Hickory Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the beautiful North Carolina region, Hickory is a charming city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. Nestled amidst the stunning Appalachian Mountains, this picturesque city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

One of the main attractions in Hickory is the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum. Step back in time as you explore this meticulously recreated 18th-century village. Immerse yourself in the daily lives of early settlers, witness blacksmith demonstrations, and learn about the rich history of the region.

For nature lovers, Hickory is a gateway to breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities. Explore the nearby South Mountains State Park, where scenic trails wind through lush forests and lead to stunning waterfalls. Hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking are just a few of the recreational opportunities available in this pristine natural setting.

Art and culture thrive in Hickory, with numerous galleries and theaters showcasing the talents of local artists. The Hickory Museum of Art is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, housing an impressive collection of American art and hosting rotating exhibitions throughout the year. Catch a live performance at the Hickory Community Theatre, where talented actors bring captivating stories to life on stage.

Food lovers will be delighted by the diverse culinary scene in Hickory. From Southern comfort food to international cuisine, the city offers a wide range of dining options to satisfy every palate. Don't miss the chance to try some authentic North Carolina barbecue, a regional specialty that will leave you craving for more.

Shopaholics will find their haven in the Hickory Furniture Mart, a massive complex that showcases an extensive selection of furniture and home decor. Whether you're looking for a unique piece to spruce up your living room or seeking inspiration for your next home improvement project, this renowned shopping destination has it all.

Alternative names: Population: 40.4 thous.Area: 30 mi²Elevation: 1145 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 35°44'1"N, 81°20'1"W

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North CarolinaUnited States

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Hickory Top Attractions

Hickory Attractions - What to See and Explore

Hickory offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Henry River Mill Village, Hickory Museum of Art, Hickory Aviation Museum, Oakwood Historic District. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Neighbourhood
Henry River Mill Village
Henry River Mill Village is a small textile village in Burke County, North Carolina. It is an unaltered but now-decaying example of an early industrial environment in Burke County. Today the remaining buildings of the Henry River mill village are traces of the industrial heritage of the county.
Museum • Art museum
Hickory Museum of Art
Hickory Museum of Art is an art museum in Hickory, North Carolina which holds exhibitions, events, and public educational programs based on a permanent collection of 19th to 21st century American art.
Museum • Military museum • History museum
Hickory Aviation Museum
Hickory Aviation Museum is an aviation museum at the Hickory Regional Airport in Hickory, North Carolina. It features a museum located in the former airport terminal with artifacts, a hangar with aircraft and outdoor exhibits of aircraft on the former airport ramp.

Church • Oakwood - Hillcrest
Oakwood Historic District
Oakwood Historic District is a national historic district located at Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina. It includes work designed by architects Wheeler & Stearn.
Cafe • Tudor Revival architecture
Harris Arcade
Harris Arcade, also known as the Arcade Building, is a historic commercial building located at Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina.
35°44'9"N • 81°20'14"W
Harper House/Hickory History Center
Museum • History museum
Convention center • Concerts and shows
The Crossing at Hollar Mill
Hollar Hosiery Mills-Knit Sox Knitting Mills is a historic knitting mill located at Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina. It consists of two mill brick manufacturing buildings and a boiler house that were connected by a hyphen in the mid-1960s.
35°44'11"N • 81°20'49"W
The Shuford House and Gardens
Park • Restaurant • Historical place
Museum • History museum
Shuford House
Shuford House, also known as Maple Grove, is a historic home located at Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1875, and is a two-story, three bay frame dwelling with a central hall plan.
Church • Romanesque architecture
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church is a historic Presbyterian church located at 2nd Street and 3rd Avenue NW in Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1905–1906, and is a Romanesque Revival-style church sheathed in granite. The front facade features square towers of unequal height.
35°44'41"N • 81°20'14"W
Lee & Helen George House
Lee & Helen George House is a historic home located at Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1951, and is a one-story, Redwood weatherboard sheathed Modernist / Usonian-style dwelling. The house consists of a center main block with projecting rooms on each end of the façade, a rear wing, and an attached carport.
35°44'1"N • 81°19'59"W
Lyerly Full Fashioned Mill
The Lyerly Full Fashioned Mill is a historic hosiery mill located in Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in two stages between 1930 and 1934, and is a two-story, rectangular, nine-by-twelve bay brick building. It features a Moderne-Style 2 1/2-story stair tower.
City hall • Downtown Hickory
Hickory Municipal Building
Hickory Municipal Building is a historic municipal building located at Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1920–1921, and is a two-story brick building in the Classical Revival style. It has a three-story auditorium.
35°43'59"N • 81°19'37"W
Whisnant Hosiery Mills
Whisnant Hosiery Mills, also known as Moretz Mills, is a historic knitting mill located at Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina.
35°44'24"N • 81°20'18"W
Dr. Glenn R. Frye House
Dr. Glenn R. Frye House is a historic home located at Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1937, and is a two-story, Colonial Revival style stone dwelling. It has a 1+1⁄2-story frame wing.
Tudor Revival architecture • Oakwood - Hillcrest
Claremont High School Historic District
Claremont High School Historic District is a national historic district located at Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina. The district encompasses 172 contributing buildings and 3 contributing structures in a predominantly residential section of Hickory.
35°43'56"N • 81°21'17"W
Piedmont Wagon Company
Piedmont Wagon Company was a horse-drawn wagon works company in Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina. Founded by George G. Bonniwell and A. L. Ramseur in 1878, it became "one of the most conspicuous examples of New South prosperity in North Carolina" during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
35°44'57"N • 81°18'58"W
Highland Recreation Center
Park • Highland
35°44'33"N • 81°18'59"W
Highland School
Highland School, also known as Highland Graded School, is a historic school building located at Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1921, and is a two-story, brick building with hipped slate roof in the Classical Revival style. It has a projecting nine-bay central pavilion.

Day trips

Hickory – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Hickory, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Discovery Place (Charlotte), Carolinas Aviation Museum (Charlotte), Appalachian Ski Mountain (Blowing Rock).

45 milesSE
Museum, Specialty museum, Science museum
Discovery Place, Charlotte
Discovery Place, nestled in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, stands as an emblem of interactive education and entertainment for visitors of all ages. This dynamic museum, with a strong focus on science and technology, offers an immersive experience through a...
42 milesSE
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
Carolinas Aviation Museum, Charlotte
If you're an aviation enthusiast or simply looking for an engaging experience in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Carolinas Aviation Museum is a destination that should soar to the top of your must-visit list. Located at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, this...
36 milesNW
Winter sport, Outdoor activities, Ski area
Appalachian Ski Mountain, Blowing Rock
Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian Ski Mountain is a charming ski area located in the town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, United States. This winter sports haven offers a variety of slopes to cater to both beginners and seasoned skiers, making it...
46 milesE
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Baseball
Intimidators Stadium, Kannapolis
Intimidators Stadium, a staple in the Rowan County community of Kannapolis, North Carolina, is a modern American ballpark that has served as a hub for both sports and entertainment. While its primary purpose is to host baseball games, the stadium's design...
44 milesNW
Amusement, Amusement park, Theme park
Land of Oz Theme Park, Banner Elk
Nestled atop Beech Mountain in North Carolina, the Land of Oz Theme Park invites visitors to step into a storybook world that has captured the imaginations of generations. This enchanting theme park, based on L. Frank Baum's beloved "The Wizard of Oz," offers a unique...

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Best Time To Visit Hickory

Learn when is the best time to travel to Hickory weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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May is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in April, June and July.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January, February, April, October, November and December. Most of it rains in March, May and June.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Hickory?

The top attractions to visit in Hickory are:

What is the best time to visit Hickory?

May is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in April, June and July. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and December.