Hickory’s past isn’t tucked away in books—it’s waiting for you to explore! In Hickory, you can savor breakfast in a historic train depot, explore elegant homes, stroll past a working mill, and pause at a picturesque covered bridge all in a single day. Along the way, you’ll find local flavors, fascinating stories, and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. This itinerary turns the past into a full-day adventure you won’t forget.
Rise, Shine, and Dine at Olde Hickory Station
Photo Credit: Olde Hickory Station via Facebook.
First stop: breakfast at Olde Hickory Station, tucked inside a beautifully restored historic train depot in the heart of downtown. The breakfast and brunch menu is full of crave-worthy favorites like Hickory Hot Chicken & Waffles, Huevos Rancheros, and classic Belgian waffles. Before you head out, take a few minutes to browse the market inside the station, stocked with pastries, cheeses, beer, and other specialty finds perfect for later.
While you’re here, visit the Old Hickory Tavern Monument, located near the Olde Hickory Station parking lot. Built in 1954, the monument commemorates the log tavern built in the late 1700s, the earliest known building to be located in Hickory and the place where the city got its name. What began as a simple tavern eventually laid the foundation for a growing community, becoming the City of Hickory in 1889.
Take a Morning Museum Stroll at the History Museum of Catawba County
After breakfast, take a short drive to Downtown Newton and step inside the History Museum of Catawba County, tucked into the former Catawba County Courthouse, built in 1924. Admission is free, and this museum is one of the best spots to dive into our past, from the early settlers who built the South’s thriving furniture and textile industries to the stories that shaped the region. Wander through a variety of exhibits and be sure to check out the new America 250 exhibit— see it while it lasts! It is the perfect mid-morning stop to explore, learn, and soak up some local history before continuing your day.
Pause for a Photo Op at Bunker Hill Covered Bridge
Next, visit the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, built in 1894 and one of only two original covered bridges left in North Carolina. It’s a peaceful, scenic spot and perfect for a photo. Designated a National Civil Engineering Landmark in 2001, it’s the only remaining wooden example of the Improved Lattice Truss patented by General Herman Haupt. Take a moment to enjoy the scenery and imagine what travel looked like more than a century ago.
Lunch the Local Way at Claremont Cafe
When it’s time for lunch, make your way to Claremont Cafe, a longtime local favorite serving classic Southern comfort food since the 1940s. With its relaxed, hometown feel, the menu keeps things simple with burgers, hot dogs, and satisfying lunch plates that locals have loved for generations. Pull up a chair, order like a regular, and enjoy a meal that feels like a step back in time. Just a heads-up: Claremont Cafe is cash only, so plan accordingly!
Tour One of Hickory’s Historic Homes: Harper House, Propst House, or Maple Grove
Hickory is full of historic homes just waiting to be explored. Harper House, built in 1887, features classic Queen Anne details and guided tours through three floors of nineteenth-century history. Propst House, an 1882 Second French Empire–style home, offers a glimpse into the life and craftsmanship of one of Hickory’s early builders. Maple Grove, an Italianate farmhouse from 1883, was once home to Dolph Shuford, a founder of Hickory Tavern, and is filled with original furnishings. Each home tells its own story, making them a must-see stop for anyone wanting to step back in time and experience Hickory’s rich heritage.
Walk Through Time at Murray's Mill
Spend your afternoon at Murray’s Mill, where the 1913 gristmill still turns its 28-foot waterwheel and the sights, sounds, and stories of a century ago come to life. Wander the trails that meander around the mill pond, peek inside the Murray & Minges General Store, and notice charming details like a porch swing and a coffee-can bottle cap catcher. Murray’s Mill is history in motion—come see, walk, and experience it for yourself.
A Timeless Dinner Stop at Vintage House
End your day with dinner at Vintage House, once the Abernethy family home built in 1915, where vintage charm meets refined elegance. Each room offers unique touches, from the infamous cozy red booth to the “porch room” with its original stained glass window salvaged from a nearby church in 1908. The owners have preserved the home’s historic character while creating a sophisticated, inviting atmosphere. The menu is equally impressive, with innovative salads, creamy pastas, and elegant entrees paired with a world-class wine list. Elegant, historic, and unforgettable—Vintage House is a dinner stop you won’t want to miss.
Stay Where History Lives at The Trott House Inn
After a full day of exploring Hickory’s history, unwind at The Trott House Inn, an 1897 Colonial Revival bed & breakfast tucked beneath shady pecan trees in downtown Newton. Cozy rooms, classic charm, and a warm, inviting atmosphere make it the perfect spot to kick off your shoes and recharge. Curl up with a book, sip your morning coffee on the porch, or simply soak in the peaceful elegance of this historic home—it’s the perfect way to end a day packed with history, stories, and local flavor.
* Bonus for History Buffs: Hart Square Village
For history lovers seeking a one-of-a-kind experience in Hickory, Hart Square Village is a must-visit, and you’ll want to plan plenty of time for exploring. Home to the largest collection of historic log structures in the U.S., the village features 103 restored buildings from the 1700s and 1800s, including cabins, barns, chapels, a one-room schoolhouse, and a pre-Civil War cotton gin, all filled with authentic Appalachian antiques. The real magic happens during the Spring and Fall Heritage Festivals, when docents, live demonstrations, and food trucks bring early American life vividly to life. Here, history isn’t just learned—it’s lived, explored, and celebrated.
And the adventure doesn’t stop here—check out our History & Museums page to uncover even more spots where Hickory’s past comes alive.
