Ingrid Keller’s Guide to Culture and Craftsmanship in Catawba County, NC

Hi, I’m Ingrid Keller, and though I've lived as far away as South Korea and the UK, North Carolina – and Catawba County – will always be home for me.

With my job at Arts Culture Catawba, I spend a lot of my time advocating and sharing appreciation for all things art including music, theater, visual, film, literary, media, craft, traditional and culinary. And I love being able to share this appreciation with you!

Culture in Catawba County

Museums, music & more 

• The SALT Block: This vast cultural arts complex includes the Catawba Science Center, Hickory Museum of Art and Hickory Public Library. 
• The Green Room Community Theatre and Hickory Community Theatre: Both are long-standing pillars in the community and have great family-friendly options. 
• Western Piedmont Symphony: Also at the SALT Block, the symphony has several concerts on their Masterworks, Foothills Pops and Crossover series. 
• The Hmong Southeast Puavpheej: Catawba County has the fourth largest population of Hmong people in the country, so we have several great Asian markets and events that celebrate Hmong heritage. The Hmong Southeast Puavpheej, a non-profit cultural organization existing to preserve the heritage and cultures of the Hmong people, has a cultural park in the western part of the county where they host several events and are raising money to build a cultural center. 

Craftsmanship

We have a strong tradition of craftsmanship in the Catawba Valley. To get a sense of it, I'd recommend stops here:

• Mud Mamas Studio: Schedule a class at this community pottery studio based in the new OLLE Arts District.  
• Hart Square: Check out the schedule at the nation’s largest collection of historic log cabins to see its lineup of traditional arts classes. Or plan your visit during one of the monthly Community Square Dances. 
• AnandaRasa Catawba: This is a great new healing arts facility that does Class and a Glass every Saturday.

You'll always find me here

Bar trivia 

When I lived in London, I got into pub trivia as an indoor winter activity and would play with a couple of friends at different locations across the city. When I moved back home, I noticed you can find trivia at one of our bars or restaurants just about every weeknight. 

• Barley Market: Trivia here is Wednesday nights. Barley Market is a bottle shop in downtown Hickory with a wide selection and a relaxed vibe. In addition to trivia, it's also an arts-supportive business that collaborates with cultural organizations. One of the music schools has its student jam sessions there monthly, and I've seen a local theater group host a cabaret night there as well. 
• No Entry: I’m a big fan of this intimate cocktail lounge behind City Walk Brewing & Distilling. Trivia is on Tuesdays here. 

Coffee

• Taste Full Beans: This spot in downtown Hickory has that quintessential hometown coffee shop vibe. I always see half a dozen people I know and usually order a hot coffee from the bar. They even put out creamer from a local dairy farm! 
• Prism Coffee: They make the best almond milk latte I've ever had. It's a quirky little spot and usually somewhat quiet, and the owner is so nice and welcoming. You can always find some sort of tchotchke with a note at the counter that makes you laugh or smile. It's a great place to start your day.

And – of course – my favorite place in the county

• Bakers Mountain Park: Even in the cold, this is my favorite place in the county. It's a short but challenging hike with a wonderful reward at the top that shows off the beauty of the Foothills. Don’t forget to pack those layers!

Can’t get enough Hickory travel inspiration? See where insiders Sarah Jones and Elizabeth Clark like to spend their free time.