Now maybe you snickered when you read the title, but the city where I was born and raised can be pretty cool.

Nestled in between the foothills and mountains, Hickory is a perfect pit stop for when you’re headed up to Asheville or Boone/Blowing Rock. Beware: Get your Google Maps ready. You will get lost on HKY’s bewildering street name system (i.e. 8th Avenue Drive SW. That’s a whole ‘nother article).

Downtown Hickory

Start the day by picking out fresh produce at the Hickory Farmers Market, which stretches around the Olde Hickory railroad station. Check out the website to see the produce calendar.

CLICK HERE to read more on CharlotteFive.com.

I worked at Olde Hickory Tap Room summer after freshman year…