A good farmers market is the cornerstone of any community, especially important in a growing area such as Hickory. Supporting local farmers, makers, and small businesses is part of it, but so is the simple act of showing up and being part of something shared is so desperately needed in this day and age.
I’ve written before about some of the changes happening right here in our arts community, and one trend keeps standing out: more and more towns are choosing to invest in their arts and culture.
There’s something special about April in the Foothills—a season where creativity feels as alive as the landscape itself. As the mountains begin to green and wildflowers quietly return, our towns come alive in their own way, with artists, musicians, writers, and makers stepping forward to share their work with the community. It’s a time when front porches, galleries, theaters, and downtown streets all become spaces for connection.
One of the reasons we moved to the Hickory area was its proximity to beautiful green spaces. Don’t get me wrong — we had some green areas back in Northeastern North Carolina — but they were limited. In fact, the 2025-2030 NC Outdoor Recreation Plan from NC State Parks highlights how access to trails and parks in parts of the state has lagged, and how efforts are underway to improve it.
Last night, during the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony, the first ever selections for the American South were unveiled. While none of our local restaurants made the cut in this inaugural iteration, it was still a night worth watching, there were some making the list from both Asheville and Charlotte.