Hickory is a city in Catawba County, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about an hour northwest of Charlotte. It grew as a center of furniture making and textiles, and it is still known for its huge furniture showrooms.
AT A GLANCE
Best time
April to June and September to early November, for mild weather and fall color in the nearby mountains.
How long
One to two days covers downtown, the museums and a lake or mountain outing.
Getting there
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about an hour southeast.
Why visit Hickory
Hickory began as a tavern and railroad stop in the 1800s and became an industrial city of furniture factories, hosiery mills and later fiber-optic cable plants. The region's furniture heritage lives on in its showrooms, which draw shoppers from across the country.
Today Hickory is a friendly, affordable base for the western Piedmont. It has a revitalized downtown, good museums, a minor league ballpark and two lakes on the Catawba River, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is about an hour away.
Downtown and the museums
Most of Hickory's cultural sights are close together near downtown.
Union Square
Hickory's downtown is built around Union Square, a pedestrian-friendly plaza lined with shops, restaurants and cafés. It hosts concerts, a farmers market and seasonal events.
Hickory Museum of Art
Part of the SALT Block cultural campus, this is one of the oldest art museums in the state, with a strong collection of American art and regional folk art.
Catawba Science Center
Also on the SALT Block, this hands-on science center has aquariums, interactive exhibits and a planetarium, and it is a good stop for families.
Lenoir-Rhyne University
This small university near downtown has a pleasant campus with red-brick buildings and tree-shaded lawns.
Furniture, baseball and history
Hickory's best-known attractions reflect its industries and its love of baseball.
Hickory Furniture Mart
This enormous furniture complex holds dozens of showrooms and outlets under one roof, selling everything from sofas to lighting. Even if you are not buying, it is a striking reminder of the region's furniture industry.
Hickory Crawdads
The city's minor league baseball team plays at L.P. Frans Stadium from spring to late summer. Tickets are inexpensive, and the team is known for its friendly atmosphere and promotions.
Hickory Aviation Museum
At the regional airport, this volunteer-run museum displays military jets, helicopters and aviation memorabilia, many of which can be seen up close.
Murray's Mill
About 20 minutes away in the town of Catawba, this historic grist mill and its mill pond are preserved as a museum, with a general store and seasonal events.
Lakes and mountains
Water and mountains are both close to Hickory.
Lake Hickory
This reservoir on the Catawba River borders the city to the north. It has boat ramps, marinas and lakeside parks, and is popular for fishing and paddling.
Bakers Mountain Park
This county park protects the highest point in Catawba County, with forested trails and views over the foothills.
Glenn C. Hilton Jr. Memorial Park
This riverside city park has walking trails, playgrounds and picnic areas.
Blue Ridge Parkway
About an hour northwest, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the mountain towns of Blowing Rock and Boone make an easy day trip, especially for fall color in October.
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Hickory's location at the edge of the mountains makes it a good base for day trips into the Blue Ridge.
Blowing Rock and Boone
About an hour northwest, Blowing Rock has a charming main street and the Blowing Rock attraction, a rock outcrop with sweeping views. Nearby Boone is a lively college town home to Appalachian State University.
Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain, a little farther on, is known for its Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats and rugged hiking trails.
Lake James State Park
About 40 minutes west near Morganton, Lake James has clear water, a swimming beach, paddling and trails with mountain views.
Linville Falls
Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls plunges into the deep Linville Gorge, and short trails lead to several overlooks.
Statesville
About 30 minutes east, Statesville has a historic downtown and a busy hot-air balloon festival in October.
Food and local flavors
Hickory sits on the edge of Lexington-style barbecue country, where pork shoulder is slow-smoked and served with a tangy, tomato-tinged dip and red slaw. Southern diners serve biscuits, fried chicken and pinto beans with cornbread.
Downtown around Union Square has a good mix of restaurants, wine bars and breweries, and the city's craft beer scene has grown quickly in recent years.
Popular dishes to try in Hickory
Where to stay
US 70 and Interstate 40 has most of the hotels, close to the Furniture Mart and restaurants.
Downtown Hickory puts you within walking distance of Union Square and the SALT Block.
Lake Hickory has vacation rentals for a quieter stay by the water.
Best time to visit
Spring is mild and green, with baseball season starting in April.
Summer is warm and humid, best for the lakes and evening ballgames.
Fall is the most popular time, with crisp weather and color in the nearby mountains.
Winter is cool and quiet, with occasional light snow.
Getting there and getting around
By air: Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about an hour southeast.
By car: Interstate 40 runs through the city, and US 321 connects it to the mountains and to Gastonia.
Getting around: A car is the easiest way to get around Hickory and the surrounding area.
A suggested itinerary
First day
Explore Union Square and have lunch downtown, then visit the Hickory Museum of Art and the Catawba Science Center. In the evening, catch a Crawdads game at L.P. Frans Stadium.
Second day
Browse the Hickory Furniture Mart, visit the aviation museum, then spend the afternoon on Lake Hickory or hiking at Bakers Mountain. In fall, drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway instead.
Practical tips
- The Furniture Mart is closed on Sundays, so plan shopping for other days.
- Fall weekends in the mountains are busy, so leave early for the Parkway.
- Check the Crawdads schedule for fireworks nights.
- Hickory makes a good stop on Interstate 40 between Asheville and the Triad.
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