Road Trip: Hickory

VISIT: In 1887, when Daniel Webster Shuler commissioned his grand home, he instructed the builder to add pieces of broken glass to the exterior pebbledash so it would sparkle in the sunlight. That’s just one of the intriguing tidbits revealed during a tour of the Queen Anne-style Harper House restored by the Catawba Historical Society. A guide takes visitors from the foyer clad in carved wooden panels, through formal rooms wrapped with rich wallpapers, all the way to the attic, which is painted with silhouettes of former party guests. 310 N. Center St.; Thursday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; $5; (828) 324-7294; www.catawbahistory.org

EAT: Each day, a line of lunch-seekers marvels at a massive chalkboard wall covered with the names of impressive sandwiches at Hatch, a one-year-old joint created by pals Zach Harkins and Colin Makin. More often than not, folks choose to lay down their money for the popular pulled pork grilled cheese with cilantro, avocado, and hot sauce. Here, the sandwiches are bold: a Pork Banh Mi with cilantro, pickled carrots, and Sriracha; Brie melt with apples and capers; and the veggie Rueben with brussels sprouts, Russian dressing, fontina, kraut, and peanuts. Sides include mac ’n’ cheese and broccoli with miso. Hatch Sandwich Bar, 268 1st Ave. N.W.; (828) 322-1196; www.hatchsandwich.com

SHOP: You could decorate every room of a palace with the wealth of furniture and home décor available on the four floors at Hickory Furniture Mart. You’ll find plenty of plush sofas, handsome chairs, elegant light fixtures, and more to bedeck your own abode, no matter its size. Be sure to stop by Hickory Chair Company, which features handmade, customizable pieces. A standout dark walnut spool chair with down cushions from the Mark Hampton Collection was perfect without custom tweaks. Plan your trip around the spring after-market sale, April 26-28, when exclusive samples are brought in from the wholesale market in High Point. 2220 U.S. 70 S.; Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; 1-(800) 462-6278; www.hickoryfurniture.com