About the area


Click here to View a Visitors Guide to the Area

The Hickory area is one of the fastest growing areas in North Carolina, now with more than 300,000 people in the metro area. Centrally located between Asheville, Boone, Charlotte, and Winston-Salem, Hickory is becoming an ideal location for many reasons. From Hickory, you can take day trips to the Mountains and enjoy year round activities. Shopping in Blowing Rock and Asheville, Fun in the Snow or Anytime!  And for Kids of all Ages. With an average high temperature of 86 degrees in July, it’s no wonder why this region has become so popular.

North Carolina ranks 3rd among “best states for business” 2014.  Read more....

Hickory has been named an "All-America City" three times. The All-America City Award is given annually to only ten cities in the United States. It is a very prestigious award that represents a community's ability to work together and achieve critical local issues. 

Entertainment – 14 movie theater screens, Hickory Crawdads AAA BaseballHickory Furniture Mart, shopping malls, fitness trails, health clubs, museums, live theater, Hickory Motor SpeedwayHiddenite’s Emerald and Gem Mine, local college sporting events, and of course boating activities on Lake Rhodhiss and Lake Hickory.

Medical Facilities – 3 Hospitals within 30 minutes, with the closest about 12 minutes away, as well as a variety of local clinics. Frye Regional Medical Center, located in downtown Hickory, is the first hospital in the state of North Carolina to win the JD Power and Associates "Distinctive Hospital" award and also is the first hospital to win it two years in a row. The other 2 hospitals in the area are Catawba Valley Medical Center and Valdese Hospital.

Golf Courses – over 20 private and public golf courses, including Lake Hickory Country Club designed by Donald Ross of Pinehurst #2 fame and Rock Barn Golf Club designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Rock Barn Golf & Spa each year hosts the Greater Hickory Classic Champions Tour Event!

Dining – An abundance of fine eating establishments, offering a wide variety of styles and menus. Some great local places to dine areYoussef's Cafe 242

Cafe Gouda, Josh's on Union Square (Chef Josh is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America), Da Vinci's Italian RestaurantVintage House, and Highland Avenue Restaurant.

Newcomers Club - Meet new people

Marinas on Lake Hickory

Historic Sites and Museums

Catawba Valley Pottery Festival

Hickory Cultural Arts

Churches in Hickory

Downtown Hickory Events

Schools in the Hickory area

Major Employers