Shelby County Visitor's Guide 2023

WHAT’S INSIDE

COUNTY HISTORY

Shelby County was established in 1818 by an act of the Alabama Territorial General Assembly from former Creek Indian territory ceded in the Treaty of Fort Jackson in August 1814.

The county is named after Isaac Shelby, a Revolutionary War hero and the first governor of Kentucky, and comprises about 808 square miles of land.

Shelby County was created as part of the Alabama Territory before Alabama became a state on Dec. 14, 1819. The first county seat was located in Shelbyville, the area currently known as Pelham. Two of the delegates who served in the Alabama Constitutional Convention in 1819 and signed the first Alabama Constitution were from Shelby County: George Phillips and Thomas A. Rogers. Rogers built a county courthouse in 1820. Six years later, a permanent county seat was established in the southern part of the county at Columbiana.

According to the 1820 Shelby County census records, the county’s population was 2,492 two years after its formation. Today, more than 206,000 people make up the county’s population, according to the 2016 U.S. Census estimate.

As one of seven counties comprising the Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area, Shelby County is bounded by Jefferson and St. Clair counties to the north, Talladega and Coosa counties to the east and Chilton and Bibb counties to the south and southwest. Two major rivers – the Coosa and the Cahaba – are located in Shelby County. About 68 percent of the population is incorporated into 17 municipalities. Shelby County boasts direct access to three major roadways, U.S. 280, Interstate 65 and U.S. 31.

Shelby County’s history predates Alabama’s statehood. Here’s how it got its start.

WELCOME

EDITORIAL DESIGN

Lizzie Bowen

Anna Grace Moore

Noah Wortham

Jamie Dawkins

Rowan Futrell

Connor Martin-Lively

Briana Sansom

MARKETING

Sydney Allen

Octavia Campbell

Evann Campbell

Kari George

Michaela Hancock

Rachel Henderson

Rhett McCreight

Tori Smith

Viridiana Romero

Anna Willis

ADMINISTRATION

Mary Jo Eskridge

Alec Etheredge

Stacey Meadows

Tim Prince

Brittany Schofield

Savana Tarwater

Visit Shelby County is published yearly by Shelby County Newspapers, 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.

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, 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.

CHAD SCROGGINS

County Manager, Shelby County

ON THE COVER

A young rider hits one of the many mountain bike trials that Shelby County is known for.

DESIGN: CONNOR MARTIN-LIVELY

PHOTO: KEITH MCCOY

44.8%

Percent of population with a bachelor’s degree or higher

93.6%

Percentage of population to graduate high school or higher

27TH

Shelby County Schools ranks as the 27th best school district in the state of Alabama

5TH Hoover City Schools ranks as the fifth best school district in the state of Alabama

12TH

Alabaster City Schools ranks as the 12th best school district in the state of Alabama

1 Indian Springs School ranks as the top private school in Alabama

14

Briarwood Christian School ranks as the 14th best private school in Alabama

13TH Pelham City Schools ranks as the 13th best school district in the state of Alabama

$82,592

Median Household Income

223,024

Total Population

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

65.5%

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

$3,607,350

Total retail sales during the most recent economic Census in 2017

5,307 Total employer establishments

1.7%

Shelby County has the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 1.7 percent

DESTINATIONS

There are tons of museums, farms and more to explore throughout the county. Here’s your guide to what you’ll find where.

IN THIS SECTION

Family Fun Outings

Theatre & Arts

Museums

Libraries

Walkable Shopping Areas

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 11 a.m. and 2 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 come back to watch 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 farmstand in Pepper Place in downtown Birmingham. stonehollowfarmstead.com

Family Fun

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, and in November and December visitors come out for the Christmas tree farm with acres of Leyland Cypress and Virginia Pine trees. oldbakerfarm.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

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

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 there 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

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 walls, 25 auto belays, more than 100 bouldering problems and a rappelling tower. highpointclimbing.com

OAK MOUNTAIN AMPHITHEATRE

Since 1986, this PELHAM stage has welcomed an eclectic mix of world-renowned recording musicians. Today it is operated by LiveNation, which brings 1215 concerts to the he 10,200seat venue usually between April and October. And there are concession offerings like Bavarian-style soft pretzels, foot-long hot dogs, pizza, chicken tenders, cheeseburgers and fries too.

theoakmountainamphitheater.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? Take your pick of 15 theatres at AMC Lee Branch 15 off Highway 280, or, over in Alabaster, check out the go-to spot for movies and popcorn on that side of the county at AmStar Cinemas’s 14 theatres. amstarcinemas.com, amctheatres.com

INDOOR PLAY CENTERS

On HIGHWAY 280, Let’s Play offers an indoor soft play center for kids ages 0-12 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 &

THEATRE & ARTS

The Shelby County Arts Council is a venue that not only hosts different art shows throughout the year, but they have also become a regular stop for many local and touring musicians and performers, including Sean of the South and Taylor Hicks. They also hold many different arts and crafts classes. Visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com for more information.

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

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 pocket park at the facility. montevallo.edu

SHELBY COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

MONTEVALLO MAIN

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 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

SHELBY 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

KARL C. HARRISON MUSEUM OF GEORGE WASHINGTON

The COLUMBIANA museum houses 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 Mt. Vernon grounds. washingtonmuseum.com

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

Albert L. Scott Library

Parnell Memorial Library

Pelham Public Library

WALKABLE SHOPPING DESTINATIONS

DOWNTOWN COLUMBIANA

Walk down historic Main Street in COLUMBIANA to find an array of shops and restaurants, including The Farm Company, Main Street Florist, Leaders’ Corner and Davis Drug. Take a peek at the stately county courthouse at the end of the strip while you are at it. Main Street, Columbiana, AL 35051

OLD TOWN HELENA

Old Town HELENA has an array of specialty shops filled with unique gifts and housed in restored turn-of-the-century buildings. Some popular attractions include Oh My Sole shoes, Buck Creek Stained Glass, Oversoul Brewery, DaySol Coffee and The Depot. Stop by the amphitheater, a gathering spot for community events, and the waterfall while you are there. 4151 Helena Road, Helena, AL 35080

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

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/

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 Fourth of July.

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.

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.

NOTABLE HIKES

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 and more difficult to take trails down to its base. Catch it after rain for the most impressive flow. Distance: 1.8 miles round trip. Access it from 1601 Landview Road, Montevallo, AL 35115.

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 in PELHAM. 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.

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 Alex Dudchock Shelby County Services Building parking lot on Highway 280 or from a parking lot on Dunnavant Valley Road (Highway 41) between Birch Creek Drive and River Birch Way.

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 Distance: 1.6-mile loop. Access it from Peavine Falls Road, Pelham, AL 35214

Notable Hikes

TAKE A TRAIL

Double Oak Park

Head to the newest hiking and biking trails in Shelby County at Double Oak Park. Situated on Double Oak Mountain, there are miles of trails off Highway 43 near Chelsea.

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 (Valleydale) Trails

A popular host site for 5ks and cross country events, this trail is a popular site near Spain Park and Jefferson State.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

University of Alabama School of Dentistry '96

The Meadows, Harpersville

PARKS & RECREATION

ALABASTER

205-664-6840 Cityofalabaster.com

Abby Wooley Park

Amenities include a playground, basketball court, swings, picnic table, restrooms, and quartermile walking track.

720 Park Road

Alabaster, AL 35007

Alabaster Municipal Park

Amenities include four lighted tennis courts, two beach volleyball courts, 12 soccer fields, lighted practice field, two pavilions, grills, picnic tables, 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

Depot Park

Park features a pavilion, grills, lighted basketball courts and an open field.

100 Depot Street Alabaster, AL 35007

Heroes Park

The park features a walking track, a playground and picnic tables.

1950 Butler Road

Alabaster, AL 35007

Limestone Park

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 – Coming soon

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. Located on Industrial Road Alabaster, AL 35007

Veterans Park Alabaster

The park features five youth baseball/softball fields with a concession stand and press box, two miles of lighted walking tracks with benches, regulation size skatepark, a bluebird trail, two playground areas, restrooms, nine pavilions available for rental, several play meadows, batting cages and an arbor.

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, 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 one 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 Park features 65 acres with football fields, baseball/softball fields, tennis courts, soccer fields and youth fields.

3176 County Road 20 Calera, AL 35040

George W. Roy Recreational Park

Amenities include four picnic pavilions, half-mile walking trail, playground and swing set, restrooms and 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

CHELSEA

205-678-7260

Cityofchelsea.com

Chelsea Recreational Park Park features baseball/softball fields, batting cage, soccer fields, children’s playground with swings, pavilions, 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, concession stand in season, covered batting cages, soccer/football field, playground and swing sets, lighted walking trails and two pavilions.

333 McDow Road

Columbiana, AL 35051

Cahaba River Park

PARKS & RECREATION

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, outdoor shower, pavilion, restroom, swimming and walking trail.

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, lighted paved walking track, playgrounds, fishing, pavilions and an open-air chapel.

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. 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 an amphitheater, golf, picnic, picnic shelter and 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

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

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 and a senior center located within the park.

5458 Cahaba Valley Road

Birmingham, AL 35242

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

Park features a quarter-mile walking track, fitness area, playground and a picnic area. Highway 72

Pelham, AL 35124

Veterans Park Hoover

Crestview Neighborhood Park

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

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 hardsurface tennis courts and tennis center.

U.S. 31 South Pelham, AL 35124

SHELBY

205-991-2015

Shelbycountyalabama.com

Shelby Park

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

PARKS & RECREATION

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

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 4 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

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

Park features playground, swing set, picnic areas, play meadow, pavilions, paved walking trail, 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 Pro-Tennis 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 wheelchair-accessible 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/ For hours, visit Montevallo.edu/ sac/hours.shtm

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

Breweries & Wineries

Dining Guide

Coffee shops

BREWERIES & WINERIES

SILURIA BREWING COMPANY

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/

IVEY 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. Iveyleaguebrew.com

OAK MOUNTAIN BREWING COMPANY

Peter Genereux and Clay Baldwin are now serving up brews, delicious food, and live musicians on Highway 119 in PELHAM. The 15-barrel brewhouse has a variety of fermentation tanks and is home to classic flavors, as well as experimentally fun beers. It opened in early 2021. Oakmountainbrewing.com.

FOOD

BREWERIES & WINERIES

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-nbird.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

As a family-owned business, Lewis Lakes Vineyards and winery are located on a 60-acre COLUMBIANA farm, where each phase of the wine-making process, from planting to growth to harvest to bottling, is based in Alabama. It has won medals for its Lakeside Red and Lakeside White wines from the Alabama Commercial Wine Competition. facebook.com/lewislakesvineyards/

FOOD & DRINK

LEWIS LAKES VINEYARD

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

Crumbl Cookies in Alabaster

The newest location of Crumbl Cookies recently opened in Alabaster, which became the first Shelby County location. With a menu that alternates frequently, these cookies are fresh baked and often times feature delicious toppings in addition to the cookie itself. The menu rotates weekly with six different gourmet cookies, including a cookie of the week. The Alabaster location is open every day but Sunday.

Oak Mountain Brewing Company

In addition to a stellar lineup of beer, which can be picked up in a four-pack, Oak Mountain Brewing Company also has a strong food menu featuring classic appetizers like nachos, chips and salsa, and pretzels, as well as sandwiches, quesadillas, hot dogs and hamburgers. Visit them at 110 Cahaba Valley Road or learn more at Oakmountainbrewing.com. (205) 994-6544

Tony’s Hot Dogs

Located off U.S. 31 near the Hoover/Pelham line, Tony’s is one of the most popular spots for a homestyle breakfast and an All-Star lunch. They are known for their breakfast, and obviously their hot dogs, but their burgers also remain one of the best in Shelby County. For some, it’s a daily and weekly routine to make a stop at Tony’s for one of their meals.

Station 31/Main Street Tavern

Owned by Jeff and Misty Webster, these two restaurants are two of the more popular in Shelby County and their respective cities. The menus mirror each other for the most part at each restaurant with some slight differences. They both have a variety of food and drink options. Both also have popular specials that appear on different days of the week.

Craft

Burger Home to one of the best smash burgers in Shelby County, Craft Burger is located in the North part of Shelby County near the intersection of Valleydale Road and Cahaba Valley Road. Their menu features burgers with their famous Craft Sauce, hot dogs, a local beer selection and more. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Slice Pizza Montevallo

Last summer, Slice brought their pizzas made with fresh, local ingredients to Shelby County by opening in Montevallo. The menu features delicious pizzas, salads with homemade dressings, famous wings cooked in a 3-step process, brown butter pasta, local craft beer and more. Visit them at 1105 Ashville Road or learn more at Slicebirmingham.com. (205) 476-8346

Oak House Owners Travis and Sarah Grappo invite you to experience upscale casual dining at Oak House off Dunnavant Valley Road. The restaurant offers superior customer service matched only by its expertly crafted drinks and top-notch menu led by chef Oliver Robinson. Visit them at 300 Carlow Lane or learn more at Oakhouseats. com. (205) 843-0047

Creekside BBQ

A new barbecue restaurant just off Interstate 65 and Highway 119, Creekside has become a popular spot for lunch and dinner. Whether on the patio or inside, enjoy Carolina Style Pulled Pork, Memphis Style Ribs and Texas Style Brisket all in one place with unique sides such as the Smoked Gouda Grits. Visit them at 1020 Oak Mountain Park Road or learn more at Creekside-bbq.com. (205) 358-7103

Joe’s

Italian

One of the most popular Italian restaurants in Shelby County, Joe’s Italian has become a staple place for many local families. Located in Alabaster, the restaurant is open seven days a week and features popular Italian flavors, including pizza, lasagna, spaghetti, an array of appealing appetizers, and their famous slices of cake. Visit them at 21 Weatherly Club Drive or learn more at Joesitalianonline.org. (205) 663-4111

Edgar’s

Bakery

One of the most popular bakery spots in the South, Edgar’s Bakery has two Shelby County locations in Greystone and Pelham. Both are located off of Highway 119 and offer a variety of cakes, cupcakes, breakfast, lunch and other sweet items. In addition to their in-house services on a daily basis, the bakery does wedding and other special occasions as well. Learn more at Edgarsbakery.com. (205) 987-0790

Buck creek coffee house

Located in Pelham off U.S. 31, Buck Creek Coffee House is open every day of the week for residents with differing hours. The coffee shop offers multiple hot drinks with specialty drinks pre-named for customers, while they also offer pastries, breakfast items, chicken salad, wraps and paninis.

C’s Cake & Coffee House

With coffee, cake and food, what more could you need? C’s Cake & Coffee House is located at 1241 Valley Street in the heart of Montevallo and offers all of the above with a variety of coffee options as well as daily breakfast and lunch options. Even better, they have multiple cake flavors that include strawberry, chocolate covered strawberry, chocolate, red velvet, carrot, cannoli and many more. Visit them at 1241 Valley Street. (205) 476-8833

baba Java COFFEE AT THE Strand

The county’s first Baba Java location recently opened in Montevallo at the Strand. With the other location just outside of the county in Hoover, Baba Java has now brought a new coffee shop to Montevallo that is open every day but Sunday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. The shop has a large coffee menu that includes specialty flavors for different seasons of the year.

East 59 Café

East 59 Cafe is a locally-owned coffee, breakfast, lunch and catering spot at Lee Branch near the AMC theater. The cozy café offers ample seating and free Wi-Fi, while there are two private gathering space. They serve Counter Culture Coffee in a variety of ways, while also serving breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Visit them at 701 Doug Baker Boulevard or learn more at Eeast59.net. (205) 573-6103

Bullet Coffee Company

A drive-thru only coffee shop located along U.S. 280, Bullet Coffee Company has added an option outside of the big chains for those looking to get their caffeine fix on the way to or from work. Open 5:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. during the week and 6 a.m. until 8 P.M. on weekends, the shop offers six specialty drinks, nine blended cold drinks, multiple other coffees and teas and has muffins, other baked goods and wraps, fruit and salads.

Leaders’ Corner Coffee & Tea

In the heart of Shelby County, Leaders’ Corner Coffee & Tea is directly on Main Street

Columbiana and is open daily from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m. The shop has a cozy setting with tables, relaxing chairs and couches, while the menu has become popular among residents and visitors with plenty of coffee options in addition to baked goods and sandwiches.

Adventurer’s coffee co. Directly on Main Street in Calera, Adventurer’s Coffee Co. is a popular destination in the county. A popular spot for people on their way to work or looking for a spot to work, Adventurer’s offers an array of coffee options and other hot drinks in addition to breakfast and lunch. The coffee shop is open daily from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. with hours of 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Alicia’s Coffee LLC. is located inside Foundlings Emporium annex in downtown Vincent. The specialize in espresso-based beverages, hot and cold tea, and hot cocoa. Their iced/cold brew coffee is refreshing and tasteful, while they offer baked goods such as Danishes, muffins and cake. Wi-Fi is available. Visit them at 42735 U.S. 231 or learn more at Aliciascoffee.com. (205) 476-8346

Alicia’s Coffee

The Copper Train Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, The Copper Train is one of Alabaster’s top places for coffee, breakfast and lunch. Every coffee on the menu is $5 or less, while breakfast items include biscuits and gravy and stuffed French toast among others and lunch includes several different sandwiches with a grab-n-go option as well.

OHenry’s Coffees Dunnavant Valley

In the beautiful Town of Mt Laurel, OHenry’s Coffees recently opened one of its newest locations. One of the top coffee houses in the Birminghammetro area, OHenry’s is open 6 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a 7 a.m. opening time on Sundays. The business not only sells many different types of coffee, breakfast items such as the Conecuh cheddar biscuit and lunch, but they sell their popular coffee in bags and K-cup options.

Education

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

IN THIS SECTION

Schools Systems

School Listings

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 sixth-grade center, a middle school and a high 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

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 system’s mission is: “In a safe, caring atmosphere of teaching and learning, Hoover City Schools provide each student with opportunities to develop exemplary character and achieve personal excellence through a rigorous and relevant curriculum.” Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler leads Hoover City Schools. hoovercityschools.net

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. Dr. Chuck Ledbetter was named the district’s new superintendent starting with the 2022-2023 school year. pelhamcityschools.org

School Systems

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 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

Career Technical Education Center, Shelby County Schools

Helena Intermediate School, Helena

CHELSEA/MT LAUREL AREA SCHOOLS

Chelsea High

205-682-7200

Chelsea Middle 205-682-7210

Chelsea Park Elementary 205-682-6700

Forest Oaks Elementary 205-682-7220

Mt Laurel Elementary 205-682-7230

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

Riverchase Elementary School, Pelham

School List

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

MONTEVALLO AREA SCHOOLS

Montevallo Elementary

205-682-6420

Montevallo High

205-682-6400

Montevallo Middle

205-682-6410

OAK MOUNTAIN/ INVERNESS AREA SCHOOLS

Inverness Elementary 205-682-5240

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

Thompson High School, Alabaster

Events

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

IN THIS SECTION

ANNUAL EVENTS

SPRING

American Village Festival of Tulips

The American Village’s 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 Spring 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 typically held in April or May at Oak Mountain Ampitheatre, which is located at 100 Amphitheater Road in Pelham. oakmountainstatefair.com

Taste of Pelham

Guests can taste their way around Pelham without leaving Pelham Civic Center 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

Fire at the Foothills BBQ & Chili Cookoff

Teams from across the Southeast compete for the title of Grand Champion of this annual barbecue competition in April where judges award points for ribs, butt and chicken to determine the winner. The event is hosted by the Chelsea Kiwanis Club, which disperses proceeds to its charities, and money collected from the chili cook-off goes toward the Chelsea Fire Department’s Kids Fire Safety program. cityofchelsea.com

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 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

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

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

Cowboy Day, Columbiana

ANNUAL EVENTS

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. Prior to 2016, the tournament was held at Shoal Creek Golf and Country Club. regionstradition.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 weigh-in taking place at Beeswax Landing. alabamabasstrail.org

SUMMER

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

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 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 self-government. The American Village is located in Montevallo. americanvillage.org

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 Cruise-In, 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

College Night, Montevallo

ANNUAL EVENTS

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

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

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.

A 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

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

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

Hoover

Hayride and Family Night

The Hoover Hayride & Family Night is an annual familyfriendly celebration held in October. 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

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

WINTER

Stevan Grebel’s The Nutcracker

The Alabama Youth Ballet Company brings the magic of “The Nutcracker” to stage each holiday season. The event is sponsored by the city and is held at Pelham High School. grebeldance.com

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

Tinglewood Festival, Montevallo

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

Have a Heart for the Arts

The annual Have a Heart for the Arts luncheon benefits the Shelby County Arts Council and is typically held in mid-February. The event features a fashion show with clothes from local boutiques. 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

Chelsea Fest and The Big Kaboom, Chelsea

Farmers Markets

Alabaster Farmers Market

Behind Alabaster

Senior Center

Open Mid-June-Early August

Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon

Chelsea Farmers Market

In Front of Chelsea City Hall

Open Late May-Early August

Thursdays, 3-7 p.m.

Columbiana Trade Day

113 West College Street, Courthouse Overflow

Parking Lot

Open March-October

Second Saturdays of the Month, 7 a.m.

Helena Market Days

Helena Amphitheatre, 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

Helena Market Days

Market Place at Lee Branch

Alabaster Farmers Market

Montevallo Farmers’ Market

City Guide

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

City Profiles

ALABASTER

INCORPORATED 1953

POPULATION: 33,487

Starting in the 1920s, Alabaster was a site of employee housing for Alabaster Lime 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. The city’s population is expected to grow by more than 23 percent by 2025. Alabaster’s “Medical Mile” hosts more than 1,000 medical professionals, and a new 350,000-square-foot retail and mixuse space, District 31, broke ground in 2018. Each June Alabaster hosts City Fest, which features live music and more, and its annual Christmas Parade is also popular. cityofalabaster.com

CALERA

INCORPORATED 1887

POPULATION: 14,717

Calera has a friendly, small-town atmosphere and draws its name from 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, and Lay Lake is just a short drive away. You can explore two wineries, Ozan Winery and Vizzini Farms Winery, there. Each year the city hosts Calera Goes Pink, Movies in the Park, Strawberry Festival, Christmas Village and the Christmas Parade. Youth sports and family fun are offered at its selection of parks like Akridge Arboretum Park, George W. Roy Recreational Park, Oliver Park Sports Complex and Eagle Sports Complex. cityofcalera.org

City Profiles

CHELSEA INCORPORATED 1996

2017 POPULATION: 14,216

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 last Saturday before the Fourth of July, and the festivities include fireworks and entertainment for all. cityofchelsea.com

COLUMBIANA

INCORPORATED 1837

POPULATION: 4,550

Columbiana serves as county seat to Shelby County, 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 the Black Box Theatre, gallery and classrooms. There are also three museums in Columbiana: The Shelby County Historical Museum, The Shelby County Iron Works Museum (just outside the city) and the George Washington Memorabilia Museum. cityofcolumbiana.com

Aaron Coston/Pitts Media

Aaron Coston/Pitts Media

City Profiles

HARPERSVILLE

INCORPORATED 1943

POPULATION: 1,727

The area 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. The area has many churches, a local school, a public library, and more offerings. Agricultural tourism 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: 19,925

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 outdoor 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

2017 POPULATION: 85,768

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 named 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 a 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: 6,738

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 167-acre 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 cultural 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 festival take place there as well. The town is home to Mt Laurel Elementary School, and its residents are zoned for Chelsea 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: 23,911

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, and Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, which draws in bands and musicans from around the country. 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 led 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: 1,603

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

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

WILTON

INCORPORATED 1918

2017 POPULATION: 685

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

INDIAN SPRINGS VILLAGE

INCORPORATED 1990 POPULATION: 2,590

Indian Springs was incorporated October 16, 1990 with 380 households and 1,115 residents, and today is home to 868 housholds and 2,590 residents. The town council met at Indian Springs School for the first time 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 limits you’ll find three churches and seven private and public schools. Its garden club was established in 2000. indianspringsvillage.org

City Profiles

VESTAVIA HILLS

INCORPORATED 1950

POPULATION: 34,413

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

BIRMINGHAM

INCORPORATED 1871

POPULATION: 209,403

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. birminghamal.gov/

LEEDS

INCORPORATED 1887

POPULATION: 12,348

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

Accommodations

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.

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.

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.

Best Western Plus

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

(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.

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. 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

BROOKWOOD MEDICAL CENTER FREESTANDING ED

Brookwood Medical Center’s freestanding emergency department off U.S. 280 is a 12bed, 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. brookwoodbaptisthealth.com

SHELBY BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER

Since Shelby Baptist Medical Center in ALABASTER recently underwent a $22 million project renovation after the merger between Baptist Health System and Brookwood Medical Center. 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 over 51,000 visits each year. Technology resources include a 3 Tesla MRI, a robotic surgery program and a state-of-the-art cardiology suite. shelbybaptistmedicalcenter.com

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. grandviewhealth.com

ST. VINCENT’S ONE NINETEEN

Medical services at the St. Vincent’s One Nineteen campus off U.S. 280 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 natureinspired day spa with resort level amenities. onenineteen.com

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

LAY OF THE LAND

Get to know Shelby County’s geography

With unmatched indoor & outdoor recreation, come discover what sets Pelham a path apart.