7-Day Adventure in Hickory, North Carolina

Day 1: Exploring Hickory

Hickory, North Carolina

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hatch Sandwich Bar

Start your day with delicious sandwiches and coffee at Hatch Sandwich Bar.
Hatch Sandwich Bar is located in downtown Hickory, easily accessible by walking or a short drive from most accommodations.
$10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hickory Museum of Art

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Hickory at the Hickory Museum of Art, featuring local and regional artworks.
The museum is a 10-minute drive from Hatch Sandwich Bar.
$8, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Rule

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Cafe Rule, known for its farm-to-table cuisine and cozy ambiance.
Cafe Rule is located in downtown Hickory, a short drive from the museum.
$15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping at Valley Hills Mall

Indulge in some retail therapy at Valley Hills Mall, home to a variety of stores and dining options.
Valley Hills Mall is a 15-minute drive from Cafe Rule.
Free to explore, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Highland Avenue

Savor a gourmet dinner at Highland Avenue, offering a seasonal menu in a sophisticated setting.
Highland Avenue is located in downtown Hickory, a short drive from the mall.
$30, 2 hours
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Day 2: Lake Hickory Excursion

Hickory, North Carolina

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Standard Oyster Company

Start your day with a seafood-inspired breakfast at The Standard Oyster Company.
The restaurant is located near Lake Hickory, a 20-minute drive from downtown Hickory.
$12, 1 hour

11:00AM

Boat Tour on Lake Hickory

Embark on a scenic boat tour on Lake Hickory to admire the natural beauty and waterfront homes.
Drive to the Lake Hickory Marina for the boat tour, approximately 30 minutes from the restaurant.
$25, 2 hours

1:30PM

Picnic at Geitner Park

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Geitner Park, a serene spot overlooking the lake.
Geitner Park is a short drive from the marina, offering picnic facilities and walking trails.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Hiking at Riverbend Park

Explore the hiking trails and scenic views at Riverbend Park along the Catawba River.
Drive to Riverbend Park, approximately 15 minutes from Geitner Park.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Backstreets Bar & Grill

Relax and unwind with dinner at Backstreets Bar & Grill, offering a casual atmosphere and diverse menu.
Backstreets Bar & Grill is located in Hickory, a short drive from Riverbend Park.
$20, 2 hours
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Day 3: Exploring the Foothills

Hickory, North Carolina

9:00AM

Breakfast at Highland Avenue

Enjoy another delightful breakfast at Highland Avenue before heading out for the day.
Highland Avenue is located in downtown Hickory.
$15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Catawba Science Center

Immerse yourself in interactive science exhibits and planetarium shows at the Catawba Science Center.
The science center is a short drive from downtown Hickory.
$12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Olde Hickory Station

Savor a delicious lunch at Olde Hickory Station, a historic train depot turned restaurant.
Olde Hickory Station is located near the science center.
$18, 1 hour

3:00PM

Wine Tasting at Silver Fork Vineyard & Winery

Indulge in a wine tasting experience at Silver Fork Vineyard & Winery, offering scenic views of the vineyards.
Drive to Silver Fork Vineyard & Winery in the foothills, approximately 30 minutes from Olde Hickory Station.
$20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Fourk

Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Fourk, known for its sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.
Fourk is located in Hickory, a short drive from the winery.
$35, 2 hours
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Day 4: Blue Ridge Parkway Adventure

Hickory, North Carolina

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Copper Bean Coffee Company

Start your day with a cozy breakfast at The Copper Bean Coffee Company, known for its artisanal coffee and pastries.
The cafe is located in downtown Hickory.
$8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Blue Ridge Parkway

Embark on a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, known for its breathtaking views and hiking trails.
It takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the Blue Ridge Parkway from Hickory.
Gas cost, Full day

1:00PM

Picnic at Julian Price Memorial Park

Stop for a picnic lunch at Julian Price Memorial Park, surrounded by forests and meadows.
The park is a beautiful spot along the parkway, offering picnic areas and hiking trails.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hiking at Linville Falls

Explore the stunning waterfalls and trails at Linville Falls, a must-see natural attraction along the parkway.
Drive to Linville Falls for hiking opportunities, approximately 30 minutes from Julian Price Memorial Park.
Park entrance fee, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Woodlands Barbeque Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty dinner at Woodlands Barbeque Restaurant, known for its delicious barbecue dishes.
Woodlands Barbeque Restaurant is located near the parkway, offering a taste of local flavors.
$25, 2 hours
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Day 5: Biltmore Estate Day Trip

Asheville, North Carolina

8:00AM

Drive to Biltmore Estate

Embark on a day trip to the iconic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, a grand mansion with gardens and winery.
It takes approximately 1.5 hours to drive from Hickory to Asheville.
$70 (Biltmore Estate ticket), Full day

12:00PM

Lunch at Cedric's Tavern

Enjoy lunch at Cedric's Tavern on the estate grounds, offering a menu inspired by traditional British pub fare.
Cedric's Tavern is located within the Biltmore Estate.
$20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Biltmore House

Tour the opulent Biltmore House, a historic Vanderbilt mansion filled with art and antiques.
Spend the afternoon exploring the grand rooms and gardens of Biltmore House.
$70 (Biltmore Estate ticket), 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Corner Kitchen

Indulge in a farm-to-table dinner at Corner Kitchen, a cozy restaurant in Asheville's historic Biltmore Village.
Corner Kitchen is located near the Biltmore Estate, offering a diverse menu of seasonal dishes.
$30, 2 hours
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Day 6: Grandfather Mountain Exploration

Linville, North Carolina

9:00AM

Breakfast at Louise's Rock House

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Louise's Rock House, a local favorite known for its mountain views.
Louise's Rock House is located in Linville, a scenic drive from Hickory.
$15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Grandfather Mountain

Embark on an adventure at Grandfather Mountain, known for its Mile High Swinging Bridge and hiking trails.
Drive to Grandfather Mountain, approximately 1.5 hours from Linville.
$25 (Grandfather Mountain entrance fee), 4 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Mildred's Grill

Savor a classic American lunch at Mildred's Grill, offering comfort food and a cozy atmosphere.
Mildred's Grill is located near Grandfather Mountain, a great spot to refuel after your exploration.
$15, 1 hour

4:00PM

Scenic Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Enjoy a leisurely drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, savoring the stunning mountain views and overlooks.
Access the parkway from Grandfather Mountain for a scenic journey back towards Hickory.
Gas cost, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Highland Avenue

End your day with a gourmet dinner at Highland Avenue in Hickory, reflecting on your mountain adventures.
Highland Avenue offers a perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal.
$30, 2 hours
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Day 7: Relaxation Day in Hickory

Hickory, North Carolina

9:00AM

Brunch at Cafe Gouda

Start your day with a leisurely brunch at Cafe Gouda, known for its delicious brunch menu and cozy ambiance.
Cafe Gouda is located in downtown Hickory, offering a relaxed setting to begin your day.
$20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Spa Day at Balance Day Spa

Indulge in a rejuvenating spa day at Balance Day Spa, offering a range of treatments and relaxation amenities.
Balance Day Spa is a short drive from Cafe Gouda, providing a tranquil escape for pampering.
$100, 3 hours

2:00PM

Stroll in Glenn Hilton Park

Take a leisurely stroll in Glenn Hilton Park, enjoying the green spaces and peaceful surroundings.
Glenn Hilton Park is a short drive from the spa, offering walking trails and picnic areas.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Hickory Furniture Mart

Explore the Hickory Furniture Mart for unique home decor and furnishings to bring back a piece of Hickory.
The mart is a short drive from Glenn Hilton Park, showcasing a wide selection of furniture and decor items.
Varies, 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Fourk

Conclude your adventure with a farewell dinner at Fourk, celebrating the memories made during your stay in Hickory.
Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at Fourk in Hickory, reflecting on your week of exploration.
$35, 2 hours
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