Start around 2:00 PM at Conover City Park, an easygoing green space in the downtown civic district. Allow about an hour for a relaxed walk, and use the surrounding streets to get a feel for Conover’s small-town center. Parking is generally straightforward near downtown, and this is a good low-key beginning rather than something that needs a tightly planned schedule. From the park, walk or drive a few minutes to the Conover Farmers Market; check its Wednesday schedule before setting out, since market hours can vary seasonally. If it is operating, give yourself roughly 45 minutes to browse local produce, crafts, and regional specialties, with a little cash useful for smaller vendors.
Continue to the Conover Branch Library, also downtown, for 30–45 minutes of air-conditioned quiet and a glimpse into local community history. Then drive west toward Hickory—about 10 minutes, depending on traffic—to spend the late afternoon at the Hickory Museum of Art. Plan on 1½ hours for its American art collection; confirm same-day hours and admission before arriving, as museum schedules can change. Downtown parking is usually easiest in public lots or marked street spaces, and the compact district makes the next stops pleasantly walkable.
Have dinner at Olde Hickory Station, a distinctive restaurant set in a historic railroad station. Expect approximately $20–35 per person before drinks and allow about an hour for a relaxed meal; arriving in the early evening helps avoid the busiest dinner period. Finish at Union Square, just a short walk away, where you can circle the central plaza and browse the nearby shops at an unhurried pace. It is especially pleasant after dinner, when the downtown lights come on; allow around 45 minutes, while checking individual shop hours if you hope to go inside.