Hickory North Carolina

Situated in Catawba County, the thriving economic heart of the area is the city of Hickory North Carolina. Founded in 1870, the 2000 census records the population at over 340,000. It is the hub of several industries, namely furniture manufacturing, grocery distribution, healthcare and telecommunications. It's not all work here and residents enjoy many cultural and leisure facilities with several theatres and museums. The locals are keen followers of their minor league baseball team. The outdoors can be enjoyed at twenty-three parks. In1998, Money Magazine named it as one of the best places to live in the US. The area has reached out to forge links with Altenburg in Germany, its sister city.

The city suffered a great setback in 1944, with an extremely bad outbreak of polio in the area, affecting a lot of children. The people of Hickory North Carolina came together to combat the disease and achieved a remarkable feat. In the space of a mere fifty-four hours, they built, staffed and equipped a new hospital to look after the many patients who had fallen victim.

The SALT Block (Sciences-Arts-Literature-Together), is the base for the Western Piedmont Symphony Orchestra, the Science Center, a youth symphony, choral society, public library and the Hickory Museum of Art, which has exhibitions, films and provides art classes.

The Waldensian Heritage Wines Company offers tours and tastings for the public. An unusual visitor attraction is sited at Hiddenite Gems, which allows the public to experience the thrill of digging up precious stones from the mine. There's the chance of discovering emeralds, quartz, sapphires, amethyst and aquamarine. Families can have a fun day out in Hickory North Carolina at the Ice Castle Skating Rink and birthday parties and group bookings can be organized. Children's parties can also be booked at the Hickory Dock indoor soft play center. It has mini golf, laser areas, arcade games, bumper cars, restaurants and areas for covered picnics.

The natural world of the county is showcased at the Ivery Arboretum in Carolina Park. This is a three acre preserve of hundreds of indigenous and rare shrubs and trees. Guided tours are available. The nearby Bird Brain Ostrich Ranch offers an alternative to everyday food items. It's open to the public to go on tours of the ranch and to buy its products such as eggs, soaps, oils and of course, ostrich meat. Hickory North Carolina is a friendly everyday sort of place with a few surprises.

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