Shelby Travel Guide

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#[h2] Introduction to Shelby

Located in the West Central Ohio region of the Midwest, Shelby is a city that has something to offer to everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or a culture lover, you won’t be disappointed.

#[h2] List of Places to Visit in Shelby

#[h3] Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

• Shelby Historical Society Museum: This museum showcases the history of Shelby through numerous exhibits such as a replica of a 1950s pharmacy, an old-time barbershop, and local business exhibits that date back to the 1800s.
• Shelby Bicycle Days Museum: This museum has a collection of antique and vintage bicycles, as well as gear, posters, and photos from Shelby’s annual Bicycle Days festival.
• The Black Fork Markers: A series of historical markers located in and around Shelby, detailing the history of the area.

#[h3] Natural Attractions of Shelby: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

• Shelby Reservoir: An idyllic lake that offers fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities over its 3-mile trail.
• Marvin Memorial Library Park: A favorite spot for picnics and outdoor relaxation, this park has a playground, basketball court, and horseshoe pits.
• The Ohio Bird Sanctuary: Home to various bird species, including two bald eagles, the Ohio Bird Sanctuary is a great place to witness the beauty of wildlife.

#[h2] Hiking/Biking Routes of Shelby

• B&O Trail: A 13-mile trail (converted from a railroad track) that spans between Lexington and Butler, offering an excellent opportunity for hiking and biking.
• Richland B&O Trail: A 4.4-mile trail that connects the B&O Trail in Butler to Mansfield’s Ohio-to-Erie Trail.

#[h2] Best Things to Do in Shelby: Activities and Tours

• Shelby Bicycle Days Festival: An annual event that takes place during the last weekend of June, featuring food, drinks, live music, crafts, and a variety of bicycle races.
• Shelby Farmers’ Market: Occurring from June to October, this weekly farmers’ market features local vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, honey, and baked goods.

#[h2] Week-Long Itinerary for Shelby

Day	Activity
Day 1	Visit the Shelby Historical Society Museum and learn about the city’s history. Take a walk around Shelby Reservoir.
Day 2	Go for a bike ride on B&O Trail. Visit the Shelby Bicycle Days Museum.
Day 3	Try some of the local food. Visit the Ohio Bird Sanctuary.
Day 4	Spend a day at Richland B&O Trail. Hang out at Marvin Memorial Library Park.
Day 5	Go shopping for souvenirs. Visit any museums or historical places you missed earlier.
Day 6	Take part in the Shelby Bicycle Days Festival activities. Visit the farmers’ market.
Day 7	Take a full-day excursion to nearby attractions such as Kingwood Center Gardens or Malabar Farm State Park.

#[h2] Food and Drink Scene of Shelby

#[h3] Must-Try Dishes

• Skyline Chili: A dish of Cincinnati origin, consisting of chili, spaghetti, and shredded cheese.
• Buckeye Candy: A sweet, homemade candy that is made with peanut butter and shaped like Ohio’s state tree nuts.

#[h3] Local Beverages

• Ohio Wines: Ohio is known for its wineries and vineyards.
• Great Lakes Brewing Co. beers: Brewery from Cleveland, known for its craft beer.

#[h2] Where to Stay in Shelby: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

• Motel 6 Mansfield Ontario: A basic hotel with clean and comfortable rooms.
• Quality Inn & Suites North: A newly-renovated hotel, providing all the necessary amenities.

#[h2] What to Buy in Shelby: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

• Buckeye Candy
• Ohio Wines
• Bicycle-themed souvenirs

#[h2] Local Culture and Customs of Shelby

• Shelby residents are friendly and welcoming.
• Bicycling and outdoor activities are common in Shelby.

#[h2] Best Time to Visit Shelby

The best time to visit Shelby is from May through October, during which the weather is warm for outdoor activities and events.

#[h2] Do’s and Don’ts of Shelby

#[h3] Do:

• Do bring comfortable walking or biking shoes.
• Do try local food and drinks.
• Do be respectful of the residents and their property.

#[h3] Don’t:

• Don’t litter.
• Don’t be loud in residential areas.
• Don’t ignore the traffic signals.

#[h2] Safety and Health

#[h3] Safety in Shelby

Shelby is a very safe community, and there is minimal crime in the area. However, use common sense when traveling or engaging in outdoor activities.

#[h3] Health in Shelby

Shelby’s healthcare system is excellent, with various hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers.

#[h2] Getting to Shelby: Transportation Options and Logistics

• By car: Shelby is reachable by car via US Rte. 30 or I-71.
• By bus: Greyhound provides bus service to the nearby city of Mansfield.

#[h3] Airports Near Shelby

• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

#[h3] Bus Stations Near Shelby

• Greyhound Bus Station, Mansfield

#[h3] Other Options

• Amtrak and charter buses provide transportation to nearby cities.

#[h2] How to Get Around in Shelby

Shelby is a walkable city, with bike lanes and sidewalks available for active tourists. Taxis, rental cars, and bus service (provided by Mansfield Transit) are also available.

#[h2] Where to Go Next from Shelby: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

• Mansfield: A larger city with more attractions and amenities, such as the Mansfield Motorsports Speedway and the Mansfield Reformatory.
• Kenyon College: One of the most beautiful college campuses in the US.
• Mohican State Park: An excellent place for outdoor activities like canoeing, hiking, and camping.

#[h2] Conclusion

With its rich history and stunning natural landscape, Shelby is a destination that will appeal to every traveler, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a culture or history buff, or just looking for stunning scenery and a welcoming community.

Shelby Image Gallery

A view of downtown Shelby, Ohio on East Main Street looking east at the intersection of Gamble Street. Marvin Memorial Library