A log tavern built under a huge hickory tree in the 1850s led to the establishment of the town of “Hickory Tavern,” which opened its first post office in 1860. After its original charter in 1863 and incorporation in 1870, the town changed its name and was rechartered as the City of Hickory in 1889. In 1913, Hickory became the first city in the state of North Carolina – and the third city in the entire nation – to adopt the council-manager form of government. One of the oldest furniture manufacturers in the United States that still operates on its original site is located here – the Hickory Manufacturing Company opened its doors for business in 1902; it is now known as Hickory White. In addition to visiting the oldest furniture manufacturer in the country, visitors to Hickory can tour plenty of other furniture showrooms – as much as 60% of the furniture produced in the United States is made within a 200-mile radius of the city! Bargain-hunters delight in finding just what they are looking for while browsing through outlet stores and retail showrooms, and the shopping area “20 Miles of Furniture” has more than 35 furniture stores!
For those folks interested in other pursuits, there are numerous options, including the fascinating and educational Catawba Science Center, the intriguing Hickory Museum of Art, and the Harper House/Hickory History Center, which is an impressive and exceptionally beautiful 1887 Queen Anne Victorian mansion. Maple Grove is another historic house open for tours – its antebellum charm is captivating. Sports fans catch their thrills at both L.P. Frans Stadium, where the Hickory Crawdads play baseball, and at the Hickory Motor Speedway, which hosts weekly NASCAR races. After a long day, restaurants and taverns welcome guests in to relax and enjoy a delicious meal and a refreshing drink. Embrace all there is to do in Hickory. Hotels in the area allow you to stay conveniently close by to where you want to be. When you stay at Choice Hotels, you enjoy affordable rates, many amenities, and friendly service. We look forward to hosting you soon! Reserve your room today!