Hickory

 

 

Tucked snug in the foothills of the sprawling Blue Ridge Mountains, the upbeat city of Hickory, North Carolina, exudes charisma with its show-stopping combination of lush natural landscapes, rich heritage, and peaceful residential lifestyle. Already saturated in visual appeal, the city is constantly refreshing its look and amenities, ensuring that locals and visitors alike can expect nothing short of the best.

The very origins of Hickory are intertwined with hospitality. In the 1850s, Hickory Tavern served as a focal point for community and connection, so much so that as the years passed, a town blossomed around the business. The establishment of a railroad line to the town further enhanced its growth, and the modern-day city of Hickory is home to a bustling population of more than 40,000 residents.

Those browsing the residential real estate market of Hickory will have their pick of desirable abodes, whether it’s a waterfront home nestled inside an enviable resort-like neighborhood or a historic estate property close to the city’s Downtown. Single-family homes, stunning mansions, brand-new contemporary farmhouses, and even spacious open lots for building a custom property — there’s no shortage of options for living luxuriously in Hickory.

 

• Just an hour from Charlotte
• Huge parks and abundant outdoor recreation
• Lakeside living and laid-back residential atmosphere

Local Lifestyle

 

Hickory is full of idyllic residential enclaves such as Oliver’s Landing, a tranquil suburban golf community tucked against the waters of Lake Hickory itself. These communities embody Southern hospitality at its finest and provide a calm retreat from the city’s vibrant commercial core. Locals will find they have the best of both worlds at their fingertips and appreciate their ability to mix relaxing in their quiet neighborhoods with the bustle of city living.

 

Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping

 

Brick-paved streets lined with verdant foliage and boutique shops give the Downtown district of Hickory an almost European feel — quaint, welcoming, and picturesque. The corridor is flush with exciting retail and culinary options, from carefully curated fashion collections at boutiques like Splentique to an abundance of shops paying homage to the town’s furniture-crafting heritage.

Dining in Hickory is an invigorating affair thanks to the city’s diverse offerings and the small-town friendliness that pervades even the most upscale of restaurants. The convivial atmosphere at Fourk pairs perfectly with the menu of creative, New American cuisine and innovative cocktails. Charolais keeps things a little more traditional and has perfected their hand-cut, char-broiled steaks during their more than 50 years in service.

Set inside a cozy historic home, Vintage House is the paragon for intimate, romantic dining in Hickory and serves up an irresistible array of high-end steakhouse cuisine. Gourmet Southern fare and an incredible wine menu make every visit to Café Rule, the must-try restaurant run by the same masterminds behind Vintage House.

 

Things to Do

 

Hickory is brimming with ways to explore the great outdoors and residents have access to a wonderfully varied landscape. Apart from Lake Hickory itself, which is a trove of engaging watersports, beach fun, and fishing, the city contains 26 parks and several vast recreation areas. Among them, Bakers Mountain Park stands out for its 189 acres of dense forest and over 6 miles of hiking trails.

For recreation paired with a little glamor, residents of Hickory can choose from a number of excellent clubs and golf courses. Lake History Country Club provides its members with a slew of enviable amenities, including tennis and fitness facilities, a world-class golf course, and high-end dining at the on-site restaurant. Others might head to the residential community of Oliver’s Landing to experience the Player’s Ridge golf course, a full-length, 18-hole stunner designed by famed golf architect Karl Litten.

 

Schools

 

Hickory is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:

• Lenoir-Rhyne University, highly rated private Lutheran university established in 1891
• University Christian High School, 9-12, highly rated private Lutheran high school, ranked as the #1 best private high school in the county and among the top 50 in the state