Uptown & Undercover

The City of Pleasant Living

In today’s fast-paced world, there’s something special about slowing down and appreciating the timeless things—old roads, old friends, old traditions—that still hold so much value. Here in our little corner of North Carolina, Uptown Shelby continues to embrace those small-town treasures. We still wave to strangers, lend a hand to our neighbors, and savor the simple joys that make life richer.

After settling into the heart of Uptown Shelby, we’ve grown to love this welcoming community even more. First Friday events have given us the chance to connect with fellow “Shelbians” and explore the many hidden gems our town has to offer. Every visit feels like uncovering a new story.

A Town with Musical Soul

Music is woven into the history of Uptown Shelby. Two legendary hometown musicians—Don Gibson and Earl Scruggs—continue to inspire visitors and locals alike.

The Earl Scruggs Center, housed in the beautifully restored historic courthouse, celebrates the life and groundbreaking bluegrass style of Cleveland County’s own Earl Scruggs. It’s more than a museum—it’s an interactive journey through music, history, and the cultural traditions that shaped this community. One of Scruggs’ most famous tunes, Foggy Mountain Breakdown, still brings smiles (and a few toe taps) to fans around the world.

Celebrating a Country Music Legend

Just a short stroll away, the Don Gibson Theatre honors another of Shelby’s greats. Don Gibson’s songwriting and performances left an indelible mark on country music from the 1950s through the 1970s. His music transcended genre boundaries, with hits recorded by icons like Elvis Presley, Neil Young, Ronnie Milsap, and Emmylou Harris. His classic I Can’t Stop Loving You has been recorded more than 700 times and played on the radio over four million times.

The restored theater now hosts concerts, shows, and private events in a charming 400-seat venue—perfect for creating your own special memories while soaking in a bit of nostalgia.

don gibson theater

More Than Just Cabinetry

Our design center, located within walking distance of both the Earl Scruggs Center and Don Gibson Theatre, is more than a cabinetry showroom—it’s a destination for inspired living. Alongside custom cabinets, we offer art, lighting, furniture, and unique home décor pieces to help you create spaces you genuinely love.

We believe home design should reflect your personality, your lifestyle, and your dreams. Whether you’re looking for one statement piece or a complete renovation, our team is here to bring your vision to life. Check out our cabinet lines!

A Charming Escape

If you’re visiting the Tryon International Equestrian Center—or just exploring the region—Uptown Shelby makes for the perfect day trip. Our walkable district offers boutique shopping, delicious dining, and a warm dose of Southern hospitality you won’t find anywhere else.

We’re just an hour from Charlotte, Asheville, Greenville (SC), and Hickory—close enough for convenience, yet far enough to feel like you’ve stepped into a more relaxed, neighborly pace of life.

So, take a break from the rush. Wander our streets, enjoy a good meal, catch a show, and rediscover the beauty of slowing down. In Uptown Shelby, the welcome is always genuine, the music is always playing, and the charm never gets old.

We use it every day but hardly pay any attention to it, yet it can impact the overall design of the home. We are, of course, referring to your flooring, and its importance should not be overlooked or underestimated. It is the largest design element in the home, which means it tends to serve as the foundation of the look and feel in the room. It has the ability to make or break your space and is subconsciously the first thing we notice in a room. Since it is used consistently, it must be durable and functional for the particular area, whether slip-resistant or waterproof. Flooring should also complement the overall design style you choose and be carefully considered before finalizing your choice. Here are some aspects to remember when making your selection.

The kitchen backsplash tends to be overlooked during the planning session for a renovation, but it has a big impact on the overall look of the design, and it should not be underestimated. To many, it may seem like such a small element, but it has the power to bring style, class, and protection to the heart of the home.  When walking through a model home or flipping pages in an interior design magazine, the kitchen always has a backsplash that often draws our eye. Coming in multiple sizes, styles, and shades, the kitchen backsplash has come a long way from being a simple surface to creating a glamorous highlight that immediately draws the eye.

This deficiency has led to a readjustment of space, a call to renovate the home, and to provide a more functional design for everyone. There are also other reasons motivating homeowners to reevaluate their current living situation, such as greater flexibility at home, an open concept, personal space, and plenty of storage. While kitchens and bathrooms are still among the most renovated areas in the home, new emphasis is being placed on four additional sections in the home, which we want to highlight today.

You love your home, but there are some areas that are no longer working for you, if they ever did at all. You have made the big decision to renovate your kitchen, to give yourself the space you have always envisioned, but it feels overwhelming. How do you know which layout will work best for you? Which style best represents you, and what wood type will pair perfectly with certain colors? The kitchen can be a more difficult renovation because it involves multiple facets, such as plumbing and electrical. Adding in the appliances, lighting, and cabinets decisions can be enough to make your head spin. Planning is a critical part of a kitchen renovation, making it a key area of focus, which is why an experienced designer can help you accomplish your dreams on time and on budget.

James Martin Vanities has not disappointed us but provided many of our clients with a bathroom vanity that suited their unique needs, and the shorter lead times have allowed them to get the upgrades they needed within their timeframe. Our goal will always remain to provide our clients with the best possible products that fit their project, whether that is a custom, semi-custom, or predone option like the James Martin Vanity. We are here to assist you in finding the vanity that works for you, which is why we offer a variety of options. Are you ready for a change? Come visit our showroom where we have multiple vanities available for you to browse, and if you like one, you can take it home with you.