HICKORYHICKORYNORTH CAROLINA

Page created by Victor Collins
 
CONTINUE READING
HICKORYHICKORYNORTH CAROLINA
Hickory                                                  North Carolina
                                                            2021-2022 Destination Guide

Looking Forward to the Future
See how Hickory is honoring traditions while spurring
growth and revitalization.

Mural s i n t he Met ro
Don't miss these selfie hotspots.

Top 10 Locally Crafted Gift Ideas
Shop local to find something special for you and your
loved ones.

A Hospitality Legacy
Learn how a local family is claiming their "steak" in the
local hospitality industry.

        Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

         Explore. Experience. Discover. Well Crafted.
HICKORYHICKORYNORTH CAROLINA
Table of
                                                                                                                                                                                                              18
                    WELCOME TO THE HICKORY METRO!
                      A PLACE WHERE GENUINE SOUTHERN
                       HOSPITALITY COMES NATURALLY...                                                                                             Contents
                                                                                                                                                  Where to Stay					                              6
                                                                                                                                                  Our Neck of the Woods 			                     13
                                                                                                                                                  The Future of Hickory			                      18

                                                                                                                                                                                                              28
                                                                                                                                                  Things To Do 					26
                                                                                                                                                  Murals in the Metro 			                        28
                                                                                                                                                  Where to Shop					38
                                                                                                                                                  Top 10 Locally Crafted Gift Ideas             42
                                                                                                                                                  Furniture 						44
                                                                                                                                                  Where to Eat/ Drink 				                      46
                                                                                                                                                  Annual Event Calendar 			                     62
                                                                                                                                                  Points of Interest Map			                     64

    I t’s an exciting time in the Hickory Metro as new
      outdoor amenities are being crafted, exceptional
     local restaurants, wineries, breweries, and
                                                            Guide you’ll find what you need to plan an
                                                            amazing stay.

     distilleries are multiplying, the legacy of artisans   As a hometown gal of Hickory and on behalf of

                                                                                                                                                        Don't Miss...
     creating furniture flourishes, and sports and          the hospitality community, it’s my privilege to

                                                                                                                                                                                                              40
     cultural arts are in abundance.                        invite you to the Hickory Metro, a place that is full
                                                            of genuine southern hospitality.
     There’s something for everyone in the Hickory                                                                                                                     Art Galleries in the Metro - page 29
     Metro, no matter why you are here or what season       Sincerely,
     of life you are in.

     Whether it’s a vacation, a sporting event, furniture
     shopping, business, or a stop on your way to your      Mandy Pitts Hildebrand, CEO
                           final destination that has you   Hickory Metro Convention Center
                           exploring the Hickory Metro,     & Visitors Bureau
                           we’re here to help. Inside
                           this vibrant, entertaining,
                           and resourceful Destination

                                                                                                                                                                                                              53
                                                             Convention Center & Visitors Bureau     The Hickory Metro Convention Center &
                                                                                                     Visitors Bureau has made every effort to
On The Cover                                                                                       ensure the accuracy of information presented
Watercolor Painting at the SALT                                                                     in this guide, but assume no responsibility
Block by local artist Jennifer Cline                                                                     for errors, changes, or omissions.
Photo by Elizabeth Clark                     VisitHickoryMetro.com
HICKORYHICKORYNORTH CAROLINA
Airports
                                                                May 2020                »     Charlotte Douglas International (48 miles)
                                                                                                (704) 359-4013
                                                                                        »     Hickory Regional (Private Aviation)
                                                                                                 (828) 323-7408

                                                                                       Airport Shuttle
                  Great Evening Vibe                                                    »     The Hickory Hop:
       We were visiting Hickory for a day. Already                                              (828) 327-2340 - Reservations Info
                                                                                                (828) 312-0488 - Dispatch & Pickup
          ate dinner somewhere else before we
        discovered this fun area to hangout. Lots
       of activity. A fun place to grab a beer or eat                                  Car, Truck & Van Rentals
              outdoors. Or just walk around.                                            »     Avis Rent-A-Car
                                                                                                (828) 328-3206
                              -Barry S.
                                                                                        »     Enterprise Rent-A-Car
                                                 Quote from Trip Advisor                        (828) 324-5459 - Granite Falls
                                                                                                (828) 327-4335 - Hickory
                                                                                        »     Hertz Rent-A-Car
                                                                                                (828) 328-9110 - Hickory

                                                                                       Charter & Bus Services
                                                                                        »     Burke International Tours & Christian Tours
                                                                                                1 (800) 476-3900 - Toll Free
                                                                                                (828) 465-3900 - Local

                                                                                       Emergency Services
                                                                    New York City
                                                                           630 Miles    »     Catawba Valley Medical Center
                                                                                                (828) 326-3000
                                                                                        »     FastMed Urgent Care
                                                                                                 (828) 404-3656
                                                      Washington D.C.                   »     Frye Regional Medical Center
                            Columbus                       404 Miles                          A Duke LifePoint Hospital
                            411 Miles                                                            (828) 315-5000

                                   Charleston             Richmond                          » Hickory Police Department
                                     252 Miles               296 Miles                           (828) 328-5551
               Louisville                                                                    » Police, Sheriff, Fire or EMS
                434 Miles                                                                      911
                                                                 Virginia Beach
                                                                    347 Miles
                                                                                               Limousine Services
                               Cherokee                                                        » Accent Limousine
                               126 Miles
                                                                                                 (828) 638-0017
                                                                 Wilmington
                     Knoxville             Charlotte              254 Miles
                                                                                               » Action Limousine
                     191 Miles              51 Miles                                             (828) 464-3910
                                   Greenville                                                 » Hickory Limousine
                                                        Myrtle Beach
Memphis
580 Miles
                                    115 Miles
                                                          232 Miles
                                                                                                (828) 327-3364                              8 Time Lighthouse Award Winner
                             Atlanta                                                         » Platinum Limousine
                             258 Miles                                                            (828) 291-6445                            2014 Circle of Excellence Award
                                             Savannah                                  Public Transportation                                 •   Free Hot Breakfast • Fitness Center
                                                 302 Miles                                                                                   •   Free WiFi          • Meeting Rooms
                                                                                        »     Greenway Transportation
                                                                                                (828) 465-7634                               •   Free Parking       • Free On-Site
                                            Jacksonville                                                                                     •   Business Center      Guest Laundry
                                                 433 Miles
                                                                                       Taxi Services                                         •   Indoor Heated Pool   Facilities
                                                                                        »     Diamond Cab Company
                                                                                                (828) 322-5555
                                                                                                                                            1956 13th Ave Dr SE      828-624-2000
                                                                                                                                               Hickory, NC         www.hamptoninn.com
                                                                                        »     Yellow Cab Company
                                                                  Miami                          (828) 322-1133
                                                                 778 Miles
4 | visithickorymetro.com                                                               »     Uber & Lyft Available in Hickory                                           visithickorymetro.com | 5
HICKORYHICKORYNORTH CAROLINA
Stay
                                                                                                                       Area Accommodations
                                                                Hotels                                                                                                                                                                          B & B’s
                                                                1.   Affordable Suites of America                      8. Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham                                    15. La Quinta by Wyndham                              18.   Holly & Ivy Inn
                                                                2.   Baymont Inn & Suites                                  Hickory                                                            Hickory-Conover                                   19.   Loft 220
                                                                3.   Best Western                                      9. Fairfield Inn & Suites                                           16. Quality Suites                                    20.   Stay Here Instead
                                                                4.   Claremont Inn & Suites                            10. Gateway Extended Stay                                          17. Sleep Inn                                         21.   Sweet Tea Bed & Breakfast
                                                                5.   Courtyard Marriott                                11. Hampton Inn                                                                                                          22.   The Lodge at Rock Barn
                                                                6.   Crowne Plaza                                      12. Hilton Garden Inn                                                                                                    23.   The Peacock Inn at Catawba Farms
                                                                7.   Days Inn by Wyndham                               13. Holiday Inn Express                                                                                                  24.   The Townhomes at Rock Barn
                                                                     Conover – Hickory                                 14. Holiday Inn Express Suites

                                                                                                                  127
                                                                        321

                                                                                                                                                                    Y

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           AD
                                                                                                                                                       MCDONALD PKW

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         RO
                                                                                                                              Hickory                                                                                                                                         24

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         RN
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        22

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     BA
                                                                            8

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    CK
                                                                                                           CENTER ST

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    RO
                                                                                                      20
                                                                                                 19
                                                                                                                                    TATE BL                             HIG
                                                                                                                                           VD                              HLA
                                                                                                                                                                               ND
                                                                                                                                                                                    AVE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Exit 135

                                                                                                                        LE
                                                                      70

                                                                                                                        NO BLV
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    14
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Exit 133
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   40

                                                                                                                          IR- D
                                                                                            10

                                                                                                                             RH
                                                                                                                                Y
                                                                                                                                       Exit 125

                                                                                                                              NE
                                                                                                                                                                                              FAIRGROVE        Exit 130
                                                                                                                             2 17 16                                                          CHURCH RD                                                                                             4
                                                                                                                                           3 9        Exit 126                                                                       Exit 132
                                                                      40
                                                                                                                                       6
                                                                                                                                                                                               Exit 128
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        70
                                                                                                                                           12 5 11
                                                                                                                                                                                          7
                                                                                                                                                     Convention                                                        21
                                                                                 Exit 123                                                      13      Center
                                                                                                                                                                                               15   1        Conover
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        EM
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Claremont
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          M

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              16
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             AN

                                                                                                                                                                        ST
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Newton
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               UE

                                                                                                                                                                          AR
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  LC

                                                                                                                                                                            TO
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    H
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       UR

                                                                                                                                                                               W
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         CH

                                                                                                                                                                              N
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              RD

                                                                                                                                                                              RD

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            E
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 18

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          MAIN AV
                                                                                                                                                                                                        23

                                                                                                                                                                                                        
    Where                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               La Quinta Inn & Suites

    to Stay
       For a full list of places to stay in the Hickory Metro
                                                                 1320 17TH Street Drive SE, Hickory, NC 28602
                                                                    (828) 327-1000 www.hickory.hgi.com
       area check out www.VisitHickoryMetro.com/hotels                 Full Service Bar                                                         Indoor heated pool
                                                                       Onsite catering available                                                Meeting rooms
                                                                       Complimentary Wi-Fi                                                      Fitness Center
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Courtyard Marriott
                                                                 Our Garden Grille is open for breakfast & dinner daily!
6 | visithickorymetro.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                visithickorymetro.com | 7
HICKORYHICKORYNORTH CAROLINA
Comp. Breakfast

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Comp. Breakfast
                                                                     Business Center

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Business Center
                                                     ADA Compliant

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ADA Compliant
                                                                                                         Fitness Facility

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Fitness Facility
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Room Service

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Room Service
                                                                                                                                          Outdoor Pool

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Outdoor Pool
                                                                                                                                                                     Pets Allowed

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Pets Allowed
                                                                                                                                                                                    Refrigerator

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Refrigerator
                                                                                                                            Indoor Pool

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Indoor Pool
                                                                                                                                                         Microwave

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Microwave
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Restaurant

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Restaurant
                    Location          Telephone                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Location                          Telephone

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Of Rooms

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Of Rooms
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Free WiFi

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Free WiFi
                                                                                                                                                         In Room

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In Room
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Number

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Number
                                                                                                                                                                                                   On Site

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        On Site
     Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndam                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Fairfield Inn & Suites

                                                      • • • •                                                                              • • • •                                                                              •                                                                                          • • • • •                                                                                            •                         •                                          •
     1120 13th Avenue Dr. SE                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1950 13th Avenue Dr. SE
                                      828.270.7580                                                                                                                                                                                           60                                                            828.431.3000                                                                                                                                                                                          108
     Hickory, NC 28602                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Hickory, NC 28602
     wyndhamhotels.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  marriott.com/hkyfy
     Best Western Hickory                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Hampton Inn by Hilton

                                                      • • • •                                                                              • • • •                                                                              •                                                                                          • • • • •                                                                                            •                         •                                          •
     1520 13th Avenue Dr. SE                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1956 13th Avenue Dr. SE
                                      828.323.1150                                                                                                                                                                                          114                                                            828.624.2000                                                                                                                                                                                          121
     Hickory, NC 28602                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Hickory, NC 28602
     bestwestern.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    hickorync.hamptoninn.com
     Courtyard by Marriott                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Hilton Garden Inn

                                                      • •                                                 • •                                              •                         • •                                        •                                                                                          • • • • •                                                                                            •                         • • • •
     1949 13th Avenue Dr. SE                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1320 17th Street Dr. SE
                                      828.267.2100                                                                                                                                                                                          140                                                            828.327.1000                                                                                                                                                                                          113
     Hickory, NC 28602                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Hickory, NC 28602
     marriott.com/hkycy                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 hickory.hgi.com
     Crowne Plaza                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Holiday Inn Express & Suites

                                                      • •                                                 • •                                              • • • •                                                              •                                                                                          • • • •                                                                              • •                                       •                                          •
     1385 Lenoir Rhyne Blvd. SE                                                                                                                                                                                                                         104 10th Street NW
                                      828.323.1000                                                                                                                                                                                          118                                                            828.465.7070                                                                                                                                                                                           90
     Hickory, NC 28602                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conover, NC 28613
     crownplaza.com/hickorync                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ihg.com
     Days Inn                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Holiday Inn Express

                                                      • • • •                                                                              • • • •                                                                              •                                                                                          • • • •                                                                                              •                         •                                          •
     1710 Fairgrove Church Rd.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2250 US Highway 70 SE
                                      828.465.2378                                                                                                                                                                                           56                                                            828.328.2081                                                                                                                                                                                           86
     Conover, NC 28613                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Hickory, NC 28602
     wyndhamhotels.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  hiexpress.com/hickory-mart
     Days Inn & Suites                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  La Quinta Inn & Suites

                                                      • • • • • • • • •                                                                                                                                                         •                                                                                          • • • •                                                                              • • • •                                                                              •
     1725 13th Avenue Dr. NW                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1607 Fairgrove Church Rd.
                                      828.270.7441                                                                                                                                                                                          100                                                            828.465.1100                                                                                                                                                                                          107
     Hickory, NC 28601                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conover, NC 28613
     wyndhamhotels.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  laquintahickorync.com
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Quality Suites

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           • • • •                                                                              • • • •                                                                              •
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1125 13th Avenue Dr. SE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           828.323.1211                                                                                                                                                                                          114
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Hickory, NC 28602
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        choicehotels.com
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Sleep Inn

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           •                                 • •                                                                • • •                                                                •
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1179 13th Avenue Dr. SE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           828.323.1140                                                                                                                                                                                           98
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Hickory, NC 28602
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        choicehotels.com

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    November 2020                                                                                                                                                                                                          May 2020

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Hilton Garden Inn                                                                                                                                                                              Courtyard
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Great Hotel, Location and Bar                                                                                                                                                                      Amazing Rooms
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         We went to Hickory, NC for a show at the convention                                                                                                                      We loved the rooms in this hotel. Being close
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      center. The Hotel is within walking distance of the center                                                                                                                   to the furniture market, it had a great swanky
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          and very easy to find. They have ample parking and                                                                                                                        appeal to its style. The front desk crew was
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       have a number of restaurants around the property. The                                                                                                                      extremely welcoming and made you feel right
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        bar was outstanding with indoor seating, bar, seating                                                                                                                     at home. It offers many options in the lounge
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      and a fire pit outside. The bartender was very good and                                                                                                                      for food and spirits, so you really don’t need
                                                                                           1946 13th Ave Dr SE                                                                           Business Center                                                friendly and the restaurant had a good menu and was                                                                                                                        to leave if you'd rather stay in. The best part,
                                                                                           Hickory, NC 28602                                                                             Complimentary Wi-Fi                                           affordable for a hotel. We checked in very quickly and                                                                                                                      was the best night sleep ever. The beds were
                                                                                                                                                                                         Bistro and Bar                                                had a room on the 6th floor. The staff was attentive and                                                                                                                              amazing... we will be back!
                                                                                           828-267-2100                                                                                  Starbucks                                                    very professional. The hotel was very clean. We will stay                                                                                                                                                     -Passport52***
                                                                                                                                                                                         Indoor Pool & Whirlpool                                                              there again.                                                                                                                                                                                                              Quote from Trip Advisor
          “Everything You Need To Move Forward!”                                           Marriott.com/hkycy                                                                            Fitness Center                                                                     -Travel P.       Quote from Trip Advisor
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Holiday Inn Express

8 | visithickorymetro.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       visithickorymetro.com | 9
HICKORYHICKORYNORTH CAROLINA
Bed and Breakfasts

                                                                                                         The Holly & Ivy Inn– Come and relax in the warmth of southern            The Townhomes at Rock Barn– perfect for stay & play, just minutes
                                                                                                         charm and antiques, then stay for a self-serve continental breakfast!    from the main clubhouse & spa complex, come equipped with flat screen
                                                                                                         Stroll 2 blocks to downtown Newton for boutiques, shopping, a local      TVs, a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious porch, perfect for relaxing
                                                                                                         museum, local dining, live theatre, cocktails, and more.                 or dining outside. The living room provides a cozy atmosphere to gather
                                                                                                                                                                                  with friends or stretch out and relax.
                                                                                                                                                  828.238.3370 | airbnb.com                                              828.459.1125 | rockbarn.com

   Sweet Tea B&B

                                                        July 2020

                                                                                                     s
                                                                                                 arm
                                                                                                         The Lodge at Rock Barn– is located on the 18th tee of the Robert         Stay Here Instead– is a 1930's Electric Service Building

                                                                                               aF
                                                                                                         Trent Jones, Jr. course. This five bedroom home has a fully equipped     converted into a two-suite urban loft in downtown Hickory, NC.

                                                                                           b
                                                                                                         kitchen, wrap around deck overlooking the 17th hole, downstairs          Located in walking distance to the farmers market, shops &

                                                                                        aw
                                                                                          at
                                                                                       atC               board room for corporate retreats, and the lower bedroom has a           restaurants, you are never more than a few steps away from the
                                                                                     n
                                                                             c   k In                    private entrance.                                                        best Hickory has to offer.
                               Sweet Tea B&B                          Peaco                                                                    828.459.1125 | rockbarn.com                                      919.602.4807 | stayhereinstead.com

                             Wonderful Experience
                                Words cannot express how
                                gracious and charming our
                               hosts were. The food was out
                             of this world and the home was
                              beautiful!! This is the BEST B&B
                              we have ever stayed in and we
                             plan on coming back very soon!!
                              Highly recommended! You will
                                  not be disappointed!!
                                        -Teresa
                                           Quote from Trip Advisor
                                                                                                         The Peacock Inn at Catawba Farms– Catawba Farms, set on                  Loft 220– is one of the best ways to enjoy some of Hickory’s iconic
                                                                                                         34 pastoral acres within an hour's drive of Charlotte, North Carolina,   destinations. This historic building was revamped to ensure that
                                                                                                         is many things. At its heart is The Peacock Inn, an historic five-room   guests experience an upscale nights stay in the heart of it all.
                                                                                                         bed and breakfast inn. Also, on site you'll find a winery and brewery.
                                                                                                                                828.464.5780 | catawbafarms.com/peacock                                                           220unionsquare.com

                                                                                                         Let's Go Camping
                                                                                                         Cross Country Campground                     Lake Hickory RV Resort                Wildlife Woods Campground
                                                                                                         6254 Highway 150 E,                          6641 Monford Drive,                   4582 Beaver Boulevard,
                                                                                                         Denver, NC 28037                             Conover, NC 28613                     Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
                                                                                                         crosscountrycampground.com                   lakehickoryrvresort.com               Find Us On Facebook
                                                                                                         704-483-5897                                 828-256-4303                          704-483-5611

                                                                                                         Hiddenite Family Campground                  Indian Springs Campground
                                                                                                         601 Princess Lane,                           4361 Whitener Drive,
                                                                                                         Hiddenite, NC 28636                          Hickory, NC 28602
                                                                                                         hiddenitecampground.com                      indianspringscampgroundnc.com
  Stay Here Instead                                                                                     828-632-3815                                 828-397-5700

10 | visithickorymetro.com                                                                                                                                                                                                     visithickorymetro.com | 11
HICKORYHICKORYNORTH CAROLINA
C
                                                                                                      N
                                                                                                   er
                                                                                                nd
                                                                                                xa
                                                                                              le
                                                                                           A
                                                                                          sit
                                                                                        Vi
                                                                                       @
                                                                           y t
                                                                           un
                                                                         Co
                                                                       ke
                                                                    ur B
                                                                    er
                                                                 ov
                                                              isc
                                                             D
                                                            @

                                                                                              l
                                                                                           el
                                                                                        dw
                                                                                         al
                                                                                       eC
                                                                                     or
                                                                                 pl
                                                                                 Ex
                                                                                 @
                             There is something to say about the sheer beauty
                             and pristine quality of our part of Western NC.
                             We encourage you to immerse yourself by

                                                                                                                         ia
                                                                                                                       ed
                                                                                                                      kM
                             taking excursions out of the city limits

                                                                                                                     c
                                                                                                                  Ro
                             and discover how the country roads

                                                                                                                  le
                                                                                                                  b
                                                                                                               Ta
                                                                                                              @
                             will lead you places you never
                             quite expected.

                             Hickory
                             Hildebran
                             Newton                  Viewmont

                                                                                                       l
                                                                                                     el
                                                                                                  dw
                                                                                                  al
                                                                                                eC
                                                                                              or
                             Catawba                 Taylorsville

                                                                                           pl
                                                                                        Ex
                                                                                       @
                             Lenoir                  Morganton
   Bakers Mountain Park     Conover                 Mountain View
12 | visithickorymetro.com                                                                                 visithickorymetro.com | 13
HICKORYHICKORYNORTH CAROLINA
History in the Making
                                   O    ver the past 300 years the
                                        Hickory Metro has been
                                     evolving into a destination
                                       hot spot for visitors. There
                                        is truly something for
                                         everyone, no matter
                                          the sport or hobby;
                                          you won’t go without
                                          adventure when
                                          visiting here. Every
                                         community is composed
                                        of a beautiful timeline,
                                      some with struggles, and
                                    triumphs, but all have led
                                 to beautiful milestones. Take a
                              look back in time, as the Hickory
                       Metro has brought the meaning
    of “community" to light. These are just a few of the
    hundreds of milestones that have created a destination
    for business and leisure visitors as well as locals. From
    covered bridges to manufacturing furniture the talent
    will not go unnoticed. Explore the outdoors at one of
    our many parks and recreation sites - from racing to
           fishing, this is a place you will truly be able to
                           experience it all.

                   Pre-1700s                                                                                                             1985                              1994                                  2012
                                                                                                                                         Hickory Furniture Mart (HFM)      Olde Hickory Brewery                  The award-winning movie
                   Area occupied by tribes of
                   the Catawba Indian Nation.
                                                                      1891                             1949                              opened its doors to the public.
                                                                                                                                         HFM attracts customers across
                                                                                                                                                                           began brewing its award-
                                                                                                                                                                           winning beer and is the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 The Hunger Games filmed
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 parts of District 12 at Henry
                                                                      Lenoir-Rhyne University,         The Hickory Little Theatre,       the globe because our area        second microbrewery in                River Mill Village which
                                                                      then called Highland             now Hickory Community             is known as the “Furniture        North Carolina and is still           is just a few miles west of
                                                                      Academy opened and               Theatre (HCT) presented           Capital of the World.”            going strong today.                   Hickory in Hildebran, NC.
                                                                      is now one of the most           its first production. HCT is
                                                                      prestigious liberal arts         one of the oldest, operating
                                                                      universities in the southeast.   community theatres in NC.
                   1700s                                                                                                                 1985                              1997                                  2017
                                                                                                                                         The first Hart Square Festival    The Hickory Metro Trade               Lady Bass Anglers
                   German, Swiss, Scotch-Irish
                   settlers arrive to the area.                       1895                             1951                              was held. Hart Square now
                                                                                                                                         has the nation’s largest
                                                                                                                                                                           Center, now the Hickory
                                                                                                                                                                           Metro Convention Center,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Association brings one of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 its national tournaments
                                                                      The Bunker Hill Covered          Hickory Motor Speedway
                                                                                                                                         collection of log cabins          opens to the public and               to Lake Hickory. They
                                                                      Bridge in the town of            was opened as a ½ mile
                                                                                                                                         dating back to the 1800's.        begins hosting events,                returned in 2019, with the
                                                                      Claremont was built and          dirt track and known as the
                                                                                                                                                                           bringing visitors to our area.        next tournament in 2021.
                                                                      is currently one of the last     world’s fastest short track
                                                                      remaining covered bridges        and the birthplace of many
                                                                      in North Carolina.               NASCAR Stars.
                   1842                                                                                                                  1986                              2003                                 2019 –
                   Catawba County is
                   established, named for the                         1944                             1958                              The SALT Block cultural arts
                                                                                                                                         complex opens. The Block is
                                                                                                                                                                           Senior Champions PGA
                                                                                                                                                                           Tour debuts at Rock Barn
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Currently
                   Catawba Indians who once                                                                                              home to the Hickory Museum        Golf and Spa in Conover              Hickory and neighboring
                   inhabited the land. Cities and                     Hickory Museum of Art            Local furniture                   of Art, Catawba Science                                               communities are reinvesting
                                                                                                                                                                           and continued for 11 years.
                   towns formed later including                       (HMA) was established and        manufacturers establish a         Center, Hickory Choral Society,                                    in public projects. The City
                                                                                                                                                                           Known as the Greater
                   Newton in 1855, Hickory in                         becomes the second art           showcase of product lines         Western Piedmont Symphony                                          Walk and River Walk are two
                                                                                                                                                                           Hickory Classic at Rock Barn.
                   1870, and Conover in 1876.                         museum in North Carolina.        leading to the industry’s first   & the United Arts Council of                                       large projects connecting a
                                                                                                       wholesale exhibit.                Catawba County.                                                    revamped Downtown Hickory
                                                                                                                                                                                                            to the shores of Lake Hickory.
                   1890                                                                                                                  1993                              2007                             Learn more about these
                                                                                                                                                                           Hickory Named an All-            projects on page 18.
                   Furniture manufacturing
                   began in the community.
                                                                      1944                             1960                              Hickory Crawdads
                                                                                                                                         Baseball was established          America City for the 3rd
                                                                      Polio Epidemic hits Catawba      Furniture manufacturers           and currently are the High        time. Also winning in 1967
                                                                      County. Citizens build a         began meeting twice a             A East League affiliate of        & 1987.
                                                                      hospital for Polio patients,     year, starting the Furniture      the Texas Rangers. SAL
14 | visithickorymetro.com                                            known as the "Miracle of         Market.                           Champions – 02', 04' & 15'                                           visithickorymetro.com | 15
                                                                      Hickory"
HICKORYHICKORYNORTH CAROLINA
5. Courtyard Marriott                                                                         12. Hilton Garden Inn                                                                                                                                                                                                   22. The Lodge at Rock Barn
  6. Crowne Plaza                                                                               13. Holiday Inn Express                                                                                                                                                                                                 23. The Peacock Inn at Catawba Farms                                                                                 Photo by: Chad Austin, Inc.
  7. Days Inn by Wyndham Conover – Hickory                                                      14. Holiday Inn Express Suites                                                                                                                                                                                          24. The Townhomes at Rock Barn

                 321
                                                                                          127                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Remembering our past

                                                                                                                                                                      Y

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    AD
                                                                                                                                                          MCDONALD PKW

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  RO
                                                                                                                    Hickory Did You Know?                                                                                                                                                                                                            24

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RN
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               22

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             BA
                        8
                                                                                                                                            Hickory voted 2018 Top Tinsel Town in America

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             CK
                                                                                   CENTER ST
                                                                                                                                 Hickory, N.C. was voted a top City in America for

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           RO
                                                                                                                                 the Holidays. Hickory was selected as a Top Tinsel
                                                                         20                                                      Town after considering a variety of holiday aspects,
                                                                                                                         TATE BL including: Christmas     parades, holiday events,
                                                                   19
                                                                                                                                                HIG
                                                                                                                                VD                  HLA
                                                                                                                                 and more. The City ofDHickory’s   annual Christmas
                                                                                                                                                        N
                                                                                                                                                           AVE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Exit 135
                                                                                                     LE
                                                                                                                                 Parade and Tree Lighting in Downtown was listed
           70                                                                                          NO BLV                                                                                                                                                                                 14
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Exit 133
                                                                                                                                 as the holiday highlight for our city, as well as other
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          40
                                                                                                         IR- D
                                                         10                                                 RH

                                                                                                                                 local events that make Hickory,    N.C. very special,
                                                                                                               YN
                                                                                                                 E
                                                                                                                          Exit 125                             FAIRGROVE        Exit 130
                                                                                                                             3 especially   during
                                                                                                                                               126 the holiday season.
                                                                                                                2   17                                         CHURCH RD                                                                                                                                                                                                  4
                                                                                                                       16                 Exit
                                                                                                                                          9                                                                                                                                                     Exit 132
           40
                                                                                                                         6
                                                                                                                                                                                                               Exit 128
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               70
                                                                                                                                        12 5 11
                                                                                                                                                                                                          7
                                                                                                                                                        Convention                                                                                                           21
                                  Exit 123                                                                                                 13             Center
                                                                                                                                                                                                               15     1                Conover
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               EM
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Claremont
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 M

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         16
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    AN

                                                                                                                                                                              ST                                                                                                                                 Newton
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      UE
                                                                                                                                                                                AR
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         LC
                                                                                                                                                                                  TO
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           H
 Originating as a tavern under                                                                                                                restaurants and beautifully decorated  W
                                                                                                                                                                                       N
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              UR
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                CH
                                                                                                                                                                                           RD                                                                                                                                                        RD
 a Hickory tree, Downtown                                                                                                                     window fronts. Local shops line the side

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         VE
                                                                                                                                                                                18

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   MAIN A
 Hickory has evolved and changed into                                                                                                         walks along with local eateries
                                                                                                                                                                        23    where

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
 the heart beat of the community. On                                                                                                          you will often catch folks enjoying local
 warmer weekends you can find a thriving                                                                                                      craft beer and more. Through all seasons,
 Union Square with live music, hopping                                                                                                        Downtown Hickory is a favorite for all ages.

 Downtown Hickory & University Mill District
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Restaurants
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             1. Blowing Rock Brewery
                     4TH AVE NW                                                                                                                                                                  4TH AVE NE
                                                                                                                                              H                       127                                                                                                                                                       & Draft House
                                                                                                     Harper House &                         FRYE                                             SALT Black                                                                                                                        (828) 855-9999
                                                                                                 Hickory History Museum                                                                    (Science Center
                                                                                                                                                                                           & Museum of Art)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Boca
                     3RD AVE NW                                                                                                           3RD AVE NE                
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (828) 855-9944
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           LVD

                                                    15
                                                                                                                             N CENTER ST

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3RD ST NE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         EB
                                                                                                                                                                            HWY 127

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             3. Crescent Moon Café
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         YN
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      -RH

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               looking forward
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (828) 322-1456
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     OIR
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   LEN

                 2ND AVE NW                                                                                                                2ND AVE NE
                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             4. Duke’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
                                                                                                2ND ST NW
                                        3RD ST NW

                                                                              Carolina
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (828) 345-6246
     4TH ST NW

                             Hickory                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 1
                                                                              Theater
                            Community                6 3                                                                                                                                                                                                                   9
                             Theatre                                            

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               to our future
                                                                                                                                        1ST AVE NE                                                                                                                                                                           5. Hart & Soul Café
                     1ST AVE NW
                                                     10                                   14                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   (828) 679-1014
                                                                                                                                                                          2ND ST NE

                                                                TRADE ALLEY NW
                                                                                                                                                                                                    NE
                        Splash                                       7        13        11                  8                                                                           IN
                                                                                                                                                                                             AV
                                                                                                                                                                                                E                                                                                                                            6. Hatch Sandwich Bar
                         Pad                                                                                                                                                          MA
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (828) 322-1196
                     MAIN AVE NW                                                       UARE
                                                                        UNION SQ
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             NEE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             7. Hickory Wine Shoppe
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            AV

                                                                         12                                                                                                                                                                           2
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ND

                     MAIN AVE SW
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (828) 324 - 4441
                                                                                                                          S CENTER ST

                                                                 GOVERNMENT AVE SW
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        LA
     4TH ST SW

                                                    3RD ST SW

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       GH

                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      HI

                 5            4
                     1ST AVE SW
                                                                  Post Office
                                                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                                                                                         1ST AVE SE                                    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             8. Hong Kong Café                                        SHOP. DINE. DISCOVER.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          TATE BLVD
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (828) 327-8444
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             9. Mas Amor Cantina                                      Downtown Hickory offers a variety
                     2ND AVE SW                                                                                                                                                                          2ND AVE SE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      of local and unique retail shops,
                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              LENOIR-RHYNE BLVD

                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (828) 267-9800
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      restaurants, and more. With
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             10. McGuire’s Pub                                        the beautifully rennovated Union
                                                                                                                                                                                                         127                                                                                                                     (828) 322-7263
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Square, explore the area in what

                     Downtown                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                11. Notions                                              feels like a park in the heart of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9TH AVE SE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (828) 855-0905                                       Hickory. Staying true to our roots,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Hickory is crafting and creating
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      SE                   11TH AV
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      11TH AVE BLVD                                           E SE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             12. Olde Hickory Station
                                                                                                                                                                                                           40                                                                                                                    (828) 322-2356                                       epic adventures every day including
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Exit 125
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      outdoor concerts and festivals. We
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             13. Olde Hickory Tap Room                                hope you will explore more of our area by
                                                                                                                                                                                      70
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     13TH AV
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              E DR SE            (828) 322-1965                                       hopping on the new Downtown City Walk.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Convention
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Center                  14. Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (828) 325-0108
16 | visithickorymetro.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   15. Vintage House Restaurant                             www.downtownhickory.com             @downtownhky   visithickorymetro.com
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             @downtown_hickory | 17
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (828) 324-1210
HICKORYHICKORYNORTH CAROLINA
Photo: Chad Austin, Inc.                                                                                                           Photo: BPope Productions

                                                                                                                                                       We are a community that celebrates our legacy, preserving a strong
                                                                                                                                                        sense of place and honoring the traditions that inform our future.

                                                                                                                                               HICKORY’S BOND PROJECTS SPUR GROWTH
                                                                                                                                               AND REVITALIZATION
                                                                                                                                               In 2014, the City of Hickory’s citizens passed a $40 million bond

The Future of Hickory
                                                                                                                                               referendum, covering four major projects that are underway – Trivium
                                                                                                                                               Corporate Center, City Walk, Riverwalk, and Streetscapes & Gateways.
                                                                                                                                               These projects are spurring growth, development, and attracting visitors
                                                                                                                                               to Hickory. Throughout the process, leaders have worked with a 42-
    CREATING MOMENTUM                                                                                                                          member Bond Implementation Commission to guide the projects and
    Hickory has a history of craftsmanship. Hickory's past and future prospects                                                                make recommendations to City Council. The City has been able to
    have drawn to this place people with an eye for detail and a hand for hard                                                                 leverage those funds to secure an additional $50 million in grant funding
    work, those with a passion for making something of themselves and of 		                                                                    to total $90 million. This enabled the City to extend the Hickory Trail to
    the future.                                                                                                                                10 miles, connecting different parts of the community with destinations
                                                                                                                                               and amenities.
    The regional hub of over 365,000 people for commerce and recreation,
    Hickory continues to evolve and reinvent itself, capturing the attention and                                                               With all of these projects being in design and construction now, Hickory
    affection of people and publications far beyond its borders. Hickory was                                                                   has seen job growth, as well as new development happening throughout
    recognized in 2018 by National Geographic Travel as one of the Best Small                                                                  the City.
    Cities in America and by Forbes Magazine for being ranked first in the nation
    for lowest business costs, at 25% below the U.S. average. Hickory is located
    between Charlotte and Asheville at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains,                                                                                                                          CITY WALK
    along I-40, where a collective spirit of craftsmanship strengthens any                                                                                                                            Hickory’s City Walk is a 10-foot-wide, multiuse path that will
    endeavor with detail, artistry, and quality.                                                                                                                                                      run approximately 1.7 miles through Downtown Hickory to 9th
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Street NW (in front of Deluxe Printing Group). The City Walk will
                                                                                                                                                                                                      connect destinations and amenities throughout the City, and be a
                                                                                                                                                                                                      catalyst for economic development and growth. An iconic bridge,
                                                                                                                                                                                                      featuring interwoven arches, and other highlights along the path
                                                                                                                                                                                                      include Lenoir-Rhyne University, the SALT Block, Hickory City Hall,
                                                                                                                                                                                                      One North Center, Book Walk, Union Square, and Lowes Foods
                                                                                                                                                                                                      City Park. The City Walk is expected to be completed by
                                                                                       As Hickory’s bond program comes to fruition
                                                                                        throughout the city, it is generating much                                                                    spring 2021.
                                                                                     excitement among residents and visitors while
                                                                                    fueling economic development, growth, and job
                                                                                    creation. The Hickory Trail will become a regional         RIVERWALK
                                                                                      destination providing connectivity and unique
                                                                                                                                               The Catawba River is one of Hickory’s most beautiful, natural
                                                                                   experiences to enrich the quality of life in Hickory.
                                                                                  With $90 million being invested into our community           assets. The Riverwalk will provide public access to Lake Hickory
                                                                                     through the bond referendum and additionally              with a combination of waterfront and wooded trails. The Riverwalk
                                                                                      secured federal and state grant funding, we’re           will provide visitors with a variety of scenery and multiple vantage
                                                                                   actively crafting a stronger, more vibrant future for       points to admire the beauty of Lake Hickory and the surrounding
                                                                                          Hickory and the greater metro region.                natural environments. Plans to renovate Rotary-Geitner Park to
                                                                                                    -Hank Guess                                create the Deidra Lackey Memorial Park, featuring a Lake House
                                                                                                   Mayor of Hickory NC                         for events, an outdoor amphitheater on the water, a conservatory,
                                                                                                                                               gardens, and trails.

18 | visithickorymetro.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                       visithickorymetro.com | 19
newton
           Conover
The City of Conover began in the mid
1800's as a “Y” intersection of the
                                                   innovative concepts can be brought to
                                                   life. It’s where products and prototypes
                                                                                                                                  Catawba Farms has it all! Set on 34 pastoral
                                                                                                                                  acres within an hour's drive of Charlotte, North
                                                                                                                                  Carolina. At its heart is The Peacock Inn, a historic
                                                                                                                                  five-room bed & breakfast and beverage Tasting
                                                                                                                                  Room. It's also a winery and craft brewery, as well
                                                                                                                                  as a venue for receptions, reunions, parties, and
                                                                                                                                  corporate meetings. Catawba Farms hosts a wide
railroad traversing North Carolina.                are tested; manufacturing processes are                                        variety of events on its scenic grounds, including
Although originally called Wye Town,               fine-tuned and accurate cost and product                                       live music, festivals, and fun activities for the whole
legend says the name Canova was                    studies are performed. All of these                                            family. Oh, and let's not forget their newest addition,
                                                                                                                                  The Rink, which is a year round ice skating rink for
adopted but transposed to Conover                  services are available to manufacturers
                                                                                                                                  all ages.                                                                                                              Novel Taproom
over several years. The City of Conover            to help them stay at the forefront of

                                                                                                                                     viewmont
was chartered in 1876 and incorporated             their industry.
in 1877.                                           Just down the street you will also find the
Through the years Conover has                      Furniture Manufacturing Academy, which
grown to house many local furniture                is a part of the local Catawba Valley
manufacturers and now is home to                   Community College curriculum. Here
the Manufacturing Solutions Center                 they continue to train the Metro area in
(MSC.) The Manufacturing Solutions                 fine crafted skills like furniture upholstery,
Center has become an essential part                fabric and leather cutting and more. The
of manufacturing and is a facility where           academy houses a showroom on-site and
                                                   allows tours planned in advance.
                                                   Conover offers a quaint downtown with
                                                   live music, local shops, local dining and
                                                   more.                                                                         Glen Hilton Memorial Park– features five picnic
                                                                                                                                 shelters with tables and grills, two playgrounds,
                                                                                                                                 restrooms, gazebo, lighted and paved walking trail,
                                                                                                                                 nature boardwalk, 24-hole disc golf course, canoe
                                                                                                                                 launch, horseshoe pits, and a memorial garden.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  FOURK is a modern neighborhood restaurant serving
                                                                                                    Did you know?                                                                                                 new American cuisine where their unique and upbeat
For nearly 50 years, Rock Barn Country Club                                                                                                                                                                       atmosphere is inviting and fun for guests! FOURK's
& Spa has been a place for members and guests                                                       You can shop the Furniture                                                                                    cheerful atmosphere is ideal for everyday dining – a

                                                                                                                                                                                        H
to play, relax, dine, and live. With 36 holes of                                                    Manufacturing Academy                                                                                         business luncheon, a girls’ night out, a dinner for two or
                                                                                                    show room for deep                                                                                            a fun, group occasion. Their attention to detail, excellent

                                                                                                                                                                                          anna
pristine, award winning golf, a full-service
family-oriented club, and a newly renovated                                                         discounts on well made                                                                                        service and focus on cuisine creates a great experience

                                                                                                                                                                                               h's
medical spa, Rock Barn’s primary focus is on                                                        furniture. The proceeds                                                                                       for all guests!

                                                                                                                                                                                                   BB
                                                                                                    from the sales go back to                                                                       So            828.855.3437 | fourkrestaurant.com

                                                                                                                                                                                                Q
you and your family.                                                                                                                                                                                   u
                                                                                                    the program for future                                                                                 th     L D $$$
828.459.1125 | rockbarn.com                                                                         scholarships!                                                                                                                       visithickorymetro.com | 21
Dig A Little Deeper...
                                             Dig a Little Deeper -- Emerald Hollow Mine
                                             is the only public emerald mine in the United
                      You’ll                 States. The largest emerald found in North
                                             America was unearthed in Alexander County.

                     find all                                       Scale New Heights --
                                                                    The 318-acre Rocky Face Mountain
                      of our                                        Recreational Area features a 100-foot natural
                                                                     rock climbing wall, hiking trails, geocaching,

                      gems!                                          picnic shelter, and restrooms.

                                             Find Diamond Jim -- The Hiddenite Arts &
                                             Heritage Center is a cultural arts mecca once
                                             home to “Diamond Jim Lucas” and is listed on
                                             the National Register of Historic Places.

                                                             Ride Like the Wind -- Brushy
                                                             Mountain Motor Sports Park has approximately
                                                             100 miles of trails on 1,700 acres, perfect for dirtbikes,
                                                             4-wheelers, side-by-sides, and more. Come ride the
                                                             mountain.

                                                               Grind with Smiley -- Linney’s
                                                               Mill has been located in the same
                                             spot since 1790. Billy “Smiley” Linney greets visi-
                                             tors to a working mill that produces stone ground
                                             corn meal, grits, and other products. It also serves
                                             as a general store and campground.

                                             Rope A Steer -- H-N-H Arena is an equine facility
                                             hosting events including, Team Roping Jackpots and Ropings, Rodeos,
                                             Barrel Races, Cuttings, Team Pennings, along with other horse shows,
                                             horse schools and clinics.

                                                                  Ride A Slide -- Sun Crest Water Park offers an
                                                                  old fashioned rope swing, a water slide for all
                                                                  ages, or you can just hang out in the sun and
                                                                  enjoy the relaxing scenery.
    Alexander County is located in the
                                                                  Paintball Action -- Visit Command Decisions
   beautiful foothills of western North                           Wargames Center for paintball and airsoft action
  Carolina, in the middle of the Greater     with 15 bases on 70 acres of playable field. Visitors come from hun-
   Hickory Metro. With a population of       dreds of miles away to participate in special events or open play at this
 about 37,000, Alexander County is home      unique venue.
   to many treasures with a down-home        An Apple a Day -- Don’t forget about the many
appeal. Come visit, bring your camera, and   apple orchards, farmers market, and farms in
       see all that we have to offer!        Alexander County. At the orchards, you can pick
                                             your own apples, buy old-fashioned candy or local

www.VisitAlexanderNC.com
 22 | visithickorymetro.com
                                             honey, or just strike up a conversation.
                                                                                                                          visithickorymetro.com | 23
YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS

    Grandfather
     Mountain
                              3... 2... 1
                              Blowing Rock
        Blue Ridge                    Bolick and Traditions Pottery
         Parkway
                                                             Buffalo                    NC Scenic Highway 268
                                                            Game Land

                                                                      Fort Defiance
                                                            Yadkin River
        Wilson                 P isgah
        Creek                 National Forest

                                       Downtown Lenoir          LENOIR
                     Johns
                      River                                                 Sims C ountry BBQ
                                                Granite Falls
                                                   Brewery
                        Overmountain
                     Victory Trail Route

    Tucked away at the foot of the majestic Blue Ridge
    Mountains, Lenoir & the NC Foothills is a great
    place to catch your breath, unplug and reconnect.
    Beautiful vistas, outdoor recreation, arts, heritage…

    start your adventure 321.                                                         ExploreCaldwell.com                                                Riverbend Park
24 | visithickorymetro.com                                                                                      Photo Courtesy Mike Koenig
                                                                                                                                             visithickorymetro.com | 25
ExplorE                                                                              Hickory Museum of Art
                                                                                         243 3rd Ave. NE, Hickory, NC 28601
                                                                                         828.327.8576 | hickoryart.org
                                                                                         Founded in 1944, this is the second-
                                                                                         oldest art museum in the state of NC.
                                                                                         With permanent collections and traveling                       Hickory Motor Speedway
                                                                                         exhibits and workshops - Free to the
                                                                                                                                                        3130 US Hwy 70, Newton, NC 28658
                                                                                         public
                                                                                                                                                        828.464.3655 | hickorymotorspeedway.com
                                                                                                                                                        Birthplace to the NASCAR Stars - famous short track

                                                                                                                                   Rock Barn is a unique community in Conover, NC with both public
                                                                                                                                  amenities and a members-only country club. Our public amenities include:
                                                                                                                                 The Spa at Rock Barn, a European day spa of over 21,000 square feet
                                                                                                                                The Jackson Golf Course, Sue’s Grill, and the fully stocked Golf Shop
                                                                                                                               Event Venues for corporate events, private parties, or weddings
                                                                                                                               Lodging in our luxury townhomes or the 5-bedroom Lodge. Lodging guests
                                                                                                                               enjoy access to member amenities, so book a Spa Day or play a round of golf
                                                                                                                               on the members-only Robert Trent Jones, Jr. course.

    Things
                                                                                                                                            Visit for the day. Stay for a weekend.
                                                                                                                                                   Join the Club. Live here.

                                                                    Rock Barn Country Club & Spa has two 18-hole golf
                                                                  courses, a day spa, five restaurants, eight tennis courts,

    to do
                                                                  an aquatics center, a fitness center, and event venues.
                                                                  Rock Barn Country Club & Spa Members enjoy discounts
                                                                   on Spa services, lodging, and event spaces, in addition
                                                                     to member golf tournaments, varied social events,
                                                                            and monthly themed dining events.

                                                                   Hospitality. Community. Lifestyle.
      For a full list of things to do in the Hickory Metro area
      check out www.VisitHickoryMetro.com/things-to-do/

                                                                   www.rockbarn.com / (828) 459-1125

26 | visithickorymetro.com                                                                                                                                                             visithickorymetro.com | 27
t h e M e t r o
Mur a l s i n                                                     Social Med
                                                                              ia go  ld and Selfi
                                                                                                 e Hot Spots
                                                                                                               to check ou
                                                                                                                             t...

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Mud Mamas Studio
                                                                                                                                                   Awake n yo u r
                                                                                                                                                                                          A Creative Hand
                                                                                                                                                                                          229 Trade Alley suite a, Hickory, NC 28601
                                                                                                                                                                                          828.303.0578 | acreativehand.com

  Welcome to Hickory (2019)                                                       The Miracle of Hickory (2019)                                                                           Folk Keeper Galley & Antiques
  Downtown Hickory 2nd St. SW                                                     Downtown Hickory 241 1st Ave NW                                                                         902 West Ave NW, Lenoir, NC 28645
  Artist: James Smith                                                             Artist: Hunter Speagle                                                                                  828.726.4429 | folkkeepergallery.com

                                                                                                                                                                                          Full Circle Arts
                                                                                                                                                                                          42B 3rd St NW, Hickory, NC 28601
                                                                                                                                                                                          828.322.7545 | fullcirclearts.org
                                                                                                                                                                           Tree of Life

                                                                                                                                    Explore the southeast’s largest                                                                                                      Oak Hill Iron & Wood
                                                                                                                                    collection of Southern Folk Art,
                                                                                                                                    The Hickory Art Walk full of unique
                                                                                                                                    sculptures and whirligigs, our eclectic
                                                                                                                                    local galleries, mural trail and more.
                                                                                                                                                                                                             Hamilton Williams Gallery & Studio

                                                                                                                                                                                          Hamilton Williams Gallery & Studio
                                                                                                                                                                                          403 E Union St., Morganton, NC 28655
  Flower Mural (2020)                                         Exodus: Strength in Diversity (2020)                                                                                        828.438.1595 | hamiltonwilliams.com
  932 3rd Ave NW, Hickory, NC 28601                           610 Fourth St. SW, Hickory, NC 28601
  Artist: Sara Jenne Echerd                                   Artist: James Smith                                                                                                         Hickory Museum of Art
                                                                                                                                                                                          243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601
                                                                                                                                                                                          828.327.8576 | hickoryart.org

                                                                                                                                                                                          Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center
                                                                                                                                                    Hamilton Williams Gallery & Studio    316 Hiddenite Church Rd., Hiddenite, NC 28636
                                                                                                                                                                                          828.632.6966 | hiddenitearts.org

                                                                                                                                                                                          Kim Ellington Pottery
                                                                                                                                                                                          7110 W NC Hwy 10, Vale, NC 28168
                                                                                                                                                                                          704.462.2067 | ellingtonpottery.com
                                                                                      Claremont Mural (Date Unknown)                                                                      My Happy Place Gallery at the Red
                                                                                      4895 S Depot St, Claremont, NC 28610                                                                Awning Gallery
                                                                                      Artist: Jeremy Sams                                                                                 145 Cedar Valley Rd, Hudson, NC 28638
                                                                                                                                                                                          828.610.6300 |
                                                                                                                                                                                          myhappyplacegaller3.wixsite.com/happiness               Artist Feature: Charles Kimso was born in
 Break Free (2020)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Kenya, but came to the United States on a
                                                                                                                                                                                          Oak Hill Iron & Wood                                    soccer scholarship to American University
 1042 Old Lenoir Rd, Hickory, NC 28601                                                                                                                                                                                                            in Washington D.C. An engineer by trade,
                                                                                                                                                                                          107 S King St, Morganton, NC 28655
 Artist: James Smith                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Charles now builds custom furniture, does
                                                                                                                                                                                          828.437.9217 | oakhilliron.com
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  custom furniture painting/ distressing,
                                                                                                                                                                                          Studiobev                                               and more. His work can be viewed and
                                                                                                                                                                                          7 2nd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601                         purchased in stores around Old Lenoir
              @visithickorymetro                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Road and by appointment.
                                                                                                                                                                                          828.446.6489 | studiobev.com
   Share pictures and tag us for a chance   Historic Beginnings (2006)                Sherrill Tobacco Company (2003)                                                                                                                             Visit them on Facebook at
    to be featured on our social media!     234 Union Square, Hickory, NC 28601       100 S Main St, Catawba, NC 28609                                                                    Trade Alley Art                                         @industrialfurnishings4uahome
                                            Artist: Roger Cooke                       Artist: Adele James McCarty                                                                         25 2nd St NW, Hickory, NC 28601
28 | visithickorymetro.com                                                                                                                        Whirligigs at Hickory Museum of Art                                                                          visithickorymetro.com | 29
                                                                                                                                                                                          828.578.1706 | tradealleyart.com
Music in
                                                                                        the Metro
                                                                               Music is a large part of our community, drawing in all types of
                                                                               musicians, singers and enthusiast. For a full list of concerts in the
                                                                               area, visit our events calender.

The Hickory Choral Society raised its collective voice for the first time in
1978, touching music lovers in the Catawba Valley with the spirit of song.                                                                    NormFest
Today, some 110 singers blend their voices in harmony, brought together
by a common devotion to musical excellence. The work of the Hickory
Choral Society is a testament to the belief that each person, regardless of
station, should be allowed to share the divine, universal gift of music and
its immeasurable rewards.

                                                                                                                                                              Union Square Downtown Hickory
                              Folk Art Festival

30 | visithickorymetro.com                                                                                                           Sails Original Music             visithickorymetro.com | 31
A Golf Game                                                                                                                             The Green Room Community Theatre
                                                                                                                                         10 South Main Ave. Newton, NC 28658
                                                                                                                                         828.464.6128 | thegreenroomtheatre.org
                                                                                                                                         Performances take place in the old post office playhouse

 Right on Par
                                                                                                                                         featuring a season of musicals, dramas and comedies

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Lake Hickory Adventure
       Rock Barn Country Club
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6707 Limbaugh Lane, Hickory, NC 28601
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  828.358.2384 | lakehickoryadventures.com
    Brushy Mountain Golf Club    Hampton Heights                     Silver Creek Plantation                                                                                                                      Yacht cruises on Lake Hickory (private rentals
    300 Golf Course Lane                                                                                                                                                                                          available)
                                 1700 5th Street NE                  4241 Plantation Drive
    Taylorsville, NC 28601       Hickory, NC 28601                   Morganton, NC 28655
    brushymountaingolf.com       hamptonheights.com                  silvercreekplantation.com
    (828) 632-4804               (828) 328-5010                      (828) 584-6911                                                                                                         St. Stephens Park & Dog Park
                                                                                                                                                                                            2247 36th Ave. NE, Hickory NC 28601
    Catawba Country Club         Mimosa Hills                                                                                                                                               828.441.7277 | 9-acre park with a dog park,
    1154 Country Club Road       611 Golf Course Road                                                                                                                                       playground, 1/3 mile hiking trail and more
                                                                                                                               Bakers Mountain Park
    Newton, NC 28658             Morganton, NC 28655
                                                                                                                               6680 Bakers Mountain Rd., Hickory, NC 28602
    catawbacc.org                mimosahills.org
                                                                                                                               828.324.8461 | Highest point in Catawba County
    (828) 294-3727               (828) 437-2967                                                                                with nearly 6 miles of trail to explore and a variety
                                                                                                                               of wildlife and plants native to the North Carolina
    Catawba Springs              Ole Still Golf Club                                                                           mountains
    3820 Wandering Lane          1157 Players Ridge Road
    Hickory, NC 28601            Hickory, NC 28601
    lakehickorycc.com            olestillgolf.com
    (828) 256-2171               (828) 598-0327
                                                                                                               January 2019

    Glen Oaks Golf Club          Orchard Hills Golf Club
    245 Golf Course Road         2515 Connelly Springs Road
    Maiden, NC 28650             Granite Falls, NC 28630
    glenoaksgolf.com             Find Us on Facebook!
    (828) 428-2451               (828) 728-3560
                                                                         By far best club in area!
                                                              Two outstanding golf courses with all the club house
    Granada Farms                Rock Barn Country             and pro-shop amenities. This outstanding club also
    10 River Drive               Club and Spa                 offers a fantastic spa facility with all the fixings, along
                                 3791 Clubhouse Drive NE      with pools tennis, and workout facilities. I'm sure I'm
    Granite Falls, NC 28630                                   forgetting other great aspects but I'm already blown
    granadafarmsgolfcourse.com   Conover, NC 28613              away by how wonderful this hidden gem of North
    (828) 396-2313               rockbarn.com                               Carolina is. Fantastic Place!
                                 (828) 459-9279                                     -Tanje***        Quote from Trip Advisor

32 | visithickorymetro.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                     visithickorymetro.com | 33
Western Piedmont Symphony
                                                                                                                      243 3rd Ave. NE, Hickory, NC 28601
                                                                                                                      828.324.8603 | wpsymphony.org
                                                                                                                      Professional orchestra offering free shows
                                                                                                                      to the public

                                                                 Hickory Aviation Museum
                                                                 3101 9th Ave Dr NW, Hickory, NC 28601
                                                                 828.323.1963 | hickoryaviationmuseum.org
                                                                 Planes and artifacts including war planes from the
                                                                 golden age of flying

                                       Hart Square Village
                                       5029 Hope Rd., Vale, NC 28168
                                       828.320.9461 | hartsquare.com                                                             Carolina Thread Trail is a regional
                                       World's largest collection of log structures                                              network of connected greenways, trails
                                       dating back to the 1800s - this working                                                   and blueways that reach both Carolinas.
                                       village offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of                                            Fortunately the Trail comes right through
                                       the early settlers of Catawba County                                                      the Hickory Metro. To find where to jump
      Union Square Downtown Hickory   *Remembering Hart Square Founder Bob Hart                                                 on the trail on foot or on water, go to
                                       and the legacy he left behind in 2020. He will                                            carolinathreadtrail.org.
                                       be deeply missed.
34 | visithickorymetro.com                                                                                                                   visithickorymetro.com | 35
YourHometown
                                     Your
                                       The
                                     The
                                          HometownBaseball
                                          Crawdads
                                                  BaseballTeam
                                            Crawdads
                                                           Team
                                                          baseball
                                                        baseball    arrived
                                                                  arrived  inin Hickory
                                                                              Hickory    inin 1993
                                                                                            1993    when
                                                                                                  when    Don
                                                                                                         Don   Beaver,
                                                                                                             Beaver,    Luther
                                                                                                                      Luther
                                       Beaver,
                                     Beaver,  andand   Charles
                                                     Charles    Young
                                                              Young     purchased
                                                                      purchased       the
                                                                                    the    Gastonia
                                                                                         Gastonia     Rangers
                                                                                                     Rangers    and
                                                                                                              and   relocated
                                                                                                                  relocated
                                       the
                                     the   team
                                         team    toto  their
                                                     their   hometown.
                                                           hometown.      Upon
                                                                        Upon     arrival
                                                                               arrival   inin town,
                                                                                            town,    the
                                                                                                   the   owners
                                                                                                       owners    held
                                                                                                               held    a contest
                                                                                                                     a contest

Funat
Fun  atthe
        theFrans
           Fransall
                  allsummer
                      summerlong!
                             long!
                                     toto select
                                        select  thethe  name
                                                      name   ofof the
                                                                the   team.
                                                                    team.    Crawdads
                                                                           Crawdads         was
                                                                                          was    selected,
                                                                                               selected,    beating
                                                                                                          beating   out
                                                                                                                  out    other
                                                                                                                       other

 Crawdad's 2- page spread
                                       nominations
                                     nominations        such
                                                      such  asas Hound
                                                               Hound     Dogs
                                                                       Dogs     and
                                                                              and     River
                                                                                   River     Cats.Contests
                                                                                           Cats.     Contests  were
                                                                                                             were    also
                                                                                                                   also   held
                                                                                                                        held toto
                                       name
                                     name     the
                                            the     team
                                                 team      mascot
                                                         mascot     Conrad
                                                                  Conrad     and
                                                                           and  hishis long
                                                                                     long    time
                                                                                           time    love
                                                                                                 love   interest,
                                                                                                      interest,   Candy.
                                                                                                                Candy.    Conrad
                                                                                                                        Conrad
                                       and
                                     and   Candy
                                          Candy       were
                                                   were     married
                                                         married   inin
                                                                      anan on-field
                                                                         on-field      ceremony
                                                                                    ceremony        during
                                                                                                 during    the
                                                                                                         the   2018
                                                                                                             2018    season,
                                                                                                                  season,    which
                                                                                                                           which
                                       was
                                     was    the
                                          the     first
                                               first    mascot
                                                      mascot     wedding
                                                               wedding   inin Minor
                                                                            Minor      League
                                                                                     League     Baseball.
                                                                                               Baseball.                                                           Ribbon
                                                                                                                                                                 Ribbon   Cutting
                                                                                                                                                                        Cutting    of LP
                                                                                                                                                                                of LP    Frans
                                                                                                                                                                                      Frans    Stadium
                                                                                                                                                                                            Stadium      in 1993
                                                                                                                                                                                                     in 1993

                                       The
                                     The     Crawdads
                                          Crawdads           have
                                                          have       played
                                                                  played    atat    L.P.
                                                                                 L.P.     Frans
                                                                                       Frans      Stadium
                                                                                               Stadium        since
                                                                                                           since     their
                                                                                                                   their    inaugural
                                                                                                                         inaugural         season
                                                                                                                                         season     inin  1993.
                                                                                                                                                       1993.     The
                                                                                                                                                               The     stadium
                                                                                                                                                                     stadium       was
                                                                                                                                                                                 was      built
                                                                                                                                                                                       built  onon
                                                                                                                                                        Ribbon Cutting of LP Frans Stadium in 1993
                                                                                           donated
                                                                                         donated       land
                                                                                                    land   andand
                                                                                                                isis named
                                                                                                                   named       after
                                                                                                                             after   thethe   local
                                                                                                                                           local     Pepsi
                                                                                                                                                   Pepsi      bottler,
                                                                                                                                                            bottler,    Lee
                                                                                                                                                                      Lee      Polk
                                                                                                                                                                            Polk     Frans,
                                                                                                                                                                                   Frans,     who
                                                                                                                                                                                            who

                                               T  he Crawdads arrived in Hickory
                                                                                           partially
                                                                                         partially    funded
                                                                                                    funded
                                                                                           in 1993 when    Don
                                                                                                                 the
                                                                                                               the   stadium’s
                                                                                                                   stadium’s
                                                                                                                           include
                                                                                                                                    construction.
                                                                                                                                  construction.
                                                                                                                                      Magglio Ordonez,TheThe   stadium
                                                                                                                                                            stadium       has
                                                                                                                                                                        has
                                                                                                                                                             Jose Bautista,
                                                                                                                                                                                undergone
                                                                                                                                                                              undergone
                                                                                                                                                                             Carlos
                                                                                                                                                                                                several
                                                                                                                                                                                      Lee, several
                                                  Beaver, Luther Beaver, and Charles     major Young
                                                                                           major       purchased
                                                                                                   renovation
                                                                                                 renovation       projects.
                                                                                                                projects.  Andrew
                                                                                                                            TheThe     McCutchen,
                                                                                                                                      first
                                                                                                                                   first     round
                                                                                                                                          round     ofJoey
                                                                                                                                                      of     Gallo and Jurickson
                                                                                                                                                          renovations
                                                                                                                                                       renovations         took
                                                                                                                                                                        took        Profar.
                                                                                                                                                                                  place
                                                                                                                                                                                place      following
                                                                                                                                                                                        following     the
                                                                                                                                                                                                    the
                                              the Gastonia Rangers and relocated the team to their                               This year will also mark the team’s first as a High-A
                                              hometown. Upon arrival in town, 2013         2013
                                                                                         the      season
                                                                                               season
                                                                                             owners  held   aand
                                                                                                          and    focused
                                                                                                               focused    on on
                                                                                                                              fanfan   experience
                                                                                                                                    experience
                                                                                                                           affiliate. For               while
                                                                                                                                           their firstwhile
                                                                                                                                                      28        the
                                                                                                                                                              the
                                                                                                                                                           years     second
                                                                                                                                                                   second
                                                                                                                                                                 the Crawdads   round
                                                                                                                                                                              round
                                                                                                                                                                                  werewaswas   following
                                                                                                                                                                                             following
                                              contest to select the name of thethe       baseball
                                                                                           the2017 team.
                                                                                                2017season		 and
                                                                                                      season     and       members
                                                                                                                      primarily
                                                                                                                    primarily    focusedof the
                                                                                                                                    focused    onLow-A
                                                                                                                                                 on  the
                                                                                                                                                   the   South  Atlantic
                                                                                                                                                           playing
                                                                                                                                                        playing          League.
                                                                                                                                                                     area.
                                                                                                                                                                   area.    Prior
                                                                                                                                                                          Prior  toThe
                                                                                                                                                                                    to   ‘Dads
                                                                                                                                                                                        the
                                                                                                                                                                                      the    2020
                                                                                                                                                                                           2020
                                              Nominations included the Hound Dogs and River Cats                           are now members of the 12 team High-A East League and
                                     LPLP     but
                                          Frans
                                        Frans      ultimately
                                                Stadium
                                              Stadium prepre
                                                          andandthe
                                                                 post
                                                              post   "Hickory  inCrawdads"
                                                                      renovations
                                                                   renovations   2013      season,
                                                                                  in 2013season,
                                                                                               found the
                                                                                                   thetheirplayground
                                                                                                         playground
                                                                                                             home.     andand
                                                                                                                           play  clubhouses
                                                                                                                              clubhouses
                                                                                                                                  teams fromwere   were
                                                                                                                                                 the       completely
                                                                                                                                                        completely
                                                                                                                                                     Carolinas,           remodeled.
                                                                                                                                                                        remodeled.
                                                                                                                                                                  Kentucky,  and the Northeast.
                                             Contests were also held to name the team mascot Conrad                                 The ‘Dads play 60 home games a season and pack a
                                             and his long time love interest, Candy. Conrad and Candy                         promotional schedule full of giveaways, movie tributes,
                                       The
                                     The    2020
                                          2020
                                             were  season
                                                 season
                                                   married    marks
                                                            marks
                                                             in        the
                                                                     the     ‘Dads
                                                                          ‘Dads
                                                                an on-field            12th
                                                                                     12th
                                                                              ceremony        year
                                                                                            year
                                                                                             during    of
                                                                                                    ofthe  affiliation
                                                                                                        affiliation
                                                                                                            2018          with
                                                                                                                        with   the
                                                                                                                              dog the  Texas
                                                                                                                                     Texas
                                                                                                                                    days,      Rangers
                                                                                                                                             Rangers
                                                                                                                                           food                after
                                                                                                                                                            after     being
                                                                                                                                                                    being
                                             season, which was the first mascot wedding in Minor                              and drink specials,
                                       originally
                                     originally
                                             Leagueaffiliated
                                                 affiliated
                                                      Baseball   with
                                                              with     the
                                                                     the
                                                                 history.    Chicago
                                                                           Chicago          White
                                                                                        White      SoxSox    (1993-1998)
                                                                                                          (1993-1998)       andand
                                                                                                                              and  thethe  Pittsburgh
                                                                                                                                         Pittsburgh
                                                                                                                                    post-game                Pirates
                                                                                                                                                          Pirates
                                     (1999-2008). TheIn
                                       (1999-2008).    Crawdads
                                                        In  October
                                                         October   have
                                                                     2017,played
                                                                       2017, thethe at Rangers
                                                                                       L.P. Fransannounced
                                                                                    Rangers          Stadium
                                                                                                     announced         they
                                                                                                                     they     Christian
                                                                                                                             had
                                                                                                                           had            concerts.
                                                                                                                                     purchased
                                                                                                                                  purchased      thethe    organization.
                                                                                                                                                        organization.
                                             since their inaugural season in 1993. The stadium was                            The Crawdads also
                                       Some
                                     Some      notable
                                             notable
                                             built        Crawdads
                                                        Crawdads
                                                   on donated           alumni
                                                                 landalumni
                                                                      and            that
                                                                                  that
                                                                            is named        have
                                                                                         have
                                                                                          after      been
                                                                                                  been
                                                                                                 the         gone
                                                                                                          gone
                                                                                                      local  Pepsi  onon
                                                                                                                       toto  the
                                                                                                                           the     Major
                                                                                                                                Major
                                                                                                                              shoot         Leagues
                                                                                                                                          Leagues
                                                                                                                                      fireworks            include
                                                                                                                                                        include
                                     Magglio bottler,
                                       Magglio        Lee
                                                 Ordonez,
                                               Ordonez,    Polk Frans,
                                                               Jose
                                                             Jose      who
                                                                    Bautista, partially
                                                                      Bautista,    Carlos funded
                                                                                      Carlos    Lee,
                                                                                              Lee,   the  stadium’s
                                                                                                        Andrew
                                                                                                      Andrew                  following
                                                                                                                      McCutchen,
                                                                                                                    McCutchen,             every
                                                                                                                                        Joey
                                                                                                                                     Joey     Gallo
                                                                                                                                            Gallo   and and    Jurickson
                                                                                                                                                            Jurickson
                                             construction. The stadium has undergone several major                            Friday night home
                                       Profar.
                                     Profar. renovation projects. The first round of renovations took                         game!
                                             place following the 2013 season and focused on fan
                                                                                  experience while the second
                                       The
                                     The    Crawdads
                                          Crawdads        have
                                                        have      played
                                                               played    inin
                                                                            the the   South
                                                                                  round
                                                                                    South  was  Atlantic
                                                                                                following
                                                                                              Atlantic         League
                                                                                                               the
                                                                                                           League         since
                                                                                                                        since      their
                                                                                                                                their     inception
                                                                                                                                        inception      inin  Hickory
                                                                                                                                                          Hickory
                                                                                  2017 season and primarily
                                       and
                                     and    have
                                          have     gone
                                                gone    onontoto  win
                                                                win    three
                                                                     three       league
                                                                              league
                                                                                  focused    championships
                                                                                         championships
                                                                                             on the playing (2002,    (2002,   2004,
                                                                                                                            2004,     andand  2015).
                                                                                                                                            2015).       They
                                                                                                                                                      They       have
                                                                                                                                                               have    also
                                                                                                                                                                     also
                                       hosted
                                     hosted     three
                                              three     SAL
                                                      SAL      All-Star
                                                            All-Star       Games
                                                                       Games      area.  Prior2001,
                                                                                       (1994,
                                                                                     (1994,     to2001,
                                                                                                    theand
                                                                                                         2020
                                                                                                           and     2014).
                                                                                                                2014).
                                                                                  season, the playground                                                                          2013 National  League  MVP
                                                                                                                                                                               2013  National League   MVP
                                                                                  and clubhouses were                                                                          Andrew
                                                                                                                                                                             Andrew    McCutchen
                                                                                                                                                                                    McCutchen       played
                                                                                                                                                                                                 played forfor
                                                                                                                                                                                                            thethe
                                       Following
                                     Following   thethe  2015
                                                       2015     season,
                                                              season,      the
                                                                         the      completely
                                                                                   Crawdads
                                                                                Crawdads          remodeled.
                                                                                                   announced
                                                                                                announced             a rebranding
                                                                                                                    a rebranding      inin  which
                                                                                                                                          which   theythey    revealed
                                                                                                                                                           revealed      new
                                                                                                                                                                       new            Crawdads
                                                                                                                                                                                    Crawdads      in 2006
                                                                                                                                                                                               in 2006
                                                                                       The 2021 season
                                       uniforms
                                     uniforms   andand   a new
                                                      a new      logo
                                                               logo     set.
                                                                     set.      Included
                                                                           Included
                                                                                  marks theinin
                                                                                              thethe
                                                                                               ‘Dads   rebrand
                                                                                                     rebrand
                                                                                                        13th year    was
                                                                                                                   was     adding
                                                                                                                         adding       a light
                                                                                                                                   a light     blue
                                                                                                                                             blue  intointo   the
                                                                                                                                                            the    official
                                                                                                                                                                 official
                                                                                  of affiliation with the Texas
                                       color
                                     color    scheme
                                            scheme       and
                                                       and     tweaking
                                                            tweaking        the
                                                                          the       official
                                                                                official       Crawdads
                                                                                             Crawdads
                                                                                  Rangers after being
                                                                                                                 font.
                                                                                                             font.
                                                                                  originally affiliated with the
                                                                                  Chicago White Sox (1993-
                                       The
                                     The    ‘Dads
                                          ‘Dads     play
                                                 play   7070  home
                                                            home      games
                                                                    games          a season
                                                                                a 1998)
                                                                                   season andand and
                                                                                                the     pack
                                                                                                      pack        a promotional
                                                                                                              a promotional
                                                                                                      Pittsburgh                      schedule
                                                                                                                                    schedule        full
                                                                                                                                                 full   ofof   giveaways,
                                                                                                                                                            giveaways,       movie
                                                                                                                                                                          movie       tributes,
                                                                                                                                                                                   tributes,      dogdog   days,
                                                                                                                                                                                                        days,
                                                                                  Pirates (1999-2008).        Inconcerts.        Did   you   know      For   select
                                       food
                                     food    and
                                           and     drink
                                                drink     specials,
                                                        specials,      and
                                                                     and      post-game
                                                                           post-game            Christian
                                                                                              Christian      concerts.      TheThe   Crawdads
                                                                                                                                   Crawdads          also
                                                                                                                                                  also       shoot
                                                                                                                                                          shoot      fireworks
                                                                                                                                                                   fireworks      following
                                                                                                                                                                               following         every
                                                                                                                                                                                              every        Frida
                                                                                                                                                                                                        Friday
                                                                                  October 2017, the Rangers                      games during the season the
                                       night
                                     night    home
                                            home      game!
                                                   game!                          announced they had                             Crawdads take on the alternate identity of las
                                                                                  purchased the organization.                    Llamas de Hickory as part of Minor League
                                                            Didyou
                                                          Did      youknow
                                                                         knowSome ForForselect
                                                                                            selectgames
                                                                                           notable      gamesduring
                                                                                                      Crawdads       duringthe  the    seasonthe
                                                                                                                                    season         theCrawdads
                                                                                                                                                          Crawdadstake    take
                                                                                                                                 Baseball’s Copa de la Diversion initiative. The
                                                                                  alumni    that  have   since    gone
                                                            ononthethealternate
                                                                          alternateidentity identityofoflas
                                                                                  on to the Major Leagues
                                                                                                                 lasLlamas
                                                                                                                      Llamasde     deHickory
                                                                                                                                 logo   Hickory
                                                                                                                                         featuresas  aas   partof
                                                                                                                                                        part
                                                                                                                                                        llama     ofMinor
                                                                                                                                                                       Minor
                                                                                                                                                                 chewing    on a furniture leg
                                                                                                               in a tribute to thelogo
                                                                                                                                   Hickory Metro area
                                                                                                                                                a a which is

Seasonruns
       runsApril-Labor
           April-LaborDay!
                       Day!
                                                               LeagueBaseball’s
                                                                      Baseball’sCopa
                                                                                   CopadedelalaDiversion
                                                                                                Diversioninitiative.
                                                                                                                initiative.  The        features

Season
                                                             League                                                       The   logo  features
                                                 2013 National League MVP                                      known as the furniture capital of the world!
                                                              llamachewing
                                                            llama   chewingonona afurniture
                                                Andrew McCutchen played for         furnitureleg
                                                                                               leginina atribute
                                                                                                           tributetotothe
                                                                                                                        theHickory
                                                                                                                             HickoryMetro
                                                                                                                                       Metroarea
                                                                                                                                              area
                                                                                                                                               visithickorymetro.com | 37
                                                   the Crawdads in 2016
                                                                       whichisisknown
                                                                      which      knownasasthethefurniture
                                                                                                  furniturecapital
                                                                                                                 capitalofofthe
                                                                                                                              theworld!
                                                                                                                                   world!
The Hickory Tree
                                                                                                              831 Old Lenoir Rd NW, Hickory, NC 28601
                                                                                                              828.324.1655 | shophickorytree.com
                                                                                                              Furniture Consignment Shop

                                                              Bottega: A Soulful Place
                                                              256 Union Square NW, Hickory, NC 28601
                                                              828.217.2581 | Find us on Facebook!
                                                              Clothing Boutique, Art Gallery

                        Shop                                  Lou Lou's Corner
                                                              202 Union Square NW, Hickory, NC 28601
                                                              877.238.6487 | loulouscorner.com
                                                              Hand-picked selection of children’s toys, nic
                                                              nacks, and accessories.

                                                                                                              Outdoor Supply Company

Where
                                                                                                              2427 N Center St., Hickory, NC 28601
                                                                                                              828.322.2297 | outdoorsupplycompany.com
                                                                                                              Outdoor Gear Store (rentals available)

to Shop
For a full list of places to stay in the Hickory Metro area
check out www.VisitHickoryMetro.com/things-to-do/shopping

38 | visithickorymetro.com                                                                                                          visithickorymetro.com | 39
Mae's Market
     35 East Main St., Maiden, NC 28650                                                                                                                 Carolina Pedal Works
     828.970.7870 | Find us on Facebook                                                                                                                 883 Highland Ave SE Hickory, NC 28602
     Specialty Drinks, Ice Cream, and Bakery                                                                                                            828.212.3435 | carolinapedalworks.com
                                                                                                                                                        Bike Shop & Rentals, Beer on Tap

                                                                                                                                                                                    Splentique
                                                                                                                                                                                    246 Union Square NW C, Hickory, NC 28601
                                                                                                                                                                                    828.855.1282 | splentique.net
                                                                                                                                                                                    Women's Clothing Boutique

                    Seven Seed Soap Company – O My Soap
                    111 N. College Ave, Newton, NC 28658
                                                                                                                    Mud Mammas Studio
                    828.466.2271 | omysoap.com
                                                                                                                    932 3rd Ave NW, Hickory, NC 28601
                    Handmade soap, candles, essential oil
                    products and more                                                                               mudmamasstudio.com
                                                                                                                    Pottery Studio offering classes

                                                            Craft Beer Cellar
                                                            109 Government Ave SW, Hickory, NC 28602
                                                            828.327.2337 | hickory.craftbeercellar.com
                                                            Bottle Shop filled with local and international beers

40 | visithickorymetro.com                                                                                                                                                                              visithickorymetro.com | 41
1

                                                                                   Photography provided by partners listed on page.
                                                                                                                                                             Jenne Fine Art
                                                                                                                                                             Original Paintings
                                                                                                                                                             by Sara Jenne Echerd
                                                                                                                                                             Find her on Facebook

                                                                                                                                                       2
                                                                                                                                                             Seven Seed Soap Co. –
                                                                                                                                                             O My Soap
                                                                                                                                                             Handmade Vanilla Sugar Soap

    Top 10
                                                                                                                                                             omysoap.com

                                                                                                                                                             Artisan Soapery
                                                                                                                                      1                      artisansoapery.com

    Locally
                                                                                                                                                             Carolina Crafted
                                                                                                                                                             carolina-crafted.business.site

                                                                                                                                                             Freedom Farms Soaps
                                                                                                                                                             Goats Milk Lotion at Hickory

    Crafted
                                                                                                                                                             Farmers Market
                                                                                                                                                             freedomfarmsoap.com

                                                                                                                                                             Southern Girl Soap
                                                                                                                                                             mysoutherngirlsoaps.com

    Gift Ideas...
                                                                                                                                      2

                                                                                                                                                       3
                                                                                                                                                             JCline Paintings
                                                                                                                                                             Hickory Watercolor Cards
                                                                                                                                                             Find her on Facebook
    or maybe a few more. We couldn't
    narrow it down to just 10!
                                                                                                                                                       4
                                                                                                                                                             Salmagundi Designs
                                                                                                                                                             Derivative Furniture
                                                                                                                                                             Find them on Facebook

                                                                                                                                                       5
                                                                                                                                                             Seventeen Twelve Spirits
                                                                                                                                      3       4              Moonshine, Whiskey & Bourbon
                                                                                                                                                             seventeentwelvespirits.com

                                                                                                                                                             Warehouse Distillery
                                                                                                                                                             warehousedistillery.com

                                                                                                                                                       6
                                                                                                                                                             Splentique
                                                                                                                                                             Wood Engraved Heart Stud Earrings
                                                                                                                                                             splentique.net

                                                                                                                                                       7
                                                                                                                                                             Shiners Stash Jerky
                                                                                                                                                             Jerky
                                                                                                                                                             shinersstashjerky.com
                                                                                                                                                  6
                                                                                                                                                             Patriot Jerky
                                                                                                                                      5                      patriotjerky.net
                                       Katye Fredieu, owner of Artisan Soapery,

                                                                                                                                                       8
                                       handcrafts soap in her shop located in                                                                                Visit Hickory Metro Swag
                                       Downtown Hickory, NC. Artisan Soapery                                                                                 Hickory, NC themed apparel
                                       has been featured in OurState Magazine                                                                                visithickorymetro.com
                                       and Katye herself has received several
                                       entrepreneur awards for her help in

                                                                                                                                                       9
                                       growing the local business community.                                                                                 Baker Beeyards
                                       artisansoapery.com                                                                                                    Local Honey at Hickory Farmers Market
                                                                                                                                                             828-238-1855

                                                                                                                                                       10
                                                                                                                                                  9
                                                                                                                                                                Custom Laser Creations
                                                                                                                                                                Laser Etchings on Wood or Metal
                                                                                                                                                                customlasercreations.net

                                                                                                                                                           To find more locally crafted gift
                                                                                                                                                           ideas visit our website:

                                                                                                                                      7   8       10
42 | visithickorymetro.com                                                                                                                             visithickorymetro.com | 43
Today’s
                                                                                                                                                                  textile craftsmen and industry veterans decided it     when the Coronavirus made its way into North
                                                                                                                                                                  was time to retire and others supplemented their       Carolina. Early on, each state grappled with the
                                                                                                                                                                  income by utilizing their skills for side projects     reality of competing against the rest of the world
                                                                                                                                                                  wherever they could. This created another              for the exact same resources needed to combat

   Miracle
                                                                                                                                                                  challenge of educating and training the next           the virus. It was the resiliency, strength and
                                                                                                                                                                  generation in the time-honored traditions and          determination once again by the furniture and
                                                                                                                                                                  skills of handcrafting high-quality furniture that     textile industries in our community, along with
                                                                                                                                                                  has become synonymous with the Hickory area.           their creative spirit and strong partnerships that

   of Hickory
                                                                                                                                                                  As a result of this economic crisis, The Furniture     made it possible for them to completely pivot and
                                                                                                                                                                  Academy at Catawba Valley Community College            adjust like they had done so many times before.
                                                                                                                                                                  was founded by several local multi-generational        Many North Carolina furniture and textile
                                                                                                                                                                  furniture manufacturers in partnership with the        manufacturers utilized their seasoned skills and
                                                                                                                                                                  local community college. Their proactive vision        resources to retool their manufacturing facilities
                                                                                                                                                                  was to create an industry-driven training program,     in order to produce large amounts of personal
                                                                                                                                                                  which prepared students for open skilled positions     protective equipment (PPE) to distribute to all
                                                                                                                                                                  by one of this region’s largest employers - the        the selfless healthcare workers and front-line
                                                                                                                                                                  furniture industry. Since its inception, students      responders. We are so proud of our furniture
                                                                                                                                                                  have been learning about all the different             manufacturers who stepped up to help save
                                                                                                                                                                  high-quality furniture processes and handcrafted       countless lives around the world through
                                                                                                                                                                  techniques from highly experienced furniture           their tireless and resilient efforts to fight this
                                                                                                                                                                  craftsmen within the region. After graduation,         unrivaled pandemic.
                                                                                                                                                                  these students are often hired by the same local            As the Hickory community and the furniture
                                                                                                                                                                  furniture factories that have provided training        industry both continue to pivot and adjust to
                                                                                                                                                                  to them along the way.                                 whatever lies ahead, the resiliency, creativity,
                                                                                                                                                                       After the Great Recession of 2008, the            strength and determination that has been
                                                                                                                                                                  furniture industry experienced several prosperous      such an instrumental part of our past will
                                                                                                                                                                  years of increased demand, production and              continue to reshape and define our future.                      Taylor King craftsmen sew and prepare
                                                                                                                                                                  growth. But most recently in 2020, our region          We are so proud to be part of this remarkable                   elastic bands for preparation of PPE masks
                                                                                                                                                                  faced yet another unprecedented challenge              community...Hickory Furniture Mart.                             for healthcare workers.

                                                                                                                                                                  HANDCRAFTING SAFET Y
    T     he Hickory community has long been
          known for its resiliency, creativity, strength                                                                                                          AND COMFORT FROM
    and determination, as is evidenced by its storied                                                                                                             OUR HOME TO YOURS
    history. In the summer of 1944, without warning,
    a serious epidemic spread throughout the
    Catawba Valley region. When news disseminated
    throughout the community that hospitals in
    neighboring cities had already reached their full
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Furniture. Well Crafted.
    capacity, it became evident that new patients in
    the region would soon need a place to be treated.
    Residents and businessmen from all industries in
    Hickory quickly convened and launched a massive
    volunteer effort to respond immediately to this
    health crisis. They collectively came together with
                                                             Taylor King and Huntington House fabric cutters use their advanced digital technologies
    the help of the March of Dimes and the American          to precisely cut out PPE mask panels ensuring the least amount of fabric waste.
    Red Cross to build and staff an emergency
    hospital within just 54 hours. The hospital ended          When the Great Recession of 2008 made its     they could quickly adapt their businesses in order
    up treating over 500 patients, the majority of         way to Hickory, manufacturing was one of the      to survive throughout this difficult time period.
    which were young children, and many lives were         hardest hit industries. The Hickory community,    Some companies downsized to smaller operations
    saved in the Catawba Valley region from the            which is so rich and ingrained in furniture and   while others merged with common partners
    worst polio outbreak that had ever hit the United      textile manufacturing, needed to come together    and shared resources. Some completely shifted
    States. This remarkable achievement is commonly        once again to rapidly resolve the challenges at   production strategies and others were forced                                                                                          Proudly supporting our North Carolina furniture manufacturers.
    referred to as The Miracle of Hickory.                 hand. Furniture manufacturers discussed how       to close completely. Many skilled furniture and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.hickoryfurniture.com | 1-800-462-MART (6278)
44 | visithickorymetro.com
                                                                                                                                                                                          F U R N I S H I N G          H O M E S    A R O U N D       T H E    WO R L D              F O R    6 0   Y E A R S
You can also read