Hickory is a vibrant city located in North Carolina. It has so much to offer both residents and visitors, including things to do. From outdoor activities like hiking and biking to indoor attractions such as the Hickory Museum of Art, there are plenty of things you can do when visiting this great city. You should visit these 8 things to do in Hickory NC during your next trip!
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About Hickory NC
Hickory, North Carolina is recognized for its long history in furniture production, but the city can’t wait to show you what’s waiting for you next! Scenic outdoor adventuring, lake excursions, delectable local restaurants that are revolutionizing the dining scene in this popular metropolis, and more!
Hickory, North Carolina, is a small city that has evolved beyond its furniture-industry roots to become a haven for individuals interested in building a good life for themselves, their community, and future generations. Businesses are relocating here, people are moving here, and if being ranked 16th in the state for tourism is any indication, tourists are coming here, too.
It’s hard to argue against the nation-wide love affair with art museums and galleries when you consider how many are currently thriving in America. However, few can claim to be as intimate and inviting as the Hickory Museum of Art (HMA). Located just off the downtown square, the HMA is a visual delight for locals and visitors alike.
Hickory provides a unique mix of big city comforts with small-town charm. From farm to table eateries, breweries, businesses, and major landmarks – you’ll find that Hickory is steeped in the warmth of Southern hospitality.
There are several different ways to experience downtown Hickory. The most popular is probably the Downtown Trolley. This unique form of public transportation provides easy access to all things downtown, including restaurants, shops, and historic landmarks.
Fishing, kayaking, and other activities are available in the Catawba River and its surrounding lakes while your four-legged companion will enjoy our numerous pet-friendly parks and trails.
You’ll never be bored in Hickory! There’s plenty to do year round – from Hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking or simply relaxing on the lake in one of the many parks!
There’s no place quite like Hickory, and there’s never been a better time to experience this city than right now!
1. Hickory Museum of Art
For art enthusiasts, the Hickory Museum of Art is one of North Carolina’s most renowned cultural institutions.
The Museum of Art houses a collection of more than 350,000 pieces. It was founded in 1944 to collect, preserve, and nurture American folk arts. In 1949, the Museum acquired 70 works; now, nearly 1,500 pieces make up its Collection.
The Hickory Museum of Art, which opened in 1944, is a museum dedicated to the arts. For the general public, there are displayed exhibits available to view throughout the year. Discover the many pieces from the 19th Century to the present day.
The Hickory Museum of Art has been a staple in the community since it opened its doors to the public over 70 years ago. The museum features exhibits that change throughout the year, showcasing everything from paintings to sculptures.
The Hickory Museum of Art, a Warholian homage to the famous artist, includes 36 classic works by Andy Warhol, including Mick Jagger, Marilyn Monroe, and Campbell’s Soup.
The museum is notable for its collection of art, which includes a fascinating photo gallery of high-speed photography taken in photos of a bullet in flight. It also houses works by several renowned painters.
If you’re interested in learning more about regional and local art from this region of North Carolina, the Hickory Museum of Art has to be on your list of places to visit.
2. Bakers Mountain Park
Bakers Mountain Park, at 1780 feet above sea level in Catawba County, is the ideal spot to go hiking or cycling among the numerous trails and streams. With a great view of the city, this park is perfect for those looking to relax and get some fresh air.
The interior portion of this park is about 200 acres in size, and the mixed land comprises of Mountain Laurel, mature Chestnut Oak, and hardwood forests. The park has several waterfalls and lakes, with the most notable being Lake Hickory.
There are numerous hiking or biking routes to enjoy while surrounded by lovely natural beauty all around. Aside from cycling and trekking, you may also use the park for camping or horseback riding.
Don’t forget to go all the way to the top and enjoy the breathtaking views of Catawba County from the observation point.
The Bakers Mountain Park is a wonderful spot to take in the scenery and de-stress.
3. The Vineyard and Winery at Catawba Farms
For people who enjoy nature and wine, the Vineyard and Winery at Catawba Farms is one of the finest day excursions from Hickory. Built over 150 years ago as a working farm, the Vineyard and Winery offers an amazing array of activities.
The Vineyard & Winery at Catawba Farms, the first winery in Catawba County, is nestled among 34 acres of Catawba County’s rolling foothills.
The winery is open daily for wine tastings of their award-winning wines. Try their classic reds, including an award-winning Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. They also offer a unique white wine blend, a wonderful tasting experience.
On the premises, you’ll discover their tasting room, vineyard, outside dining area with farm animals to play with, fields to explore, as well as a playground and picnic area where you can relax in the shade.
The winery, which has a production capacity of 1,000 cases per year, is one of the greatest in Catawba County. Visitors may taste high-quality wines in the tasting room or even drink a whole glass while dining al fresco.
You may visit the vineyard and learn about the grape varieties, along with tasting some of their wines, by taking a tour led by a knowledgeable guide.
You will also get to tour the Sigmon Farmhouse, which is from the late 1800s and offers rooms for overnight stay should you want to spend more than a night in Hickory.
4. Hickory Aviation Museum
The museum is devoted to preserving the history and memorabilia of aviation’s Golden Age. The Museum provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see rare, historic artifacts and exhibits that help tell the story of aviation history.
Hundreds of aviation pieces dating from World War II to today are on display at the Hickory Aviation Museum, including airplane models such as The F-18 Hornet, a MIG 17, and many others.
The Hickory Aviation Museum is the only museum in western North Carolina that has an authentic German World War II-era Messerschmidt BF 109 G-14. Take a peek at the massive, black engine in the background and view aviation jackets and other uniform artifacts inside.
The museum is a tribute to a large number of people, both civilian and military, who have contributed to aviation and shaped our history.
The Hickory Aviation Museum is a great place for anyone interested in the history of aviation. The museum has hundreds of pieces that tell the story of aviation history and honors those who have contributed to it.
The museum has numerous exhibits on display, in addition to a Wall of Honor honoring local veterans. The museum provides guided tours and holds events such as HAM radio license classes.
The museum’s main attraction is the Wall of Honor, which pays homage to members of their organization and local individuals that have served in the military. Take a closer look at the ejection seat and other military memorabilia in this section.
5. Henry River Mill Village
The Henry River Mill Village re-creates a portion of the last century, allowing visitors to step back into the region’s history while also learning about some of the industries responsible for building and housing the local communities. The entire village is on the National Register of Historic Places, so it’s a great place to visit when you want to step out of the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Most people know about the Henry River Mill Village for one reason – the movie, “The Hunger Games” was filmed there. However, this spot has much more to offer than just parts of a movie. In addition to learning about the history of this town, you can also see a blacksmith shop and other buildings still intact from early colonial times.
Michael Erastus Rudisill and his brother Albert Pinkney Rudisill, both descendants of millers, built the tiny textile community in the early 1900s. At its peak, there were 500 people who lived in the village, which included company-owned houses and shops, including a post office and general store.
Visitors to the Henry River Mill Village will get a look at and learn more about the milling history of North Carolina, as well as participate in various workshops and events that occur on a regular basis.
The Henry River Mill Village has been around for more than 100 years, and every year it is visited by thousands of people. The mill has been fully restored and is now open to the public for tours, which will give you a taste of what life was like in this small mill town.
This is a great site to visit if you want to learn about the history of North Carolina and also check out some interesting shops and buildings.
For a wonderful North Carolina vacation, book a room at one of their charming inns and enjoy everything for the family. Come join them for a great vacation!
6. Hickory Farmer’s Market
The Hickory Farm Market is a local market where farmers and producers sell citrus, vegetables, flowers, eggs, cheese, meat, and other goods.
Although the market is tiny, it is highly popular among both residents and visitors. It’s the finest location in town to taste genuine organic food.
You may also enjoy live music and other exciting activities while sampling or indulging in delicious and fresh loaves of bread, preserves, chocolate teas, cheese, and other homemade foods.
You may also purchase anything from this market, including presents, accessories, pottery, handcrafted cosmetics, and more.
The Farmers Market in Hickory is open Saturdays from early April to mid-December. It’s located at the Hickory Downtown Development Authority, 500 West First Street..
Make a point of browsing the Hickory Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning and mingling with the locals while eating delicious cuisine.
7. Catawba Science Center
Plan a trip to Catawba Science Center, a 35,000 square foot science technology children’s museum with hands-on exhibits, salt and freshwater aquariums, and interactive science displays.
The Catawba Science Center opened in 1975 and is located within an old Victorian structure. The science center’s mission is to educate visitors about several scientific topics, including chemistry and physics. The Center also has traveling exhibits that are available for schools, churches, other museums, and other organizations. The museum also holds several events, including birthday parties and sleepovers for kids.
The museum focuses on the physical, natural, and earth sciences. It has more than 18,000 square feet of exhibit space for visitors to examine in small groups. The aquarium galleries immerse visitors in various freshwater and marine habitats, allowing them to pet living creatures including sharks and stingrays.
The Catawba Science Center has a planetarium that shows laser light shows and guided constellation lectures, as well as an enormous aquarium with a variety of fish and other aquatic life. Stop by the gift shop after seeing all there is to see at the science center for unique souvenirs such as freeze-dried ice cream and puzzles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hickory has a lot to offer and is the perfect place for anyone looking to spend some time relaxing in nature. From hiking trails that lead you through gorgeous forests, to fishing spots on the Catawba River where it’s not unusual to catch your dinner, there are plenty of reasons why everyone should visit this beautiful North Carolina town. So don’t hesitate any longer! Pack up your gear and get going so you can experience all these amazing things for yourself too!
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