Shelby County Chamber honors Tourism and Recreation All-Star winners
Published 5:14 pm Monday, May 12, 2025
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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor
COLUMBIANA – Local businesses and organizations paving the way for the county’s continued growth as a destination for recreation were honored during the Shelby County Chamber’s annual Tourism and Recreation All-Star Awards on Thursday, May 8 at the Grande Hall in Columbiana.
A total of 33 events, restaurants, attractions, advocates and lodging locations were nominated for awards with four winners announced in separate categories.
“Shelby County is home to some truly amazing businesses, organizations and attractions that make this the best place to live and work but also, most importantly, to visit,” said Maggie Behrle, coordinator of tourism and events for Shelby County.
During the luncheon, which was catered by Eugene’s Hot Chicken, each nominee was honored with an award and had their picture taken.
Val Crofts, chief education and program officer and historian at the American Village, served as the luncheon’s speaker and highlighted the numerous programs taking place at the village as it prepares for the U.S. semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026.
Nominees for the awards were reviewed by an independent panel and were evaluated based upon the following criteria:
- Social media engagement: Types of platforms being used, number of followers, external output and reactions from the general public to their post, use of #DiscoverShelbyAL
- Community engagement: How is the organization “impacting” Shelby County and/or its communities
- Information packet: Customer service ratings, efforts to attract tourist and visitors to Shelby County and its communities
- Participation/investment in Calera Main Street, Columbiana Mainstreet, Discover Shelby, Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, Montevallo Main Street or The Shelby County Chamber
The winner of the Attraction and Recreation category was South City Theatre. Located in Pelham, South City Theatre offers a host of events and live productions throughout the year.
Festival of the Year was awarded to Calera Main Street for its New Year’s Eve celebration which took place at the Calera courtyard and featured family-friendly activities and a firework display at midnight.
This year’s winner of the Lodging category was Hampton Inn and Suites which offers a variety of amenities and services to its guest in Shelby County.
Restaurant of the Year was awarded to Meri Moon which is located on Montevallo Main Street. The business is run by Cheryl Patton and Rachel Phillips and features a variety of snacks in addition to its renowned milkshakes and coffee offerings.
Kyle Mims received Advocate of the Year. Mims is a financial advisor with Edward Jones and aims to help his clients achieve their financial goals by providing educational and financial solutions that are specific to their situation.
“Congratulations to our 2025 recipients of the Shelby County All-Star Awards and to all of our outstanding nominees,” said Cami Hammond, manager of community and career development for the chamber. “We appreciate what each of you and your colleagues at your respective organizations do each and every day to make Shelby County and our communities a more attractive destination for tourists and visitors.”
The following organizations, businesses and advocates were nominated:
- Alabama Wildlife Center
- American Village
- Calera Main Street – New Year’s Eve
- Corbin Farms Winery
- Edgar’s Bakery
- Elise Hearn, Shaklee Ambassador
- Elizabeth Grandy – Elizabeth Grandy Photography
- Eugene’s Hot Chicken
- Fairfield Inn and Suites
- Montevallo Main Steet – Festival Dia de los Muertos
- Chris Cruz – Chris Cruz Designs
- Candlewood Suites Alabaster
- Hampton Inn and Suites
- Heart of Dixie Railroad Musuem
- Hit Different! Barbeque and Grill
- Hyatt Regency Birmingham- The Wynfrey Hotel
- Joseph’s Table
- Kyle Mims – Edward Jones
- La Quinta by Wyndham – Chelsea
- City of Columbiana – Liberty Day festival
- Majestic Caverns
- Meri Moon
- Shelby County Arts Council – Mardi Gras Gala
- Montevallo Main Street – Montevallo Summer Reading Kickoff
- Oak House
- Patricia Honeycutt – Montevallo Main Street
- South City Theatre
- Columbiana Main Street, city of Columbiana and Shelby County Arts Council – Sunset Music and Market
- Taco Mac
- Taco Mama
- Taziki’s Mediterranean Café – Alabaster
- The Lotus Catfe
- Tin Top BBQ 2