Autumn Days

We've seen some of the most glorious sunny and warm days this fall in the Hickory, NC area! The foliage was exceptionally brilliant this year against the Carolina blue skies.

We've enjoyed daytime temperatures have been on the average between 57 and 67 degrees with that strong November sun and low humidity. The rusty oaks are lingering until the next big windy day. Local mountain forecasters suggested that the winter would be blustery with many snows. I'll have none of that!

The Greater Hickory Metro has been dressing up the streets in holiday lights. Downtown Hickory is warming up to the Christmas spirit with extended store hours and sales. 

If you haven't been to the Hickory Wine Shoppe in a while, now is the time to stop by for a look at all the updates. Alice Guy, the new owner, has spruced up and transformed the store from industrial to elegant. The menu is full of surprises and delights. 

The Hickory Community Theatre is closing its year with A Christmas Story and a Junie B. play. Get your tickets now and bring the whole family for some laughs.

Some feel it's hard to get into the Christmas spirit without snow. Advent will bring us into the spirit without any regard to the weather!

Lake Hickory's Striped Bass

"Over the past dozen years, more and more fishermen are discovering that Hickory's 4,223-acre reservoir holds a fairly impressive population of striped bass."

Check out this article from NorthCarolinaSportman.com about the stripers coming out of our Lake Hickory.

Do you feel it???

The Hickory weather has turned from hot to hotter, to warm and cooler.

Lake Hickory's Gunpowder Creek

Though it is very weird to think the weather is cool when the thermometer still registers the temp in the 80s.

The waterfront market has had a boost of late with several new lake home listings and reductions in pricing. Guess everyone is starting to think about the mountains and skiing instead of the beaches and fishing.

This is a great time to buy on Lake Hickory! The prices are currently very low compared to recent years making it more affordable for second home shoppers. Interest rates have lowered, as well. Take a look in Western North Carolina for your next home. Call 828-396-5333 for information on the area lakes.

Notable residents of Hickory, NC

Every town, no matter the size, has a history of famous folks who lived in their surroundings. Hickory is no different.

NASCAR has deeps roots in the area. Junior Johnson, Wilkes county native and discoverer of "drafting", began his fast-lane career on our mountain roads bootlegging moonshine during Prohibition and beyond. Gentleman Ned Jarrett, who owned and operated the infamous Hickory Motor Speedway, has led his children (Dale, Glenn and Patti) and grandchildren (Jason) in the world of stock car racing. Local boys done good.

In the arts, Jon Reep, stand-up comedian, won the 2007 Last Comic Standing  and has kept us laughing

Winter Wonderland of Hickory, NC

Santa wants world peace for Christmas!

Advent has begun and Christmas is right around the corner.....are you prepared? In trying to get myself  into the yuletide spirit, my friend, Frankie and I sat on Santa's lap while Mrs. Santa snapped the photo.

Downtown Hickory was alive with carolers last night. Clayter-Kaye Theater Works serenaded the many young (and old) waiting to sit on Santa's lap to whisper gift ideas for his naughty & nice list. After the young finished the Christmas carols, a local duet, Ashera, sang in the brisk weather in front of the Hickory Wine Shoppe while Wilson Farms filled their tractors with visitors supplied with sheet music and drove them around filling the streets with sweet noels. A horse drawn carriage swept through the city delighting the passerby. Union Square was illuminated with spirit and light.

Carolina Theater hosted the Footcandle Film Society's monthly movie night featuring "You'll Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" by Woodie Allen for the low price of $5. Check out the group's website for information on next month's showing.

If you haven't gotten your Christmas tree yet, get over to St Aloysius Catholic Church where the youth are selling top-notch Fraser firs freshly cut from the neighboring mountains. They are selling trees right on Hwy 127 which splits the city, so it will be hard to miss them or their great prices!

Get out there and dress your homes to prepare for Christmas! It will be here before you know it!