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.
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.
There’s something about the first real chill of November that sharpens the senses. The air is crisp, the streets quieter, and inside studios, theaters, and galleries, artists are busy kindling new ideas against the cold. This month, art and culture offer the perfect excuse to step out from under your blanket and into the glow of creative energy happening all around.
Did you know the oldest inland non-native settlement is just outside of Morganton, NC? San Juan, an early Spanish fort, was located alongside a native settlement, named Joara in 1567, predating Jamestown by 40 years.
September has officially been proclaimed Smart Start Month in North Carolina by Governor Josh Stein—a time dedicated to recognizing the life-changing impact of early childhood programs. Here in Catawba County, the Catawba County Partnership for Children (CCPC) is carrying this mission forward by hosting its 2nd Annual “Building Brighter Futures” event on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at the historic Moretz Mills in Hickory.