Looking for some fun ways to enjoy life in the Hickory Metro?

Welcome to Hickory, North Carolina, where almost every doorway says, "come on in," and every smiling face greets you with Southern hospitality. Folks around here want to make you feel at home, whether you're shopping for furniture or enjoying a quiet weekend getaway. And speaking of furniture shopping, if you're looking to stake your claim on the home furnishings of your dreams, you've come to the right place. Some 60% of the nation's furniture is produced within a 200-mile radius, so you'll have a wide selection of choices.

But furniture is just the beginning. Our historic sites and museums weave a rich tapestry of tales, memories and discoveries. There are plenty of places to go hit the trail and marvel at our countryside. The arts are alive and well, stirring the soul through music, dance and drama. And there are enough nearby attractions and special events to keep you well-entertained. So what are you waiting for? Isn't it about time you discovered Hickory? Around here, we treat you like family. Because we want you to have all the comforts of home.

No matter what time of year you visit, you're just in time for the fun. The year is filled with festivities, sporting events,fairs and shows. So no matter what the season, you always have a reason to come visit Hickory.

____________________________________________________________________________________ Hickory is a city in Catawba County, North Carolina, United States. Hickory had the 162nd largest Urban Area in The United States. It is the economic, social, and cultural center of the Catawba Valley. As of the 2000 census, the city had a Metropolitan Combined Statistical Area population of 341,851, making it the 4th largest metropolitan area in North Carolina. The CSA, which includes Catawba County, North Carolina, Caldwell County, North Carolina, Burke County, North Carolina, and Alexander County, North Carolina is often referred to as the "Unifour", although this name is largely unknown outside the region. Hickory is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 1998 Money Magazine's "most livable place to live" (ranked 16th among medium-sized southern cities) and being twice-named an "All American City," ‎ ____________________________________________________________________________________

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Directions to Hickory?

From I-40 (East of Hickory) , take exit 125 off I-40W (Lenoir-Rhyne Blvd). Turn right at the top of the exit ramp. Stay on LR Blvd until you reach the intersection with Tate Blvd (4th light). This will be a double lane left turn onto a one-way street (planted island with "Hickory" sign) - this is 1st Ave SE. Move into right-hand lane and proceed several blocks, through 1st light at Hwy 127 and turn right onto South Center Street at the 2nd light. When you cross the RR tracks, this street changes to North Center Street. At the 2nd light (just across the tracks), turn right onto Main Ave, then immediately into parking lot on right (between Main Ave and RR tracks). This is free public parking. City Hall is across street (contemporary, white limestone building with a fountain in front - Julian G. Whitener Municipal Building).

From Charlotte , take I-85 South to Gastonia. Get on 321 North, toward Hickory. As you are coming into Hickory, you will pass under I-40, then you need to take the next exit (44) to the right (for Hwy 70). Make a right turn onto Hwy 70 East (Park Inn is on your right). At the 2nd light (top of the hill, Regency Express on right), turn left onto 4th St. At the 4th light (go across RR tracks, turn beside First Baptist Church), turn right onto 1st Ave NW. This takes you into the downtown area. Proceed to 3rd light, turn right onto North Center Street. City Hall (Julian G. Whitener Municipal Bldg) is on your left (contemporary, white limestone structure with fountain). At the top of that hill, turn left at the light and immediately turn right into the parking lot (between Main Ave and RR tracks). This is free public parking.

From Lenoir , take 321 South to Hickory. Just across bridge (edge of Lake Hickory), take left at light (Far East Motors and Arbys at intersection). Road turns into 4 lanes, them as approaching downtown area, this splits into 2 one-way pairs. After it becomes a one-way street, you are entering the downtown area and the road becomes 2nd Ave NW. Stay on this road until you reach North Center Street, turn right onto North Center Street and proceed through the next light. City Hall (Julian G. Whitener Municipal Bldg) is now on your left (contemporary, white limestone structure with fountain). At the top of that hill, turn left at the light and immediately turn right into the parking lot (between Main Ave and RR tracks). This is free public parking.

From I-40 (West of Hickory) , take exit 123 (2nd exit, for 321N, Lenoir, ASU). Simply stay in this lane and it winds around and has merges/exits. You will stay to the right and come up exit (44) to the intersection. Make a right turn onto Hwy 70 East (Park Inn is on your right). At the 2nd light (top of the hill, Regency Express on right), turn left onto 4th St. At the 4th light (go across RR tracks, turn beside First Baptist Church), turn right onto 1st Ave. This takes you into the downtown area. Proceed to 3rd light, turn right onto North Center Street. City Hall (Julian G. Whitener Municipal Bldg) is on your left (contemporary, white limestone structure with fountain). At the top of that hill, turn left at the light and immediately turn right into the parking lot (between Main Ave and RR tracks). This is free public parking.