I'm not sure why this ground level sculpture is titled "Otter Out of Water" but I nearly tripped…read moreover it as I returned to my car after visiting Sally Fox Park. It looks more like a long eel but hey, that's just my opinion. Installed in 2017 and surrounded by low shrubbery, it would be a little hard to find if you didn't know it's here. As well, it's not in the park itself but on a triangle shaped piece of land across the street. If you've seen pictures of the Loch Ness Monster, or at least the tails of it, that's what we have here. But definitely not an Otter. Odd. The caption gives us the title and the name of the artist, "Harry McDaniel" and that it was installed by the City of Hickory Public Art Commission. And as tempting as it might be, please don't climb on it! [Review 15870 overall - 3088 in North Carolina - 1374 of 2021.]

This 13 foot tall artwork graces this small corner that would otherwise be an empty green space…read more There are no benches or other features here. The sculpture is titled "Revolution Rise" and it looks like a handful of pickup sticks stuck together. The artist is Desmond Lewis and it was installed by the Hickory Public Art Commission in 2017. It's pretty but I just don't understand it. Why these colors, why this shape, why this name? Ideas, people? [Review 15880 overall - 3096 in North Carolina - 1384 of 2021.]

Warning We purchased a table from this thrift store about a month ago, with delivery to be arranged…read morelater. Over that month, we called multiple times trying to schedule it, but no one would help or check on the order. We had always made a point to support this store--even going out of our way to bring our donations there--because we believed in supporting a local cause. Delivery was finally set up on April 16th by the delivery person. However, when the delivery was supposed to take place, we received a call saying the table was no longer available--they had put it back out on the floor and sold it again after already scheduling delivery. That makes absolutely no sense. Also, when going to collect a refund-that table was on the floor-they could have made this right, but chose not.to... Adding to the frustration, when we called today for answers, Brianna was extremely rude and hung up on me while I was trying to get information. I called back and spoke with Taylor, who was more understanding, but still did not take steps to make the situation right. From a customer standpoint, this did not feel like an ethical or fair way to handle a paid purchase that had already been committed to a buyer. We understand mistakes happen, but the lack of accountability, organization, and follow-through made this situation much worse. After this experience, we will not be shopping here again.

Been shopping here weekly since they were at the formal building always gotten some nice items…read more Now the nicer items are in cabinets with signs to go on line to bid only for them. I will not go on line to bid on an item.

The Hickory Museum of Art is located at the SALT complex which was once a high school gymnasium…read more Both admission and parking are free and if the lot in front is full there is a huge lot in the back. Hickory Museum of Art just celebrated its 80th Anniversary. The museum is on three levels and they have curvy staircases; regular staircases and an elevator. I used each during my visit as the curvy stairs made me dizzy so I opted for the elevator to the 3rd floor and found the regular stairs. Besides in the big open spaces there is also art to be found in the nooks and crannies of the art portion of the building. There are also hands on areas for children. I really enjoyed the In Memoriam exhibit of Joe LaFone. I do not believe I had seen his work before but I loved the vibrant colors of the work as well as the textures. It grabbed my attention and made me smile. I believe there are permanent and changing exhibits so that means a return trip to see the new artwork and discover another artist new to me.

I'm surprised that I'm getting the FTR on this wonderful museum. While it's not MOMA or the Getty,…read moreit's a great museum in a small town that is an exurb of Charlotte. Five stars because it's in a category all by itself. Y'all need to make the trip up here! The Hickory Museum of Art has a long-term exhibition of Southern contemporary folk art, showcasing the work of self-taught artists from around the region. North Carolina's second oldest museum, Hickory Museum of Art was established in 1944 when visionary founding Director, Paul Whitener, declared, "I am going to make Hickory, North Carolina an art center." Hickory Museum of Art first earned national accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in 1991. The museum is free to enter though they of course accept donations. When I visited, only the first and third floors were accessible as the second floor is currently having a changeover of exhibitions. You can easily tour the entire place in an hour. Today, the museum's permanent collection includes approximately 1,500 art objects, ranging from Hudson River School paintings, American art pottery, Glass Art, High-Speed Photography, and the work of regional artists. The third floor of "folk art" was interesting and enjoyable though not the type of art that I usually look for. On the first floor, more landscapes and portraits and a few pieces of contemporary art. Definitely more my speed. The museum has free parking and if you've come this far, check out the Ivey Arboretum two blocks away which features 50 different species of trees and plantings plus a few pieces of public sculpture, https://www.yelp.com/biz/ivey-arboretum-at-sally-fox-park-hickory?hrid=7Ncg9GcUykd7nIRM-MopeA. The museum shares the space with the Catawba Science Center. [Review 15882 overall - 3098 in North Carolina - 1386 of 2021.]

Union Square is an amazing part of Downtown Hickory. The German cannon is what I first spotted from…read more1918 to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers from WWI. Union Square is basically a pedestrian mall with historic buildings containing shops; restaurants; a community theatre; City Walk and a park. During my walk around, I noticed an amphitheater so it appears they have live music here on occasion. Saturday morning they were setting up a Farmers Market. There are plenty of parking lots but it is a busy place so still might be difficult to snag a spot. Although I've just been there three times so there is likely more parking areas I don't know about. I need to go back and explore more!

A great place to go and spend time. Plenty of restaurants/coffee shops and neat little shops. City…read moreWalk runs along the railroad tracks and overall, I love Union Square!

Great brewery love the beer and the distilled beverages. Bartenders are great and help guide you…read more They have a hidden speakeasy haven't been to it yet but will get there. The brewery has a great outdoors area.

The craft beer was really good and the location was open and airy. I enjoyed the Strawberry…read moreMilkshake IPA the most out of the flight. The pontoon was least favorite. We ordered boiled peanuts and they were extremely salty, and the manager comped us for them with no problem. We would definitely go again.

This theater is a slice of history! I would choose it over any of the big chains anyday. Why?…read moreTicket prices vary between $5-$7 per person (depending on time of day) and concessions are even inexpensive as well. We paid around $3 for a small popcorn. The theater has plenty of seating and the staff are all so friendly! There are stairs so be sure to check the website which tells which films are being shown upstairs for anyone who has limited mobility. The seats are surprisingly newer & very comfortable. They "rock" or "give" a bit for anyone who likes to lean back instead of sit on what feels like a wall of bricks (like most old theater seating.) Lastly, parking deck is directly across the street if you can't find street parking. Enjoy your movie!

This place is fantastic! If you are looking for a great place to take your family or a date. This…read moreis the place. It is a family owned theatre with concession prices and ticket prices that are affordable. In this economy that is hard to find .The theatre has been updated and is handicap accessible. The staff there are very friendly and welcoming .