We stumbled across this cozy little hidden gem during our Fourth of July lake getaway, and I'm so…read moreglad we did. The coffee was excellent, the prices were refreshingly affordable, and the book selection was thoughtfully curated. It's the kind of place where you could easily spend a few hours with a good book or your laptop without feeling rushed. I also loved seeing all the community events and gatherings they host--it really feels like a place that brings people together. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in the area.

Stumbled in here from out of town. Walked in during storytime- it was great to sit down with my…read moretoddler and enjoy some community engagement and a craft! The barista saw me from a mile away and knew I needed a coffee, so by the time I turned to him, he was able to understand what I wanted from afar and started making it before I could even approach the register. And um IT WAS AMAZING. (The cosmic brownie latte omg). The book selections were awesome, the shelf decorations were gorgeous, and I really felt immediate can ship with the staff based on their recommendations. HIGHLY recommended

Love this place, I can always find some good clothing items! Employees are also very nice.read more

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.

My Chapter House is the kind of bookstore that feels like it wandered out of a rom-com and decided…read moreto settle down in charming downtown Hickory. The experience starts before you even open the door. The entrance is darling. A picture-perfect window display tucked under an awning that already sets the tone: cozy, thoughtful, and clearly curated by people who get readers. Once inside, you're welcomed by a warm little entry area filled with reader-centric gifts. Notepads, pens, beautiful bookmarks, and the kind of clever, charming finds you actually want to pick up. I even spotted a ball cap that said "Bookish," which was equal parts cute and tempting. Then the space opens up, and wow. Antique metal tile ceilings, a wide open layout, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lining the walls. The floor space is anchored by large, beautiful wooden tables styled with books and reader gifts. Everything feels intentional and aesthetic without crossing into cluttered. When I visited, it was Valentine's season, and the chandeliers were decorated with paper heart garlands. Somehow whimsical without feeling busy, which is no small feat. One section that especially stood out to me was their Christian book selection. They have a wonderful, thoughtfully curated collection of Christian fiction and Christian nonfiction, along with truly beautiful and unique Bibles. I noticed options like a spiral-bound journaling Bible that's designed for easy note-taking. As a Christian, this felt especially meaningful. So many Christian bookstores have closed, and large chain bookstores tend to lump everything under a vague "spiritual" category, which makes it hard to know what you're actually buying. That can feel unsettling as a Christ follower, so seeing a clear, intentional, and high-quality Christian section here was refreshing and reassuring. There's even a designated gift-wrapping area, which honestly feels like a love language. Downstairs, the charm continues with a coffee shop area complete with tables where you can read, work, or linger. The children's book section is also downstairs and impressively stocked. The colors, the displays, the flow of the space -- it all strikes that rare balance of being visually interesting while still peaceful. This is a fantastic bookstore for readers, obviously, but it's also a great stop for people who don't naturally gravitate toward books. You can grab a coffee, find a thoughtful gift, or just soak in the atmosphere. They also host workshops and book clubs. At checkout, I noticed a past workshop that involved creating a wreath or large flower out of old book pages. Such a creative and meaningful way to repurpose books. My Chapter House isn't just a bookstore. It's an experience. One you'll want to return to, linger in, and probably tell your friends about.

My Chapter House is the small-town book store of your dreams. From the kindehearted owners and the…read moreaesthetic and calming shop, you will never want to leave. It has soon become a place that I adore grabbing coffee at from downstairs, spending all my paychecks on books, and looking at all they have to offer. Will forever be ordering my books from here!

Every visit I've made to this store has been so pleasant, it has to be my favorite toy/ trinket…read morestore in Hickory! I know I can come here for high quality gifts for my friends and family that they love time and time again. There are a range of products to select from- both for older and younger audiences, which makes it a great spot to buy for multiple people. I especially enjoy having a local spot that makes buying from other smaller businesses accessible, so Lou Lou's is a 10/10 from me!!

Who woulda thunk it? An independent toy store in Hickory, right on Union Square! From the outside,…read morelooks can be deceiving. You might think it looks like a consignment shop or the like. Inside, however the place is kind of magical. The first thing you see when you enter is a large display of toys made from recycled plastic, complete with dirt and tools. Everywhere you turn, there's another awesome, well put together toy or baby gear display. The merchandise is divided by age appropriate items. Just when you think you're done, there's a large circular staircase down to another level, where the toys for older children are located. One of the best things is how "hands on "kid friendly it is; it's a total no judgment zone! Tons of sample toys have been laid out for kids to actually play with! The next great things are the prices! Very fair and reasonable - not boutique prices like you might think! Great place to pick up a gift for a kid you love!

Cool new gallery with great gifts. Great vibe and magnificent artwork of incredible artists at an…read moreaffordable cost. The gallery owner Catherine explained some of the more unique and unusual yet magnificent pieces. There is also a class room setting in the space where different classes such as introductory stained glass are held.

We stopped in this cute and welcoming shop while stopping in Morganton for lunch and it is amazing…read more Catherine, the owner and one of the artist was so kind, helpful, she talked to us about all the little details of everything we purchased. We got a gift for one of our neighbors and I am so excited to give it to her. It's a charcuterie board that is wood and has been Fractal Lightenburg, it's beautiful and you can feel the energy from the artist through it. And we also purchased two canvases for our daughters, Catherine painted. They are beautiful and we are so thrilled to have these pieces of Catherine's person our home. Thank you Catherine for sharing your gift with the world. While we were there she was working on some stain glass pieces that were the perfect gift as well. This little charming shop is a gem. Definitely stop in, have a chat with Catherine and take a piece of something special home with you.

OMG! It's a general store that's SO much more! Everyone was so friendly and ready to help. It has…read moreEVERYTHING! I just went to walk around but came out with a few bags of merchandise because it has everything! Clean, unique, good quality and good value merchandise. I was very much pleasantly surprised!

Cindy greeted me as I browsed through the large curiosity shop that is packed full of just about…read morewhatever you can imagine! I was not in need on this visit to make a purchase but I have my eye on some things for later! I went upstairs where there is a fine place to eat and greet! Meet Karen and her co-workers up there for some great food to eat and the locals for so interesting conversation!

I absolutely love this shop! When I travel to the mountains, it's a must stop. They have beautiful…read morepottery from talented locals. Husband wife owner team Adam and Molly are so sweet and down to earth. Great gifts and decor found here.

I just took a pottery class to make a patch work bowl. Adam, the instructor was informative and…read morehelpful. I finished early and he let me work on a second project. very fun afternoon!

A real gift of local artists from the area in downtown Hickory. Handmade fine crafts and art. I…read moreloved the assortment of hand made wood, metal and pottery that filled the store. It was almost like going in a museum of local art. I had a chance to spend some time talking to the owner while there and it was inspired by her late sister who was a gifted artist. She had one piece of art left from her sister on display in the store. The owner is a former occupational therapist who decided to commit to pursuing a dream that will include art lessons and the art of cooking later this year. Less than a year old, this is a gem of a local owned business you must stop in and see if in town.