Hickory
Just east of nearby Claremont on old US 70A is the 85-foot-long Bunker Hill Covered Bridge. Constructed in 1895, it is one of two covered bridges remaining in North Carolina. Although closed to vehicles, pedestrians can cross it at certain times; phone (828) 465-0383 for schedule information.
Visitor Centers
Hickory Metro CVB & Visitor Information Center 1960-A 13th Avenue Dr., S.E. Hickory, NC 28602. Phone:(828)322-1335 or (800)509-2444
Shopping
North Carolina’s been called the “furniture capital of the world,” and with dozens of discount furniture stores in Hickory and surrounding Catawba County, the destination is a fine place to go browse. One of the best-known showrooms is Hickory Furniture Mart (exit 126 on I-40), which also features leading builders and designers on-site; phone (828) 322-3510. Many antique stores, boutiques and local restaurants can be found along Union Square in downtown.The Catawba County Public Health Department’s Farmers Market is held Thursday 10-1, June through September, in the parking lot at 11th Avenue Dr. S.E. The event features fresh produce and offers tastings and tours through Catawba County Cooperative Extension Office; call (828) 695-5861 for tours.
Downtown Hickory Winter Farmers Market presents artisanal goods, produce and plants for sale in a festive atmosphere full of music and street food. The event runs each Saturday from 10 to 2, November through April, at the Hickory Soup Kitchen, 110 2nd Street Pl. S.E. Phone (828) 308-6508.
The only enclosed mall within 40 miles, Valley Hills Mall (1960 US 70 S.E., off I- 40) is where to find national retailers and food places. Among the anchors are Belk, Dillard’s, JCPenney and Sears. Phone (828) 328-2436.