Think you've got Hickory figured out? Think again. Sure, we’re known for our rich history in furniture manufacturing—but there’s so much more just waiting to be discovered. From hikes and bites to bold art and boutique finds, Hickory’s full of surprises. Plus, with the sun shining and the temps rising, it’s the perfect time to explore it all. Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime local, we’re here to help you see Hickory through a new lens!
You think the arts take a back seat… but here, they’re center stage.
Hickory's arts scene knows how to steal the spotlight. Start at the Hickory Museum of Art, where the "I Am" exhibit by Virgil Ortiz blend tradition with bold, futuristic storytelling. Want more gallery time? Visit NoCo Arts in Newton or explore Trade Alley Art in Hickory. Even your coffee break comes with a creative twist at Taste Full Beans, where local art lines the walls. Round out your day with a live performance at The Green Room Theatre or Hickory Community Theatre—there’s always something taking the stage. And before you go, snap a pic with one of our colorful murals and tag @VisitHickoryNC to show off your visit.
You think you’ll leave empty-handed… but your car might be full.
Turns out, “just browsing” hits different in Hickory. Our shopping scene brings serious style, especially if you’re into furniture. Wander through 100,000 square feet of inspiration at Hickory Furniture Mart, or hunt for vintage gems and secondhand treasures at The Hickory Tree and Vintage Blue. Then head downtown, where boutique charm is in full supply. Dash Home + Kitchen has the chic home goods you didn’t know you needed, Lou Lou’s Corner is a gift-giving dream, and My Chapter House—Hickory’s new indie bookstore—is a must-stop for book lovers. Around here, window shopping is basically impossible!
You think it’s all chain restaurants and drive-thrus… but it’s actually a foodie’s playground.
Hickory brings the flavor! Wake up with brunch at Frothy Rooster (Hello, yeast roll doughnuts with maple bacon jam), then lunch like a local at Olde Hickory Station, where the menu is as memorable as the historic train depot setting. For dinner? Slurp oysters at Standard Oyster Company or savor Mediterranean-inspired plates at Boca. Don’t forget the Saturday farmers markets—Downtown Hickory and Conover both serve up fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted finds weekly. And when you’re craving something extra special, stop by local food trucks like Taproot Coffee for a pick-me-up, or treat yourself to a sweet scoop at Carolina Crafted Creamery. Let’s just say… your taste buds won’t want to leave.
You think it’s for grown-ups… but it’s packed with family fun.
No babysitter? No problem! Hickory’s got plenty to keep the whole crew entertained. Spark curiosity at the Catawba Science Center with hands-on exhibits, an aquarium, and the current FlutterBy Butterfly Habitat—a fan favorite that comes once every 3 years! Swing by the Hickory Aviation Museum to get up close with real military aircraft, flight gear, and even a “Top Gun”-style cockpit you can climb into. Let the kids (and pups) run wild at St. Stephens Park, where you’ll find a playground, hiking trails, and an off-leash dog park. Wrap up the day under stadium lights—whether it’s home runs with the Hickory Crawdads or goals with Hickory FC, the energy is always high.
You think it’s sleepy… but the weekends say otherwise.
Hickory knows how to crank up the fun! Live music? We’re all about it—from the Sails Original Music Series in Downtown Hickory to the unbeatable vibes at The Hum and Hickory Premier. Dive Bar brings the energy with drinks and arcade games, while City Walk Brewing delivers craft beer and crave-worthy bites. Looking for something a little more elevated? Slip into No Entry Cocktail Lounge, the cozy hidden speakeasy inside City Walk Brewing. Around here, weekends are anything but slow.
So go ahead—rewrite what you think you know about Hickory. This isn’t just a place you pass through on the way to somewhere else. It’s a destination worth stopping for, exploring, and coming back to. Whether you’re here for a day or making it a weekend, you’ll find yourself surprised by how much there is to see, taste, and do. Now you know!
