We have had a crazy few weeks and have to catch up on our blogs! Even though we have been busy, not to worry, we have been eating at plenty of places to share with everyone.
This blog post is going to focus on our last trip to Shelby, NC. Heather graduated from her Family Nurse Practitioner program and we wanted to spend some time in this part of the State to close out this chapter in our lives. Of course, we wanted to eat at some of our favorite spots that we have found over the years.
First, as we were leaving Raleigh, Heather's Dad had been mentioning to us a hot dog joint in Burlington, NC that we "just had to stop at when you are on 40 West." With an introduction like that we did just have to stop! Heather and I love hot dogs and french fries as a treat for lunch and Zack's did not disappoint! First, their hot dog chili is probably some of the best I have ever had. Everything was wonderful! The service was extra quick, we were in and out in 15 minutes and back on the road. Bring cash here! They don't take cards.
Next, once in Shelby, we had to go to Newgrass brewery. This place is very unique. Since Heather has been in school, we have come here quite a few times for a bite and beer. We highly recommend that you stop in when you are in this part of the State. The beer is always creative and great. Also, their food is an interesting take on Southern favorites. Our favorite snack is the pimento cheese with pork skins as the crackers. It's a welcoming atmosphere with live music usually every evening!
Heather had some friends that wanted to grab breakfast/brunch with us the morning of her graduation. We decided on the Shelby Diner in the Uptown area. It is your usual diner atmosphere that is very open and friendly. We were very sorry that we had not found this place sooner! The menu was impressive and they serve breakfast all day. Heather and I decided to go with lunch food and we got the grilled chicken with peppers and onions. With each entree, you get to pick two vegetables, which they rotate throughout the days of the week, and a roll or corn bread. Again, we were lucky to have wonderful service. The food was wonderful for a "Mom and Pop" stop! Also, it was very busy and it was obvious it is a local favorite.
Lastly, I was not going to leave Shelby to come home without stopping at Red Bridges. I had a client tell me about this BBQ joint back when Heather started school in Shelby and I was so thankful. We have stopped there frequently over the years and it is always amazing! This is easily the best BBQ restaurant that I have ever been to. Being from the western part of NC, I am partial to "red slaw" (it hasn't quite grown on Heather - Eastern Carolina Girl), and they have the best. Also, there BBQ is smoked and you can get it whole or chopped. We like it chopped. Moreover, I cannot write a blog about Red Bridges without mentioning their excellent BBQ sauce. It does have some vinegar in it but it is red based and tangy yet sweet. It has become our favorite as we always buy some to take home and use at our house. Lastly, if you are lucky enough to stop here, get the banana pudding. It's heaven in a bowl. I can easily see me taking the trip to Red Bridges any time I am within an hour of the place.