10 Best Places to Go and Things to Know for a Trip to the Hickory M... (2024)

10 Best Places to Go and Things to Know for a Trip to the Hickory Metro

A town with literal roots, Hickory was founded beneath a giant hickory tree. It has experienced several incarnations since then, with its most recent revealing a fresh, lively spirit. With a courteous tip of the hat to the past, you’ll find that this Main Street America-accredited destination offers something for everyone. Shop for world-renowned furniture. Bike, hike or kayak at a new park. Eat, drink and be merry in downtown Hickory. And soak up some culture while you’re at it.

1 Hickory City Walk & River Walk

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1 Hickory City Walk & River Walk

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When rolling into town, it’s best to first explore on foot to get the lay of the land – and we know the perfect place to begin. The new 10-mile Hickory Trail offers safety for bicyclists and pedestrians as they explore popular destinations throughout the city. Start at Lenoir Rhyne University, then make your way through the park-like setting of 1st Avenue in downtown Hickory. It will eventually connect to the riverwalk portion of the route, where serene Lake Hickory along the Catawba River awaits. There are plans for an amphitheater and park, as well as launches for boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

2 SALT Block

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2 SALT Block

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Find cultural inspiration everywhere you turn at this unique destination. Providing a home for “sciences, art and literature together,” this entire block of downtown Hickory consists of four buildings that do just that. Housed in a former high school built in 1924 and on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hickory Museum of Art is the second oldest of its kind in NC. And don’t miss the 35,000-square-foot Catawba Science Center, which presents hands-on exhibits, salt and freshwater aquarium galleries, and a state-of-the-art digital planetarium theater. Plus, with a library, symphony and choral society, there’s a little something for everyone to sing about here at SALT Block.

Website(828) 324-4906Directions

3 Hickory Aviation Museum

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Located at the Hickory Regional Airport, this free museum is home to artifacts and memorabilia spanning WWII to present day. Learn how aircraft design changed from the Wright Flyer to the F-18 Hornet, take a close look at ejection seats and flight suits, and head outside to examine a huge collection of aircrafts up close. Make sure to reflect at both the Wall of Honor and Memorial Wall, which honor members of their organization, local veterans and those who have passed.

Website(828) 323-1963Directions

4 Downtown Hickory

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4 Downtown Hickory

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Just an hour’s drive northwest of Charlotte, downtown Hickory thrives with numerous local dining, shopping and entertainment options in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You could easily make a day of it all in this welcoming hometown hub. You can also learn of the town’s history by checking out the Hickory Beginnings mural on Union Square, which is a designated stop along the Appalachian Mural Trail. Among other cultural highlights are the Hickory Community Theatre and Full Circle Arts. During the growing season, make sure to shake the hand that feeds you at the Hickory Farmers Market each Wednesday and Saturday on Main Avenue.

5 Hickory Furniture Mart

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5 Hickory Furniture Mart

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Long considered the “Furniture Manufacturing Capital of the World,” Hickory has a time-honored tradition of hosting visitors from around the globe in search of the best in furniture craftsmanship from this 1-million-square-foot marketplace. Celebrating more than 50 years in the industry, you’ll find independent retailers, custom-order showrooms and manufacturer galleries under one roof. But you’ll also discover top interior designers who partner with cabinet makers, upholsterers, and flooring specialists to build or remodel your dream home. You just may have sticker shock – but in the opposite direction than you’d think. With 65% to 80% below retail pricing, there are plenty of vendors to choose from. For out-of-towners, area hotels also offer “Shop and Stay” packages for even more discounts.

6 Three New Eats, Tons More Flavor

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6 Three New Eats, Tons More Flavor

Three new spaces are changing the culinary scene with unique flavors, curated beverages and breathtaking designs: Mas Amor Cantina, Vintage House and Cowa.Sake. Owned by a local entrepreneur who is invested in seeing Hickory thrive, these local spots are a true example of crafting an experience for locals and visitors. Mas Amor Cantina is Tex-Mex with a mid-century modern flare; Vintage House has a homey and elegant atmosphere with picturesque plates and beautiful libations; and Cowa.Sake, the newest member of the hospitality group that will open in 2023, offers the unique combo of sushi and burgers along the City Walk.

7 Mountain Creek Park

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7 Mountain Creek Park

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Mountain Creek is the newest park to join the other 50 or so throughout the county, and it’s become a fast favorite thanks to 19 miles of mountain bike trails, immaculate play areas for kids (the treehouse is a huge hit), hiking and walking trails, a kayak launch into the Catawba River, pickleball courts and much more. Don’t forget your pup – they’ll love the dog park.

Website(828) 312-1064Directions

8 Steak and Seafood

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8 Steak and Seafood

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As Hickory’s oldest steakhouse, Charolais has been a local favorite for decades thanks to its tableside rolling meat cart for choose-and-cut steak options. Coupled with a spectacular drink menu and impeccable wine cellar, it’s no wonder the restaurant has been mentioned in Wine Spectator magazine multiple times. Standard Oyster, Charolais’ sister restaurant, features 100% oyster bar seating while offering drink favorites like the “Champagne Supernova” and fresh oysters on the half shell that rotate daily.

9 Warehouse Distillery

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9 Warehouse Distillery

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Our part of the foothills of North Carolina has been no stranger to great whiskey and homemade moonshine through the years. Get a taste of it at Warehouse Distillery, which is women-owned, woman-operated and woman-distilled. Though it’s a family affair, sisters Baillie and Andi are the masterminds behind the new vintage co*cktail lounge located onsite at the distillery, where colorful couches invite you to relax with co*cktails, mocktails, wine, beer or flights.

Website(828) 464-5183Directions

10 Rock Barn Country Club & Spa

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10 Rock Barn Country Club & Spa

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For more than 50 years, this semiprivate club has offered its members top amenities, a few of which are open to the public. But if you book one of the various lodging options, you can stay and play like a lifelong member for the duration of your stay. Treat yourself to well-deserved pampering at The Spa at Rock Barn, where a newly renovated pool featuring three waterfalls and a salt cave come with an extensive menu of services for the ultimate in self-care. Known for its championship golf, 36 holes await you on two challenging yet gorgeous courses. Other luxuries you don’t want to miss include a fitness center, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, equestrian center, a top-notch tennis complex, and an array of casual and fine dining venues.

Website(828) 459-1125Directions

This article was produced in partnership with, and all photos are courtesy of, Visit Hickory Metro.

Updated May 1, 2023

About the Author

Melissa Corbin

Melissa Corbin is a Tennessee-based travel and culinary journalist telling the stories of the folks and places that make their corner of the world so unique. She’s as comfortable under the stars as high thread count. But don’t dare ask her to hike a volcano again as that’s a whole-box-of-wine kind of story. You never know where she’ll turn up next. So give her a holler on Instagram @melcorbin.

10 Best Places to Go and Things to Know for a Trip to the Hickory M... (2024)

FAQs

Is Hickory, NC worth visiting? ›

10 Best Places to Go and Things to Know for a Trip to the Hickory Metro. Though perhaps best known for its rich furniture heritage, Hickory is also full of outdoor adventures, mouthwatering food, local spirits and exceptional cultural experiences.

What is Hickory, NC famous for? ›

Hickory, North Carolina is well known for our rich heritage in Furniture Manufacturing but we can't wait to show you how that is just the beginning of the adventures you will find here! Scenic outdoor exploring, Lake adventures, tasty local restaurants that are changing the dining scene in our metro and more!

What does Hickory, NC have to offer? ›

Top Attractions in Hickory
  • Hickory Aviation Museum. Military Museums. ...
  • Harper House/ Hickory History Center. Points of Interest & Landmarks. ...
  • Catawba Science Center. 136. ...
  • Henry River Mill Village. Historic Sites. ...
  • Hickory Museum of Art. 110. ...
  • Hickory Crawdads / L.P. Frans Stadium. ...
  • Downtown Hickory Farmers Market. ...
  • Bakers Mountain Park.

How long is the riverwalk in Hickory? ›

Overview. The Riverwalk segment of the Hickory Trail showcases one of Hickory's most beautiful, natural assets — the Catawba River. The Riverwalk runs approximately 2.3 miles through Geitner Park along the river.

Is Hickory NC expensive? ›

The cost of living in Hickory, NC is 1% lower than the state average and 6% lower than the national average. Hickory, NC housing is 10% cheaper than the U.S average, while utilities are about 8% less pricey.

How far is Hickory from outer banks? ›

Yes, the driving distance between Hickory to Outer Banks is 413 miles. It takes approximately 7h 30m to drive from Hickory to Outer Banks.

What is the most expensive neighborhood in Hickory NC? ›

Check Out The Top 10 Most Expensive Neighborhoods To Live In Hickory:
  1. Viewmont. With a median home price of $530,197 and a median rent of $808, Viewmont is the most expensive neighborhood on our list. ...
  2. Kenworth. ...
  3. Downtown Hickory. ...
  4. Claremont. ...
  5. Highland. ...
  6. Forest Hills. ...
  7. Oakwood Hillcrest. ...
  8. Lakeland.

Does Hickory NC have a downtown? ›

Downtown Hickory has something for everyone. Whether it's a long walk on the City Walk throughout downtown and on to Lenoir Rhyne University campus. Maybe you'd like to check out what the public library has to offer. Get outside and take your kids to the new Lowes Foods Park by Union Square.

How far is Hickory NC from the beach? ›

Yes, the driving distance between Hickory to Carolina Beach is 264 miles. It takes approximately 5h 3m to drive from Hickory to Carolina Beach.

Where to take pictures in Hickory? ›

For Photographers. The Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, Harper House/Hickory History Center, and Historic Murray's Mill all make beautiful backdrops for family, graduation, prom, wedding, and other photos.

What is the ethnicity of Hickory NC? ›

In 2022, there were 4.95 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (28.4k people) in Hickory, NC than any other race or ethnicity. There were 5.73k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 2.31k Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Is Hickory, NC a walkable city? ›

People in Hickory can walk to an average of 0.8 restaurants, bars and coffee shops in 5 minutes.

How do I get to Hickory Riverwalk? ›

There are multiple access points to the Riverwalk with several options for parking. (1) Park at Rotary-Geitner Park (2035 12th St Dr NW, Hickory, NC 28601) and walk to the trails and overwater bridge. One end of the overland, elevated Riverwalk trail begins here.

How deep is the River Walk? ›

Reports vary but it seems that at least a dozen folks "reportedly" do make it into the river annually as well. Don't be fooled, the Riverwalk can vary in depth, from 2 to 24 feet deep!

Is there public access to Lake Hickory? ›

Lake Hickory offers 16 public boat launches and six marinas. Lake Hickory is a full recreational lake, allowing jet skis, water skiing, swimming, tubing, boat docks, fishing, and other water activities.

Is Hickory NC a nice town? ›

Hickory is a town in North Carolina with a population of 43,352. Hickory is in Catawba County and is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. Living in Hickory offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Hickory there are a lot of parks.

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