Those treasures only locals know about!
Heck, even the locals probably don't know about some of these hidden gems in the area! Here you'll find the list of really awesome stuff that you might not run across for years!
Sweet Tea Bed and Breakfast
315 Sixth St. SW
Conover, NC 28613
(704) 325-3736
sweetteabb.com
When you need to get away but don't want to go away, or you want your guests close but not too close. Ralph and Patricia Hatch have created a gem in this 100+-year-old house with a comfortable 1920s décor and serving an authentic Southern breakfast for guests. It's also known for hosting and catering of private events all during the year. Keep up with their social media to learn more about the "Breakfast Club,” where non-guests can try their breakfast at certain times during the year!
Carolina Movie Theater
222 First Ave. NW
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-7210
carolinatheater-hickory.com
Built in 1934 and family-owned, The Carolina Theater is located downtown, and you can feel the history. It's a throwback to days gone by where the first date was always here. It has been renovated over the last 20 years to increase comforts and the quality of the movies. Specializing in second-run movies, it is known as a great value with both ticket and concession prices. I remember many Rocky Horror Picture shows and many rainy-day kid movies with my kids at the Carolina Theater. Hey, tickets are only three bucks, and the popcorn is to die for!
Catawba Farms
1670 Southwest Blvd.
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-5780
catawbafarms.com
Catawba Farms, set on 34 pastoral acres, is many things. At its heart is The Peacock Inn, a historic five-room bed and breakfast and beverage Tasting Room. It's also a winery and craft brewery, as well as a venue for receptions, reunions, parties, and corporate meetings. Catawba Farms hosts a wide variety of events on its scenic grounds, including live music, festivals, and fun activities for the whole family.
Hart Square Village
5055 Hope Rd.
Vale, NC 28168
(828) 528-5029
hartsquare.com
Boasting the nation's largest collection of authentic historic log structures on a 200-acre preserve. While it is not open to the public, memberships are available along with periodic opportunities for the public to visit such as before Christmas, Easter and an annual festival that occurs each October.
Aviation Museum
3101 Ninth Ave. Dr. NW
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 323-1963
hickoryaviationmuseum.org
Located at the Hickory Regional Airport, the Aviation Museum has artifacts and memorabilia ranging from WWII to present day. Models are on display that show how aircraft design changed from the Wright Flyer to The F/A-18 Hornet. Numerous aircraft are on display outside of the building.
The Southeastern Narrow Gauge and Shortline Museum
1123 N. Main Ave.
Newton, NC 28658
(980) 858-4266
newtondepot.com
Located at the former junction of the Southern and Carolina and North-Western Railway. In the Newton Depot with a Welcome Center next door (at 1111 N. Main Ave.) and a Pavilion across the railroad tracks from the Depot. They have a wide spectrum of railroad-related displays including model trains, artifacts, and real trains located in the pavilion. Perfect for kids from 4 to 104!
The Hickory Crawdads
LP Frans Stadium
2500 Clement Blvd.
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-3000
milb.com/hickory
They are not hidden, but they are a gem. The Hickory Crawdads were brought to LP Frans Stadium in 1993 by former baseball player Don Beaver, and they are part of the fabric of the community. Tickets are available at an affordable price during the season, with numerous themes depending on the night. Friday night games are widely known for fireworks after the game. Suites can be rented for parties with catering available. During the off-season, numerous events are held at the stadium, and areas/suites can be rented for parties. When you go, try a craft beer, which is known to be cold, or a fantastic hot dog, which is served piping hot.
Sweet Tea Bed and Breakfast
315 Sixth St. SW
Conover, NC 28613
(704) 325-3736
sweetteabb.com
When you need to get away but don't want to go away, or you want your guests close but not too close. Ralph and Patricia Hatch have created a gem in this 100+-year-old house with a comfortable 1920s décor and serving an authentic Southern breakfast for guests. It's also known for hosting and catering of private events all during the year. Keep up with their social media to learn more about the "Breakfast Club,” where non-guests can try their breakfast at certain times during the year!
Carolina Movie Theater
222 First Ave. NW
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-7210
carolinatheater-hickory.com
Built in 1934 and family-owned, The Carolina Theater is located downtown, and you can feel the history. It's a throwback to days gone by where the first date was always here. It has been renovated over the last 20 years to increase comforts and the quality of the movies. Specializing in second-run movies, it is known as a great value with both ticket and concession prices. I remember many Rocky Horror Picture shows and many rainy-day kid movies with my kids at the Carolina Theater. Hey, tickets are only three bucks, and the popcorn is to die for!
Catawba Farms
1670 Southwest Blvd.
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-5780
catawbafarms.com
Catawba Farms, set on 34 pastoral acres, is many things. At its heart is The Peacock Inn, a historic five-room bed and breakfast and beverage Tasting Room. It's also a winery and craft brewery, as well as a venue for receptions, reunions, parties, and corporate meetings. Catawba Farms hosts a wide variety of events on its scenic grounds, including live music, festivals, and fun activities for the whole family.
Hart Square Village
5055 Hope Rd.
Vale, NC 28168
(828) 528-5029
hartsquare.com
Boasting the nation's largest collection of authentic historic log structures on a 200-acre preserve. While it is not open to the public, memberships are available along with periodic opportunities for the public to visit such as before Christmas, Easter and an annual festival that occurs each October.
Aviation Museum
3101 Ninth Ave. Dr. NW
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 323-1963
hickoryaviationmuseum.org
Located at the Hickory Regional Airport, the Aviation Museum has artifacts and memorabilia ranging from WWII to present day. Models are on display that show how aircraft design changed from the Wright Flyer to The F/A-18 Hornet. Numerous aircraft are on display outside of the building.
The Southeastern Narrow Gauge and Shortline Museum
1123 N. Main Ave.
Newton, NC 28658
(980) 858-4266
newtondepot.com
Located at the former junction of the Southern and Carolina and North-Western Railway. In the Newton Depot with a Welcome Center next door (at 1111 N. Main Ave.) and a Pavilion across the railroad tracks from the Depot. They have a wide spectrum of railroad-related displays including model trains, artifacts, and real trains located in the pavilion. Perfect for kids from 4 to 104!
The Hickory Crawdads
LP Frans Stadium
2500 Clement Blvd.
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-3000
milb.com/hickory
They are not hidden, but they are a gem. The Hickory Crawdads were brought to LP Frans Stadium in 1993 by former baseball player Don Beaver, and they are part of the fabric of the community. Tickets are available at an affordable price during the season, with numerous themes depending on the night. Friday night games are widely known for fireworks after the game. Suites can be rented for parties with catering available. During the off-season, numerous events are held at the stadium, and areas/suites can be rented for parties. When you go, try a craft beer, which is known to be cold, or a fantastic hot dog, which is served piping hot.