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.
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.