Here in the foothills of western North Carolina, everything is fresh, local, and smothered with genuine Southern goodness. You want a taste of family recipes passed down for generations? They are here. You want to savor slow–cooked barbecue made from the pit master’s own farm–raised hog? It’s waiting for you. You want to taste the newest concoction thought up by a creative microbrewer while downing freshly fried cheese curds? Cleveland County has that, too. Oh, and a little live music in the air to boot. That’s Cleveland County’s signature: genuine, fresh, rooted in tradition with an inventive hook. Come get a taste.

Ken & Mary’s

This is this spot to take in a meal with a side of "What am I looking at?" A green–roofed log cabin on an unassuming road in Shelby houses one of Cleveland County’s most beloved restaurants offering home cookin’ and stellar service. Ken and Mary’s has the best breakfast around and an unmatched 40–item cafeteria–style lunch buffet with all the Southern delicacies you wish your grandmama knew how to make.

They specialize in Southern favorites like livermush, country fried steak, turnip greens and sweet potato casserole. If you want it, it’s on the buffet. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, opt for a grilled deviled egg salad sandwich or pimento cheese. If you’ve never had the delicious salty cured goodness of country ham, consider this your sign to do so. Make it in time for breakfast and you’ll get a puddle of creamy grits on the side.

There’s plenty to look at as you wrestle with deciding on your order or opting for the buffet. The wood paneling that covers the walls and ceilings is covered with sayings, signs, and pictures of loyal customers. Kitschy decorations of patriotic pride make you wonder why your artwork is devoid of eagles. Distraction is understandable when you reach the buffet and see an entire corner devoted to baseball legends. Grab a booth next to the fishing wall complete with lots of faux fish and a sign that reads "I’d rather be at the lake than found at home."

Newgrass Brewing Company

Night falls and the funky retro sign at Newgrass Brewing Company lights the historic building—a former department store built in 1909. Inside the vibe is warm, friendly, and filled with possibility. Take a peek at the onsite 220.5 gallon brewing system. It’s constantly in use as the brewers bring new flavors to life that make you feel like part of the scene: a light lager that goes by "Shelby Y’allstars” or an American IPA called "Fiddler’s Dream," a nod to the County’s history of producing great musicians.

Surrounded by reclaimed wood, cool people and great local beer, this is the spot for dinner and a pint in Uptown Shelby. Grab a seat in the loft overlooking the action or take your beer out to the charming alley patio where a building-size mural of musician Earl Scruggs holds court. You can get a good feel for Uptown Shelby from here, it’s a prime spot for people watching between taking sips of your tasting flight (and your well behaved dogs will also enjoy the patio!). Taps rotate on the regular so there’s always a new signature taste of this microbrewery to try.

The farm-to-table menu takes advantage of local produce and meat for everything coming out of its award-winning kitchen. Settle in with an order of the cheese curds, dipped in creamy cool tzatziki sauce. Try the pork belly sammy on locally made sourdough bread, or a beer brat with bratwurst from Suzie Q Farm cooked in Newgrass Beer. And, watch for their fresh NC seafood specials that are to die for! Get a taste of Shelby that’s always fresh and unique at Newgrass Brewing Company.

Johnny Ray’s Smokehouse

If you’re hyper for hyperlocal, sustainable food that also makes your taste buds dance, head to Johnny Ray’s Smokehouse. Nearly every morsel served here is sourced locally. Owner Johnny Ray is a farmer, butcher, and pitmaster bringing you farm-raised meats served up tender with all your favorite sides.

Inside the rooms of the house that make up Johnny Ray’s are a hodgepodge collection of dining tables and chairs that look like the neighbors are putting on a get-together. The food–out of this world. Just take one look at the perfectly cooked and sliced brisket nestled next to the greens with pork fat. And Johnny Ray’s Signature Ribs, forget about it. If you go dry, the rub will knock your socks off. Wet, the sauce will make you lick your fingers and kiss your wife. It’s that good.

Perhaps the best order and signature taste at Johnny Ray’s is The Tailgate. This whole hog BBQ plate is courtesy of a hog raised on the pitmaster’s farm. It’s pulled hot off the bone of a pig that’s been slow-smoked over wood for nearly 18 hours. If you can make room, get some spicy pickles and mac n’cheese on the side.

Catch them on a temperate night and there may be live bluegrass on the porch. Owner Johnny Ray and his family will likely be tapping toes along with all the guests enjoying his signature made sauces. This place is the way farm-to-table was before it became a culinary catchphrase. Fresh, local, and damn delicious.