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Find inspiration in Hickory’s arts scene
Creativity runs deep in Hickory, and the arts take center stage. Start at the Hickory Museum of Art, where rotating exhibitions spotlight regional and national talent. (Please note: The museum is temporarily closed as it undergoes a renovation.) Browse contemporary works at Trade Alley Art, or make the short drive to NoCo Arts in nearby Newton. Even your coffee stop doubles as a gallery at Taste Full Beans. Add in performances by the Western Piedmont Symphony or a live show at Hickory Community Theatre and The Green Room Community Theatre, and you could easily plan an entire weekend around the arts in Hickory.
Discover local finds & timeless craftsmanship
Hickory’s craftsmanship legacy lives on in its shops — and “just browsing” often turns into a full day of finds. At Hickory Furniture Mart, inspiration fills every showroom, while boutiques offer finds you won’t see anywhere else. Vintage Blue and The Hickory Tree reward treasure hunters, and DASH Home + Kitchen brings modern flair to everyday spaces. Lou Lou’s Corner is a gift-giver’s dream, and book lovers can add to their TBR list at My Chapter House.
Savor Hickory’s flavorful food scene
Come hungry. Mornings start strong at Frothy Rooster — and yes, those yeast roll doughnuts with maple bacon jam are as good as they sound. Lunch inside the historic train depot at Olde Hickory Station blends atmosphere with flavor, while dinner might mean oysters at Standard Oyster Company or Mediterranean-inspired plates at Boca. On Saturdays, farmers markets in downtown Hickory, Conover and Newton showcase local produce and handmade goods. From a coffee served out of Taproot’s converted bus to scoops at Carolina Crafted Creamery, there’s plenty to savor. Up for exploring it all with a drink in hand? The Hickory Downtown Social District lets you grab a to-go beverage and stroll the designated streets.
Explore the outdoors and family fun
Hickory can keep the whole crew entertained. At the Catawba Science Center, hands-on exhibits and an aquarium spark curiosity. Or choose your outdoor adventure at Mountain Creek Park with 20 miles of mountain biking trails, pickleball courts, a dog park, fishing pier and an ADA-accessible trail. Follow the Hickory Trail to experience the city from a new perspective — winding from downtown streets to riverside views along the Catawba River. With several scenic segments open now and more on the way, it’s an easy way to explore Hickory at your own pace. And when evening rolls in, grab a seat under the stadium lights to cheer on the Hickory Crawdads or catch a match with Hickory FC.
Where Hickory comes alive at night
Weekends bring their own rhythm. Live music is everywhere — from the Sails Original Music Series in downtown Hickory to the energy-packed shows at Hickory Premier. City Walk Brewing pairs craft beer with a spacious biergarten, while No Entry Cocktail Lounge — a tucked-away speakeasy — can elevate your evening. For something more laid-back, Dive Bar mixes arcade games with good company.
This article was produced in partnership with Visit Hickory NC.