Hickory, NC (November 6, 2025) — Exciting news for Hickory! The 2025 Destination Guide has earned a Silver Davey Award in the Consumer Magazine category — an international recognition celebrating creative excellence among small agencies and organizations worldwide. With more than 2,000 entries submitted this year, Hickory’s guide stood out for its eye-catching design, inspiring content, and authentic storytelling that showcases the heart of the Hickory Metro community.
Produced in partnership with Accent Creative Group, a boutique marketing studio based in Lawrenceville, Georgia, the 2025 Hickory Destination Guide is filled with colorful spreads, local favorites, and insider tips on where to eat, sip, shop, and explore. From farmers markets and food trucks to scenic trails and cultural events, every page helps readers experience Hickory through the eyes of a local. A reader favorite, Foodie 411, features interviews with local chefs and mixologists who share their favorite dishes and drinks — giving visitors a flavorful glimpse into Hickory’s vibrant dining scene.
The Davey Award also reflects the momentum of the Visit Hickory team, whose recent achievements include increased visitation year-over-year, expanded marketing campaigns across multiple platforms, and strengthened partnerships with local businesses, hotels, and event organizers. Their work has helped elevate awareness of Hickory as both a leisure and meetings destination, driving visitor spending and generating economic impact throughout the region.
“We’re honored that our 2025 Hickory Destination Guide has been recognized with a Silver Davey Award,” said Mandy Pitts Hildebrand, President & CEO of Visit Hickory. “This award celebrates the creativity and collaboration that went into bringing the guide to life. It reflects the energy, talent, and genuine spirit of our community and shows why Hickory is such a special place to visit — and to call home.”
This achievement adds to Hickory’s growing reputation as a must-visit destination in North Carolina and showcases Visit Hickory’s ongoing commitment to sharing the area’s best experiences in creative, meaningful ways.
Sarah Jones, VP of Sales, Marketing & Tourism Development for Visit Hickory, added: “Our partnership with Accent Creative Group is a true collaboration — one built on creativity, strategy, and a shared belief in the power of storytelling. Our team pours heart, intention, and data-driven strategy into every project we produce. The goal is always the same: tell Hickory’s story in a way that makes people want to experience it for themselves. Receiving this national recognition proves that our approach is not only working, but resonating.”
Copies of the 2025 Destination Guide are available at the Hickory Metro Convention Center, can be requested by mail, or viewed digitally here.
About Visit Hickory: Visit Hickory is the official destination marketing organization for Hickory, North Carolina. Dedicated to promoting the community’s rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty, Visit Hickory connects travelers with unforgettable experiences in the heart of Catawba County. The mission of the HCTDA is to market and enhance the economy of the Hickory Metro by promoting conventions, meetings, and travelers to the area. For more information, visit www.visithickorync.com.
About Accent Creative Group: Accent Creative Group (ACG), located in Lawrenceville, GA, was formed in 2004 as a full-service design and marketing studio, with a focus on custom publishing and branding. For more than 20 years, ACG, a metro Atlanta-based company, has designed brand identity and marketing campaigns for tourism and hospitality organizations, chambers, government, and more. Services include marketing and communications, advertising, custom publishing, brand development, web design, event planning, public relations, and more. Their work has garnered more than 30 regional, national, and international recognitions..
Media Contact:
Sarah Jones
Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Tourism Development
Visit Hickory
828.322.1335
Sarah@visithickorync.com