The Bed and Breakfast Connector Blog

Hickory, North Carolina, USA

As for having the 162nd largest urban area in the United States, Hickory, North Carolina is the economic, cultural, and social center for the piedmont region. The population of Hickory has grown from 37,000 in 2000 to just over 60,000 estimated for 2007 due to its growing economy. The city has received several awards such as the 16th ranked "most livable places to live" in a 1998 issue of Money Magazine's. Hickory has also been named an All-American City three different times (1967, 1987, 2007).

Since Hickory is not a very large city their is not as much entertainment as more popular cities such as Chicago or New York. However, their is still a large amount of activities that can keep you busy if visiting. Hickory has many clubs and bars for the people interested in the night life. The downtown area is also nice for a walk on any evening. The Hickory Crawdads is a minor league baseball team that plays several home games yearly at their stadium. Hickory is home to many Nascar superstars such as legendary Dale Jarret who lived on Lake Hickory. There is also a large mall and many shopping outlets for the shopping type.

The economy of Hickory has been on a rise yearly ever since the first furniture manufacturers began their businesses. Forty percent of the world's fiber optic cable is created in the Hickory area. Their are many companies that produce fiber optic cables and furniture. Some of the more popular companies are CommScope, Vanguard, Broyhill, and even a family owned roofing company which has been in business since 1985.

The name hickory was derived in the 1700's when a tavern was built in the same area. The tavern eventually became known as the Hickory Tavern, which remained intact for nearly 100 years. Interestingly there is a restaurant located in Hickory named "The Hickory Tavern" and is designed as the original was. Also during the 1940's this area was known as one of the worst polio outbreaks in America. Many elders still living can recall not being able to play outside or come in contact with friends due to the fears of contracting the deadly disease.