Things To Do

CONNECTIONS@Work

Upcoming CONNECTIONS@Work Events

Whether you prefer the shopping, dining, and nightlife of the city or a peaceful, scenic view of the foothills, listening to the Western Piedmont Symphony or riding bicycles down tree-lined streets filled with historic homes, rooting for your kid’s soccer team or watching the Crawdad’s home baseball games, Catawba County has everything you need to create your life. Watch this segment featuring President/CEO Lindsay Keisler on what the benefits are of living and working in Catawba County. Catawba County was featured on a 2023 episode of PBS’ North Carolina Weekend. Watch the segment below to learn more about our region.

ARTS & CULTURE

Hart Square Village | www.hartsquare.com | 828-528-5029 | 5055 Hope Rd., Vale
Located in Vale, NC, just south of Hickory, sits the nation’s largest collection of historic log structures. The village is shared through annual events, membership, craft classes, and field trip programming.

Hickory Community Theatre | www.hct.org | 828-327-3855 | 30 3rd St NW, Hickory
This group provides quality comedies, musicals and dramas performed in the beautiful Charles E. Jeffers Theatre, and downstairs in the more intimate Firemen’s Kitchen.

Hickory Museum of Art | www.hickorymuseumofart.org | 828-327-8576 | 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory
Founded in 1944, this is the second-oldest art museum in the state. Enjoy works from the permanent collection, as well as traveling exhibitions, art classes, workshops, tours and lectures.

Historical Association of Catawba County | www.catawbahistory.org | 828-465-0383 | 30 N. College Ave. Newton
For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. Visit some of their sites today, including the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, Harper House/Hickory History Center, History Museum of Catawba County, and Murray’s Mill Historic District

Lenoir-Rhyne University | www.lru.edu | 828-328-7300
Summer Theatre – Performances in late July and early August at the Belk Centrum each eay include dramas, comedies and musicals.
Performing Arts – Lenoir-Rhyne offers a concert series, art exhibits, lectures, a visiting writer’s series, and a cinematheque film series open to the public.
Lenoir-Rhyne Playmakers – the Playmakers offers a main stage production in November and April, and a February presentation alternating yearly between children’s theatre and a student showcase event. All plays are staged in the college’s Belk Centrum.

The Green Room Community Theatre & The Old Post office Play House
www.the-green-room.org | 828-464-6183 | 10 S. Main Ave, Newton
Performing in the old post office playhouse, this award-winning community theatre features a season of musicals, comedies, dramas and children’s plays.

United Arts Council of Catawba County| www.artscatawba.org | 828-324-4906 | 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory
The Council develops and advances the cultural life of Catawba County through theatre and performing arts, museums and science centers, as well as historical preservation.

Western Piedmont Symphony | www.wpsymphony.org | 828-324-8603 | 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory
The professional orchestra presents an annual season of top-notch symphonic music featuring guest artists who are stars of classical music.

EXPLORE THE CAROLINAS

Catawba County is ideally nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is only a short drive away from the coast, the mountains and the bustling city of Charlotte, NC. Several popular destinations in the mountains can be reached within a one to two hour drive, and the beaches near Charleston, S.C., can be reached in a little more than four hours. Below are some resources to help you plan your next road trip!

The NC Foohills Experience site focuses on 4 main areas:
Outdoor Adventures: local, state and national parks, hiking, biking trails, boat access areas, greenways, and bicycle routes.
Fun Places: cultural amenitites like museums, libraries, festivals, and downtowns.
Farm Fresh: Local food sources-farmers markets, u-pick farms/roadside stands and butchers.
Cool Spaces: Local breweries, wineries, distilleries, coffee shops, bike shops, skateboard shops, and outfitters.

FITNESS & OUTDOOR RECREATION

Tree Top Adventures on Lake Hickory | www.treetopalh.org | 6663 Valwood Road, Conover
Tree Top Adventures offers the perfect adventure for any age or event. They offer several courses that take you up the best climbs and zip-lines Lake Hickory has to offer. They also offer team building, birthday parties, summer camps, and group outings.

Golf
Glen Oaks Golf Club | 245 Golf Course Road, Maiden | 828-428-2451 | www.glenoaksgolf.com
Glen Oaks Golf Club is an 18-hole, semi-private course located in Maiden. Golf is available to everyone, with special programs for seniors, men, ladies and juniors. Amenities include a pro shop, driving range, snack bar, banquet facility, bar, picnic shelter and pool.

Rock Barn Country Club & Spa | 3791 Clubhouse Drive, Conover | 828-459-1125 | www.rockbarn.com
With 36 holes of award-winning golf, the Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Course, a recipient of multiple awards and honors is ranked 19th in the state by North Carolina Magazine. Jones course voted “Best New Golf Course in NC” by NCCBI Magazine in 2003. This semi-private community also offers casual as well as fine dining, a luxurious full service spa, a fitness center, and outdoor swimming complex, a spacious tennis complex and a variety of real estate opportunities. Golf, dining and spa services are open to the public seven days a week, year round.

Catawba Country Club | 1154 Country Club Rd, Newton, NC | 828-294-3727 | http://www.catawbacc.org
Catawba Country Club is a member-owned private country club serving Catawba and the surrounding counties. The club provides high-quality, value-oriented facilities and services that meet the social and recreational needs of families in the area including casual and fine dining, as well as golf, tennis, fitness, and swimming.

Lake Hickory Country Club | Town Clubhouse | 430 17th Ave NW, Hickory, NC | 828-328-2983 | http://www.lakehickorycc.com
Between two facilities, Lake Hickory Country Club has served the entertainment, athletic, and dining needs in the surrounding area since 1923. They are focused on providing their Membership with a best in class experience in golf, tennis, fitness, dining, and social amenities.

Lake Hickory Country Club at Catawba Springs | 3820 Wandering Lane NE, Hickory | 828-265-2171 | http://www.lakehickorycc.com
A scenic and challenging 27-hole course designed by William Byrd. Combining the Fox Run and Sulphur Springs courses offers a par 72, 6, 610-yard course from the blue tees. Open to the public on Wednesdays only. Open year round.

Players Ridge Golf Club | 1157 Players Ridge Road, Hickory NC | 828-598-0327 | www.playersridge.golf
Located near Hickory, NC, Player’s Ridge has an exceptional, challenging layout where you’ll find lots of hilly terrain and side hill lies. They offer a full length 18-hole golf course and are locally owned and operated.

WATER RECREATION

Catawba County’s three lakes and it’s location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains have a strong influence on the County’s climate and ambiance. Enjoy outdoor activities on Lake Hickory, Lake Norman, and Lake Lookout Shoals. Lake Hickory is a 4,000 acre, full-recreational lake with 115 miles of shoreline and pristine mountain views. The Catawba River flows through the area, along with several smaller creeks and rivers. The lakes and rivers bring many opportunities for fishing, rafting, boating, and adventure. Lake Hickory offers 16 lake access areas and 6 marinas.

SPORTS

Hickory Crawdads Baseball | 828-322-3000 | www.hickorycrawdads.com | 2500 Clement Blvd NW, Hickory
This Class “A” affiliate of the Texas Rangers excites over 187,555 fans during the 70 thrilling home games. Regular season runs April through August, with a playoff series following.

ENTERTAINMENT

Catawba Science Center | www.catawbascience.org | 828-322-8169 | 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory
Changing lives and inspiring learning through science and wonder. Permanent exhibit areas explore Physical, Natural, and Earth sciences, while interactive exhibits rotate throughout the year. Freshwater and saltwater aquarium exhibits, featuring North Carolina’s only marine touch pool with LIVE sharks and stingrays.

Patriot Axe Throwing | http://www.patrioteaxethrowing.com/hickory | 828-578-6093 | 2663 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory
This veteran-owned establishment was created to serve as a place of enjoyment and entertainment for people of all ages. There are 13 lanes available for axe throwing and the staff is happy to provide a short lesson for beginners.

Nailed It DIY Studio Hickory | https://www.hickory.naileditdiy.com | 828-679-1400 | 264 Union Square, Suite 101, Hickory
Located in the heart of Downtown Hickory, Nailed it DIY Studio Hickory is a place to gather. Book studio time, host a private event, join in for youth camps or parties, or purchase a Take and Make project. Nailed It DIY Studio offers hand-built wood decor for your home and more.

Wine & Design | https://wineanddesign.com/hickory_nc | 2440 North Center Street, Hickory
Wine & Design offers private events, team building, DIY classes, and more. All painting materials are provided and guests are encouraged to bring their favorite wine, beer, soda, or snacks.

FARMERS MARKET

Conover Farmer’s Market | www.conoverfarmersmarket.org/ | 828-217-1619 Located in the parking lot of the Conover Post Office, the Conover Farmer’s Market is open from 8:00am to noon, Saturdays May through September. The market features locally grown food, live music, and an educational station to teach children and families about the benefits of buying and eating locally grown foods.

Downtown Hickory Farmer’s Market | www.hickoryfarmersmarket.com | Union Square NW
This market brings more than fresh fruits and vegetables to Union Square in Downtown Hickory, with flowers, herbs, baked goods, and hand-made crafts.
Saturdays from 8:00am-1:00pm
Wednesdays from 10:00am-3:00pm
Mondays from 4:00pm-7:00pm
April through November.

Catawba County Public Health Farmer’s Market | www.catawbacountync.gov | 3070 11th Ave. Dr. SE, Hickory
Thursday, 10:00am – 1:00pm; June through September

LIBRARY

Catawba County Library: http://www.catawbacountync.gov/library/
Main Library, Newton
Claremont Branch Library
Conover Branch Library
Maiden Brand Library
Sherrils Ford Terrell Branch Library
Southwest Branch Library
St. Stephens Branch Library

Hickory Public Library: http://www.hickorync.gov/content/library
Patrick Beaver Memorial Library
The Ridgeview Branch