 5K: On Memorial Day, the American Village will host a 5K to honor those who paid the ultimate price.

MAY 26

Memorial Day: A Memorial Day service will take place in the American Village’s Colonial Chapel.

JUNE 8-13

Trojan Patriot Academy: Seniors and rising juniors from around Alabama will learn about leadership, civics and U.S. history during an academy.

JUNE 14

U.S. Army’s birthday: A celebration commemorating the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army will take place with a cake-cutting ceremony.

JUNE 17

Battle at Bunker Hill: The American Village will celebrate the 205th anniversary of the famous Battle at Bunker Hill.

JULY 4

Independence Day Celebration: Enjoy a selection of more than 50 patriotic activities as part of a celebration of the Fourth of July and America’s independence.

OCT. 13

U.S. Navy’s birthday: The American Village will commemorate the 20th birthday of the U.S. Navy with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony

NOV. 10

U.S. Marines birthday: The American Village will commemorate the 20th birthday of the U.S. Marines Corps with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony

NOV. 11

Veterans Day: The American Village will recognize those who serve during a Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 11.

passion for American history,” Chief of Staff Mike Jones said. “We believe in the mission to educate the public about our founding and to strengthen the future.”

CELEBRATING AMERICA

Established in 2016 by Congress, the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission has been diligently working to prepare for the 250th anniversary, or Semiquincentennial, of the founding of the United States of America. Gov. Kay Ivey officially appointed the American Village has serve as the headquarters of the celebration for the state of Alabama.

“It is a tremendous honor to be a part of the Semiquincentennial and to be able to showcase what we do here at American Village,” said Natalie Steed, American Village development officer and executive officer of the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission. “The mission to inspire and educate Americans on our founding is an integral part of the Semiquincentennial.”

July 4, 2026 will officially mark the Semiquincentennial and the American Village will host an enormous celebration with numerous events set for 2026 to lead up to the Fourth of July spectacular.

“It’s really a once-in-a-generation event,” Croft said. “We have an opportunity here to educate, to inspire students, inspire adults, inspire all of us

to learn more about the founders, the amazing documents, sacrifices and country that they created for us.”

In addition to the many events and historical reenactments planned, the American Village is also working with other organizations across the state and its education department has formed a toolkit that consists of more than 500 pages of information for schools to utilize in lessons plans for history, art and science, technology, engineering and math classes.

“Recognizing the 250th, and really every Fourth of July, is our thanks and acknowledgement to a group of individuals that participated in an extraordinary event, “said Barry Page, chief operations officer at American Village. “And for us, I think it’s important to take the time to honor that and to remember what they did. It was no small task.”

Leading up to the major Semiquincentennial celebration are numerous events at the American Village to engage the public with intentional education and entertainment and to get them in the patriotic spirit.

“One of the things that we would like to accomplish through our position as the celebration capital, is to take this opportunity to redirect everyone’s attention away from all of our contemporary disagreements, and just focus everybody back on the founding principles that the country was founded on—Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and equality,” Miller said.

Sports & Outdoors

It’s time to explore waterfalls, parks, golf courses and more of the county’s beauty. Find the details you need to plan your next outing.

FINDING YOUR PATH

There are several great places across Shelby County to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re looking to take a stroll, go on a run, lace up the hiking shoes for a hike, take a crack at making some birdies on the golf course or grab the bike and hit the trails, this map gives you an overview of where you can tackle each task.

OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK ACTIVITIES

VISITORS’ ATTRACTIONS

Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham draws more than 600,000 people annually into its gates. Just one reason why is its Flip Side Watersports cable wakeboard park, the only one of its kind in the state, and its adjacent inflatable obstacle course. The park also draws visitors to its The Oaks golf course, cabin rentals, camping and more. alapark.com/parks/oakmountain-state-park/

TRAILS & BEYOND

Oak Mountain is home to 50 miles of world-famous hiking trails traversing parts of its 10,000 acres of land, but that’s not all. While there you can do archery, as well as visit the Demonstration Farm (home to goats, chickens and roosters, pigs, peacocks, donkeys, a sheep, Shetland Ponies, a rabbit, cats and miniature horses!), go horseback riding, geocache or play on the Double Oak Lake playground.

LAKE RENTALS

Stop by The Marina on Terrace Drive to rent a canoe, kayak, peddle boats or paddle board, and try some yoga while you are at it. There’s also a beach and designated swimming area on Terrace Drive for visitors, picnicking pavilions there and other spots in the park, and plenty of fishing spots throughout its lakes. You can also catch fireworks by the beach at the annual Fourth of July celebration known as Fire on the Water.

MOUNTAIN BIKING & MORE

In addition to the park’s hiking, there’s 30 miles (and growing) of terrain with just about every condition imaginable for mountain bikers to explore— plus a BMX track too.

NOTABLE HIKES

WATCHTOWER AT FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN TRAIL

One of the newer hikes in Shelby County, catch the breathtaking views of Watchtower located at Double Oak Park at the end of the park’s Fire on the Mountain hike. Just minutes off Highway 280 on Highway 43, residents of North Shelby, Chelsea and Sterrett have easy access to this new hiking and biking trail with a stellar view that rivals the best in the Birmingham-metro area. Distance 0.72 miles. Access from 3870 Bear Creek Rd., Sterrett, AL 35147

DUNNAVANT VALLEY GREENWAY

Although technically a greenway, you’ll quickly feel miles away from Highway 280 as you traverse along Yellow Leaf Creek on this natural surface trail and cross footbridges over the creek near MT LAUREL. Distance: 1.8 miles one way. Access it from the Dunnavant Valley Fields parking lot on Highway 280 or from a parking lot on Dunnavant Valley Road (Highway 41) between Birch Creek Drive and Dunnavant Valley Park.

FIND YOUR TUNE AT DOUBLE OAK PARK

With several trails for biking and hiking named after songs, Double Oak Park, one of the newest parks in the county, offers a paired Spotify playlist for your trip.

Ballad of Easy Rider – The Byrds

Morning Dew – Grateful Dead

I Can See For Miles – The Who Truckin’ – Grateful Dead

Free Bird – Lynyrd Skynyrd Turn! Turn! Turn! – The Byrds Fire on the Mountain – Grateful Dead

Blackbird – The Beatles

Born To Be Wild – Steppenwolf

Second Hand News – Fleetwood Mac

Tapestry – Carole King

Moonlight Mile – The Rolling Stones

Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain –Willie Nelson

Dreams – Fleetwood Mac

Behind Blue Eyes – The Who Echoes – Pink Floyd Fire on the Mountain – The Marshall Tucker Band

Even Flow – Pearl Jam

All Along the Watchtower – Jimi Hendrix

PEAVINE FALLS

Find this 65-foot tall, spring-fed waterfall at the top most ridge in Oak Mountain State Park. There are several routes to the falls, but the fastest is short but steep, and well worth the trek, especially when there has been more rain locally. Distance: 1.6-mile loop. Access it from Peavine Falls Road, Pelham, AL 35214

KING’S CHAIR OVERLOOK

You’ll have to work hard to get this view out over miles of wooded ridges, but it’s well worth the climb in Oak Mountain State Park. Your reward is a rock seat named “King’s Chair” on this overlook. Note that it costs $5 per person to enter Oak Mountain State Park. Distance: 4-mile loop. Access it from the park’s North Trailhead

Falling Rock Falls

Did you know there’s a 90-foot waterfall easily accessible from Montevallo? And that you can explore a cavern behind it? It’s an easy hike to the top of the falls. Catch it after rain for the most impressive flow. Distance: 1.8 miles round trip. Access it from 1601 Landview Road, Montevallo, AL 35115

Notable Hikes

TAKE A TRAIL

Buck Creek Greenway

Connects Buck Creek Park and Warrior Park. Look for a waterfall behind the Buck Creek Mill property and an underground spring! Length: 3 miles. Alabaster

Heardmont Park Trail

Part of a 74-acre family recreational park. It’s lighted and follows Cahaba Valley Creek. Length: 1 mile. North Shelby County

Hillsboro Trail

Paved on an old railway and connects residential communities with commercial development, an elementary and middle school, and current and future parks. Length: 3+ miles. Helena

Montevallo Greenway Begins at Orr Park. Look for Shoal Creek and King Creek and beaver dams along the

way. Length: 2 miles. Montevallo

Veterans Park (Alabaster) Trail

Located within a 90acre park facility and lighted and wheelchair accessible. Length: 2 miles. Alabaster

Veterans Park (Valleydale) Trails

Easily accessible from Spain Park High School, Jefferson State Community College and large residential developments, with both soft gravel mixture and hard surfaces. Length: 3.1 miles

North Shelby County

Beeswax Creek Park Trail

This park, bordered by Beeswax Creek and Lay Lake, has a multi-use trail for hiking, running, and mountain biking. Length: 2.8 miles. Columbiana

GOLF COURSES

Ballantrae Golf Club

1300 Ballantrae Club Drive

Pelham

Semi-private

7,310 yardage

Oak Mountain State Park Golf Course

877 John Findley Drive

Pelham Public

6,842 yardage

Timberline Golf Club

300 Timberline Trail Calera Semi-private

6,745 yardage

Inverness Country Club

1 Country Club Drive

6,672 yardage

Greystone Golf and Country Club - Founders

4100 Greystone Drive

Hoover Private

7,299 yardage

Greystone Golf and Country Club - Legacy

4100 Greystone Drive

Hoover Private 6,806 yardage

Riverchase Country Club 2000 Club Road Hoover Private 6,842 yardage

Shoal Creek Golf and Country Club

100 New Williamsburg Drive Birmingham Private 7,400 yardage

The Meadows Golf Course 1 Plantation Drive

6,823 yardage

Ballantrae

Greystone

PARKS & RECREATION

ALABASTER

205-664-6840

Cityofalabaster.com

Abby Wooley Park

Amenities include a playground, basketball court, swings, picnic table, restrooms and quarter-mile walking track.

720 Park Road

Alabaster, AL 35007

Alabaster Municipal Park

Amenities include four lighted tennis courts, two beach volleyball courts, 12 soccer fields, a lighted practice field, two pavilions, grills, picnic tables, a playground, restrooms and a snack bar for soccer games.

500 Warrior Drive Alabaster, AL 35007

Buck Creek Park

Amenities include three softball fields, a football field with press box, eight picnic tables, a quarter-mile walking track with exercise stations and linear park, a concession stand with attached pavilion with six picnic tables, a gazebo, restrooms, a drinking fountain and two parking lots.

701 6th Ave. SW Alabaster, AL 35007

Heroes Park

The park features a walking track, a playground and picnic tables. 1950 Butler Road Alabaster, AL 35007

Limestone Park

This park features a training facility, shooting range for police and fire, airstrip, pavilion, walking trails, nature area, picnic area and birding observation deck.

2400 Hwy 31 South Alabaster, AL

Patriots Park

A new park will open soon off Industrial Road. Known as Patriots Park, it will honor first responders and will feature a large playground, a paved walking trail, a large pavilion and other recreational activities.

600 Industrial Road Alabaster, AL 35007

Veterans Park Alabaster

One of the county’s largest parks, Veterans Park has undergone major upgrades over the past year, adding eight new pickleball courts, a new playground, and new turf fields for baseball, softball and soccer with five youth fields. There are 2 miles of lighted walking tracks with benches, a regulation size skatepark, a bluebird trail, two playground areas, restrooms, nine pavilions available for rental, several play meadows, batting cages, an arbor and more.

7305 Highway 119 Alabaster, AL 35007

Warrior Park Park features four youth baseball/softball fields with press box, batting cages, concession stand in season, picnic tables, a playground and restrooms.

100 City Park Lane Alabaster, AL 35007

CALERA

205-668-3500

Cityofcalera.org

Akridge Arboretum Park

The Akridge Arboretum Park is a 1-acre park that was established in 1993 and developed around the Historic Presbyterian Church which is now used for weddings and reunions.

1965 14th Street Calera, AL 35040

Eagle Sports Complex

This state-of-the-art park features 65 acres with football fields, baseball/softball fields, tennis courts, soccer fields, other youth fields and much more. It’s a park that continues to grow with new additions as well.

3176 County Road 20 Calera, AL 35040

George W. Roy Recreational Park

Amenities include four picnic pavilions, a half-mile walking trail, a playground and swing set, restrooms and a play meadow. 2465 2nd Ave. North Calera, AL 35040

Oliver Park

The park features four baseball fields, picnic pavilions, tennis and basketball courts, a nature trail, football and soccer practice fields and the Calera High School football stadium. 9758 Highway 25 Calera, AL 35040

Dunnavant Valley Park

PARKS & RECREATION

CHELSEA

205-678-7260

Cityofchelsea.com

Chelsea Recreational Park

This park features baseball/ softball fields, a batting cage, soccer fields, a children’s playground with swings, pavilions, a lighted paved walking track and parking. 2966 Highway 39 Chelsea, AL 35043

Melrose Park

This park has a splash pad with a wading pool, archery park, walking tracks, playground, picnic tables, amphitheater and more.

1101 Chelsea Road Chelsea, AL 35043

COLUMBIANA

205-663-4542

Cityofcolumbiana.com

Beeswax Creek Park

Beeswax Creek Park is located on Lay Lake and has many water based amenities such as two paved boat launch facilities with a pier, two floating fishing piers—one is handicap accessible, two picnic pavilions, and benches along the lake front with grills, a basketball court, a walking trail and restrooms.

245 Beeswax Park Road Columbiana, AL 35051

Bob Bolton Field

Amenities include a softball field, playground area, pavilion, baseball field, four lighted tennis courts and a recreation building. 202 Washington Street Columbiana, AL 35051

Columbiana Sports Complex

Amenities include four softball/ little league fields, a concession stand in season, covered batting cages, a soccer/football field, playground and swing sets, lighted walking trails and two pavilions.

333 McDow Road Columbiana, AL 35051

HARPERSVILLE

205-672-9961

Townofharpersville.com

J.W. Donahoo Park

The park features a lighted baseball field, tennis courts, playground, picnic areas, play meadow, pavilions and paved walking trail.

3001 Sun Valley Rd Harpersville, AL 35078

HELENA

205-621-9904

Cityofhelena.org

Cahaba Lily Park

Cahaba Lily Park offers amenities such as a children’s playground, swing set, restrooms, picnic areas, four pavilions with grills and lighted walking trails.

3200 Highway 52 West Helena, AL 35080

Cahaba River Park

Canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, an outdoor shower, a pavilion, a restroom, swimming and a walking trail are all highlights of this serene park in Helena.

2793 River Road Helena, AL 35080

Helena Sports Complex

The park includes four baseball fields and a football field.

100 Helena Sports Complex Way Helena, AL 35080

Joe Tucker Park

The park features picnic areas, lighted ball fields, lighted tennis courts, a lighted paved walking track, playgrounds, fishing, pavilions and an open-air chapel. A new disc golf course also opened at the park last year. 230 Tucker Road Helena, AL 35080

Lee Springs Park

This new park offers a playground, nature trails, a pavilion and more.

Hillsboro Neighborhood 45 Appleford Road Helena, AL 35080

Sonny Penhale Park

Penhale Park serves as the city’s sports complex the park has lighted baseball and soccer fields.

1350 Penhale Parkway Helena, AL 35080

HOOVER

205-444-7500 Hooveral.org

Veterans Park Hoover

The park features 5K and 8K cross country courses, four beach volleyball courts, two pavilions and two children’s playgrounds with swing sets. Current upgrades are bringing lighted pickleball courts and more, while an outdoor fitness center was recently added.

4800 Valleydale Road Hoover, AL 35242

MONTEVALLO

205-665-9205

Cityofmontevallo.com

Almont Park

The Almont Park property was donated to Shelby County by the Shelby County Board of Education. The park was financed and built, and is maintained by Shelby County. 255 Davis-Hawkins Street Montevallo, AL 35115

Eco Park at University Lake

Park features include an amphitheater, golf, a picnic shelter and a walking trail. The installation of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Fitness Trail at UM’s University Lake has been completed. The trail is a 10-station par course that winds through the woods next to the 16-acre lake.

University of Montevallo Station 6215

Montevallo, AL 35115

George Dailey Park

Among the park features are a tot lot, a picnic pavilion, swings and a playground.

225 Selma Road Montevallo, AL 35115

Orr Park

The park features two playgrounds, six baseball/ softball fields, a walking trail, a football field and a practice field.

277 Park Drive

Montevallo, AL 35115

Pea Ridge Community Park

The park features a walking trail, baseball field, playground and restroom facilities. 6161 Highway 10 Montevallo, AL 35115

Lee Springs

Shoal Creek Park

Donated by Elizabeth “Betty” Mahler in 2013, this former 167-acre estate used to be part of an 800-acre farm. Now, it features miles of hiking and biking trails with a pavilion, restrooms and 50-vehicle parking lot for public use. 2781 Highway 119 Montevallo, AL 35115

Stephen’s Park

Four Lighted Baseball/Softball Fields, Playground, Concession Stand, Fishing Lake, Walking/ Biking Trails, Four Batting Cages, Restrooms. Highway 10 Montevallo, AL 35115

NORTH SHELBY COUNTY

205-991-2015

Shelbycountyalabama.com

Dunnavant Valley Park

A new park along Highway 41 between Chelsea and Oak Mountain, this park is 12 acres with a 1.5-acre pond. It features two large pavilions, a unique playground, hiking trails, fishing and restrooms.

1185 Dunnavant Valley Road Birmingham, AL 35242

Heardmont Park

One of the largest parks, Heardmont Park covers 74 acres, and includes the Oak Mountain High School football stadium with rubberized track, nine baseball/softball fields, three soccer fields, playground facilities, walking trails, four lighted tennis courts, pickleball courts and a senior center located within the park. 5458 Cahaba Valley Road Birmingham, AL 35242

PARKS & RECREATION

PELHAM

205-620-6426

Pelhamonline.com

Carroll Park

Carroll Park is in Pelham’s Chandalar subdivision, and features a recreation area and a picnic area.

Highway 31 South Pelham, AL 35124

Coker Park

Coker Park features a quartermile walking track, fitness area, playground and a picnic area.

Highway 72 Pelham, AL 35124

Crestview Neighborhood Park

In Pelham, this park features a playground and picnic area.

Bearden Road Pelham, AL 35124

Fun Go Holler Park

Fun Go Holler Park features a softball field with press box, children’s playground, lighted walking trail, basketball court and restrooms.

100 Racquet Club Parkway Pelham, AL 35124

Pelham City Park

Pelham’s largest park features two playgrounds, six baseball/ softball fields, a walking trail, a football field and a practice field, three concession stands with restroom facilities, six batting cages, 11 hard-surface tennis courts and a tennis center.

U.S. 31 South Pelham, AL 35124

SHELBY

205-991-2015

Shelbycountyalabama.com

Shelby Park

Shelby Park features include a baseball/softball field, a playground with swings and two picnic pavilions.

118 School Road Shelby, AL 35143

STERRETT

205-991-2015

Shelbycountyalabama.org

Double Oak Park

One of the county’s newest parks located off Shelby County 43, Double Oak Park is approximately 750 acres and offers hiking trails, mountain bike trails, a large pavilion and restrooms.

3870 Bear Creek Road Sterrett, AL 35147

Forest Park and Recreational Area

Among the park features are basketball courts, a tot lot, three soccer fields, swings, a walking nature trail and restrooms.

100 Park Road

Sterrett, AL 35147

Sterrett Park

This park in Sterrett includes a paved walking path, a pavilion, a playground, a restroom and swings.

520 Highway 469 Sterrett, AL 35147

VANDIVER

205-991-2015

Shelbycountyalabama.com

Vandiver Park

The park is located next to the Vandiver Volunteer Fire Department and has a paved walking trail, a basketball court, a playground with swing sets, a play meadow and four picnic pavilions.

12177 Highway 43 Vandiver, AL 35176

VINCENT

205-672-2261

Townofvincent.com

Gorman Park

The park is on the Coosa River, and features a paved boat ramp, fishing piers, group pavilion, picnic areas, swing set, restrooms and walking trail. 55 Vincent Park Road Vincent, AL 35178

Vincent Municipal Park

The park features baseball fields, walking track, picnic pavilion, and concessions in season. Highway 231 and Highway 62 Vincent, AL 35178

WESTOVER

205-678-3375

Westoveralabama.org

Pelham Greenway

PARKS & RECREATION

Westover Park

Park features three youth soccer fields, playground, swings, lighted and paved walking trail, pavilions, restrooms and parking lot.

3312 Westover Road Westover, AL 35147

WILSONVILLE

205-669-6180

Wilsonvilleal.com

Helms Park

The park features baseball fields and a concession stand.

450 Nevins Street Wilsonville, AL 35186

Lay Lake

This 12,000-acre lake has 289 miles of shoreline and has played host to the Bass Masters Classic Tournament. Lay Lake is best known for its spotted bass and largemouth bass fishing. Wilsonville, AL Laylake.info

Oak Meadow Park

Oak Meadow Park features a playground with swing set, picnic areas, a play meadow, pavilions, a paved walking trail, a soccer field and restrooms.

345 Hebb Road Wilsonville, AL 35186

Yellow Leaf Park

The park has a softball field with batting cages and a concession stand that operations during the season. Restrooms are located near the concession stand. McGowan Road Wilsonville, AL 35186

TENNIS FACILITIES

Brook Highland Racquet Club 3157 Brook Highland Drive Birmingham, AL 35242

205-980-1000 Bhrclub.com

Inverness Country Club Tennis Center

1 Country Club Drive Birmingham, AL 35242

205-991-8608

Iccalabama.com/tennis

Pelham Racquet Club

The Pelham Racquet Club is a public tennis facility consisting of 20 clay courts and five hard courts, all lighted with above tournament grade lighting.

100 Racquet Club Parkway Pelham, AL 35124

205-621-3380

Pelhamracquetclub.com

The Racquet Club is open seven days a week.

Pelham Tennis Center

Tennis Center features nine hard, wheelchair-accessible courts all lighted with water coolers and player benches, club house complete with a full kitchen, fireplace and roomy sitting area and restrooms.

315 Ball Park Road

Pelham, AL 35124

205-620-6428

Pelhamracquetclub.com

Heardmont Park

Park includes four lighted tennis courts.

5458 Cahaba Valley Road Birmingham, AL 35242

205-991-2015

Shelbycountyalabama.com

Alabaster Municipal Park

Amenities include four lighted tennis courts.

500 Warrior Drive Alabaster, AL 35007

205-664-6800

Cityofalabaster.com

Bob Bolton Field

Amenities include four lighted tennis courts.

202 Washington Street Columbiana, AL 35051

205-669-5800

Cityofcolumbiana.com

J.W. Donahoo Park

Park features tennis courts. 3001 Sun Valley Road Harpersville, AL 35078

205-672-9961

Townofharpersville.com

Joe Tucker Park

Park features lighted tennis courts.

Hwy 52 East Helena, AL 35080

205-621-9904

Cityofhelena.org

Oliver Park

Park features tennis courts. Highway 25 Calera, AL 35040

205-668-3500

Cityofcalera.org

Pelham Racquet Club

The facility hosts approximately 15 tournaments a year including the USTA ProTennis Challenger featuring participants from 27 nations. In addition to tournaments; lessons, league play, ladders and socials are active year round.

100 Racquet Club Parkway Pelham, AL 35124 205-621-3380 pelhamracquetclub.com

SWIMMING POOLS

Alabaster YMCA

Alabaster YMCA features a new, six-lane wheelchairaccessible swimming pool. 117 Plaza Circle Alabaster, AL 35007 205-663-7240

Ymcabham.org/alabaster

Greystone YMCA

The Greystone branch offers recreational and lap heated pools and one baby pool. 5414 U.S. Highway 280 Birmingham, AL 35242 205-981-0144

Ymcabham.org/greystone

Pelham YMCA

Pelham branch features an indoor and outdoor pool. 2610 Pelham Parkway Pelham, AL 35124 205-664-9622

Ymcabham.org/pelham

COMMUNITY CENTERS

University of Montevallo

Student Activity Center

The Robert M. McChesney Student Activity Center (SAC) is a 90,000-square-foot recreation and athletic center. It includes facilities for weight/ cardio training, racquetball, wall ball, walking and swimming. 75 College Drive Montevallo, AL 35115 205-665-6230 Montevallo.edu/sac/

Chelsea Community Center

The Chelsea Community Center offers a basketball gym, exercise room, walking track, meeting rooms and much more. 11101 Highway 47 Chelsea, AL 35043 205-677-2052

Cityofchelsea.com/chelseacommunity-center.html

Helena Community Center

The Helena Community Center is part of the Helena sports complex and offers a basketball gym, walking track and much more.

110 Sports Complex Drive Helena, AL 35080 205-620-2877

Helenaparkandrec.org/ CommunityCenter.aspx

Pelham Recreation Center

The Pelham Recreation Center offers basketball, a walking track, a workout room, rentals, several meeting rooms, fitness classes and much more.

2020 Pelham Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 205-620-6426

Pelhamalabama.gov/542/ Recreation-Center

Food & Drink

Whether you are here or the weekend or call Shelby County home, you’ll want to discover these wineries, breweries, coffee shops, restaurants and dishes. IN THIS SECTION

DINING GUIDE

Area 41 Our philosophy is simple: serve the greater Birmingham area with fresh ingredients in a family friendly environment. Add a premium beer selection, signature brick oven pizzas, hand crafted cocktails, and a relaxing patio for an ideal dining experience!

30 Manning Pl, Birmingham, AL 35242 · 205-995-4141 https://www.facebook.com/Area41Pizza/

La Gran Riviera

Craving authentic Mexican flavors? La Gran Riviera Mexican Cocina just opened its doors in Pelham! Dive into our menu featuring handmade enchiladas, sizzling shrimp fajitas, and our exclusive Maya Bowl—a hearty mix of grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, and chorizo over rice, smothered in cheese sauce. Pair your meal with a freshsqueezed lime margarita or our signature Mezcal Mule. Join us for a fresh, flavorful experience the whole family will enjoy!

309 Huntley Parkway, Pelham · 205-358-7218 lagranrivieramayapelhamal.com

Mama Coco Cantina

Looking for great Mexican food in Calera? Mama Coco Cantina has you covered! Located in the heart of downtown, we serve up delicious tacos, sizzling fajitas, and our famous Burrito Grande. Sip on a margarita, enjoy our daily specials, and catch the fun with karaoke nights. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or making it a night out, Mama Coco Cantina is the place to be. Stop by and taste the fiesta!

8176 US-31, Calera · 205-690-8994 Follow us on Facebook!

DINING GUIDE

Special Advertising Section

Bertolone’s Bertolone’s charming family-owned Italian restaurant brings the authentic flavors of Italy to Shelby County! Our appetizers, soups, salads, and entrées are crafted from Old World Italian recipes handed down by the Bertolone family for generations. As you savor your meal, indulge in the warm ambiance and friendly atmosphere that only a locally owned eatery can offer. Complement your dining experience with a visit to our full bar and a sampling of our famous desserts! Our rich cakes, velvety tiramisu & decadent cannoli are crafted with love from cherished family recipes. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying family-size takeout from the comfort of your home, Bertolone’s provides an unforgettable taste of Italy. Tues-Sun 11am-8pm | Dine-In | Catering | GrubHub | DoorDash

209 Supercenter Drive, Calera · 205-644-8780 bertolones.com

Craft Burger At The Craft Burger, simplicity meets quality. Think fresh ingredients crafted into honest, nononsense burgers that speak for themselves. Family-run and proudly local, we’ve been serving up top-quality bites since 2017, using only the best ingredients we can get our hands on, including 100% Certified Angus Beef. Our new Highway 280 spot comes with a beautiful outdoor patio, perfect for kicking back and enjoying what we do best—crafting quality burgers, stacked sandwiches, fresh salads, and crave-worthy hot dogs. We believe we have the best burger on 280. Come on in and decide for yourself!

5479 US Hwy 280 Birmingham, AL 35242 · 205-538-5256 https://www.thecraftburger.com/

SoCal Smoothie Company

SoCal Smoothie Company is a vibrant, health-focused business serving delicious energy drinks, smoothies, and açai bowls made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Inspired by the Southern California lifestyle, we prioritize nutrition and flavor. Whether you’re craving a refreshing Calinetic energy drink, a protein-packed smoothie, or a nutrient-rich Cali bowl, we’ve got you covered. Our mission is to fuel your active lifestyle with wholesome, energizing options that taste amazing. Come experience the best of SoCal in every sip and bite! Visit them at 16688 Highway 280, Chelsea. Website: socalsmoothieco.com Phone: 205-718-1821

Leaders’ Corner

Located in historic downtown Columbiana, Leaders’ Corner is a small town coffee shop that’s big on inspiration, fellowship, and delicious coffee and eats. Our name reflects our mission statement: “We care for people, investing our lives into theirs for a return that pleases God”. Stop in and see us for a quick breakfast or lunch or stay for hours sipping coffee in our cozy cafe. Visit them at 100 South Main Street, Columbiana. Website: leaderscorner.coffee Phone: 205-620-1700

Creekside BBQ A new barbecue restaurant just off Interstate 65 and Highway 119, Creekside has become a popular spot for lunch and dinner. Of course, the barbecue items, which include pork, chicken, ribs, pork belly and more, are great choices, but don’t sleep on smash burger and some of the other options. Visit them at 1020 Oak Mountain Park Road or learn more at Creekside-bbq.com. Phone: 205-358-7103

Scooter’s coffee

Scooter’s Coffee is your go-to destination for handcrafted, specialty coffee made with passion and precision. From rich espresso drinks to refreshing iced beverages, every cup is brewed fresh with high-quality beans. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, fast drivethru service, and a menu that includes delicious pastries and smoothies. Whether you’re on the go or relaxing, Scooter’s Coffee delivers the perfect blend of convenience, quality, and flavor in every sip. Taste the difference today! Visit them at 200 Atchison Parkway, Chelsea. Website: scooterscoffee.com Phone: 877-719-1288

Chula’s Bakery

Chula’s Bakery, located on Main Street in Columbiana, is your go-to spot for freshly baked goodness. Known for its flavorful sourdough and a variety of artisan breads, Chula’s also offers readyto-take cake slices, cupcakes, muffins, cookies, and seasonal specialties. Need something custom? Special order cakes and pies are made to impress. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or the perfect loaf, Chula’s Bakery brings homemade quality and warmth to every bite. Visit them at 104 South Main St, Columbiana. Website: chulasbakery.com Phone: 205-901-9046

4th

& Inches

Small town community feel with superb customer service is the vision that the Fennells and the Powers had when they purchased 4th & Inches in Chelsea. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you come in to enjoy your favorite loaded teas, beauty/specialty drinks, or protein shakes. They also carry local vendor items such as: BBQ rubs, elderberry syrup, Chelsea honey, and more. Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-5:00pm & Saturday 8:00am-3:00pm. Ask about free delivery. Visit them at 48 Chesser-Crane Road, Chelsea. Email: 4thinchelsea@gmail.com Phone: 205-677-2060

First Fridays

1st Friday of each month 6PM-10PM

April - Crawfish Boil • May - Calera’s Got Talent

June - Backyard Bash • July - Fireworks • August - Back to School

Other 2025 Events:

April 23, May 14 & June 18 - Touch a Truck

May 3 - Cinco Celebration

September 20 - Coffee ’n’ Cars Cruise-In

October 8 - National Night Out

October 18 - Calera Nerd Fest

October 30 - Trunk or Treat

November 22 - Tree Lighting

Nov. 22 - Dec. 30 Festival of Trees

November 29 - Shop Small Saturday

December 6 - Christmas Parade

December 31 - New Year’s Eve Bash

IVY LEAGUE BREW

The first official meadery, or honey winery, in Shelby County has been opened by Matthew Pollard and is located in ALABASTER. The meadery, which is located at 633 11th Avenue SW, was opened by Pollard in early 2023 and offers a variety of unique mead flavors. There are hopes to add a cigar lounge and other features as well. Ivyleaguebrew.com

A husband and wife started their own brewery in ALABASTER to reflect the town that they call home. Their vision is to promote the sheer fun of artisan craft brewing with a local flair. Their rotating taps feature names like Lady Grace Wheat, Boxcar Blonde, Quarry IPA, Buck Creek Stout, Cock-on-a-Rock ESB and Warrior Red. siluriabrewing.com

OVERSOUL BREWING

Brothers Jason and Scott Pruitt opened this HELENA brewery in 2019 with four core beers on tap: the flagship Buck Creek Brown Ale, a House IPA, a Pale Ale and the $2 Pistol Porter named in memory of one of the Pruitts’ good friends, Chris Porter. It is located in a historic building directly across from the Helena Caboose. facebook.com/ OversoulBrewing/

CAT-N-BIRD WINERY

Matt and Robyn Lyons opened their boutique winery in 2017 in the basement of their farm home in CHELSEA. They import grapes and juice from around the world to make their wine, which they bottle, cork and label by hand as a family-run business. This allows them to have a selection of international wines like Italian Amarone and Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. cat-n-bird.com

BREWERIES & WINERIES

MORGAN CREEK VINEYARDS

The Brammer family founded Morgan Creek Vineyards in the early 2000s in HARPERSVILLE. It specializes in muscadine and fruit wines—semi-sweet to sweetish wines. Each year they host an annual Grape Stomp with live music, barbecue and a Lucy-Look-a-Like Contest, as well as regular tasting room events. morgancreekwinery.com

OZAN VINEYARD AND CELLARS

The Patrick family began planting grape vines in 2001 and converted part of their 24-acre country estate in CALERA into a working vineyard with a winery and tasting room. Today, more than 2,000 vines are planted at Ozan. The winery has received awards for its Chardonnay, peach, magenta, Founders Cut and Norton wines. ozanwine.com

CORBIN FARMS WINERY

Vizzini Farms Winery was founded in CALERA in 2005 by the Vizzini family. In 2017, the Vizzinis partnered with the Corbin family to pass their torch in winemaking on this 5-acre property. They offer blackberry, strawberry and blueberry wines as well as Merlot, cabarnet sauvignon, pinot noir, reisling, and Chardonnay. corbinfarmswinery.com

Education

Top-ranking schools for every level fill the county. Here’s our guide to public, private and higher education.

School Systems

ALABASTER CITY SCHOOLS

Established in 2013, this school system aims to become a partner with families in preparing future graduates. ALABASTER City Schools is led by Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers and includes two elementary schools, an intermediate school, a middle school and a high school. That list now includes the system’s first Blue Ribbon School in Creek View Elementary School. This tight-knit community encourages students through a long list of educational and extracurricular activities beyond the classroom, as well as programs to support families such as after-school meals. acsboe.org

PELHAM CITY SCHOOLS

Teachers, staff and board members of PELHAM City Schools work together to build up students and families in this newly-formed district. The mission of Pelham City Schools is to “collaborate with parents and community to inspire and empower students to achieve personal success.” A new elementary school opened in 2016, and a new middle school opened in 2017. Superintendent Dr. Chuck Ledbetter leads Pelham City Schools. pelhamcityschools.org

SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS

Teachers and support personnel broaden the minds of more than 20,000 students within the SHELBY COUNTY Schools system each day. A total of 31 schools make up this district, for which the mission is “to make every student a graduate and every graduate prepared.” System-wide staff aim to offer advanced courses, career technical programs and extracurricular activities. Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks leads Shelby County Schools. shelbyed.k12.al.us

School Systems

HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS

With almost 20 schools, HOOVER City Schools has been named one of the Best School Districts in Alabama and one of the Best Places to Teach in Alabama. The school system as a whole is ranked as the fifth best system in the state, while Greystone Elementary, Berry Middle and Spain Park High schools in Shelby County are all ranked inside the top 10. Dr. Kevin Maddox took over as HCS superintendent in 2023. hoovercityschools.net

School List

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Briarwood Christian School Birmingham briarwoodchristianschool.org, K4-6th Grade: 205-776-5800, 7th-12th Grade: 205-776-5900

Coosa Valley Academy Harpersville coosavalleyacademy.org, 205-672-7326

Cornerstone Christian School Columbiana cornerstonechargers.com, 205-669-7777

Evangel Classical School Alabaster evangelclassical.com, 205-216-0149

The Hillsboro School Helena thehillsboroschool.org, 205-864-7330

Hilltop Montessori Mt Laurel hilltopmontessori.com, 205-437-9343

Hope Christian School Pelham register.hopechristian.net, 205-664-2232

Indian Springs School Indian Springs indiansprings.org, 205-988-3350

Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy Birmingham jbma.education, 205-995-8709

Westminster at Oak Mountain Birmingham westminsterknights.org, 205-995-9694

HIGHER EDUCATION

University of Montevallo Montevallo montevallo.edu, 205-665-6000

Jefferson State Community College North Shelby County jeffersonstate.edu, 205-983-5911

ALABASTER AREA SCHOOLS

Creek View Elementary 205-685-6100

Meadow View Elementary 205-685-4300

Thompson High 205-685-6700

Thompson Intermediate 205-685-6200

Thompson Middle 205-685-8100

Thompson Sixth Grade Center 205-685-9600

CALERA AREA SCHOOLS

Calera Elementary 205-682-6120

Calera Intermediate 205-682-6500

Calera Middle 205-682-6140

Calera High 205-682-6100

CHELSEA AREA SCHOOLS

Chelsea High 205-682-7200

Chelsea Middle 205-682-7210

Chelsea Park Elementary 205-682-6700

Forest Oaks Elementary 205-682-7220

COLUMBIANA/SOUTH SHELBY AREA SCHOOLS

Career Technical Education Center 205-682-6650

Columbiana Middle 205-682-6610

Elvin Hill Elementary 205-682-6620

Shelby County High

205-682-6600

Shelby Elementary 205-682-6630

Wilsonville Elementary 205-682-6640

HELENA AREA SCHOOLS

Helena Elementary 205-682-5540

Helena High School 205-682-3650

Helena Intermediate 205-682-5520

Helena Middle 205-682-5300

HOOVER AREA SCHOOLS

Berry Middle 205-439-2000

Greystone Elementary 205-439-3200

Riverchase Elementary 205-439-3400

Spain Park High School 205-439-1400

School List

MONTEVALLO AREA SCHOOLS

Montevallo Elementary 205-682-6420

Montevallo High 205-682-6400

Montevallo Middle 205-682-6410

OAK MOUNTAIN AREA SCHOOLS

Inverness Elementary 205-682-5240

Mt Laurel Elementary 205-682-7230

Oak Mountain Elementary 205-682-5230

Oak Mountain High 205-682-5200

Oak Mountain Intermediate 205-682-5220

Oak Mountain Middle 205-682-5210

PELHAM AREA SCHOOLS

Linda Nolen Learning Center 205-682-5800

Pelham High 205-624-3701

Pelham Park Middle School 205-624-3702

Pelham Ridge Elementary 205-624-3704

Pelham Oaks Elementary 205-624-3703

VINCENT/HARPERSVILLE AREA SCHOOLS

Vincent Elementary 205-682-7320

Vincent Middle/High 205-682-7300

Events

Festivals, art shows, fairs, farmers markets and more take place every season. Here’s your guide to spring, summer, fall and winter happenings.

ANNUAL EVENTS

SPRING

American Village Festival of Tulips

The American Village Festival of Tulips allows visitors to stroll through more than 70,000 blooming tulips with replicas of some of America’s most historic places as a backdrop. As the only you-pick tulip field in the region, visitors can take home armfuls of beautiful blooms. The event is typically open through mid-April, depending on bloom time. americanvillage.org

Mt Laurel Spring Festival

The Mt Laurel Spring Festival offers everyone the opportunity to shop Mt Laurel’s largest-ever street fair, savor dishes from the best local food trucks, listen to live music on the Bryson Square Stage and enjoy a day strolling the idyllic streets of one of Birmingham’s best neighborhoods. mtlaurel.com

Palooza in the Park

The city of Pelham invites the public to join in a celebration of the city each May. Festivities include arts and crafts, kids’ activities, live entertainment and various vendors. pelhampalooza.live

Oak Mountain State Fair

The annual Oak Mountain Spring State Fair features attractions, rides, games, live music and food. Open hours, ticket prices and more information is available at Oakmountainstatefair.com. It’s held each spring and fall at at 100 Amphitheater Road in Pelham. oakmountainstatefair. com

Taste of Pelham

Guests can taste their way around Pelham without leaving the Pelham Civic Complex with a selection of dishes from local restaurants and caterers each year. The event, presented by the Pelham Library Guild, is typically held in April and is raising funds to build a new library. pelhamlibraryguild.com

Taste of Helena

Coming off their inaugural event in March 2024, the Taste of Helena is set to become an annual event. The event features local food from the community, as residents delight their taste buds with the local flavors. Cityofhelena. org/taste-of-helena

Xterra Triathlons & Trail Runs

Each May, competitors come to Oak Mountain State Park for off-road triathlons and trail runs through Xterra. The main event combines a 1.5-kilometer swim, 3-kilometer mountain bike and 9.5-kilometer trail run, with spots for the XTERRA World Championship up for grabs. A shorter distance sprint race is a 750-meter swim, 17.1-kilometer mountain bike ride and a 4.5- kilometer trail run, and an even shorter distance Xticer race mixes a fun 200-meter swim with a 9.5-kilometer mountain bike and 2-kilometer trail run. Runners can also compete in 5-, 10.3- and 20.6-kilometer trail runs. xterraplanet.com/ oakmountain

University of Montevallo College Night

Tinglewood Festival

Montevallo Arts Festival

Artists from Alabama and around the Southeast fill along the wooded banks of Shoal Creek Park for this daylong festival in April, while musical groups perform on the Main Street Montevallo Music Stage. Food and refreshment vendors are always on site for this free family event too. montevalloarts.com

Calera First Friday

Calera Main Street kicks off its First Friday series in the spring and takes place each first friday of the month going into the fall. Each event features a different theme with vendors, food and much more sharing the spotlight. downtowncalera. org/events

ANNUAL EVENTS

Calera Strawberry Festival

With Alabama strawberry season comes a reason to celebrate with live music, a kids zone, car shoe and a variety of food, arts and crafts and other vendors at Oliver Park. The event is typically held in April. caleraparkandrec.com

Regions Tradition

Early May brings senior PGA golfers to Greystone Golf and Country Club for this annual tournament, which kicks off with a celebrity pro-am round on Wednesday followed by championship play Thursday to Sunday. Recent tournament champions have been Steve Stricker, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Bernhard Langer. regionstradition.com

Shelby County Senior Picnic

The county hosts senior citizens ages 55 and older from across the area each May at the Shelby County Exhibition Center in Columbiana for a morning and lunch of food, fellowship and live music—plus door prizes and giveaways too. Those interested in attending are asked to register in advance. shelbyal.com

Alabama Bass Trail

The Alabama Bass Trail features 13 of Alabama’s premiere bass-fishing lakes and stretches from the mountains of North Alabama south to the Mobile Delta. A tournament is held at Lay Lake for largemouth and spotted bass, usually in May, with the launch and weighin taking place at Beeswax Landing. alabamabasstrail.org

ANNUAL EVENTS

Helena Old Town Live

Now one of the biggest continuous events in the county, Helena’s Old Town Live kicks off in April each year and goes through the summer and into the fall. Featuring vendors and bigger musical acts each year, the event is one that many flock to from the county and beyond. Cityofhelena.org

SUMMER

Alabaster CityFest

Alabaster CityFest is a free family festival featuring a day of live outdoor concerts, kids’ activities and vendors offering arts and crafts, merchandise, food and fun. Parking, shuttles, admission to the music festival and entrance to the KidsFest area are free. It is typically held in early June. alabastercityfest.com

Celebrate America!

Celebrate America! is the American Village’s summer program that features red, white and blue all-American fun as visitors step back in time and become part of the great American journey for independence and selfgovernment. The American Village is located in Montevallo. americanvillage.org

Chelsea Fest and The Big Kaboom

Celebrate America’s Independence at food, music, vendors and fireworks at Chelsea Fest and The Big Kaboom. The celebration, which features free fireworks and entertainment, is typically held a few days before the Fourth of July. cityofchelsea.com

Fire on the Water

The annual Fourth of July celebration in Pelham takes place each year at Oak Mountain State Park as fireworks illuminate the night sky over the lake. The fireworks show caps off a day full of festivities surrounding the lake area at the park, as families gather for food, summer fun, music and more.

Helena Independence Day Celebration

The city of Helena puts on a full day of fun each year to celebrate the Fourth of July. The city’s annual Independence Day Celebration is held each year on the banks of Buck Creek near the waterfall. Live music, food and more are available during the day before the night sky is illuminated with a fireworks show.

Liberty Day

The Liberty Day Celebration is held the last Saturday of June in downtown Columbiana. Events will include arts, crafts, food, children’s carnival and activities, Classic Cars CruiseIn, museum tours, military displays, live music both Friday night and all day Saturday, Hall of Memories, Miss Shelby County signing autographs, walking tours, patriotic parade, fireworks display, and more. cityofcolumbiana.com

Vincent in the Park

Vincent Municipal Park is filled with everything from a fireworks display to kids’ activities to a cruise-in car show in July during this annual outdoor event. Admission is free for the day of fun, which also features arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, musical acts and carnival rides. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair with them. townofvincent.com

FALL

Alabaster Fall Fest

An annual event in the city of Alabaster, Fall Fest will turn 15 in 2023. Held at Buck Creek Trail from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., the event not only celebrates fall but brings together the city for Halloween fun. The event features vendors for food and arts and crafts, carnival rides, trick or treating, live music, hay rides, inflatables, a pumpkin hunt and pumpkin painting and much more.

Taste of Shelby County

Vendors from across Shelby County offer a “taste” of their specialty dishes from their menus at this Greater Shelby County Education Foundation and The Partnership of Shelby County event, typically held in September. Proceeds benefit the Greater Shelby County Education Foundation. shelbyedfoundation.org

Liberty Day

ANNUAL EVENTS

Buck Creek Festival

The Buck Creek Festival is a free, family-friendly community event featuring crafts, children’s activities, food and live music. The annual festival raises for various projects in the Helena community and used to be held in May. Now, the event, which takes place at Amphitheater Park in Helena, is held during the fall for the time being. buckcreekfestival.com

Tinglewood Festival

Montevallo is often recognized for the carvings of in. Each year thousands of visitors come to Orr Park to see more than 40 tree carvings by Tim Tingle, and once a year a festival in the park fittingly celebrates wood carving and other wood working crafts. The free one-day event is typically held in September organized by the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, Montevallo Main Street and the Montevallo Arts Council. tinglewoodfestival.com

Grape Stomp

Morgan Creek Vineyard’s annual Grape Stomp is the biggest event of the year celebrating the harvest or “crush” as it’s known at wineries. Visitors get to stomp grapes with their feet in wooden barrels, take free tours, enjoy free wine tastings, plus enjoy food and other fun activities. The event is typically held in September or October. morgancreekwinery.com

Cotton Pickin’ Celebration

Old Baker Farm holds its Cotton Pickin’ Celebration in late October. Exhibitors from all over the South will bring handmade Indian arts and crafts, baskets, brooms, goats milk soap and more. Come enjoy live music, an antique tractor show and parade and pedal tractors for the kids. oldbakerfarm.com

Hay Hoover

The Hay Hoover event is an annual family-friendly celebration held in October. Formerly known as the Hoover Hayride, the event features hayrides, candy giveaways, vendors, face painting and more. The event is typically held at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road in Hoover. hooveral.org

Monster Walk

Kids can celebrate Halloween safely in downtown Columbiana as Main Street closes down to host this popular event each year. Businesses along Main Street set up booths for kids to walk the street and trickor-treat. Be sure to wear your costumes! cityofcolumbiana.com

Montevallo Artwalk

The Montevallo Artwalk, typically held the last Saturday in October, features art, food, fun and activities for all ages. During the Artwalk, Main Street businesses fill their storefronts with a variety of artworks including, but not limited to: sculpture, paintings, photography and functional art. montevalloartwalk.com

Calera Nerd Festival

An inaugural event last year, Calera Nerd Fest will continue in 2025 and beyond due to its success. The event brought together fans of anime, music, arts and culture for a fun time at the Calera Courtyard and is expected to be even bigger this year. Calera Main Street helps put the event on and brings in vendors in addition to other fun aspects. Downtowncalera.org

Discover Shelby Fest

Taking over the city of Columbiana during the fall, Discover Shelby Fest offers an eventful day of wine, music and food. Each year, vendors fill the area in front of the Shelby County Arts Council, while visitors get to enjoy the sights of fall, a variety of wines, and enjoyable live music acts on the stage. Discovershelby.com

Pumpkin Patches

Shelby County is home to some of the top pumpkin patches in the state of Alabama. Visit Old Baker Farm, Helena Hollow and Heart of Dixie Railroad to enjoy the sights and tastes of fall with festive fun for all ages. Oldbakerfarm.com, Helenahollow.com, Hodrrm.org.

WINTER

Colonial Christmas Lunch and Tour

The American Village’s Christmas Lunch and Tour consists of a concert in the Chapel, lunch in the East Room at the White House with entertainment by a patriot of the past. americanvillage.org

Columbiana Tour of Homes

Each year the Columbiana Beautification Board invites you to take a tour of homes in December. All proceeds are used for Beautification Board projects for the city of Columbiana. cityofcolumbiana.com

Christmas Tree Farm

Old Baker Farm in Harpersville hosts a Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Farm seven days a week from 9 a.m. to dark from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. Visitors can enjoy complimentary hot apple cider, candy canes and hayride through the Christmas trees before they pick out their tree. oldbakerfarm.com

Juried Art Show

The exhibit for the Shelby County Arts Council’s annual Juried Art Show is typically held in January. A winner is announced and submitted pieces are exhibited at the show, which is held at the Shelby County Arts Center in Columbiana. shelbycountyartscouncil.com

Cowboy Day

This day, which is usually held in mid-February in Columbiana, features a parade with non-motorized vehicles such as wagons, horses, mules, donkey’s and more. It also includes cowboy demonstrations, herding, blacksmith, roping and various other activities. Admission is free. cityofcolumbiana.com

Cattlemen’s Rodeo

The Shelby County Cattlemen’s Rodeo is held each February at the Shelby County Expo Center at 1 Argo Road in Columbiana. The rodeo has been held since 1989 and usually includes a live rodeo, chuck wagon races, bull riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling and bareback riding. 669-6921 or 669-7806

College Night

The University of Montevallo’s homecoming culminates in College Night, an evening of musical shows written, produced and acted by students. Homecoming is held in February. Make sure to pick a side – purple or gold –before you go. montevallo.edu

Buck Creek Festival

Chelsea Farmers Market

In Front of Chelsea City Hall

Open Late May-Early August Thursdays, 3-7 p.m.

Columbiana Farmers Market – Music on Main 113 West College Street, Courthouse Overflow Parking Lot Summer market open April-October Each Friday night during the summer

Helena Market Days

Helena Amphitheater, 4151 Helena Road

Open June-August

Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon facebook.com/The.Helena. Market.Days/

Market Place at Lee Branch 611 Doug Baker Boulevard Open May-September Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon themarketplaceatleebranch. com

Montevallo Farmers’ Market

660 Main Street Open June-August

Mondays, 3-6 p.m. montevallocc.com/ wp/?page_id=596

Mt Laurel Farmers Market

Manning Place Open June-October Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon mtlaurel.com

Valleydale Farmers Market 4601 Valleydale Road

Open Memorial Day to Labor Day

Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon valleydalefarmersmarket.com

Farmers Markets

City Guide

Find everything you know about what the county’s cities and towns have to offer, plus wher to find

City Profiles

ALABASTER

INCORPORATED 1953

POPULATION: 34,107

Starting in the 1920s Alabaster was a site of employee housing for Alabaster Line Company, and its name came from the business and from the mineral that is often found with limestone. Today the city’s population has sky rocketed to become the largest in Shelby County. It is home to three elementary schools as well as Thompson Middle School and Thompson High School. Alabaster’s “Medical Mile” hosts more than 1,000 medical professionals, and a new 350,000-square-foot retail and mixuse space, District 31, is now on the near horizon. Each June Alabaster hosts CityFest, which features live music and more, and its annual Christmas parade is also popular. cityofalabaster.com

CALERA

INCORPORATED 1887

POPULATION: 18,189

Incorporated in 1887, Calera has a friendly, small-town atmosphere and draws its name from named the Spanish word for “quarry” for all of the limestone deposits located in the area. The city is home to the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum and Timberline Golf club. You can explore two wineries, Ozan Winery and Corbin Farms Winery there. Each year the city hosts Calera Goes Pink, Movies in the Park, Strawberry Festival, Christmas Village and the Christmas parade, while Calera First Friday takes over Main Street during the warm months with themes, vendors and food making for an entertaining time. You can also get out and explore George W. Roy Park, Oliver Park and Eagle Sports Complex. cityofcalera.org

CHELSEA

INCORPORATED 1996

POPULATION: 16,771

The Chelsea area was originally settled in the mid-1800s and was known as Melrose. When new railroads came through in 1908, the area was named Chelsea as formal stores, a grist mill and more were opened. When the city was incorporated in 1996 it only had a population of 906, but the area has grown expontentially since then. Today the city has three elementary schools as well as Chelsea Middle School and Chelsea High School. Its Chelsea Community Center offers everything from karate and ballroom dancing classes to a pickleball league. Each year the city hosts Chelsea Fest and The Big Kaboom on the Fourth of July, and the festivities include fireworks and entertainment for all. cityofchelsea.com

COLUMBIANA

INCORPORATED 1837

POPULATION: 5,004

Columbiana serves as county seat to Shelby County with is home, and its crown jewel is its marble courthouse that was completed in 1908. Its walkable main street is populated with gift stores, antique shops, restaurants and more, and it hosts Cowboy Day, Music on Main Street, Liberty Day and Monster Walk events each year. Its latest addition is Old Mill Square Park, located on 6 acres featuring art as well as the 30,000-square-foot Shelby County Arts Council building with a black box theatre, gallery and classrooms. There are also three museums in Columbiana: The Shelby County Historical Museum, The Shelby County Iron Works Museum and Shelby Iron Works Museum. cityofcolumbiana.com

City Profiles

HARPERSVILLE

INCORPORATED 1943

POPULATION: 1,817

Harpersville has small town charm with the convenience of its location right along Highway 280, which allows its businesses to prosper and grow while keeping safe with local police department coverage. Harpersville has many churches, a local school, a public library, and more offerings. Agriculturaltourism in the town is robust in the city as well. Morgan Creek Vineyards offers a selection of wines made from locally harvested grapes and hosts events. Old Baker Farm has a Christmas tree farm and pumpkin patch seasonally and welcomes guests for other events during the year, and farm-made foods can be purchased from Stone Hollow Farms. In addition, the town’s newest corporate citizen is Bama Budweiser. townofharpersville.com

HELENA

INCORPORATED 1877

POPULATION: 22,117

Helena has a deep and rich history dating back to when the coal and iron industry began bringing new development to the area. In the last 20 years Helena has experienced rapid and steady growth. For a taste of its beauty, check out Joe Tucker Park located just behind Helena City Hall, Cahaba Lily Park located near the Cahaba River, or Buck Creek in historic Old Town. Speaking of Old Town, you can stop by its Buck Creek Waterfall and come for an event at its otudoor ampitheatre, and any time you check out a selection of restaurants and shops in the quaint, historic part of town too. Nearby you can visit the pumpkin patch and other seasonal events at Helena Hollow. cityofhelena.org

City Profiles

HOOVER

INCORPORATED 1967

POPULATION: 92,448

In 1968, Hoover’s population was estimated at 410, and today it has grown to the sixth largest city in the state.The city was natmed after William Henry Hoover Sr., an insurance agent who purchased 160 acres off Tyler Road on Shades Mountain in 1944 before building a cabin and later a house on the property. Today the city is home to the Riverchase Galleria, one of the largest shopping areas in the Southeast. The 10,800-seat Hoover Metropolitan Stadium hosts a variety of sporting events throughout the year. Aldridge Gardens offers 30 acres of nature and art to enjoy, and Moss Rock Preserve is 350-acre nature preserve that features rock outcroppings, streams, waterfalls and more. The city is also home to Ross Bridge Golf Resort and The Library Theatre, as well as a plethora of parks, golf courses, shops and restaurants. hooveral.org

MONTEVALLO

INCORPORATED 1817

POPULATION: 7,708

Historic Montevallo is the proud home of the University of Montevallo, American Village and the National Cemetery. A recent streetscape renovation project developed a fully accessible Main Street district with a uniquely historic look and two distinctive pocket parks, and as a result, new businesses abound. Just one block off Main Street, the University of Montevallo has a new Center for the Arts that hosts a myriad of special events. The new Shoal Creek Park is part of the 167acre Mahler estate.

Montevallo’s annual events include the spring Arts Fest in Orr Park, Friday Nights at the Cove, Artwalks, Tinglewood Festival, American Village events, holiday parades, College Night and other arts, athletic and culture events at the University of Montevallo. cityofmontevallo.com

City Profiles

MT LAUREL

INCORPORATED 1953

With its tree-lined streets, broad sidewalks, and plentiful green spaces, Mt Laurel is a sustainable neighborhood that offers residents a relaxed pace of life. It has an abundance of trees and is nestled within nature, not imposed upon it, and it is home to walking trails, parks and other public spaces. Its town streets are lined with boutiques, restaurants, a hardware store, a fitness center, medical practices and more, and an annual spring and fall take place there as well. The town is home to Mt Laurel Elementary School, and its residents are zoned for Oak Mountain Middle and High schools. Just a short drive down Highway 41, you’ll find the scenic Dunnavant Valley Greenway too. mtlaurel.com

PELHAM

INCORPORATED 1964

POPULATION: 25,121

Pelham is home to more than 5,500 businesses, a two-to-one advantage over its nearest competitor in the county. This includes a variety of locally owned shops and restaurants. Pelham children are served by Pelham City Schools via two K-5 schools, Pelham Ridge and Pelham Oaks Elementary, as well as Pelham Park Middle and Pelham High. It is also home to Oak Mountain State Park, the largest state park in Alabama. The city provides recreation through the municipally-owned Ballantrae Golf Club, Pelham Racquet Club, the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena, Pelham Recreation Center, community parks, campground, outdoor basketball and sand volleyball courts. pelhamalabama.gov

City Profiles

VINCENT

INCORPORATED 1897

POPULATION: 2,162

What began as land granted to the Kidd family in the 1800s became the Town of Vincent, Alabama. Three things lead to the incorporation of the town: a school in 1854 and a post office and railroad by 1887. The town is progressive while retaining an “old town” feel. Vincent is home to Vincent Elementary School and Vincent Middle High School. Vincent Municipal Park features baseball fields, a walking track, a picnic pavilion and a concession stand in season, while Gorman Park offers a paved boat ramp, fishing piers, a group pavilion, picnic areas and a swing set on the Coosa River. The Lallouise Florey McGraw Public Library is equipped with public access computers, internet and more. townofvincent.com

WESTOVER

INCORPORATED 2001

POPULATION: 1,911

Westover has been an established community for well over 100 years, even though the city was incorporated only in 2001. The incorporation of Westover was decided on by the citizens to maintain its identity and for its residents to have the opportunity to benefit from the Highway 280 corridor. The area has several new residential subdivisions, including Willow Oaks, The Villages of Westover and Carden Crest. It is also home to Westover Park, the City Library, Westover Seniors’ activities, Music in the Park, Westover Fields at the Park, the Westover community storm shelter, area storm warning sites, the Christmas parade and the Westover Business Alliance. westoveralabama.org

City Profiles

WILTON

INCORPORATED 1918 2017 POPULATION: 593

Once a prominent railroad town, Wilton was and is nestled in the southwest corner of Shelby County on Highway 25. The town was orignally known as Woodsborough by the settlers who came there from the Carolinas, and it was later named as Woods, then Junction, then Birmingham Junction, and then Bismarck (after the first chancellor of Imperial Germany) as trains hauled away coal that was mined nearby. Finally in 1918 it was incorporated as Wilton. Its post office has been standing since it was built in 1892 and historically served for both mail service and informal communication center. wiltonalabama.net

WILSONVILLE

INCORPORATED 1897

POPULATION: 2,246

Wilsonville is a small, family-focused town located in the heart of Shelby County. Its parks boast a baseball field complex and a softball field, and its library is complete with a summer reading program and computers for public use. For recreation you’ll find Lay Lake, horse farms and a myriad of other outdoor activities, and the town has six active churches. You’ll find hometown businesses in the town for typical needs, and bigger stores just a short drive away in three different directions. Whatever type property you might want, acreage, waterfront, wooded, pasture, commercial or office, “small town downtown,” large or small, Wilsonville probably has it. wilsonvilleal.com

INDIAN SPRINGS VILLAGE

INCORPORATED 1990 POPULATION: 2,597

Indian Springs was incorporated October 16, 1990 with 380 households and 1,115 residents, and today is home to 868 housholds and 2,590residents. The town council met at Indian Springs School for first five years after incorporation and had its first town council meeting in present building December 19, 1995 and the first social activity at the pavilion October 15, 1996. Within city limists you’ll find three churches and seven private and public schools. Its garden club was established in 2000. indianspringsvillage.org

VESTAVIA HILLS

INCORPORATED 1950

POPULATION: 38,020

Vestavia Hills is a suburban community with four sections: Vestavia, Cahaba Heights, Liberty Park and Patchwork Farms. The city has its own public school system with one high school, two middle schools and five elementary schools. In years past, “Home of the Dogwood Trail” was the city slogan, and the dogwood is still the city flower. In 2014, City leadership espoused the new “A Life Above” motto to describe the quality of life and values of the community. The new official logo includes a flag that bears the inscription “Unity, Prosperity, Family.” vhal.org

LEEDS

INCORPORATED 1887

POPULATION: 12,416

Leeds is a tri-county municipality, straddling the borders of Jefferson, Shelby and St Clair counties. It’s convenient to I-20 and I-59, as well as the Birmingham International Airport, but maintains enough distance to be isolated from the traffic and the issues that tend to come along with living in “the city.” It was one of only 17 cities in the state to be named an Alabama Community of Excellence and also was recently named third in the state for future wealth growth by the Birmingham Business Journal and came in fifth on movein.org for places young professionals want to live. leedsalabama.org

City Profiles

BIRMINGHAM

INCORPORATED 1871 POPULATION: 196,644

Nestled at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at the cross-section of two major railroads, the city was once the primary industrial center of the southern United States. At the height of the nation’s manufacturing age, the city grew so fast in population, it was called the “Magic City.” Today, Birmingham has transformed itself into a medical research, banking and servicebased economy, with a vibrant downtown, a burgeoning loft community, a world-class culinary scene and more green space per capita than any other city in the nation. Birmingham also boasts 99 historic neighborhoods and is often referred to as the cradle of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Accommodations

THE CABINS OF LAY LAKE AT BEESWAX

You can rent one of five cabins located just under 1 mile from Lay Lake’s Beeswax Creek Ramp for a quiet getaway. Each cabin has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a full kitchen, living room space and a covered parking area. Learn more or book one at cabinsoflaylake.com.

ALABAMA 4-H CENTER

The 4-H Center, located just outside the heart of Columbiana, is situated on Lay Lake and features a hidden gem for a Shelby County getaway. With 51 hotel rooms, 30 dorm rooms and five cottages, the center is available for retreats or just a casual weekend away. Learn more at alabama4hcenter.org.

BUCK CREEK BED AND BREAKFAST

A new state-of-the-art lodging facility, Buck Creek Bed and Breakfast is situated along Buck Creek and sits atop the famous Davidson Dam in the city of Helena. In Old Town Helena, it not only offers one of the best views from a room in the county but gives great access to one of the most enjoyable downtown areas in the county.

ALABASTER

Candlewood Suites

1004 Balmoral Drive, Alabaster, AL 35007. Ichotelsgroup.com/ candlewood. (205) 620-0188. 88 guestrooms. Extended stay.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites

1000 Balmoral Drive, Alabaster, AL, 35007. Ihg.com (205) 6246488. 70 guestrooms.

Shelby Motor Lodge

1560 1st St. N., Alabaster, AL 35007. Shelbymotorlodge.com. (205) 663-1070. 21 guestrooms.

Alabaster has new hotels expected to launch soon as well

BIRMINGHAM

Candlewood Suites

600 Corporate Ridge Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242. Ichotelsgroup.com/candlewood. (205) 991-0272. 97 guestrooms.

Extended Stay America

101 Cahaba Park Circle, Birmingham, AL 35242. Extendedstayamerica.com. (205) 408-0107. 72 guestrooms. Extended stay.

Hampton Inn & Suites

6220 Farley Court, Birmingham, AL 35242. Hamptoninn3.hilton. com. (205) 981-0024. 106 guestrooms.

Holiday Inn Express

156 Resource Center Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35242. Hiexpress.com. (205) 776-6370. 96 guestrooms.

Homewood Suites

215 Inverness Center Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242. Homewoodsuites3.hilton.com. (205) 995-9823. 95 guestrooms. Extended stay.

Hyatt Place

4686 U.S. 280 East, Birmingham, AL 35242. Birminghaminverness.place.hyatt.com. (205) 995-9242. 126 guestrooms. Wheelchair accessible, Internet access, free wifi, swimming pool, fitness center, complimentary breakfast.

Quality Inn & Suites

707 Key Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242. Choicehotels.com. (205) 991-1055. 63 guestrooms. Wheelchair accessible, Internet access, free wifi, swimming pool, fitness center, complimentary breakfast.

Sonesta ES Suites Birmingham

3 Greenhill Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35242. Marriott.com. (205) 991-8686. 128 guestrooms. Wheelchair accessible, Internet access, free wifi, swimming pool, fitness center, complimentary breakfast.

Best Western Plus

800 Corporate Ridge Road, Birmingham, AL 35242. Wingatehotels.com. (205) 995-8586. 100 guestrooms.

CALERA

America’s Best Value Inn 11960 Alabama 25, Calera, AL 35040. Americasbestvalueinn.com. (205) 668-4800. 30 guestrooms.

Hampton Inn

93 Metro Drive, Calera, AL 35040. Hamptoninn3.hilton. com. (205) 668-6565. 91 guestrooms.

Quality Inn

357 Shelby County 304, Calera, AL 35040. Qualityinn.com. (205) 668-3641. 65 guestrooms.

Calera has three new hotels expected to open over the next two years

CHELSEA

LaQuinta Inn & Suites 44 Atchison Pkwy. Chelsea, AL 35043 (205) 677-5358. 82 guestrooms

COLUMBIANA

Alabama 4-H Center 892 4-H Road, Columbiana, AL 35051. Aces.edu/4hcenter. (205) 669-4241. 51 guestrooms. Cottages and dorm rooms also available.

Columbiana Inn

306 E. College St., Columbiana, AL 35051. Columbianainn.com.

Accommodations

(205) 669-1450. 6 guestrooms.

HARPERSVILLE

Harpersville Motel 4941 U.S. 280, Harpersville, AL 35078. (205) 672-7038.

HOOVER

Homewood Suites

121 Riverchase Pkwy. E., Hoover, AL 35244. Homewoodsuites3.hilton.com. (205) 637-2900. 113 guestrooms. Extended stay.

Intown Suites

1840 Southpark Drive, Hoover, AL 35244. Intownsuites.com. (205) 988-9444. 121 guestrooms. Extended stay.

La Quinta Inn & Suites

120 Riverchase Pkwy. E., Hoover, AL 35244. Lq.com. (205) 403-0096. 133 guestrooms.

Budgetel Birmingham East 5429 U.S. 280 E., Hoover, AL 35242. budgetel.com. (205) 991-0100. 130 guestrooms. Extended stay, two-night minimum stay.

MONTEVALLO

Fox and Pheasant Bed and Breakfast Inn 540 Shelby St., Montevallo, AL 35115. Foxandpheasantinn.com. (205) 665-3080. 4 guestrooms.

Coming soon: Montevallo’s first hotel will open soon on Main Street in downtown. Cobblestone Inn and Suites will fill the old Victory Autos & Collision Centerat 555 Main Street

PELHAM

Best Western Plus Oak Mountain Inn

100 Bishop Circle, Pelham, AL 35124. Bestwestern.com. (205) 982-1113. 60 guestrooms.

Birmingham South Campground

Good Sam Park

222 Shelby County 33, Pelham, AL 35124. Birminghamsouthcampground.com. 1(800) 7728832. 100 RV sites.

Comfort Suites Pelham

2235 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, AL 35124. Comfortsuites.com. (205) 982-1999. 75 guestrooms.

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Mariott Pelham

230 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124. Marriott.com. (205) 987-9879. 93 guestrooms.

Hampton Inn & Suites

232 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124. Hamptoninn3. hilton.com. (205) 313-9500. 85 guestrooms.

Holiday Inn Express

260 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124. Hiexpress.com. (205) 987-8888. 81 guestrooms.

Budgetel Inns and Suites

1902 U.S. 31 S., Pelham, AL 35244. budgetel.com. (205) 985-9117. 130 guestrooms, $58 and up per night.

Oak Mountain State Park

200 Terrace Drive, Pelham, AL 35124. www.alapark.com/ parks/oak-mountain-state-park. (205) 620-2520. 10 cabins. One cabin is wheelchair accessible, and guests are provided access to the lake. Other activities are available, such as golfing, boating, fishing, hiking and geocaching.

Quality Inn

110 Cahaba Valley Pkwy., Pelham, AL 35124. Qualityinn.com. (205) 444-9200. 62 guestrooms.

Ramada

113 Cahaba Valley Park E., Pelham, AL 35124. Ramada.com. (205) 987-0444. 48 guestrooms.

Sleep Inn

200 Southgate Drive, Pelham, AL 35124. Sleepinn.com. (205) 982-9800. 80 guestrooms.

Travelodge

410 Oak Mountain Circle, Pelham, AL 35124. Travelodge.com. (205) 987-2233. 64 guestrooms.

WoodSpring Suites

101 Bishop Circle, Pelham, AL 35124. Valueplace.com. (205) 444-3008. 122 guestrooms.

Medical Centers

BAPTIST HEALTH SHELBY HOSPITAL

With a recent transition to Orlando Health, Baptist Health Shelby Hospital, formerly known as Shelby Baptist, has taken major steps recently to make improvements. The acute care facility is equipped with 252 beds and more than 1,000 professionals. The emergency department is one of the most depended-upon in the state, with more 51,000 visits each year. Technology resources include a 3 Tesla MRI, a robotic surgery program and a state-of-the-art cardiology suite, making it one of the leaders in heart attack, heart failure and stroke care.

BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER FREESTANDING ER

Baptist Medical Center’s freestanding emergency department off U.S. 280 is a 12-bed, 25,000 square-foot facility fitted with the latest technology and designed to maximize efficiency of treatment. The facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has the capability to treat a wide range of conditions, from occupational injuries to infectious diseases to trauma. Twenty-four hour ambulance service, a lab and a pharmacy are located on-site as well.

ST. VINCENT’S ONE NINETEEN

GRANDVIEW MEDICAL CENTER

Grandview Medical Center, a 372-bed tertiary care hospital that opened in 2015, provides comprehensive healthcare services to patients in Birmingham and surrounding communities. Conveniently located off U.S. 280, Grandview offers diverse specialties from heart care to labor and delivery to robotic-assisted surgery. Specialty units include a Level III trauma center, certified Chest Pain Center, recognized stroke center, cardiac cath lab and neonatal, surgical and medical intensive care.

Medical services at the St. Vincent’s One Nineteen campus include outpatient surgery, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, executive health and physician specialties. A team of health care professionals includes fitness specialists, personal trainers, dietitians and pastoral care specialists with a goal to assist patients in their efforts toward independent living and better management of their heart conditions. Spa One Nineteen also offers a nature-inspired day spa with resort level amenities.

Chambers of Commerce

HOOVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The HOOVER Chamber provides networking opportunities for its members to meet other business people in the Chamber. They encourage our members to conduct business with other members. They constantly strive to promote their members to the public, Hoover-area communities, residents, visitors, other businesses and government agencies. Founded in 1978, it has grown to more than 900 members as the city’s population has grown from 410 original residents in 1967 to over 90,000 today. hooverchamber.org

MONTEVALLO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The MONTEVALLO Chamber of Commerce is a professional business organization that provides a variety of services to the businesses and citizens of Montevallo and the surrounding area. Established in 1949, the Chamber is a core business organization that supports the economic well being of its members and the community. It provides leadership to enhance business success and individual growth in the community. montevallocc.com

THE SHELBY COUNTY CHAMBER

The SHELBY COUNTY Chamber partners with community stakeholders to support stability and foster economic vitality throughout Shelby County with a vision to be a champion for the county as the premier place to live and do business. It originally formed in the 1980s as a merger of Pelham and Alabaster chambers merged and took on the name Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce in the 1990s. Most recently it merged with the South Shelby Chamber to become the Shelby County Chamber. shelbychamber.org

Sights of Shelby County

One of the most serene counties in the state of Alabama with a diverse list of activities, Shelby County lends itself to being a photogenic place to live and visit.

LAY OF THE LAND