Spring Fling in Hickory

In the 1850s, Henry Robinson built a tavern under a towering hickory tree near a stagecoach stop. A town emerged from this spot called Hickory Tavern, which later became simply Hickory. On the surface, this origin story is as quaint as they come, but its elements—enterprise, hospitality, transportation, and natural resources—combined to create the thriving Hickory of today.

Known for furniture created from a wealth of hardwoods, natural beauty in the prelude to the Appalachians, a spirit of enterprise that continues to inspire small businesses, and a welcoming embrace to travelers from near and far, this city remains a travel destination more than 175 years after that first tavern was built. Whether you’re seeking outdoor recreation after a long winter, good food that celebrates the start of the growing season, family entertainment in the spring air, or community connection as nature reawakens, you’ll discover it right here in Hickory.

Outward Bound

Hickory’s parks make it easy to find outdoor activities. Hikers enjoy Bakers Mountain Park, where more than four miles of trails allow visitors to meander through the forested mountainside. Along the trails, informational signs mark sites of interest, like old homesites and flora along the footpath. Although the terrain starts with gentle slopes, it’s a good idea to grab a walking stick for the trails that steepen as you approach the mountaintop. At the summit, a break in the canopy of hardwoods reveals expansive views of the Catawba Valley 1,780 feet below.

For a hike with water views, make your way to Riverwalk on Lake Hickory. Among the multiple access points to the two-plus miles of multiuse trails are Hickory City Park and Rotary-Geitner Park. Pedestrians and cyclists can traverse Riverwalk’s elevated segment, which hugs the sloping shoreline; travel through the leafy, lakeside forest; and cross its overwater bridge. For those who seek a longer trek, the trail directly connects to OLLE Artwalk and other segments of the town’s growing trail system, known as Hickory Trail.

To enjoy more watery vistas, venture out on Lake Hickory, the nearly 4,223-acre wonderland that resulted from the 1927 creation of Oxford Dam. Used to generate hydroelectric power for the region, the lake has become a popular location for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water sports.

With 16 access areas, including marinas and public boat ramps, it’s easy to get out on the lake, whether your vessel is powered by wind, a motor, or paddles. (If you don’t own a boat, the marinas offer rentals ranging from jets boats and kayaks to pontoons and fishing boats.) One place to launch your watercraft, Wittenburg Access Area, also has a swimming beach after Memorial Day. It’s an ideal spot to let the hours slip away as you take advantage of picnic shelters, concessions, and a fishing pier.

Like a Local

While 500,000-plus visitors head to this city annually for its colossal Hickory Furniture Mart, for a more intimate, local experience, wander through the Hickory Farmers Market. There, you’ll find a warm community of farmers and makers of all types. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, growers, bakers, potters, and painters sell their wares under the shade sails of Union Square. (This walkable downtown hub also houses a collection of local shops, including women’s boutiques Ella Blu and Lilly Thomas, DASH Home & Kitchen, and Hickory Wine Shoppe.)

Market goers can buy carrots and broccoli from Honey Tree Farm and oyster mushrooms from Catawba Mushroom Partners to make pasta primavera, then take a bite of a decadent whipped ganache donut from Bakers Mountain Bakery. You’ll also find tasty, locally made mementos, such as spicy dill pickles from IYA Terra, and gifts, like stained glass sunflowers crafted by Ricker Forge. Grab a cup of joe from Taste Full Beans and savor it while live musicians create a soundtrack for your market visit.

Speaking of music, if you perk up at the refrain of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” plan to catch a ball game this season. Since spring and baseball go hand in hand, what better way to make the most of warm days that fade into cool evenings than by cheering on the home team? Spend an evening at L. P. Frans Stadium with the Hickory Crawdads, the Class-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. While there, enjoy a hot dog with all the fixings and croon that baseball classic during the seventh-inning stretch.

Spring rains could pop up, but the city’s got you covered with a full menu of indoor recreation options, too. At the Catawba Science Center, visitors of all ages can explore the world’s natural wonders with cool hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and salt and freshwater aquariums. And though the Hickory Museum of Art (HMA) building is closed for renovations until later this year, HMA’s clever team continues to bring visual arts to the community with a satellite gallery and pop-up programming.

Eat, Drink, & Be Merry

For another taste of the town, turn to Taproot Coffee. This welcome oasis operates out of a bus with wooden trim, an awning, and a charming handmade sign on the side that reads, “Come inside. We’re open.” Whether you need a kick start in the morning or a pick-me-up in the afternoon, the old school bus parked in the Northgate Plaza parking lot has you covered.

When Taproot’s owner, Malachi Morris, moved to Hickory, he found the city void of locally roasted, specialty coffee, so in 2017, he decided to do something about it. Nine years later, Taproot serves coffee-based drinks made with beans that the shop imports and roasts. Its no-frills approach and simple menu are part of Taproot’s success, allowing the business to focus on freshly roasted coffee and syrups made in-house.

Another unique spot, Plant Based Boss, brought the first fully plant-based menu to the area in 2022. Located a block behind the shops of Union Square in Hickory’s lively downtown, this vegan restaurant’s creative menu might surprise burger-lovers in the crowd. Chef and co-owner Justice Geran creates “meats” from produce—think carne asada, Hawaiian barbeque spareribs, and jerk chicken—to use in the restaurant’s versions of familiar favorites like tacos, burritos, and sandwiches. The restaurant’s Sunday brunch menu, available from noon to 3 p.m., includes their version of a Monte Cristo as well as an “egg”-topped Good Morning Burger.

If the carnivore in you is calling, however, the popular Hickory Social House and its adjoining Bootlegger’s Bar roll together a sports bar, wood-fired oven pizzeria, whiskey bar, and burger joint. Here, you can hear live music as you dine, shoot pool while you sip, and play video games while your bourbon bacon burger cooks. Inside, the dark wood and brick touches give the rambling space a cozy feel. You can also step out to front and back patios to enjoy the spring with a cocktail and a Wilbur on a Date pizza topped with bacon, marinated dates, blue cheese, and a balsamic reduction.

Back downtown later, grab a seat at Olde Hickory Brewery. Surrounded by ornate woodwork, paneled walls, and friendly chatter, you’ll almost forget it’s tucked inside an industrial space where the beer you’re drinking is made. Of course, the bar mirror gives it away, reflecting gleaming stainless steel tanks as the bartender pours pints and delivers them to customers. But no matter—the Nova hazy IPA is flavorful, the bartender congenial, and the vibe inviting. This location also brews the beer served at its sister dining and drinking establishments, Olde Hickory Station, Olde Hickory Tap Room, Amos Howards, and McGuire’s Pub, each with a different menu and focus.

Looking for somewhere special to dine? With its white tablecloths, elevated menu, and enduring history, Vintage House graciously plays the part. In 1983, this once-private residence transformed into a delicious Hickory landmark that has served countless intimate dinners and hosted celebratory meals. Unsure of what to order? Seared scallops on a bed of handmade fettuccine makes the list of mouthwatering must-tries. Start with lump crab cakes, and end with the decadent tuxedo profiterole drizzled in dark chocolate. Extend your evening with a cocktail, like the Betty White, crafted with citrus vodka, elderflower liqueur, egg white, and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Home Away from Home

On your getaway, two inns within the heart of town offer great locations for your exploration of Hickory. At 2nd Street Inn, industrial architectural features, exposed brick, and original wood elements hint at the history behind this one-time box factory. In each of 14 guest rooms, you can slide under crisp sheets for a restful night’s sleep. The inn conveniently lies steps from City Walk, Hickory’s 2.5-mile multiuse trail connecting Lenoir-Rhyne University to shops and restaurants at Union Square and beyond.

A few blocks away, Dragonfly Inn owners David Cortello and Tracy Tegart welcome guests to explore Hickory, especially its outdoor offerings. “I don’t think people have enough opportunity to be outdoors in places of natural beauty,” says Tegart. “Our bed-and-breakfast is designed with small reminders about the benefits of getting outside.” For example, guests can choose to stay in the Mountain Room or the Sea Room, named and decorated in honor of North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Both suites open out to a deck overlooking a tree-filled backyard, the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Morning at the family-operated Dragonfly begins with a home-cooked breakfast in the Garden Room, surrounded by windows and natural light. Sometimes Tegart and Cortello’s 10-year-old daughter, Mirabel, joins in to serve breakfast, a morning meal that could include Belgian waffles or Southwest Breakfast Casserole.

Hickory Must List

Explore Outdoors

Bakers Mountain Park
6680 Bakers Mountain Rd.

Hickory City Park
1581 12th Street Dr. NW

Hickory Trail 
www.hkytrail.com

Rotary-Geitner Park
2035 12th Street Dr. NW

Wittenburg Access Area
175 Wildlife Access Rd.

Shop & Play

Catawba Science Center
243 Third Ave. NE
(828) 322-8169, www.catawbascience.org 

Hickory Crawdads/L.P. Frans Stadium
2500 Clement Blvd. NW
(828) 322-3000, www.hickorycrawdads.com

Hickory Farmers Market
Union Square
www.hickoryfarmersmarket.com

Hickory Furniture Mart
2220 Hwy. 70 SE
(800) 462-6278, www.hickoryfurniture.com 

Hickory Museum of Art
243 Third Ave. NE
(828) 327-8576, hickoryart.org 

Eat & Drink

Hickory Social House/Bootlegger’s Whiskey Bar Grill
2039 North Center St.
(828) 855-1253, hickorysocial.com, 
www.bootleggerswhiskeybar.com 

Olde Hickory Brewery
2 3rd St. SW
(828) 322-1422, www.oldehickorybrewery.com

Olde Hickory Tap Room
222 Union Square NW
(828) 322-1965, www.oldehickorytaproom.com

Plant Based Boss
104 2nd Ave. NW, (828) 962-5443

Taproot Coffee
2475 North Center St.
(806) 407-8348, www.taproot.coffee

Vintage House
271 Third Ave. NW
(828) 324-1210, www.vintagehouserestaurant.com

Stay

2nd Street Inn
13 2nd St. SE
(980) 272-0010, www.2ndstreetinn.com

Dragonfly Inn
224 3rd Ave. NW
(504) 338-3771, www.dragonflyinnhickory.com