Hero - Interior Page Hero Module
Image Aside Copy Module
North Hickory Market
North Hickory Market brings fresh energy to Hickory’s OLLE Arts District, serving house-made bagels, rotating seasonal dinners, rum-forward cocktails with clever names and globally inspired dishes like Spam musubi — and don’t forget the potato wedges. Part neighborhood café, part gourmet market, North Hickory Market is an ideal kickoff to your weekend before exploring nearby murals, galleries, vintage shops and other local businesses shaping one of the city’s most creative corners.
2nd Street Inn & Suites
Your accommodations for the weekend, 2nd Street Inn & Suites, gives you a front-row seat to Hickory’s downtown energy day and night. Step outside the restored historic building to explore Union Square, local restaurants, breweries, boutiques, public art and live entertainment without needing to move your car.
Union Square
Start your morning in Union Square, downtown Hickory’s walkable gathering place lined with coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, galleries and public art. Grab breakfast or a local coffee, then stroll past historic architecture, murals and storefronts that show how the city’s creative side keeps growing. Pro tip: If it’s a Saturday morning, peruse the stalls at the year-round Hickory Farmers Market at Union Square. From there, you’re already in easy reach of shops, outdoor spaces and downtown stops before the day picks up.
Hickory Riverwalk
Head to the Hickory Riverwalk after breakfast for a reset by the water. This 2.3-mile section of the Hickory Trail runs through Rotary-Geitner Park along Lake Hickory, with paved paths for walking, biking or a morning run. Take your time on the overwater bridge, watch for wildlife and enjoy a quieter side of the city before heading to lunch.
Lake Hickory Pub & Marina
Keep the waterfront theme going with lunch at Lake Hickory Pub and Marina, just across the Riverwalk bridge from the Hickory Trail. Order lunch on the patio, watch boats move across Lake Hickory and consider a pontoon, kayak or paddleboard rental while you’re there — it’s one of the few places on Lake Hickory where rentals are available.
Hickory Aviation Museum
Visit the Hickory Aviation Museum after lunch to explore restored military aircraft and aviation exhibits at Hickory Regional Airport. The volunteer-run museum is supported by veterans and aircraft experts, including some who actually flew or maintained planes like the ones on display. Their firsthand stories make the visit especially engaging for families, history fans and anyone curious about the people behind the aircraft.
Rule Prime and Pasta
Make dinner feel like the main event at Rule Prime and Pasta, where handmade pasta and seared steaks bring an upscale close to Saturday in Hickory. Order Nonna’s Lasagna layered with vodka sauce, ricotta and beef bolognese, or pair your meal with a custom spritz or martini. For the best seat, request the garden patio with greenery and striped umbrellas.
No Entry Cocktail Lounge
After dinner, head to No Entry Cocktail Lounge inside City Walk Brewing & Distilling for a more tucked-away nightcap. The speakeasy-style bar serves cocktails made with spirits distilled on-site, including vodka, gin and bourbon. Dim lighting, intimate seating and seasonal drinks make it a smart stop when you want downtown nightlife without a loud, crowded feel. Perhaps the best part? It’s right across the street from 2nd Street Inn when you’re ready to call it a night.
SALT Block
Start your day at SALT Block, Hickory’s one-block cultural district where science, arts and literature all share the same campus. Visit the Hickory Museum of Art (the second oldest art museum in NC), explore hands-on exhibits at the Catawba Science Center or check the schedule for Western Piedmont Symphony performances. With a planetarium, aquarium, library and rotating exhibitions all close together, your final morning can include multiple cultural options.
Riverbend Park
Head to Riverbend Park for trails, river views and a quieter look at Hickory’s natural side. Walk through forest and wetland areas, picnic near the water, or launch a canoe or kayak below Oxford Dam if you want one more active stop before leaving town.
This itinerary was produced in partnership with Visit Hickory NC.