Hickory is located on the eastern edge of North Carolina. It was named by Henry Robinson, the man who founded the city, after a hickory tree he built a tavern under. During the 1940s, Hickory was the site of one of the worst polio outbreaks in the United States. The city is known for being home to some of the oldest furniture stores in the United States. It’s also the birthplace of many iconic NASCAR drivers earning it the nickname of “Birthplace of NASCAR Stars”. Hickory is about an hour away from Charlotte and features numerous art shops, parks, and barbecue joints.
Henry River Mill Village
The Henry River Mill Village is one of the last places in the country that shows an unaltered industrial area from the 1800s. The village used waterpower to run its factories, something which was considered very high-tech back in the day. While parts of the village were burned during a fire in 1977, many original structures can still be seen today, such as country houses and a general store. Tours are available of the village, including one that will take you through the area at night while telling you of local ghost stories.
Henry River Mill Village, 4255 Henry River Rd Hickory, North Carolina 28602, Phone: 828-471-4768
Hickory Crawdads - L.P. Frans Stadium
Built in 1993, the Hickory Crawdads - L.P. Frans Stadium is home to the Hickory Crawdads, the local minor league baseball team. It was named after a local Pepsi manufacturer who helped to fund the stadium’s construction. The L.P. Frans Stadium has over 4,000 seats and a handful of cafes and eateries to grab some snacks at. After a recent renovation, the structure now has a large LED scoreboard and massive dugouts. The stadium has hosted a handful of major baseball tournaments throughout the years, including the South Atlantic League Finals.
Hickory Crawdads - L.P. Frans Stadium , 2500 Clement Blvd NW Hickory, North Carolina 2860, Phone: 828-322-3000
Catawba Science Center
The Catawba Science Center opened in 1975 and is housed inside an old Victorian building. The science center is designed to teach visitors more behind various science fields and includes numerous exhibits and classes to help do so. The Catawba Science Center has a planetarium that plays laser light shows and guided constellation lectures. It also has a large aquarium filled with different marine species. When you’re done exploring the science center, you can stop by its gift shop which sells unique merchandise such as freeze-dried ice cream and puzzles.
Catawba Science Center, 243 3rd Ave NE Hickory, North Carolina 28601, Phone: 828-322-8169
Hickory Aviation Museum
The Hickory Aviation Museum holds hundreds of aviation artifacts from World War II to modern-day, including plane models such as The F-18 Hornet and Wright Flyer. While here, you can step inside old engines, learn the science behind how airplanes fly, and view aviation uniforms. In addition to many exhibits inside, the museum also has a Wall of Honor which honors local veterans. The museum offers guided tours and holds various events during the year, such as HAM radio meetings. Admission is free.
Hickory Aviation Museum, 3101 9th Avenue Drive NW Hickory, North Carolina 28601, Phone: 828-323-1963
Hickory Museum of Art
Hickory Museum of Art holds a vast collection of art from the 19th-21st centuries. The Hickory Museum of Art has numerous traveling exhibits which range from travel photography to behind-the-scenes views of artists at work. The museum additionally holds an impressive collection of folk art which it has dedicated its third floor to. Visitors can also attend one of the many art classes held here, including an introduction to ceramic pottery and abstract painting. The Hickory Museum of Art has an art shop which sells works by local artists.
Hickory Museum of Art, 243 Third Ave NE Hickory, North Carolina 28601, Phone: 828-327-8576
Harper House/ Hickory History Center
The Harper House, which was once a prominent family’s home, now serves as the Hickory History Center. Featuring a beautiful display of Queen Anne-style architecture, the home takes guests back in time to the 1800s. While here, you’ll be able to view stained glass windows, twirling staircases, and even a tower built into the top of the house. The home also has a few exhibits inside which hold items such as vintage jewelry, silverware, and clothing. The center is open from Thursday to Saturday and offers a few guided tours throughout the day.
Harper House/ Hickory History Center, 310 N. Center Street Hickory, North Carolina 28601, Phone: 828-324-7294
Maple Grove, Hickory, NC
Maple Grove, a farmhouse built in 1883, was the home of the Shuford family who helped found the city of Hickory. The home is preserved to look exactly as it did during the 1800s and is considered to be one of the oldest homes in the area. Guests to Maple Grove can step inside its various rooms, including bedrooms, a parlor, and kitchen. Each room also contains family heirlooms which range from clothing to furniture. The home is open from Monday to Friday and guided tours are available by appointment.
Maple Grove, 542 Second Street NE Hickory, North Carolina 28601, Phone: 828-322-4731
Blowing Rock Brewery
Founded in 2007, Blowing Rock Brewery is designed to help teach others more about the art of craft beer and some of the best ways to enjoy it. This boutique brewery features some of the best brewing equipment in the world, including high-quality fermentors and kettles. Guided tours are available of the facility as well as tastings of the brewery’s top creations which are known for their creative combinations. Blowing Rock Brewery also operates as an inn which has a handful of quaint rooms guests can book.
Blowing Rock Brewery, 883 Highland Avenue SE Hickory, North Carolina 28602, Phone: 828-855-9999
Backstreets Bar and Grill
Backstreets Bar and Grill first opened in 1996 in what was once a former barbecue restaurant. Eventually, the company relocated to a building a few feet away from its original location, but has remained an important fixture in the community. This bar and grill offers a vast menu which includes hamburgers, salads, hand-cut steaks, and homemade pasta and pizza. Diners will also find the bar well-stocked with a variety of beers and wines. Besides its dishes and drinks, Backstreets Bar and Grill has a unique assortment of sports and bar memorabilia hanging on its walls.
Backstreets Bar and Grill , 246 14th Ave NE Hickory, North Carolina 28601, Phone: 828-328-6479
Hickory Community Theatre
The Hickory Community Theatre has been bringing the joys of live performance art to the Hickory community since 1949. The theatre aims to entertain and inspire new generations of performing artists to pursuit their dreams. The theatre has always operated out of the Hickory City Hall and when a new City Hall was built in 1976, the theatre was able to expand in the original premises. Today Hickory Community Theatre has two venues where audiences can enjoy a wide variety of entertainment including musicals, comedy shows, music concerts and more. Everyone in the community is encouraged to join in and audition for roles.
Hickory Community Theatre, 30 3rd Street NW, Hickory, NC 28601, 828 328 2283
Sam's Hot Dog Stand
Sam's Hot Dog Stand was created in 1983 in West Virginia. The business soon became very popular and expanded to have a stand in the area. This hot dog stand sells 100% beef hot dogs and allows you to create your own special hot dog topping combinations. In addition to hot dogs, the stand also serves hand-cut fries, homemade milkshakes and ice cream, fresh coleslaw, and its top-secret chili sauce. Customers will be able to easily find the stand thanks to its vibrant red and green roof.
Sam's Hot Dog Stand, P.O. Box 539, Waynesboro, Virginia 22980, Phone: 540-942-9093
Nocturne Adventures
Family owned and operated, Nocturne Adventures is an escape game with a twist. The designers of the two escape rooms are masters of all things ghoulish and spooky and are dedicated to bringing you the most exciting escape game adventure you have every experienced. To this end, they use live actors, theatrical props, and demonic plots to liven up the game. There are two rooms to choose from, namely Nevermore (which is based on Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven”) and Ripper, which is self explanatory and can be tailored to suit the ages of the players. All you need to do to join the fun is round up your team and book a room.
Nocturne Adventures , 3363 49th Ave Lane NE, Hickory, NC 28601, 714 504 8906
