Hickory’s got a lot, too!
Now maybe you snickered when you read the title, but the city where I was born and raised can be pretty cool.
Nestled in between the foothills and mountains, Hickory is a perfect pit stop for when you’re headed up to Asheville or Boone/Blowing Rock. Beware: Get your Google Maps ready. You will get lost on HKY’s bewildering street name system (i.e. 8th Avenue Drive SW. That’s a whole ‘nother article).
Downtown Hickory
Start the day by picking out fresh produce at the Hickory Farmers Market, which stretches around the Olde Hickory railroad station. Check out the website to see the produce calendar.
Talking with @HatchSandwich owner about local food at Hickory farmer’s market. Lots of good-looking produce here. pic.twitter.com/A7hkt2M7EU
— Evan Matsumoto (@evanmatsumoto) July 23, 2014
Hungry? Head over a block to the Olde Hickory Tap Room, which features craft beer from Olde Hickory Brewery, live music and some killer chicken fingers. Other hot spots include the Crescent Moon Café and McGuire’s Pub.
“@elkpga: Olde hickory tap room pic.twitter.com/sAWDZW2DFL” cool spot..where is this??
— Kevin Mulvihill (@Kmulvy70) October 14, 2013
Finish the evening at the historic Carolina Theater, where you can watch a second-run mainstream film for a discounted price. Built in 1934, this theater has lots of charm and comfortable seats. The money you save on ticket prices can go into your popcorn fund.
The SALT Block
Incorporating the ‘Science Arts Literature Theater’ mantra, this section of town gives HKY some culture for the whole family.
At the Catawba Science Center, you can get up close with stingrays at the Aquarium or see some constellations at the adjacent planetarium. The science center even offers a dinosaur exhibit that runs until the end of August and was a hit with my niece and nephews. Enjoy some art work and photography while visiting the Hickory Museum of Art.
Spending time w/ Kadee at Catawba Science Center pic.twitter.com/PIeQq6Yhvx
— Tim Southers (@tsouth1968) March 1, 2014
Hickory Furniture Mart
If High Point is the capital of furniture, then Hickory is the runner-up.
Places such as the Hickory Furniture Mart offer tons of great furniture and home accessories, often at incredible discounts.
Be sure to check out Century Furniture’s huge clearance sale at the Hickory Convention Center the beginning of every March. This luxury brand offers great discounts on its expensive, high-quality pieces left over from the fall and spring Furniture Mart sales in High Point.
Modern white leather sofa with an accent leather chair is calling someone’s name! @CenturyFurnitur @HickoryMetroCVB pic.twitter.com/MEwI89cpvi
— Century Factory Sale (@CenturySale) March 7, 2015
Getting Hungry
Ride along Highway 127 down the middle of the city to find some local establishments to fill you up.
Hit up the drive thru at Windy City Grill for some addicting greasy foods, such as grilled bacon egg and cheese sandwiches and hamburgers. Inside, you’ll find the friendliest and quickest wait staff happy to serve their infamous livermush sandwiches.
Visited coach Barnes’ hometown Hickory, NC. The Windy City Grill is coach’s favorite spot and for good reason! pic.twitter.com/vknGix5JPn
— Michael Spencer (@WATEMichael) April 16, 2015
Bistro 127 has more of an upscale, yet reasonably priced, menu, including wood fire pizzas. Next door is the all new Bootleggers bar operated by the same owners. Whiskey and moonshine are the main draws, but my dad has to have at least one (maybe even two) ‘special recipe’ homemade margarita when our family goes.
A photo posted by Rob Dickerson (@veloruche) on Jan 4, 2014 at 3:53pm PST
You can even visit the original Hickory Tavern, even though it relocated down the street to a bigger place.
Other areas of interest
-Glenn Hilton Park
-Hickory Crawdads minor league
-Lake Hickory
-Historic houses such as Maple Grove and Harper House
-‘Snack Bar’ Restaurant
Photo: Charlotte Observer
This story was originally published July 29, 2015 at 9:52 PM with the headline "Hickory’s got a lot, too!."