Explore Hickory 2015

1 Explore 2015
See. Learn.
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A Supplement
To The
an introduction to
The Greater
Hickory Area
2015
2 Explore 2015
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Table of Contents
4
6
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Welcome to Catawba County

Welcome to Hickory
Welcome to Newton
Welcome to Conover
Welcome to Claremont
Welcome to Long View
Welcome to Maiden
Welcome to Catawba
Area Schools
Education
Christian Education
Moving In
University
Community College
26
28
29
30
32
Sporting Events
Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics
High School Athletics
Surrounding Areas
Festivals & Fun
32 Things To Do
37
38
40
42
46
47
Performing & Cultural Arts

Historic Area Attractions
Greater Hickory Outdoors
Church Directory
Catawba County
Hickory Motor Speedway Guide
4 Explore 2015
Welcome To
CatawCbounaty
Plenty of great stories
in Catawba County
CBaotaradwofbCoammCissouionnertsy
Kitty W. Barnes,
Chair
C. Randall Isenhower,
Vice-Chair
828-478-2240
kbarnes
@catawbacountync.gov
828-465-2143
risenhower
Barbara G. Beatty
Dan A. Hunsucker
828-320-0370
bgbeatty
828-465-2802
dhunsucker
Sherry Butler
828-464-9312
sherryb
@catawbacounty.gov
Once a furniture and textiles mecca,

Catawba Countys economic
outlook is as diverse as ever.
While those furniture and textile
jobs still exist and make up a
large part of Catawba Countys
economy: shopping and dining now
encompass much of the countys
economy. Simply put, in the HickoryMorganton-Lenoir metro area,
Hickory and Catawba County are a
vital retail and food and beverage
hub for surrounding areas.
But thats not all Catawba County
can boast.
Apple Inc. has a 500,000-squarefoot data center in Maiden
and added a 21,000square-foot tactical data center
next door. There are rumblings of
furtherexpansion, perhaps another
data center in the same area.
To support its operations, the
company also built a $75 million
100-acre solar farm across the
street and another one in Conover.
Its the largest privately owned solar
farm in the U.S. That $1 billion Apple
investment is the largest business
investment in N.C. history.
Bed, Bath & Beyond located a $37
million data center in the county
in Conover. Another boom to
the county is the Manufacturing
Solutions Center in Conover, which
helps U.S. manufacturers increase
sales, improve quality and improve

efficiency to create or retain jobs.
Major expansions and job creators
for 2013 included HSM Solutions,
Lee Industries, Cargo Transporters,
CR Laine Furniture, Ethan Allen,
Convergys and Interstate Foam.
Just recently, Gov. Pat McCrory
visited Catawba County to
announce an expansion of GKN
Driveline. That investment is $114
million and adds 228 new jobs to
Catawba County. GKN Driveline
manufactures power take-off units
and rear drive modules for makes
such as GM and Maserati, according
to plant director Michael Erdt.
The company said it is the worlds
leading supplier of automotive
driveline components and systems,
according to a release.
But its not all about work in
Catawba County.
Ask folks in the summer around
these parts what they plan to do for
the weekend and youll likely hear
Ill be on the water.
Those moving to the area will
find plenty to do surrounded by
the natural beauty of the area
at the foothills of the Blue Ridge
Mountains. Folks can participate in
water sports on the Catawba River,
which runs through the county
and region.
The Catawba River flows through

the heart of Catawba County and in
the summer the river and its lakes
are teeming with folks out trolling
for fish, waterskiing, swimming or
having a cookout along the banks.
Lake Hickory, Lake Norman and
Lake Lookout Shoals are the three
lakes in Catawba County where
youll find folks congregating during
the warm months.
The lakes are famous for
largemouth and white bass, as
well as striped bass, and bass
tournaments are held from March
through October on Lake Hickory
and Lake Norman, according to
Catawba Countys website.
If being around the water isnt
your thing, the county and its cities
and towns have plenty of parks
to explore and maybe get some
exercise.
Bakers Mountain Park is a popular
one for hikers, with 6 miles of hiking
trails. On top of the mountain is an
observation platform and gazebo
with picnic sites in the park and two
covered shelters at the parks office.
The county also operates St.
Stephens Park and Riverbend Park,
which have fenced dog parks where
visitors can let their best friends run
off leash.

Riverbend Park has 12 miles of hiking,
7. 8 miles of biking trails, a canoe/
kayak access and picnic areas.
If history is your thing, Catawba
County has plenty of that. Bunker
Hill Covered Bridge, which crosses
Lyles Creek, is one of last remaining
covered bridges in North Carolina
and was designed by Civil War
engineer Herman Haupt and built
by Andy L. Ramsour in 1895. It was
designated a national landmark in
2001, according to a Facebook page
on the structure.
Murrays Mill Historic District will

celebrate its 100th birthday this
summer. A mill, general store,
wheathouse, a house and multiple
outbuildings make up the district.
If you want to sit back and be
entertained, Catawba County has
that, too.
Baseball lovers get a chance to
watch the Hickory Crawdads, a
single-A baseball team affiliated with
the Texas Rangers, take on other
minor league teams around the
South Atlantic League. Or racing fans
(2013)
(2013)
(2013)
Source: 2013 U.S. Census Bureau
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
January 2015: 5.8%

Source: Labor and Economic Analysis Division,
NC Department of Commerce.
The area also boasts a golf club

that hosts a PGA Champions Tour
tournament, Rock Barn Golf & Spa
in Conover. The Greater Hickory Kia
Classic attracts golf pros every year
during the fall.
(Age 25 and Over)
%
:
High School + 82.3
Bachelors Degree +: 21%
(2014)
White: 77.2
Black: 8.8
%
Hispanic/Latino: 8.7
%
Asian: 4.0
%
Two races or more: 1.7
American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.5%
can check out the action at Hickory

Motor Speedway on a Saturday night
from March to October.
EDUCATION
154,534
:
Population
%
(2013)
%
Source: American Communities Survey
TAX RATE:
0.53 per $100 valuation
Persons below Poverty Level:
23,489 (15.2%)
Source: NC Dept. of Commerce
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6 Explore 2015
City Council
Welcome To
iH ckory
d;
Brand campaign initiate t?
inspiring spaces nex
Mayor Rudy Wright
Ward 4: Hank Guess
828-238-1465
signs1320@charter.net
828-294-7757
hguess@charter.net
Ward 1: Brad Lail
Ward 5: David Zagaroli
Ward 2: Bruce Meisner
Ward 6: Jill Patton
828-322-3510
blail@hickorync.gov
828-324-4100
bmeisner@hickorync.gov
828-217-7228
dave@zagco.com
828-781-1155
jpatton@hickorync.gov
Ward 3: Danny Seaver
828-322-5155
dseaver@hickorync.gov
The City of Hickorys brand

Hickory. Life. Well Crafted
campaign was launched with
much success, and its website,
hickorywellcrafted.com,
is a treasure trove of insightful
information.
City officials tried promotional
campaigns in the past, but this
time the city has used the Internet,
and recently, social media to
promote its initiative.
It didnt take long before
offshoots Business. WellCrafted and Arts. Well Crafted.
Science, Sports, Music, Education
and Recreation are all
Well Crafted now.
Now that Well Crafted
has landed, the City of Hickory
has turned to a new project
Inspiring Spaces.
Not yet approved, city staff
is rolling out a large-scale
beautification project it hopes
will propel Hickory into the future.
The long-range infrastructure plan
develops city corridors to stimulate
business, attract new residents
and keep young people in the area.
As Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright
has said more than once, its an
improvement of overall quality

of life.
The big question: How is it
funded? Various amounts have
been floated, and the most recent
came from city staff at a citizen
forum. The $40 million price
tag mentioned, however, hasnt
been approved. There have been
multiple discussions about a bond
referendum, but that, too, has
not been approved. If the bond
referendum is placed on the ballot,
voters will decide whether to
invest money in the project. City
Council could also raise taxes to
fund the project, but that was
rejected by Council last year when
only one member outgoing
councilwoman Sally Fox voted
against the budget because it
didnt include funds for
Inspiring Spaces.
While Inspiring Spaces may or may
not happen, Hickorys offerings are
still bountiful.
Hickory is home to the Hickory
Crawdads, a Class A minor league
baseball team affiliated with
the Texas Rangers. The Galaxy
Shootout soccer tournament,
the International Film Festival for
Children, Catawba Science Center,
Hickory Community Theatre,
Western Piedmont Symphony,
Hickory Museum of Art, Hickory

Motor Speedway, the Catawba
River and its series of lakes and
an incredible array of parks
and recreation centers dot
the landscape.
The arts community is bustling,
and the science center is tied to
a nationwide network of science
facilities where membership at one
is membership for all.
As if that wasnt enough, Hickory
offers a Downtown Farmers
Market, the Sales on the Square
music series, stock car racing,
soccer, hiking, an annual halfmarathon, a craft beer festival and
Oktoberfest.
A retail and dining hub, Hickory is
home to numerous restaurants and
shopping opportunities. Its also
conveniently located Asheville,
Charlotte and Winston-Salem are
all less than 75 minutes away.
Welcome To
Newton
County seat is chock
full of history!
City Council
Mayor Anne P. Stedman
828-465-0404
rents40@aol.com
Mayor Pro Tem, Mary Bess Lawing
828-464-2290
marybesslawing@elliottdesign.com
Tom Rowe
828-464-0851
Wayne Dellinger
828-464-1500
John Stiver
828-612-0989
Mary Bess Lawing
While Hickory might be

the largest city in Catawba
County, the city of Newton
is the central point for
much of the county
government.
The county seat of
Catawba County, Newton
boasts the Catawba County
Justice Center, which will
be expanded to include a
newer jail, animal shelter
and government center.
The Heart of Catawba
County boasts a 1924
courthouse in the center
of downtown Newton,
which features the
History Museum of
Catawba County.
Downtown Newton is
also home to the Green
Room Community Theatre
and the Old Post Office
Playhouse, which is exactly
what it sounds like an
old post office transformed
into a playhouse.
Downtown offers a wine
shop, restaurants, shops
and an old-timey pharmacy.
The city offers WiFi

throughout its downtown.
Incorporated in 1855,
the city boasts about
13,000 residents. Its
largest employers are the
Target Distribution Center,
Flowers Baking Company,
Lee Industries, General
Dynamics, ZF Lemforder,
Sarstedt, Technibilt,
Midstate Mills, Catawba
County Government,
Catawba County Schools,
Newton-Conover
City Schools.
INC Magazine has twice
named the area as one of
the top entrepreneurial
areas in America. The
City Parks and Recreation
Department has five parks,
a swimming pool, two
recreation centers with
gymnasiums and a
fitness center.
In August, the city hosts
the annual Soldiers
Reunion a week of
patriotic events, including
a parade downtown.
828-464-2290
marybesslawing@elliottdesign.com
Wes Weaver
wwesw2@aol.com
Robert C. Abernethy Jr.
828-302-3643
rabernethy2@yahoo.com
Get back to
NATURE
Mountain Recreational Area
Hiking Rock Climbing Picnicking Beautiful Views

www.RockyFacePark.com (828) 632-1093
3451 Rocky Face Church Road, Hiddenite, NC 28636
8 Explore 2015
Welcome To
r
e
v
o
n
o
C
City Council
e
City becomes driving forcy
in countys econom
Mayor Lee E. Moritz
(828) 464-2497
lee.moritz@conovernc.gov
Mayor Pro Tem Kyle J. Hayman
(828) 466-1306
kyle.hayman@conovernc.gov
Bruce R. Eckard
(828) 466-2411
bruce.eckard@conovernc.gov
Don A. Beal
(828) 464-6801
don.beal@conovernc.gov
Joie Fulbright
(828) 464-4957
Joie.Fulbright@conovernc.gov
Mark R. Canrobert
(828) 302-0606
Mark.Canrobert@conovernc.gov
With a little more than 8,000
residents, Conover can get lost
in Catawba Countys shuffle. It
doesnt have the population of
Hickory. It doesnt have the county
seat of Newton.
Conover does have an economic
power rarely seen in a town its
size. And its only growing.
The Manufacturing Solutions
Center, which Catawba Valley
Community College opened in
2013, is a 30,000-square-foot
facility with a client list of more
than 1,000 companies representing
32 countries. Companies have their
products tested and prototyped
in Conover. According to Catawba
County Chamber of Commerce
data, the MSC has created more
than $1 billion in direct economic
impact to its customers.
In addition to the MSC, Conover
has created the Conover Station.
Formerly an old manufacturing
building, it will host a county library
branch, multimodal station and
community rooms. Itll include an
environmental education park and
it still has room for growth.
For every dollar Conover spent

on the station, they received $9
back in grants, public and private
investment. The streets in Conover
Station used more than 23,000
tons of recycled concrete from the
foundations of the former Broyhill
furniture building, saving $500,000
in purchasing and hauling stone to
the site.
In 2012, local governments
agreed to be part of developing
a data center park in Conover.
The property is adjacent to where
Apple plans to build another solar
farm to generate electricity for its
Maiden data center.
And while Conover continues to
bolster its role as an economic
engine in Catawba County, its not
all business. Conover has eight
neighborhood parks, a farmers
market and an annual event,
Christmas in the Park, in December.
But more than that, Conover is best
known for Rock Barn Golf and Spa,
which hosts one of 26 Champions
Tour events in the world. The
Greater Hickory Kia Classic draws
more than 80,000 spectators,
according to the Hickory Metro
Areas tourism group.
Welcome To
t
n
o
m
e
r
a
Cl
Claremont: Small town.
that looks to the future
Contacts
Mayor
Shawn Brown
sbrown
@cityofclaremont.org
Mayor Pro-Tem
Tim Lowrance
tlowrance
Dayne Miller
dmiller
City officials say Claremont

is dedicated to preserving
small-town values while
planning for the future.
With a population of only about
1,300, the city certainly qualifies
as small. And boasting some of
the most progressive employers in
the Greater Hickory Metro region,
Claremont can definitely be said to
be preparing for the future.
Among the largest employers in the
city including several located in
the Claremont International Business
Park are Advance Pierre Foods,
Cargo Transporters, CommScope,
CertainTeed Corp., Hickory Springs,
Poppelmann Plastics, RockTenn,
The Prysmian Group and
Williams-Sonoma.
Revitalization of downtown
Claremont has been a priority in
recent years.
The area, which offers free WiFi, also
now boasts a coffee shop, several
eateries including a pizza restaurant,
and various new boutiques.
Claremont Hardware & Farm Supply,

a longtime fixture downtown,
reopened about a year ago. Hannahs
Barbecue, Claremont Caf and
BoxCar Grille are among the veteran
restaurants that continue
to please customers.
Area attractions within a short
commute include Bunker Hill
Covered Bridge, Murrays Mill and
Rock Barn Golf & Spa.
The city hosts several annual events,
including a spring citywide yard sale,
an Easter egg hunt, a Christmas
parade and Claremont Daze.
The recently unveiled History Wall in
Claremont City Hall features items
from the early 1900s through today.
Nicky E. Setzer
nsetzer
Dale Sherrill
dsherrill
Dale D.B. Setzer
dsetzer
10 Explore 2015
Welcome To
Longview
Contacts
Longview has its roots

in manufacturing
Mayor
Jackie Bowman
Al Stout
Alderman, Ward 3
Randall M. Mays
Alderman, Ward 1
Vernon R. Moyer
Mayor Pro-Tem;
Alderman, Ward 4
828-202-6922
828-327-0135
John McDaris
Alderman, Ward 2
828-327-6587
Long View is a solid, working class

community and has been for
more than 100 years. The town
was established as a pioneer
town west of Hickory and was
first called Penelope.
One legend has it the name
of Long View came from Sam
D. Campbell, a contractor and
real estate dealer who helped
build the old Piedmont Wagon
Company building in Hickory.
One day while standing at his
home, which was located where
the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company
is today, Campbell gazed
eastward down the Southern
Railway track toward Hickory and
said, Its a long view.
Others say that the story about
Campbell is apocryphal. They
insist the name of the town came
from the vista atop a hill near the
Hickory Regional Airport, a view
that encompasses the town of
Long View and mountains far in
the distance.
There is often confusion as to
whether Long View is written as
one or two words. Driving through
town, business signs frequently

use the spelling Longview.
But the 1907 charter ratified by
the General Assembly in an act to
incorporate the town clarifies the
matter: The Town of Long View,
in Catawba County, is hereby
incorporated by the name of
Long View, and said town shall
be subject to all the provisions of
law now existing in reference to
incorporated towns.
From the 1920s to the 1950s,
the Hickory Spinners, a semiprofessional baseball team, called
Long View home.
Some of Long Views major
employers include Shuford Yarns,
Maple Springs Laundry, Carpenter
Co., and Burke Hosiery.
The Western Piedmont Council of
Governments is headquartered
in Long View. Employing a
professional staff of 58 people,
the council provides planning
services, project administration
and technical assistance to
member governments including
Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and
Catawba counties and 24 cities
828-327-2478
828-328-4708
Ken Bumgarner
Alderman, Ward 5
828-327-0933
and towns within those counties.

Locals stop at Amos Howard Brew
Pub to grab a bite to eat and to
sample beers from Olde
Hickory Brewery.
The Long View Recreation Center
includes playground equipment, a
picnic shelter and a walking trail.
By: Alex Frick
Welcome To
Maiden
Contacts
Mayor
Robert L. Smyre
828-428-5031
bsmyre@maidennc.gov
Council Member
Max Bumgarner Jr.
Maiden has so
much to offer
Located in the southernmost portion of

Catawba County, the town of Maiden has
a population of about 3,450
With ready access to both Interstate 40
and Interstate 85, travel is easy for the
towns residents and industries. The Blue
Ridge Parkway is only an hour away,
and the North Carolina and South
Carolina beaches are less than half
a day away.
Furniture and textiles played key roles
in the towns development, and are still
represented by such major players as
Ethan Allen, McCreary Modern, Temple
Furniture and Delta Apparel.
11
828-428-8789
Council Member
Ronnie Williams
828-428-8409
The town is also home to Getrag Gears of

North America, which designs and builds
axles for passenger cars and open gears
for diesel engines.
Other industries within the town include
Capricorn Electronics, North Safety
Products, von Drehle Corp., Lawrence
Lumber Co. and Touch-Up Solutions.
Maiden is also widely known for being
home to Apples Cloud data center,
covering some 500,000 square feet, as
well as a solar farm and an alternative
energy facility.
The town has three public parks and
a very active Parks & Recreation
Council member
Marcus Midgett
828-428-9668
Council Member
Trina Michael
828-428-8108
Mayor Pro-Tem
Fore Rembert
828-428-9390
Department that offers a wide range

of activities for people of all ages. The
Maiden Parks & Recreation Center
includes a gym, banquet room with a fully
equipped kitchen, and two classrooms.
Also on the premises is a softball
complex with four fields.
Special events are planned throughout
the year, and include a spring festival, a
Christmas parade and a luminary service.
Maiden Town Hall is at 113 W. Main St.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday
through Friday, and the phone number
is 828-428-5020.
Services Include:
Free Estimates Mowing Maintenance Turf Spraying Irrigation Mosquito Control
Mulching Pine Needles Hedge Trimming Leaf Removal Gutter Cleaning
Parking Lot Clean Up Power Washing Dump Truck Service Innovation, Service,
Value Competitive Pricing & First Class Work
No matter the size of the project or client-commercial or residential our
excellence and dependability will be apparent!
Call for a free estimate today! Fully Insured
828-234-8982 Hickory, NC
www.HolbrookLandscaping.com doug@holbrooklandscaping.com
12 Explore 2015
City Council
Welcome To
a
b
w
a
t
a
C
Catawba retains
small-town feel
Contacts
Mayor
Vance L. Readling
Council Member
Tom Johnston
Mayor Pro-Tem
Karen A. Ester
Council Member
Patrick H. Laney
vreadling
@embarqmail.com
828-241-2593
Esterdk
@embarqmail.com
828-241-3735
tomandelsie
@charter.net
828-241-4458
planey
@catawbainsurance.com
828-241-3166
Council Member
Jeff W. Hendren
jhendren
@mtcreekinc.com
828-241-4891
Walking along the streets of

Catawba, the notion of small
town charm immediately
comes to mind.
Nestled along the banks of
the Catawba River, Catawba
was chosen as an early
railroad site trains ran to
the area before the Civil War,
beginning about 1859. It is one
of the oldest towns between
Salisbury and Asheville,
organized as the Village of
Catawba Station in 1872
and as the Town of
Catawba in 1893.
In 2010, the N.C. Department
of Commerce designated
Catawba as a Small Town
Main Street community, a
designation which gives the
town development assistance
usually available only to towns
of larger size and greater
resources.
The Town of Catawba
Historical Association in 1986
started restoring the oldest
brick building in town, the
Dr. Q. M. Little House. Built in
1873, the federal style building

features a two-tier porch,
exterior stairway, six front
doors and handmade brick
construction. The building now
serves as showcase of local
history, including five rooms
dedicated to chronicling the
past and a room dedicated
to the National Little
Family Archives.
The towns first park is
dedicated to the memory
of David A. Hunsucker, a
community leader and
advocate for recreation
opportunities. The park offers
a walking trail, playground
equipment, picnic shelters, a
volleyball court and horseshoe
pits. Reservations for events
at the park can be made by
calling Town Hall.
In November, Catawba
comes together for an annual
Veterans Day Festival and
Parade, filled with craft and
food vendors.
Area Schools
Hickory Public
Schools
Main
office:
432 Fourth Avenue SW,
Hickory 28602
828-322-2855
Website:
www.hickoryschools.net
Board of Education:
Sallie D. Johnson
828-322-4471
salliedjohnson@gmail.com
Schools
Jenkins Elementary
3750 N. Center St
Hickory, NC 28601
828-327-3491
Pop. 451
Longview Elementary
2430 Second Ave. SW
Hickory, NC 28602
828-327-2070
Pop. 338
Oakwood Elementary
366 Fourth St. NW,
Hickory, NC 28601
828-322-134
Pop. 417
Southwest Elementary
Ward 3
Ittiely@aol.com
1580 32nd St. SW,

Hickory, NC 28602
828-324-8884
Pop. 348
Julie Correll
Viewmont Elementary
Ittiely Carson
828-381-3272
juliecorrell73@gmail.com
Amy Monroe
828-267-0568
thadmonroe@charter.net
21 16th Ave. NW,

Hickory, NC 28601
828-324-7049
Pop. 608
828-322-4907
map129@charter.net
Reginald Hamilton
Northview Middle
828-327-2949
reginald53@embarqmail.com
Charlotte Williams
828-328-7273
williamsc@lr.edu
Board Attorney:
Jeffrey T. Mackie
828-597-0533
jeff.mackie@sigmonclark.com
302 28th Avenue NE,

Hickory, NC 28601
828-327-6300
Pop. 568
Hickory Career and

Arts Magnet
409 Eighth Ave. NE,
Hickory, NC 28601
828-328-6738
Pop. 224
Chairperson
828-428-2817
Tommy Lookadoo
Newton 28658-2763
828-464-8333
Website:
www.catawbaschools.net
828-244-1034
Superintendent:
Dr. Dan Brigman
Ronn_Abernathy@catawbaschools.net
Dan_Brigman@catawbaschools.net
Tommy_Lookadoo@catawbaschools.net
Ronn Abernathy
828-244-1388
David Brittain
828-244-1178
David_Brittain@catawbaschools.net
explore
the possibilities
Celebrating 20 years of classical

christian education with a mission
of Equipping Children Today To
Become Gods Leaders Tomorrow.
Check out the educational section
of this magazine for more
information about the school.
Hickory High
1234 Third St. NE,

Hickory, NC 28601
828-322-5860
Pop. 938
Board of Education:
Marilyn McRee
Marilyn_McRee@catawbaschools.net
Main
office:
10 E 25th St,
Grandview Middle
451 Catawba Valley Blvd SE,

Hickory, NC 28602
828-328-2289
Pop. 457
Margaret A. Pope
Catawba County
Schools
13
828-324-5405
www.hickorychristianacademy.com
3260 6th Street Drive NW Hickory
14 Explore 2015
Glenn Fulbright
828-428-8042
Glenn_Fulbright@catawbaschools.net
Cathy Starnes
828-256-1709
Cathy_Starnes@catawbaschools.net
Board
Attorney:
Crystal Davis
828-464-5205
Crystal_Davis@catawbaschools.net
Schools
Elementary schools
Balls Creek Elementary
2620 Balls Creek Road,

Newton, NC 28658
828-464-4766
Pop. 629
Banoak Elementary
7651 West N.C. 10 Highway,

Vale, NC 28168
704-462-2849
Pop. 315
Blackburn Elementary
4377 West Highway 10,

Newton, NC 28658
828-466-7065
Pop. 715
Campbell Elementary
2121 35th Ave. Drive NE,

Hickory, NC 28601
828-256-2769
Pop. 537
Mountain View
Elementary
1041 Shiloh Road,

Claremont, NC 28610
828-241-2711
Pop. 470
Webb A. Murray
Elementary
River Bend Middle
3901 Section House Road,

Hickory, NC 28601
828-256-2196
Pop. 468
Oxford Elementary
5915 Oxford School Road,

Claremont, NC 28610
828-459-7220
Pop. 656
Sherrills Ford
Elementary
8103 Sherrills Ford Road,

Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
828-478-2662
Pop. 575
Snow Creek Elementary
3238 Snow Creek Road NE,

Hickory, NC 28601
828-256-2335
Pop. 573
Startown Elementary
4119 Startown Road,

Newton, NC 28658
828-464-1257
Pop. 563
St. Stephens
Elementary
Catawba Elementary
684 30th St. NE,

Conover, NC 28613
828-256-2570
Pop. 743
Claremont Elementary
2872 Water Plant Road,

Maiden, NC 28650
828-428-3080
Pop. 524
5415 Hudson Chapel Road,

Catawba, NC 28609
828-241-3131
Pop. 503
3384 E. Main St.,
Claremont, NC 28610
828-459-7921
Pop. 396
Lyle Creek Elementary
1845 Edgewater Drive NW,

Conover, NC 28613
828-464-0299
Pop. 513
Maiden Elementary
201 N. Main Ave.,
Maiden, NC 28650
828-428-8769
Pop. 538
Mill Creek Middle
5911 Dwayne Starnes Drive,

Hickory, NC 28602
828-294-2020
Pop. 792
Tuttle Elementary
Middle schools:
Arndt Middle
3350 34th St. Drive NE,

Hickory, NC 28601
828-256-9545
Pop. 694
Jacobs Fork Middle

3431 Plateau Road,
Newton, NC 28658
704-462-1827
Pop. 525
Maiden Middle
518 N.C. Ave.
Maiden, NC 28650
828-428-2326
Pop. 480
4670 Oxford School Road,

Catawba, NC 28609
828-241-2754
Pop. 538
High schools:
Bandys High
5040 E. Bandys Road

Catawba, NC 28609
828-241-3171
Pop. 859
Bunker Hill High
4 675 Oxford School Road,

Claremont, NC 28610
828-241-3355
Pop. 943
Fred T. Foard High

3407 Plateau Road,
Newton, NC 28658
704-462-1496
Pop. 1015
Maiden High
600 W. Main St.,

Maiden, NC 28650
828-428-8197
Pop. 828
St. Stephens High
3205 34th St. Drive NE,

Hickory, NC 28601
828-256-9841
Pop. 1,256
Challenger Early
College High
2550 Highway 70 Southeast,

Hickory, NC 28602
828-485-2980
Pop. 351
Catawba
Rosenwald
Education Center
403 Sixth Ave. SW,
Catawba, NC 28609
828-241-2734
Pop. 46
*Includes Pre-K enrollment
Challenger Early College High
is an early college public by
the Catawba Valley Education
Consortium, including Catawba
County Schools, Alexander
County Schools, Hickory City
Schools, Newton-Conover City
Schools, and Catawba Valley
Community College.
grades 6 12, population

served is identified as Special
Education.
Newton-Conover
City Schools
Main
office:
605 N. Ashe Street
Newton, NC 28658
828-464-3191
Website:
www.nccs.k12.nc.us
Superintendent:
Dr. David Stegall
david_stegall@nccs.k12.nc.us
Board of Education:
Jim Stockner,
chairman
828-464-0875
jstockner@nccs.k12.nc.us
Jeanne Jarrett,
vice chairman
828-446-6309
jeanne_jarrett@nccs.k12.nc.us
Tim Hayes
828-850-9504
tim_hayes@nccs.k12.nc.us
Bernard Coulter
828-228-3934
bernard_coulter@nccs.k12.nc.us
Angie Harris-Ramseur
828-994-7790
angie_ramseur@nccs.k12.nc.us
Beverly Hall
828-310-6426
bev_hall@nccs.k12.nc.us
Schools
Shuford Elementary
810 Hunsucker Drive,
Conover, NC 28613
828-464-1973
Pop. 542
South Newton
Elementary
301 West 18th St.
Newton, NC, 28658
828-464-4061
Pop. 304

North Newton
Elementary
221 West 26th St.
Newton, NC 28658
828-464-2631
Pop. 477
Thornton Elementary
Pop. 459
Newton-Conover
Middle School
873 Northern Drive NW,

Conover, NC 28613
828-464-4221
Pop. 671
Discovery High School

605 N. Ashe Ave.,
Newton, NC 28658
828-464-3191
Pop. 132
Newton-Conover
High School
338 W. 15th St.
Newton, NC 28658
828-465-0920
Pop. 794
Conover School
and ACT*
108 Seventh St. Place SW,

Conover, NC, 28613
828-464-9532
Pop. 137
*Conover School serves
students from all three school
districts in Catawba County who
are cognitively and/or physically
disabled. They range in age from
3 to 22.
SEE. LEARN.
e plore
BURKE COUNTY
The Taste That Takes

You Back!
1-40 Exit 116

3448 Miller Bridge Road
Icard, NC 28666
828-397-3588
www.grannyscountrykitchen.com
15
16 Explore 2015
Education
Three school districts lead
charge in Catawba County
Catawba County is unique in

hosting three school districts
for students in kindergarten
through 12th grade.
A look at the three districts:

Hickory Public Schools: With
about 4,400 students in the
school district, Hickory Public
Schools boasts five elementary
schools, two middle schools and
two high schools.
Guided by superintendent
Walter Hart, the school district
employs about 350 licensed
educators and 600 employers.
Hickory Public Schools is fully
accredited through Advanced
Accreditation Commission.
HPS has also implemented the
Olweus Program, a bullying
prevention initiative.
Ninety percent of HPS graduates
continue on to higher education.
The school will boast one new
school in the fall of 2014
Longview Elementary School.
Catawba County Schools: The
largest school district in the
county, Catawba County Schools
has nearly 17,000 students. It
has 16 elementary schools, five
middle schools and six high
schools. Its superintendent is
Dan Brigman.
Catawba County Schools
graduation cohort rate is 91.3
percent ranks in the top 10 in
the state.
Catawba County Schools has

12,678 desktop and notebook
computers and iPads. The
student to instructional
computer ratio of 1.67 is
better than the states 1.79
average. Schools also have
wireless internet.
One of the largest employers
in the county, CCS has about
1,900 full-time employees.
More than 1,300 are licensed
staff teachers, administrators,
counselors, media specialists,
social workers, psychologists,
speech pathologists, physical
therapists and occupational
therapists.
Newton-Conover City Schools:
Led by first-year superintendent
David Stegall, Newton-Conover
City Schools has about 3,100
students. NCCS has three
elementary schools, one middle
school, two high schools and
two special schools.
Conover School serves students
from all three school districts
in Catawba County who are
cognitively and/or physically
disabled. They range in age from
3 to 22. ACT Program is a day
treatment serving children in
kindergarten through fifth grade
from all three school systems in
Catawba County.
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Hickory Christian Academy was
established in 1995 to support
Christian families in preparing
their children to reach their
maximum academic potential
while equipping them to grow in
the truths of Scripture.
The school is an
interdenominational Classical
Christian school dedicated to
providing excellent academics
founded on rigorous Classical
curriculum taught from a biblical
worldview, so that the student
understands Gods hand in all
of creation and human history.
They want to educate the whole
child through scriptural truth,
strong academics, fine arts, and
physical activity.
Address:
Hickory Christian Academy
3260 6th Street Drive NW,
Hickory, NC 28601
828-324-5405
Website:
hickorychristianacademy.com
Preschool 12th
Religious Affiliation:
Interdenominational
Curriculum:
Classical
Worldview:
Christian
Headmaster:
Mr. Tracy Robinson
Grammar School Principal:

Mrs. Connie Peeler
Middle/High School
Principal:
Mr. Mark Maier
Enrollment:
480
102ND HICKORY
AMERICAN LEGION
FAIR
SUPPORTING OUR FARMS
September 2nd - September 7th, 2015

Pig Racing, Daily Shows, Rides,
Fireworks
N
RICA
AME IR
O RY
FA
HICK EGION
L
HCA high school students

have the opportunity to take
AP classes, to participate in
competitive athletics, and to
demonstrate their God-given
gifts and talents through
chorus, Praise Band and drama
departments. All graduates have
been accepted to the college or
university of their choice.
Grades:
Average Class Size:

16
Member, Association of
Classical and Christian Schools,
NC Independent Schools
Athletic Association
Bring The Family To Find A Bargain
ONE OF THE LARGEST FLEA

MARKETS IN THE REGION
Every Thursday in 2015 located on the Fair Grounds
828-464-5433 www.hickoryfair.com 1127 US 70 Hwy
17
18 Explore 2015
north general
information
carolina
State Symbols
Flower:
Dogwood
Bird:
Cardinal
Largest City:
Hickory
Total Area:
413.79 sq. miles
Land Area:
Tree:
400.4 sq. miles
State Mammal:
Gray Squirrel
1,165 feet
above sea level
State Insect:
County Seat:
State Rock:
Population:
Longleaf Pine
Honey Bee
Granite
State Dog:
Plott Hound
Precious Stone:
Emerald
State Beverage:
Milk
State Nickname:
The Tar
Heel State
State Colors:
Blue and Red
moving in
Elevation:
Newton
(July 2012)
Brookford - 379
Catawba - 602
Claremont - 1,371
Conover - 8,207
Hickory - 40,039
Long View - 4,857
Maiden - 3,350
Newton - 12,961
Catawba County
154,339
climate
Average Annual
Temperature 58F
Average January High
Temperature 48F
Average July High
Temperature 87F
Average Annual
Rainfall 49
Average Annual
Snowfall 9.6
Average Relative
Humidity 74%
mileage from
hickory
to NC & SC cities
Asheville, NC 74
Charleston, SC 256
Charlotte, NC 51
Chapel Hill, NC 150
Columbia, SC 143
Durham, NC 157
Greensboro, NC 97
Greenville,NC 250
Greenville, SC 120
Raleigh, NC 164
Wilmington, NC 254
Winston-Salem, NC 70
19
major obtaining your north convetion,

meeting &
Roadways carolina drivers license group services
Interstate
40 East/West
US Highway 70
East/West
US Highway 321
North/South
(within 25 miles)
voting
Registration is handled
by the Catawba County
Board of Elections at
828-464-2424 or
www.sboe.state.nc.us. To
register to vote in North
Carolina, a person must
sign a voter declaration
affirming that:
You are a US citizen.
You will have been a
resident of North Carolina
and Catawba County
for 30 days before the
election.
You will be at least 18
years old by the next
general election.
You are neither
registered nor will you
vote in any other county
or state.
If you are a convicted
felon, you must have your
citizenship restored.
All new residents of North Carolina who plan to

operate a motor vehicle in this state must obtain
a drivers license within 60 days of establishing a
permanent residence. To apply, you must appear in
person at one of the states drivers license offices and
take the required tests.
Motor vehicle laws vary from state to state. Therefore,
you are encouraged to become familiar with North
Carolinas license requirements and traffic laws by
reading the DMV Drivers Handbook. A book can be
obtained at your local office or online at
www.ncdot.gov.
Residents in the state have 60 days to report a
change of address or name. To obtain a license for
the first time, a birth certificate, Social Security Card
or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) and
proof of residency must be presented.
Contact the local DMV Drivers License Office for a list
of acceptable documents at 828-326-9126
or 828-466-5616 or www.ncdot.gov.
tags & registration

for your vehicle
Typically residents have 30 days to apply for new

tags. You should obtain a NC Drivers License. Proof
of liability insurance, title (if vehicle is paid for) and
current out of state registration card are required.
If your vehicle title is held by a lien holder, you must
furnish the lien holders name/address and current out
of state registration card.
Residents within the state have 60 days to report a
change of address or name.
For more information contact the local
NC License Plate/Tag Agency at 828-328-3783 or
828-464-6878 or www.ncdot.gov
For information about

hosting your next meeting
or event in the Hickory
Metro area, call the
Hickory Metro Convention
and Visitors Bureau at
1-800-509-2444, or visit
the website atwww.
hickorymetro.com
important
county and
state offices
Catawba County
Board of Elections
828-465-8440
www.catawbacountync.
gov/elections/
Building Inspections
828-465-8399
gov/building/
Environmental Health
828-465-8270
gov/Environmentalhealth/
Government Center
828-465-8200
www.catawbacounty
nc.gov
Planning
and Zoning
828-465-8380
gov/depts/u&e/zoneoff.asp
20 Explore 2015
Public Information Officer Economic

828-465-8464
Development
Corporation
Tax Office
828-267-1564
828-465-8400
www.catawbaedc.org
NC Drivers
License Agencies
Social Security
Commission
www.catawbacountync.gov/tax/
1158 Lenoir-Rhyne
Boulevard SE, Hickory,
828-326-9126
US Highway 321 South,
Newton,
828-466-5516
www.ncdot.gov
NC License Plate/Tag
Agencies
901 Highway 321 NW,

Suite 100, Hickory,
828-328-3783
803 West Conover Blvd.
828-464-6878
Voter Registration
828-465-8440
catawbacountync.gov
North Carolina
Department
of Revenue
828-327-7474
www.dornc.com
North Carolina
Employment
Security
Commission
828-466-5535
www.ncesc.com
1050 US Hwy 321 NW

Hickory, NC
1-888-877-1615
www.socialsecurity.gov
utilities
& services
Electricity
Duke Energy
1-800-777-9898
www.dukeenergy.com
ElectricCities
of NC, Inc.
919-760-6000
www.electricities.com
Energy United
1-800-522-3793
www.energyunited.com
Natural Gas
Piedmont
Natural Gas
828-322-1613 or
1-800-752-7504
www.piedmontng.com
Telephone
Small Business Technology

AT&T
& Development Center
(Claremont, Conover,
828-345-1110
www.sbtdc.org
Maiden, Newton,
Sherrills Ford)
1-800-767-2355
www.att.com
CenturyLink
(Brookford, Catawba, Long

View, Hickory,
Terrell)
828-328-0200
www.centurylink.com
Cable
Charter
Communications
828-322-2288 or
1-866-472-2200
www.charter-business.com
Internet
AT&T
(Claremont, Conover,
Maiden, Newton,
Sherrills Ford)
1-800-767-2355
www.att.com
Charter
Communications
828-322-2288 or
1-866-472-2200
www.charter-business.com
CenturyLink
(Brookford, Catawba,
Long View, Hickory, Terrell)
828-328-0200
www.centurylink.com
Sanitation
Garbage Disposal Service

(GDS)
828-256-2158
www.republicservicesofnc.com
Water & Sewer
Town of Brookford
1700 South Center Street,

Hickory, NC 28601
828-322-4903
www.catawba.k12.nc.us/
campcatawba/brookford.htm
Town of Catawba
PO Box 70,
Catawba, NC 28609
828-241-2215
www.catawba.k12.nc.
us/campcatawba/catawba.htm
City of Claremont
PO Box 446,
Claremont, NC 28610
828-459-7009
www.cityofclaremont.org
City of Conover
PO Box 549,
Conover, NC 28613
828-464-1191
www.conovernc.gov
City of Hickory
PO Box 398,
Hickory, NC 28603
828-323-7424
www.hickorync.gov
Town of Long View
2404 1st Avenue,

Hickory, NC 28602
828-322-3921
www.ci.longview.nc.us
Town of Maiden
PO Box 125,
Maiden, NC 28650
828-428-5000
www.maidennc.com
City of Newton
PO Box 550,
Newton, NC 28658
828-465-7400
www.newtonnc.gov
Catawba County
PO Box 389,
Newton, NC 28658
828-465-8200
www.catawbacountync.gov
emergency
services
Animal Control - Hickory

828-324-2060
Animal Control County
Police, Fire,
Ambulance
Emergency - 911
Catawba County Sheriff
828-464-3112
828-464-7686
law
enforcement
(Non-Emergency)
NC Highway Patrol
Catawba
828-466-5500
828-241-4888
FBI
Brookford
828-322-8513
SBI
828-294-2226
704-344-6234 - Charlotte
828-324-2060
Long View
828-327-2343
Maiden
828-428-5005
Newton
828-465-7430
fire
department
828-322-4903
(Non-Emergency)
Claremont
Catawba
828-459-9295
US Marshal
Hickory
Conover
828-464-4698
828-241-4955
Claremont
828-459-9296

Unifour Pain Treatment Physicians is dedicated to making advanced pain relief an experience
free of stress, worry and anxiety. Every patient who visits our practice receives personal care
and individualized treatment from board-certified, fellowship-trained anesthesiologists who
sub-specialize in acute and chronic pain management.
A division of Unifour Anesthesia Associates, P.A.
www.uni4painrx.com
1031 Morganton Blvd. SW
Lenoir NC 28645-5669
Phone: 828.757.6254
Fax: 828.757.6234
250 18th St. Circle SE

Hickory NC 28602-1366
Phone: 828.327.0156
Fax: 828.327.0593
1585 Forney Creek Pkwy,

Suite1200, Denver NC 28037
Phone: 704-801-1760
Fax: 704-801-1761
218 Old Mocksville Road

Statesville NC 28625
Phone: 704-838-7165
Fax: 704-878-2081
Pictured from Left to Right: Christopher L. Lariscy, MD; Paul R. Lafavore, MD; Christopher L. Hunt, MD;
Donald H. Brown, II, MD; Michelle M. Brown, MD; Felicia K. Cain, MD; Dave Eichman, MD; P. Joshua Smith, MD;
Thomas Herfurth, MD; Glenn B. Paige, MD; Ashley Bartlette-Larsen, PA-C; Tammy R. Burke, FNP
Conover
828-464-1295
Hickory
828-323-7420
Long View
828-322-1311
Maiden
828-428-5028
Newton
828-695-4314
medical &
hospitals
Poison Control
800-848-6946
21
22 Explore 2015
Catawba Valley
Medical Center
820 Fairgrove Church Rd.

Hickory
828-326-3000
www.catawbavalleymc.org
Frye Regional
Medical Center
420 North Center Street,

Hickory
828-315-5000
www.fryemedctr.com
postal
services
Catawba
828-241-1836
Claremont
828-459-9698
Conover
828-464-2073
Hickory
828-328-5503
Maiden
828-428-8609
Newton
828-464-4031
Sherrills Ford
828-478-2241
Terrell
828-478-2812
transportation
Airports
Charlotte Douglas
International
704-359-4910
www.charlottedouglas
intlairport.com
Hickory Regional Airport

828-322-7408
Piedmont Triad
(Greensboro)
336-665-5666
www.flyfrompti.com
Transportation
Services
Charlotte
Charter Jet
828-324-6510
Burke
International
Tours Christian Tours
828-465-3900
burkechristiantours.com
Greenway Public
Transportation
828-464-9444
www.mygreenway.org
Hickory Hop
Airport Shuttle
828-327-2340
www.hickoryhop.com
university
Lenoir-Rhyne University: preparing
students to accomplish so much
LenoirRhyne University is
located on a 100-acre campus in
the heart of the city of Hickory.
Its mission is captured in its
motto: Rise up.
LRU is a private liberal arts
university, founded in 1891
and is affiliated with the
North Carolina Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America. Its enrollment is about
2,000 students, 89 percent of
them undergraduate, with about
65 percent of them female, with
remainder male students.
The student-faculty ratio is 12:1
and the most popular major
are business management,
marketing, education; nursing,
psychology and the social
sciences.
In 2011, U.S. News & World

Report magazine ranked LRU
first in North Carolina in the
category of Americas Best
Colleges and 11th in the
South in the category Best
Comprehensive Colleges
offering bachelors degrees.
LRU competes in the South
Atlantic Conference in NCAA
Division II in 13 varsity sports
for men and women.
Here is how LRU describes its
mission on its Facebook page:
In pursuit of the development
of the whole person, LenoirRhyne University seeks to
liberate mind and spirit, clarify
personal faith, foster physical
wholeness, build a sense of
community, and promote
responsible leadership for
service in the world.

As an institution of the
North Carolina Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America, the University holds
the conviction that wholeness
of personality, true vocation,
and the most useful service
to God and the world are best
discerned from the perspective
of Christian faith.
As a community of learning, the
University provides programs of
undergraduate, graduate, and
continuing study committed to
the liberal arts and sciences as a
foundation for a wide variety of
careers and as guidance for a
meaningful life.
To find more information

on LRU, go to:
Twitter:
http://twitter.com
lenoirrhyne
Foursquare:
https://foursquare.com/
venue/1916863
L-R
News:
http://lr.edu/blog/
lrunews/?feed=rss2
iTunes U:
http://lr.edu/iTunesU
Proudly serving the Greater Hickory Area since 1967.
161 Hwy 70 SE | 828.327.9171 | EverettChevy.com
23
24 Explore 2015
Community
College
cvcc: an innovative school

on the move
Catawba Valley Community
College is an innovative,
comprehensive community
college that fosters an
environment for academic
excellence, globalization
and diversity, economic and
workforce development to
empower individuals and enrich
the community through
premier educational
programs and services.
CVCCs faculty and staff are
experts on a wide variety of
subjects. The school awards
associate degrees in applied
science and one-year diplomas
in business, engineering
technology, environmental
and life sciences, health and
human resources and industrial
technology. It offers associates
degrees in arts and fine arts.
Diplomas are awarded in
technical programs, as well
as in skill-training subjects.
Other courses of study include
associate degree programs,
continuing education programs,
as well as adult learning and
other educational opportunities.
Courses in CVCCs transfer
programs will transfer to fouryear colleges and universities,
as well as to other community
and technical colleges. Also,
persons may audit courses by

special permission, participating
fully in the class work, but not
receiving credit for the course.
CVCC has specialized programs
in emergency medical science,
health information technology,
polysomnography, radiography,
respiratory therapy and
surgical technology.
The school also has top
sports programs in mens and
womens basketball, baseball
and womans volleyball.
Catawba Valley Community
Colleges main campus is at
2550 U.S. 70 SE, Hickory, 28602.
It has an east Campus about a
half-mile south on U.S. 70
Cost: $1,682 a year (fall and
spring semesters) for tuition for
full-time, in-state students.
Admission requirements:
Established North Carolina
residency for 12 consecutive
months to be considered
an instate student for
tuition purposes.
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26 Explore 2015
sporting
events
if theyre playing, fans will be there

Bill Bost, the late basketball
coach at Bandys High, used to
tell a story about the certainty
of fans coming to watch his
basketball teams play.
It was basically a tale about the
typical grassroots appeal and
love for athletics in the Greater
Hickory area, where theres
such a wide variety of that love,
it makes this a great place to
live if youre a sports fan.
On the short list of things

sports-related to do are:
1. Go to a high school game(s)

anytime from August to as late
as early June.
2. Watch athletic teams at a
NCAA Division II school,

Lenoir-Rhyne University, or a
cutting edge community
college, Catawba Valley
Community College.
As the story goes, a hungry

man had only $3 on a Tuesday
or Friday and Bandys had
home basketball games that
night. Bost said when the man
reached in his pocket and had
three one dollar bills, the guy
knew everything would be OK.
3. Take in a minor league

baseball game at beautiful L.P.
Frans Stadium.
Bost was asked how he knew.
5. Grab a rod and reel and go

fishin on Lake Hickory or
Lake Norman.
Cause he can go to Lees (a

country store near the school)
and get a baloney sandwich for
a dollar and have $2 left to go to
the basketball game that night.
And hes dang sure goin to the
basketball game.
Tight budget or not, going to
sporting events at least for a
majority of the people Ive met
while working in sports for 38
years -- is part of the experience
of growing up in the Greater
Hickory area.
Across the state landscape, who
else has such a long menu to
choose from?
4. Enjoy a night at a race track,

Hickory Motor Speedway,
that plays a huge role in
NASCAR history.
6. Visit the Catawba County
Fairgrounds or M.S. Deal

Stadium in Granite Falls for an
American Legion baseball game.
Thats a list not specific
to any one area, and there are
also plenty of sports camps for
kids and running events and
softball teams for 60-year olds
and fishing tournaments. You
name it, weve probably got it
around here.
If youre like me and the old
back hurts or youre most
comfortable in the recliner
and hiding the remote for the
50-inch TV from the wife, it

shouldnt take long to find (in
season) a local athlete to watch
making it big.
You can catch former South
Caldwell High left-hander
Madison Bumgarner mowem
down as a starter in the San
Francisco Giants rotation or
watch a NASCAR race, where
the faces might not be as
familiar but the names might be
if they mention a long range of
support personnel for the
race teams.
If you like, you can head out to
L.P. Frans Stadium and easily
see a future Texas Rangers star
live and then follow his progress
toward the major leagues.
Theres lots to do at LenoirRhyne, where excitement for
football is back at a high pitch,
and CVCCs sports programs are
rapidly improving.
Whether teams are winning
or losing, this is a great sports
area primarily because of the
continuity of the folks whove
often worked behind the
scenes to build an atmosphere
thats been passed along from
generation to generation.
Dads who took their boys to
see the LRU football teams that
regularly contended for national
titles in the 1960s, for instance,
laid some of the groundwork.
Theres a sense of community
in the region, often built around
athletics, thats still there.
Theres also, I think, a unique

connection to the past Hey,
remember that time -that will always keep this
place special.
I know lots of folks who tell
stories about how they first
connected with athletics and
were so quickly hooked.
Mine came in 1967, when I was
9, and my grandfather worked
as an appliance salesman on the
square in downtown Newton.
He normally was off by 5 p.m.
and home by 6 p.m., ready to hit
his recliner, rest and wait for the
Braves game to come on radio
or TV.
But on this particular Friday
night, he was in the door to grab
my hand and back out. I felt a
sense of anticipation that Id
never seen Pop have.
Where we goin Pop?
He pulled in and parked at
Newton-Conovers Gurley
Stadium, where across the way
you could see the scoreboard
and the school names left
and right, respectively, on it
Hickory vs. Newton-Conover.
- Record Sports Editor Chris
Hobbs is a Catawba County
native who has covered sports
in the region since 1976.
Reach him at
chobbs@hickoryrecord.com
sporting events
By Mark Parker
In 2002, my family and I moved
to Hickory because in large part
it had a baseball team.
A little explanation is in order.
My work in youth and music
ministry in local churches
has taken my family and me
to several towns across the
country. In making a decision
where to work, my wife and I
take into consideration not only
the church we will become a
part of, but what the quality of
life the community has to offer.
My choice in 2002 was to
accept a position at a church
here in Hickory, or to go to
Troy, Mo. When I interviewed

in Hickory, I went with a group
from St. Lukes United Methodist
to see the Crawdads. Even
though the game was on a
Monday, generally a lesser
attended evening, I saw so
much that evening that made
me want to be a part of the
Hickory Metro. I was so smitten
that evening that I called my
wife back in Columbus, Ga.,
from my seat and said to her, I
could see us living here.
Only 120 communities in the
U.S. host a full-season minor
league baseball team. In doing
so, teams become a part of the
quality of life in that town. And
so it has for Hickory.
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Over 3 million persons have

entered the gates at L.P. Frans
Stadium in its 21 seasons and
there are different reasons why.
For some, its an expensive way
to entertain a family. For others,
its a stress-free outlet for a few
hours away from the rat race of
life. For baseball nuts like me,
its the opportunity to see future
major league players begin their
climb to the major leagues.
The Crawdads also do their part

in support of the community.
Thousands of dollars of tickets
are given to nonprofit groups
every year. Those that are
unemployed can see games for
free on Wednesdays. Conrad,
the teams mascot, makes
countless visits to area schools,
businesses and community
groups to help support
local events.
Businesses support the team

with advertising dollars, not
because it directly drives up
the bottom line, but it gives the
community an asset for its own
people and to attract others to
move here.
So, as I look back on my

decision to move here, the
picture I saw of the community
that evening in July 2002 has
become a reality- a community
that is vibrant, that seeks a
unique quality of life for its
citizens, and a place that I am
glad to call home.
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28 Explore 2015
LUneivnerosirity-aRthhletynices
Tucked away in Hickory, LenoirRhyne Universitys athletic
prowess has been well-known,
but the program took a giant
leap into the spotlight
last December.
Lenoir-Rhynes football program
advanced to the NCAA Division
II national championship game
before falling short against
Northwest Missouri State 43-28
in Florence, Ala.
And while the season didnt end
the way the Bears would have
liked, it certainly brought the
community together in rooting
on the home team.
Lenoir-Rhyne is a private, co-ed
university that is affiliated with
the Lutheran Church. During
LRUs run, the City of Hickory
even launched a University
Commission to investigate ways
to strengthen the citys ties with
the only four-year university in
Catawba County.
Lenoir-Rhynes football teams
run was all the more impressive
by the records it broke. It
averaged more rushing yards
per game than any NCAA
college football team in history.
But its not all about football at
Lenoir-Rhyne. The school has 20
intercollegiate sports, and the
Bears have been successful on
multiple platforms. In March,
the womens basketball team
hosted an NCAA regional.
During the current sports
season, Lenoir-Rhynes womens
soccer, football, womens
basketball, mens lacrosse and
softball teams won or shared
the conference championship.
Bears make it to
the national stage
high schools
well known for athletic success
If theres one thing that

connects the people of the
Greater Hickory Area, its their
association with the high
school they or their wife or
their children attend, and thats
usually most often noticed at
prep athletic events.
The stands are often dotted
not only with a schools current
students, but the parents of
those students and many
times the aunts, uncles and
grandparents. Many of those
fans have stories to tell of their
own playing days for the school
theyre watching play.
But the association with a
particular high school in the
region runs much deeper. If
youre new to the area, dont be
surprised if one of the first three
questions you are asked if not
the first -- is what high school
you attended.
Athletically, the tradition is to
first root for the school of
your community, then become
a fan of area school(s) that
advance deepest into the
state tournaments.
In the four-county area that
makes up the Greater Hickory
Area for many, many years
called the Unifour there are
now 15 public high schools plus
three other privates (Hickory
Christian, Tabernacle Christian
and Tri-City Christian) that have
the longest established athletic
programs.
Alexander County is the only

one in that four-county region
that has just one high school,
Alexander Central.
In Catawba County, where
there are three school systems
(Catawba County, Hickory City
and Newton-Conover City),
there are seven high schools
Bandys, Bunker Hill, Fred T.
Foard, Hickory, Maiden, NewtonConover and St Stephens.
Burke County had just two
high schools until Patton
opened in 2007 to help with
overcrowding at Freedom, and
Draughn opened in 2009 to
address overpopulation needs
at East Burke.
The three schools in Caldwell
County are Hibriten, South
Caldwell and West Caldwell,
the latter two consolidations in
the late 1970s of Granite Falls
and Hudson and Gamewell and
Lenoir, respectively.
The statewide athletic
reputation of all those schools
is stellar. The area is known for
athletic excellence at the high
school level, a colorful and large
fan base and for serving as
the host for the West Regional
basketball tournaments for
about two decades.
One of the key distinctions for
the area is in girls basketball,
where at least one of the
regions teams has advanced to
a Final Four in 32 of the last 34
years. That streak was once 28
consecutive seasons.
Only four of the schools havent
reached a Final Eight in girls
hoops at least once (Bandys
leads all of the states schools
with 18 regional appearances),
and the region is home to
18 modern-era girls state
basketball title teams (six by
Bandys, four by Freedom, three
by Hickory, two each by Foard
and West Caldwell and one by
Newton-Conover).
The area is also home to
athletes who played high
school ball here before making
a name for themselves at a
national level.
Most notable of those athletes
are: San Francisco Giants pitcher
Madison Bumgarner (South
Caldwell, youngest left-hander
to throw eight scoreless innings
in a World Series game); Bandys
retired major league reliever
Bryan Harvey (an All-Star once in
each league, 177 career saves);
and Bandys defensive lineman
Shane Burton (Dolphins, Jets,
Bears, blocked a field goal for
Carolina in a Super Bowl).
Two high-profile college
basketball coaches are also
from the region. Hickorys Rick
Barnes, head coach at Texas,
has won 584 games at George
Mason, Providence, Clemson
and the Longhorns, and Bobby
Lutz Jr. (Bandys), former head
coach at Charlotte and Pfeiffer
and now associate head coach
at N.C. State, won 398 games as
a head coach.
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30 Explore 2015
Surrounding Counties
Caldwell County
TAX RATE:
$0.60 per $100 valuation
Persons below Poverty Level: 19.5%
Two races or more:

1.4%
American Indian
and Alaskan Native:
.6%
Asian: 0.7%
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
81,484 (July 2014)
Black: 5.1%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
(Feb 2015): 6.5%
White: 88.2%
Hispanic/Latino: 4.9%
Population:
EDUCATION
(Age 25 and Over)
High School or Higher: 75.7%
Bachelors Degree or Higher: 12.5%
Race
Source: US Census Bureau
Source: 2012 American Community Survey, US Census Bureau.
Alexander County
TAX RATE:
Persons below Poverty Level: 17.2%
Asian: 1.1%
37,392 (July 2014)
Black: 5.8%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
(Feb 2015): 6.5%
White: 87.6%
Population:
EDUCATION
(Age 25 and Over)
Two races or more:

1.3%
American Indian
and Alaskan Native:
.4%
Race
BUrke County
other county schools
Asian: 3.7%
TAX RATE:
Persons below Poverty Level: 20%
89,486 (July 2014)
Black: 6.8%
White: 82.3%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
(Feb 2015): 5.7%
Population:
EDUCATION
(Age 25 and Over)
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Two races or more:

1.5%
American Indian
and Alaskan Native:
.8%
Race
Exceptional Care
Where You Need It
At home
Alexander County Schools
In hospitals
Seven elementary, two middle, one high school

Total students: About 5,300
Main office: 700 Liledoun Road, Taylorsville 28681, 828-632-7001
Website: www.alexander.k12.nc.us
Superintendent: M. Brock Womble, bwomble@alexander.k12.nc.us
In facilities
At our hospice houses
Burke County Schools

16 elementary, five middle, six high schools, one middle college
(grades1112) Total students: About 13,000
Main office: 700 East Parker Road, Morganton 28655,
(828) 439-4311Website: www.burke.k12.nc.us
Superintendent: Larry Putnam, lputnam@burke.k12.nc.us
Caldwell County Schools

11 elementary, four k-8th, four middle, five high schools, two
alternative schools.Total students: About 12,000
Main office: 1914 Hickory Boulevard SW, Lenoir 28645,
(828) 728-8407Website: www.caldwellschools.com
Superintendent: Steve Stone,sstone@caldwellschools.com
3975 Robinson Road

Newton, NC 28658
7473 Sherrills Ford Road
828.466.0466
Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 CatawbaRegionalHospice.org
32 Explore 2015
FEstivals & Fun
American Legion
Fairgrounds
Each year the American
Legion Fairgrounds comes
to life with the lights, sounds
and smells of the fair. The
fairground is also home to a
flea market.
Address: 1127 US 70 Hwy
Newton NC 28658
Website:
hickoryfair.com
828-464-5433
Hickory HOPS
Each spring dozens of
breweries from around the
area converge at Hickory
HOPS festival to share
their love for fine beer and
to compete against one
another for top honors.
Website:
www.hickoryhops.com
828-322-1121
Oktoberfest
The second weekend of
October downtown Hickory
comes alive in a fall festival
fit for the family featuring
live entertainment, rides,
games, and of course
fabulous food and beverages.
Website:
www.hickoryoktoberfest.com
322-1121
Soldiers Reunion
Each year in late August,
Newton pulls out the red,
white and blue to put on a
week-long festival to show
support for soldiers and all
those who support her. The
week includes a car show,
music, dancing and a fun
run, bike ride and a parade.
Website:
www.newtonnc.gov/special_
events.php
828-695-4300
Sculpture Celebration
For more than 25 years the
Caldwell Arts Council has
welcomed sculptors from
around the region to J.E.
Broyhill Park in downtown
Lenoir for its annual
Sculpture Celebration.
Website:
www.caldwellarts.com
828-754-2486
Historic Morganton Festival

The stars come out in
Morganton each September
as downtown becomes a
place to enjoy several stages
of music and entertainment,
games, food and a variety of
vendors.
Website:
morgantonfest.org
828-438-5252
North Carolina
Blackberry Festival
Sweetness drips from the
annual North Carolina
Blackberry Festival in Lenoir
The festival features music,
vendors, a Blackberry
Princess pageant, a recipe
contest and a blackberry
eating contest. Blackberries
can be ordered in advance to
be purchased at the festival.
Website:
www.caldwellcochamber.org
828-726-0616
Things To Do
The Beanstalk Journey
(Zip-line Tours)
Zip from tree house to tree

house along a series of sky
bridges and multiple zip lines
or climb a 32-foot tower at
Beanstalk Journey.
Address: 220 Catawba
Meadows Drive, Morganton,
For GPS, use 701 Sanford
Drive, Morganton, NC 28655
828-430-3440
Website:
www.thebeanstalkjourney.com
Biltmore House
The Biltmore house is the

largest privately owned
home in the country.
Daytime admission includes
self-guided tour of Biltmore
House, Gardens, Winery and
Farm Village. Specialty tours
can be purchased.
Directions: Interstate 40
west to Asheville, and take
exit 50B (US Highway 25
North). After exiting stay
in the left lane and follow
signs to the Biltmore Estate
entrance
1-800-411-3812
Website:
www.biltmore.com
Blue Ridge Parkway
The nations first and longest

rural parkway connects
Shenandoah National Park
in Virginia with the Great
Smoky Mountains National
Park in North Carolina. The
parkway winds its way
through 469 miles
of breathtaking sights
and scenery.
Website:
www.blueridgeparkway.org
Brown Mountain Lights
The Brown Mountain Lights

have attracted thousands of
curiosity seekers over the
years. The appearance of
the mysterious lights was
first documented in the early
1900s. The origin of the lights
remains an unexplained
phenomenon. The lights may
be seen on clear nights from
vantage points along N.C.
181 and from Wisemans
View in the Linville Gorge
Wilderness Area.
Buffalo Beals Animal Park
Encounter elk, antelope,

camel, ostrich, muatijak,
black buck, kangaroos and
many other exotic and
domestic animals at this
40-acre animal park.
Address: 3259 Water Plant
Road, Maiden
828-428-4388
Website:
www.buffalobeals.com
Carowinds
A 112-acre theme and water

park straddling the border
of North and South Carolina.
The park features 60-plus
rides and attractions, a 15acre playground with rides
exclusively for kids, 12 roller
coasters, dozens of thrill
rides, water adventures,
the overflowing fun of
Boomerang Bay water park,
as well as a number of
special events throughout
the year. Hours: Opens daily
at 10 a.m. May 30 through
Aug. 21. Closing times vary.
The park is also open several
weekends through March,
April, August, September and
October. Check the Website
for details.
Address: 14523 Carowinds
Blvd., Charlotte
1-800-888-4FUN
Website:
www.carowinds.com
Catawba Science Center
Changing lives and inspiring

learning through science and
wonder. Permanent exhibit
areas explore Physical,
Natural and Earth sciences,
while interactive traveling
exhibits rotate throughout
the year. Freshwater and
saltwater aquarium exhibits,
featuring North Carolinas
only marine touch pool with
LIVE sharks and stingrays,
offer exciting hands-on
learning experiences in
immersive habitats.
Address: 243 3rd Avenue NE,
Hickory
828-322-8169
Website:
www.catawbascience.org
Conover Farmers Market
Located in the parking lot of

the Conover Post Office, the
Conover Farmers Market is
open from 7:30 a.m. to noon
Saturdays through October.
The market features locallygrown food, live music, and
an educational station to
teach children and families
about the benefits of buying
and eating locally-grown
foods.
Location: Conover Post
Office parking lot
828-234-7075
Website:
www.conoverfarmersmarket.
wix.com/cfm1
Downtown Hickory
Farmers Market
Catawba Springs
Golf Course
This market brings more

than fresh fruits and
vegetables to Union Square
in downtown Hickory, with
flowers, herbs, baked goods
and hand-made crafts. It is
open Saturdays from 8 a.m.
to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays
from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mondays from 4 p.m. to
7 p.m., April through
November. Location: Union Square
Website:
hickoryfarmersmarket.com
A scenic and challenging

27-hole course designed by
William Byrd. Combining the
Fox Run and Sulphur Springs
courses offers a par 72,
6,610-yard course from the
blue tees. Open to the public
wednesdays only.
Open year round.
Address: 3820 Wandering
Lane NE, Hickory
Golf
Owner: Dennis Morgan

Address: 3005 US Highway
70 SE, Newton
828-265-2171
Morgan Golf LLC

828-322-2177
Brushy Mountain
Country Club
Website:
www.facebook.com/
morgangolfllc
The semi-private course,

designed by golf architect
William Lewis, Jr. in 1963, is
noted as the best golf value
in the Piedmont. Players of
all skill levels will enjoy the
country club amenities at
the public course prices.
Address: 300 Golf Course
Lane, Taylorsville
Glen Oaks Golf Club
828-632-4804
Glen Oaks Golf Club is an

18-hole, semi-private course
located in Maiden. Golf is
available to everyone, with
special programs for seniors,
men, ladies and juniors.
Amenities include a pro
shop, driving range, snack
bar, banquet facility, bar,
picnic shelter and pool.
Address: 245 Golf Course
Road, Maiden
828-428-2451
Website: glenoaksgolf.com
Granada Farms
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The 18-hole course features

6,761 yards of golf from the
longest tees for a par 72.
Designed by Tom Jackson.
Granada Farms golf course
opened in 1976.
Address: 10 River Drive,
Granite Falls
828-396-2313
Hampton Heights Golf Club

Hampton Heights Golf Club,
a public course opened in
1973, is just a short drive
from the shopping and
accommodations in Hickory,
making it convenient and
easy for visitors to the
area. Hampton Heights also
features an outdoor putt putt
course.
Address: 1700 5th Street NE,
Hickory
828-328-5010
Website:
www.hamptonheightsgc.com
Lenoir Golf Club

The 18-hole course at the
Lenoir Golf Club facility in
Lenoir features 6,385 yards
of golf from the longest tees
for a par 71. Designed by
Donald J. Ross, ASGCA,
the Lenoir golf course
opened in 1929.
Address: 701 Norwood
Street SW, Lenoir
828-754-5093
Website:
www.lenoirgolfclub.com
34 Explore 2015
Orchard Hills Golf Club

The semi-private 18-hole
course features 6,134 yards
of golf from the longest tees
for a par 72. Orchard Hills
golf course opened in 1963.
Address: 2515 Connelly
Springs Road, Granite Falls
828-728-3560
Pine Mountain Golf Club

The 18-hole course at the
Pine Mountain Golf Club
facility features 4,949 yards
of golf from the longest
tees for a par 68. Designed
by Paul Melard, the Pine
Mountain golf course
opened in 1974.
Address: 2961 Pine Mountain
Drive, Connelly Springs
828-433-4950
Quaker Meadows Golf Club

This public 18-hole course is
located along the Catawba
River in Burke County and
features 6,704 yards of golf
from the longest tees for a
par 71. Designed by
Russell F. Breedon, the
Quaker Meadows golf
course opened in 1963.
Address: 826 North Green
Street, Morganton
828-437-2677
Website:
www.qmgolf.com
Rivercrest Golf Club

The 18-hole facility features
6,558 yards of golf from
the longest tees for a par
72. Designed by Karl Litten,
the Rivercrest golf course
opened in 1996.
Address: 50 Victoria Lane,
Hickory
828-495-0017
Rock Barn Golf and Spa

With 36 holes of awardwinning golf, the Robert
Trent Jones, Jr. Course, a
recipient of multiple awards
and honors is ranked 19th in
the state by North Carolina
Magazine. Jones course
voted Best New Golf Course
in North Carolina by NCCBI

Magazine in 2003. This
semi-private community
also offers casual as well as
fine dining, a luxurious, fullservice spa, a fitness center,
and outdoor swimming
complex, a spacious tennis
complex and a variety of real
estate opportunities. Golf,
dining and spa services are
open to the public seven
days a week, year-round.
Address: 3791 Clubhouse
Drive, Conover
828-459-1125
Website:
www.rockbarn.com
Silver Creek Plantation, LLC

A championship design by
Tom Jackson, one of todays
leading golf architects.
The par 72, 18-hole layout
has five sets of tees to
accommodate and challenge
golfers of all skill levels. It
includes breathtaking views
of mountains, ponds and
streams enhance the golfing
experience.
Address: 4241 Plantation
Drive, Morganton
828-584-6911
Website:
www.silvercreekplantation.com
Grandfather Mountain
Beautiful mountain scenery,
Mile High Swinging Bridge,
environmental habitats
for native wildlife, Nature
Museum, alpine hiking trails
and picnicking.
Address: 2050 Blowing Rock
Highway Linville,
1-800-468-7325
Website
www.grandfather.com
Hickory Crawdads
This Class A affiliate of
the Texas Rangers excites
over 187,555 fans during
70 thrilling home games.
Regular season runs AprilAugust, with a playoff series
following.
Address: 2500 Clement
Boulevard NW, Hickory
828-322-3000
Website:
www.hickorycrawdads.com
Hickory Dickory Dock

33,000 square feet of
indoor activities for families:
bumper cars, soft play, laser
tag areas, restaurant, pool
tables, mini-golf and more.
Address: 825 US Highway 70
SE, Hickory
828-322-3625
Website:
www.hickorydickorydock.net
Hickory Motor Speedway

Opening in July of 1951,
is the oldest professional
sporting venue in Catawba
County. The track comes
alive most Saturday nights
from mid-March through
October when the drivers
of the NASCAR Whelen
All-American Series speed
around the track. The
Speedway also hosts a
variety of touring
series events including the
UARA-Stars, NASCAR Whelen
Southern Modified Tour,
PASS Super Late Models and
ISCARS.
Address: 3130 US Highway
70 SE, Newton
828-464-3655
Website:
hickorymotorspeedway.com
Hiddenite Gems
Dig and sluice for emeralds,
sapphires and more in their
natural state at the Gem
Capital of the World.
Address: 484 Emerald Hollow
Mine Drive, Hiddenite
828-632-3394
Website:
www.hiddenitegems.com
Kool Park Pool

An 85-foot wide, 235-foot
long pool that ranges from

18 inches to 15 feet deep.
Theres a water slide,
waterfall and three-level
diving board into the pool.
Theres also a game room,
picnic areas and food
stand. Four rules: no gum,
no alcohol, no radios and
no glass. Hours: 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Monday through
Sunday, from June 1 through
Labor Day
Address: 3170 31st Avenue
Court NE, Hickory
828-256-8716
Website:
www.koolparkpool.com
Lake Hickory
Thirteen public-access areas
and parks along the lake,
including Glen Hilton Park,
John Geitner Park and 321
Marina. Lake Hickory was
created in 1927 and is a
Duke Energy lake covering
almost 4,223 acres with
105 miles of shoreline.
Hours: Vary by park and
access area.
Website:
www.dukepower.com/lakes
Lake James State Park

Located in both McDowell
and Burke counties, Lake
James State Park covers
approximately 3,600 acres
and more than 30 miles of
shoreline. The park offers a
new 700-foot swim beach
and three hiking trails that
are open now with more
under construction. The
park has a new concession
stand, two new picnic
shelters and a new bath
house with changing rooms
and showers. The new
concession stand and canoe
rentals will begin operating
on Memorial Day weekend.
The new Paddys Creek area
is located 6883 N.C. 126,
approximately 3 miles east
of the original park (Catawba
River area), which is located
at 2785 N.C. 126. Camping

is available at the original
park only.
828-584-7728
(reaches both offices)

Website:
www.ncparks.gov
Linville Caverns
Linville Caverns is North
Carolinas only cavern that is
open as a tourist attraction.
Located within Humpback
Mountain, Linville Caverns
has been open for tours
since 1937. The limestone
caverns feature both colorful
stalactites and stalagmites
and visitors will see the
trout, bats, salamanders and
cave crickets that live in this
underground world.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
in May. The caverns are
open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

in June, July, August until
Labor Day when it goes
back to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
800-419-0540
Website:
www.linvillecaverns.com
Linville Gorge Wilderness

and Falls
Called The Grand Canyon
of N.C., enjoy hiking, trails,
camping, river, waterfalls,
nature and more. Hours:
Open from dawn to dusk.
Access: U.S. 221, N.C. 181,
N.C. 183 and the Blue Ridge
Parkway at milepost 134
Website:
www.ncnatural.com/
Resources/Adventure/Gorge/
Linville-Gorge.html
North Carolina Auto Racing

Hall of Fame
Dedicated to all types of
motorsports, this museum
features more than 35 race
cars on display, as well
as showcases containing
mementos from the sportincluding equipment that
tells the story of the early
days of stock car racing
in North Carolina. Also
featured: Goodyear

Mini-Theater.
Hours: Monday-Friday 10
a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday &
Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Address: 119 Knob Hill Road,
Lakeside Business Park,
Mooresville
704-663-5331
Website:
www.ncarhof.com
SALT Block
Named because the visitors
can immerse themselves
in science, arts and
literature in one area, the
SALT block is home to the
Catawba Science Center,
Hickory Choral Society,
Hickory Museum of Art,
Patrick Beaver Memorial
Library, United Arts Council,
and Western Piedmont
Symphony. Catawba
Science Center features
both permanent and
traveling exhibits as well
as Millholland Planetarium,
which will entertain and
35
educate adults and children

alike. The Hickory Choral
Society makes choral
music available for schools,
colleges and churches as
well as putting on concerts
throughout the year. The
Hickory Museum of Art
makes art appreciation easy
for all ages by offering tours,
classes and gallery talks.
Patrick Beaver Memorial
Library is a traditional library
offering programming for
adults and children as
well an extensive local
history collection. Western
Piedmont Symphony
presents orchestral concerts
in Catawba County several
times a year, as well as
offering curriculum to music
education teachers.
Location: Between 3rd
Avenue NE and 4th Avenue
NE, Hickory
Website:
saltblockfoundation.org/
visitor-info
CHANGING LIVES AND INSPIRING LEARNING THROUGH SCIENCE AND WONDER
ON THE SALT BLOCK - 243 THIRD AVENUE NE - HICKORY, NC 28601
CATAWBASCIENCE.ORG - 828/322-8169
36 Explore 2015
Tweetsie Railroad
Wild West Train Adventure;
Tweetsie Palace Saloon
Show; Tweetsie cloggers;
Sunset musical show as
well as a historic steam
locomotive, games and
gem mining.
Address: 300 Tweetsie
Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock
1-800-526-5740
Website:
www.tweetsie.com
Skiing
Wineries and Area

Vineyards Breweries
Ginger Creek Vineyards
Address: 858 John Cline
Road, Taylorsville
828-312-4362
Cerminaro Vineyard
Address: 4399 Wilkesboro
Blvd., Boomer
828-754-9306
Website:
www.cerminarovineyard.com
James
Appalachian Ski Mountain in Lake
Cellars
Blowing Rock
828-295-7828
Website:
www.appskimtn.com
Hawksnest Ski
Resort in Seven Devils
1-800-822-4295
Website:
www.skihawk.com
Ski Beech Resort

at Beech Mountain
1-800-438-2093
Website:
www.skibeech.com
Sugar Mountain Ski

Resort at Sugar Mountain
1-800-SUGARMT
Website:
www.skisugar.com
Address: 204 East Main

Street, Glen Alpine
828-584-4551
Catawba
Brewing Company
Location: 212 S. Green
Street, Morganton
828-430-6883
Hours: 5-10:30 p.m.

Wednesday-Friday, 2-10 p.m.
Saturday
Website:
www.catawbavalley
brewingcompany.com
Open since: 2014
Owners: Mike and Andy
Prascak
Olde Hickory Brewery
Website:
www.lakejamescellars.com
Location: 2 Third St.

SW, Hickory
Waldensian Heritage
Wines
Website:
oldehickorybrewery.com
Open since: 1994
828-322-1422
Address: 4950 Villar Lane

NE, Valdese
Fonta Flora Brewery
Website:
waldensianheritagewines.com
Location: 317 N. Green St.,

Morganton
Woodmill Winery
Hours: 5-10 p.m. Mondays,

Thursdays, Fridays; 3-10 p.m.
Saturdays, 12-7 p.m. Sundays
Website:
www.fontaflora.com
Open since: 2013
828-879-3202
Address: 1350 Woodmill

Lane, Vale
704-276-9911
Website:
www.woodmillwinery.com
828-413-1183
Granite Falls Brewing

Location: 47 Duke Street,
Granite Falls
828-212-1222
Hours: 4-10 p.m. Mondays,

11 a.m.-10 p.m. TuesdaySaturday.
Website:
granitefallsbrewing.com
Open since: 2013
President: Mario Mastroeli
Brewmaster: Zach Hart
Food: Yes
Howard Brewing
Location: 1001 West Ave
NW, Lenoir
828-572-4449
Hours: 5-10 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday
Website:
www.startabrewmance.com
Owner: Jason Howard
Lake Norman
Brewing Company
Location: 159 Barley Park
Lane, Mooresville
704-660-1182
Hours: 4-7 p.m. Thursday,

4:30-8 p.m. Friday,
2-8 p.m. Saturday
Website:
lakenormanbrewingcompany.com
Open since: 2104

Owners: Mike and
Andy Prascak
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CVCC Show Choir
This group performs
concerts each year, including
a Christmas Concert, a
Valentine Dinner Theatre
and a Spring Spectacular.
Choreographed Broadway,
movie musicals and other
musical styles are featured.
828-327-7000
Website:
www.cvcc.edu
Catawba Valley Players

This group performs
several full-length theatrical
productions each year.
Also offers exposure to all
aspects of theatre, including
acting, writing, technical,
stage building, makeup,
costume, music and improv.
828-327-7000
From This Day Forward

This historic drama depicts
the plight of the Waldensians
in the Italian Alps and
their eventual arrival and
settlement in Valdese
in 1893.
Address: 401 Church St NW,
Valdese
828-879-2126
Website:
www.oldcolonyplayers.com
Hickory Community
Theatre
This group provides quality
comedies, musicals and
dramas performed in the
beautiful Charles E. Jeffers
Theatre and downstairs in
the more intimate
Firemens Kitchen.
Address: 30 3rd Street NW,
Hickory
828-328-2283
Website:
www.hickorytheatre.org
Hickory Museum of Art

Founded in 1944, this is the
second-oldest art museum in
the state. Enjoy works from
the permanent collection, as
well as traveling exhibitions,
art classes, workshops, tours
and lectures.
Hickory
828-327-8576
Website:
hickorymuseumofart.org
open to the public. LenoirRhyne Playmakers The

Playmakers offer a main
stage production in
November and April, and
a February presentation
alternating yearly between
childrens theatre and a
student showcase event.
All plays are staged in the
universitys Belk Centrum.
Address: 625 7th
Avenue NE, Hickory
United Arts Council of

Catawba County
Website:
www.lr.edu
Website:
www.artscatawba.org
The Green Room

Community Theatre
Western
Piedmont Symphony
828-328-7300
Performing in the Old Post

Office Playhouse, this
award-winning community
theatre features a season of
musicals, comedies, dramas
and childrens plays.
Address: 10 S. Main Avenue
828-464-6183
Website:
www.the-green-room.org
37
The Council develops and

advances the cultural life
of Catawba County through
theatre and performing
arts, museums and science
centers, as well as
historical preservation.
Hickory
828-324-4906
The professional orchestra

presents an annual season
of top-notch symphonic
music featuring guest
artists who are stars of
classical music.
Hickory
828-324-8603
Website:
www.wpsymphony.org
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Summer Theatre
Performances in late July
and early August at the
Belk Centrum each year
include dramas, comedies
and musicals. Performing
Arts LRU offers a concert
series, art exhibits, lectures,
a visiting writers series and
a cinematheque film series
The Kay Schmucker Team

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828-302-3073
laraholbrok@earthlink.net
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828-381-8693
kayschmucker@earthlink.net
Informed Dynamic Duo Experienced
Results for YOU! Buying or Selling
www.KaySchmucker.com
38 Explore 2015
Historic Area
Attractions
Balls Creek Campground
Constructed in 1853 the
campground and its many
tents are listed on the
National Register of Historic
Places. Camp meeting takes
place in mid August.
Address: 2100 Buffalo Shoals
Road, Catawba
Website:
ballscreekcampground.org
Bunker Hill Covered Bridge

Built in 1894, one of only two
remaining original covered
bridges in the state, and a
National Civil Engineering
Landmark as the only
remaining example in the
world of General Herman
Haupts truss design.
Address: Old US Highway 70,
Claremont
828-465-0383
Website:
www.catawbahistory.org
Catawba County
Historical Association
Preserves several historic
sites, sponsors educational
programs, maintains
extensive archives, and
publishes to the areas

rich history.
Address: 30 North College
Ave, Newton
828-465-0383
Website:
Catawba County Museum

of History
Permanent exhibits in the
adaptively reused 1924
courthouse include a rare
British Revolution-era red
coat, a 1930s racing car, and
fine collections of locally
crafted historical furniture
and pottery.
Address: 30 North College
Ave, Newton
Mart, 2220 US Highway 70

SE, Hickory
800-322-3510
Website:
www.hickoryfurniture.com
Caldwell Heritage Museum

Dedicated to preserving
and presenting the history
of Caldwell County, North
Carolina, primarily through
two dozen permanent
exhibits and rotating
special exhibits.
Address: 112 Vaiden St., SW,
Lenoir
828-758-4004
Website:
caldwellheritagemuseum.org
828-465-0383
Firefighters Museum of
Catawba County
Catawba Valley
Furniture Museum
Equipment and photos

dating back to the 1900s, an
exhibit hall and six fire trucks
(including a 1986 American
LaFrance pumper). Open
Saturday and Sunday only.
Address: 3957 Herman Sipe
Road, Conover
Website:
Trace the roots of the

furniture industry in Catawba
Valley. Tour the authentic
reproduction of an early
Catawba woodworking shop
and see the collection of
vintage tools and furnishings.
Address: Hickory Furniture
828-466-0911
Fort Defiance
A historic restoration of
the 18th century home
of General William Lenoir.
Open April through October;
tour and group picnics are
available.
Address: 4551 Fort Defiance
Drive, Lenoir
828-758-1671
Website:
fortdefiancenc.org
Harper House - Hickory

History Center
The Harper House boasts the
finest original Queen Anne
interior styling in the state
and welcomes visitors as a
house museum, interpreting
Hickory history through the
numerous significant families
who lived there and Victorian
life in the South, circa
1887, the date of the
houses construction.
Address: 310 North Center
Street, Hickory
828-324-7294
Website:
catawbahistory.org
Hickory Landmarks Society

Promoting cultural
awareness of architecture
in the community, while
preserving historic sites
and neighborhoods, the
Landmarks Societys
restored structures are
open to the public. Also
holds an annual home
and garden tour.
Address: 542 2nd Street NE,
Hickory
828-322-4731
Website:
www.hickorylandmarks.org
Hiddenite Center
Maple Grove
Located in a turn-of-thecentury Victorian home,

visitors can step back in
time to a by-gone era and
see a doll collection from
the 1800s, native gems and
minerals, and an art gallery.
Address: 316 Hiddenite
Church Road, Hiddenite
Listed on the National

Register of Historic Places,
Maple Grove, is a restored
Italinate-style house built
in 1883. This is a
self-guided tour.
Address: 542 2nd Street NE,
NC Highway 127 N., Hickory
828-632-6966
Website:
www.hiddenitecenter.com
Historic Newton
Walking Tour
Take a self-guided journey
through the Newton North
Main Avenue historic
district, with 100 historically
significant buildings including
two churches and one
school adaptively reused as
an administrative building
and a civic performance
place.
828-695-4300
Website:
www.newtonnc.gov
Lucas Mansion
The Hiddenite Centers Lucas
Mansion is a restored threestory turn-of-the-century
Victorian house once owned
by James Lucas, known
as Diamond Jim Lucas.
Step back in time as you
enter the first floor of the
home, restored to capture
the era when Diamond Jim
lived there. The second
floor gallery of the mansion
features changing art and
history exhibits. On the
third floor, you can find the
magnificent doll collection
dating from the 1800s,
on loan from the centers
founder, Eileen Sharpe. There
are 550 dolls dating from
pre-Civil War to the present.
Visitors can also enjoy
the local gem and mineral
collection. Hours: 9 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Monday Friday.
Address: 316 Hiddenite
828-632-6966
828-322-4731
Website:
Murrays Mill
This historic complex has
four restored buildings
that allow you to see
and experience life and
commerce as it was
generations ago. John
Murray House, placid pond,
mill dam, original one-ton
French Buhr millstones
and dont miss Murray
Minges General Store. Best
time to visit: September 24
and 25 is the Harvest Folk
Festival, which includes
bee keeping, a petting zoo,
apple cider making, pottery
and wood carving, tours of
the house and mill, Civil War
re-enactments and much,
much more. The Harvest Folk
Festival is held during regular
mill hours of operation and
cost is $5 per person and 10
and younger admitted free.
Hours: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5
p.m., Sundays 1 p.m.
to 5 p.m.
Address: 1489 Murrays Mill
Road, Catawba
828-465-0383
Website:
Old St. Pauls

Lutheran Church
This weather-boarded, twostory log church was built in

1757 and remains one of the
oldest existing churches in
North Carolina. Open to the
public for Sunday afternoon
tours April through October.
Address: 2035 Old Conover
Road, Newton
828-464-9786
Website:
www.oldstpaulslutheran.org
Propst House
The J. Summie Propst House,
built between 1881 and
1883, is the only example of
the Second Empire style in
Hickory. The focal point of
the house is the three-stage
central tower with its own
mansard roof and sawn work
fan ornamentation, as well
as simple mantels and doors
and window surrounds on
the second floor.
Address: 547 6th Street NE,
Hickory
828-322-4731
Website:
Waldensian Museum
Explore the history of the
Waldensians and the story
of their settlement in Burke
Countys Town of Valdese
in one of the states top 10
museums according to Our
State Magazine.
Address: 208 Rodoret Street
SE, Valdese
828-874-1111
Website:
waldensianpresbyterian.org
Waldensian Trail of Faith
39
Explore a stone fortress

and secret cave as the
Waldensian history unfolds,
including tours of several
historical structures.
Address: 401 Church Street
NW, Valdese
828-874-1893 or
800-635-4778
Website:
waldensiantrailoffaith.org
40 Explore 2015
Greater Hickory Outdoors
The Hickory Metro region

features a number
of beautiful park and
recreational facilities for
your enjoyment. For more
information on these parks
and others, please call the
Hickory Metro Convention
and Visitors Bureau at
828-322-1335
Bakers Mountain Park

Bakers Mountain Park, the
highest point in Catawba
County at 1,780 feet,
features 189 acres of mature
chestnut oak forest with
nearly six miles of trail to
explore. You will experience
a variety of wildlife and
plants that are native to the
North Carolina mountains.
Come and explore the
beauty and diversity of
Catawba Countys natural
heritage at Bakers
Mountain Park.
Address: 6680 Bakers
Mountain Road, Hickory
828-324-8461
Catawba Meadows
Catawba Meadows offers
greenway access, boating
access, baseball complex,
pavilion shelter, batting
cages, canoe, bike, rafting
rental shop.
Address: Greenlee Ford
Road, Morganton,
828-438-5350
Civitan Park
Featuring a picnic shelter
with tables and grills, two
tennis courts, an outdoor
basketball court, lighted

softball and football field,
playground, rest rooms and
a concession stand.
Address: 460 17th Ave NE,
Hickory
Geitner-Rotary Park
Features an activity building,
picnic shelter with tables
and grills, gazebo, paved
bikeway, walking and nature
trails, boat dock and ramp,
fishing pier and rest rooms.
Address: 2035 12th Street Dr
NW, Hickory
Glenn Hilton, Jr.

Memorial Park
Featuring five picnic
shelters with tables and
grills, two playgrounds, rest
rooms, gazebo, lighted and
paved walking trail, nature
boardwalk, 18-hole disc
golf course, canoe launch,
horseshoe pits and
memorial garden.
Address: 2000 6th Street
NW, Hickory
828-322-7046
Hickory City Park
Kiwanis Park
Featuring a picnic shelter

with tables and grills,
eight lighted tennis courts,
walking, fitness and nature
trails, bikeway and
rest rooms.
Drive NW, Hickory
This park features two picnic

shelters with tables and
grills, tennis court, outdoor
basketball court, four
lighted baseball fields, two
playgrounds, horseshoe pits,
walking trail, rest rooms and
two concession stands.
SE, Hickory
J. E. Broyhill Park
The City of Lenoir operates
this park located downtown
on Ridge Street. It is the site
of a nationally recognized
outdoor sculpture
competition sponsored
each year by Caldwell
Arts Council.
Address: 509 Ridge Street,
Lenoir
828-757-2187
Jacobs Fork Park

This park consists of two
softball fields, bleachers,
dugouts, a concession
building, rest rooms and
paved parking lots.
Address: 3730 NC Highway
10 West, Newton
Henry Fork River Regional

Recreational Park
828-695-4317
This beautiful park includes a

picnic shelter with table and
grills, seven soccer fields,
Alpine Tower ropes course,
two playgrounds, rest rooms,
paved walking trail and
canoe launch.
Address: 5677 Sweet Bay
Lane, Hickory
Park features an outdoor

basketball court, lighted
softball field, playground
equipment and rest rooms.
Drive NW, Hickory
828-322-2671
Jaycee Park
828-322-7046
828-322-7636
Lake Hickory
Fisherman and recreational
boaters will enjoy the more
than 4,000 acres of water.
Lake Hickory has to offer.
The lake has more than a
dozen public access areas,
including Glenn C. Hilton
Park, John Geitner Park
and Riverbend Park.
Lake James State Park

Located in Burke and
McDowell counties, Lake
James is a scenic beauty.
The lake and the area
around it offer something
for just about every outdoor
enthusiast. Lake James
State Park offers camping,
hiking, kayaking, canoeing,
swimming and other
outdoor activities.
Address: 6883 NC 126, Nebo
828-584-7728
Website:
www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks
Matheson Park
Matheson Park is a sevenacre family park with
playground equipment,
cookout facilities, sheltered
eating areas, rest rooms,
volleyball area and a
walking trail.
Address: Matheson Park
Avenue, Taylorsville
828-632-2218
waterfalls and cascades,

as well as camping, picnic
areas and fishing. From
equestrian camping to trout
fishing, mountain biking to
picnicking, the park offers
a number of activities for
nature lovers.
Address: 3001 South
Mountain Park Avenue,
Connelly Springs
828-433-4772
McGalliard Falls Park
Southside Park
McGalliard Falls Park offers

a beautiful waterfall, Grist
Mill, group picnic shelter
and playground.
Address: Valdese
A 27-acre park featuring

group picnic shelters,
amphitheater, concession
and rest room facilities,
playground area, informal
ball field, volleyball court,
horseshoe pits, one-mile
walking trail and an open
area for activities.
Address: South on US
Highway 321, Newton
828-879-2132
River Bend Park

River Bend Park was
designed to preserve the
existing natural beauty of
the area. The 475-acre scenic
park features walking,
horseback and riding trails,
fishing rafting, canoeing and
wildlife observation decks.
16 N, Conover
828-256-9157
Rocky Face Mountain

Recreational Area
Once a quarry operation,
Rocky Face offers a paved
walking track, hiking trails
along quarry cliffs, rock
climbing for qualified
climbers, geocaching, picnic
shelter and rest rooms.
Address: 3451 Rocky Face
828-632-1093
South Mountain State Park

The parks 100,000 acres
offers hiking, horseback
and bike riding along more
than 40 miles of mountain
trails. South Mountain
also offers numerous
828-465-7496
Stanford Park
and Highland
Recreation Center
The park consists of 25
acres with a three-field adult
softball/baseball complex,
outdoor skate park and
basketball court, picnic
shelter, two playgrounds and
a paved walking trail.
Drive NE, Hickory
828-322-7046
Steele Creek Park

Steele Creek features a cool
mountain creek, sandy white
beaches, a high diving board,
giant water slide, swimming
area, full camping hook ups,
putt putt course, fishing, grill,
game room and picnic area.
181 North, Morganton
828-433-5660
T. H. Broyhill Walking Park

Managed by the Lenoir Parks
and Recreation Department,
this 0.43-mile paved
walking park is surrounded
by an oriental-inspired
botanical garden with a lake,
waterfowl, trees and flowers.
Public rest rooms available.
Address: 945 SW Lakewood
Circle SW, Lenoir
828-757-2165
41
for schoolchildren to learn

more about soil, water,
wildlife, timber and forest
management.
Address: 3420 Playmore
Beach Road, Lenoir
828-757-5608
Upper Catawba River

Canoe Trail
Trail starts at the Linville
Access at Lake James and
continues to Lookout
Shoals Access near
Lookout Shoals Dam.
The Ivey Arboretum

in Carolina Park
A collection of over 400
labeled species of native
and rare trees and shrubs
within a three-acre park.
Self-guided and guided
tours available.
Address: 125 3rd Street
NE, Hickory
828-323-7500
Tuttle State Park

Tuttle is a 290-acre
forestland managed by
the NC Division of Forest
Resources and the Tuttle
Forest Foundation and
includes a variety of pines
and hardwoods plus a
rolling terrain accessible by
a series of trails accented
with exhibits and displays
which explain the ecology
of the forest. Forest rangers
conduct classes and guide
tours especially created
828-464-0405
Wilson Creek, National Wild

and Scenic River
One of Caldwell Countys
most scenic wilderness
areas with fast-moving
mountain streams
originating at the base of
Grandfather Mountain.
Located in Collettsville and
part of Pisgah National
Forest, Wilson Creek is a
favorite destination for
kayakers because of its
beauty and white-water
rapids. The area is also
accessible to swimmers
and hikers. The Wilson
Creek Visitor Center is open
April through November
and provides information
about the different activities
available on Wilson Creek as
well as history of the Wilson
Creek area. Swimming,
icals
Phys hysicals
p
Cam ports P ms
ol S
Exa
Scho llness
e
W
Call Our Office To Schedule Your Appointment!

Jerry K Froedge, MD, FAAP
Kelly B Bridgeman, MD, FAAP
Kiran C Harrill, MD, FAAP
Joy S Lowry, MD, FAAP

W Mark Barrett, MD, FAAP
828-322-2550
240 18th Street Circle, S.E. | Unifour Medical Commons | Hickory, NC 28602
Church
42 Explore 2015
canoeing, fishing, camping
and hiking are available.
Address: 7805 Brown
Mountain Beach Road,
Collettsville
828-759-0005
Winkler Park
Winkler Park has picnic
shelters equipped with
tables and grills, playground
equipment, rest room,
nature trails and
horseshoe pits.
Address: 2500 Clement
Boulevard, Hickory
828-322-7046
Zahra Baker All Childrens

Playground at Kiwanis Park
The playground transformed
a Hickory city park into a
vibrant spot for children
to slide, climb, swing and
play. The playground was
built with an outpouring
of support, both in cash
donations and volunteer
hours, as the community
rallied around the memory of
young Zahra Baker.
SE, Hickory
Apostolic
Directory
Great Hope Missionary
Baptist Church
119 Fox Road, SE, Conover
Heavenly Dove Tabernacle of 828-466-0022

Apostolic Faith
Greater Faith Missionary
139 Lenoir-Rhyne
Blvd., SE, Hickory
Baptist Church
828-396-1252
3147 12th Ave., SE, Hickory
Baptist
Calvary Baptist Church
201 S. Main Ave., Newton
828-464-1631
East First Street

Baptist Church
703 E First St., Newton
828-464-5417
Eastside Baptist Church

725 E. 11th St., Newton
828-428-3722
Emmanuel Baptist
1405 Emmanuel Church Rd.,

Conover
828-465-1930
First Baptist Church

339 Second
Ave., NW, Hickory
828-328-2031
First Baptist Church
501 NC Blvd., Newton
828-464-0952
Gospel Light
Baptist Church
1824 Mount Olive

Church Rd., Newton
828-465-2226
828-465-4554
Harvest Baptist Church
3205 Zion Church Road,

Hickory
704-462-0908
Highland Baptist Church
828 Ninth Ave., NE., Hickory
828-328-2683
Lakeview Baptist Church
4080 N. Center St., Hickory
828-324-8085
Liberty Hill Missionary

Baptist Church
3115 Liberty Hill Church

Road, Claremont
Tabernacle Baptist Church

1225 29th Avenue
Drive, NE, Hickory
828-324-9936
Terrell Baptist Church
4146 Slanting Bridge Road,

Sherrills Ford
828-478-1141
Tri-City Baptist Church
1409 NC HWY 16 N, Conover
828-465-6644
Trinity Baptist Church
725 w 13th St., Newton
828-464-2160
Viewmont Baptist Church
1246 Second St., NE., Hickory
828-322-6732
West Hickory
Baptist Church
40 12th St., NW., Hickory
828-327-4286
828-459-9500
Woodlawn Baptist Church
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
828-464-6921
416 Second Ave., SE.,

Hickory
828-328-6628
New Life Baptist

Fellowship Church
2952 N. Oxford St.,

Claremont
828-459-1625
Pleasant Grove
Baptist Church
2070 Shiloh Road, Claremont
828-241-5193
440 Seventh Street

Place, SW, Conover
Catholic
St. Aloysius
Catholic Church
921 Second St., NE, Hickory
828-327-2341
Episcopal
St. Albans
Episcopal Church
130 39th Avenue Place,

NW, Hickory
828-324-1351
Episcopal Church
of the Epiphany
750 W 13th St., Newton
828-464-1876
Church of the
Ascension Episcopal
726 1st Ave NW, Hickory
828-328-5393
Jehovahs
Witness
Jehovahs Witnesses
1403 NC 16 HWY, Newton
828-465-2194
Kingdom Hall of
Jehovahs Witnesses
750 21st Street Drive, SE,

Hickory
828-327-2558
Latter-day
Saints
Beth Eden Lutheran Church
400 N Main Ave., Newton
828-464-3331
Bethel Lutheran Church
5759 Bolick Road, Claremont
828-459-7378
Bethany Lutheran Church

1644 Main Avenue
Drive, NW, Hickory
828-322-5002
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
828-256-2970
828-322-2981
2160 35th Avenue Drive, NE.,

Hickory
Our Savior
Lutheran Church
629 Eighth St., NE, Hickory
St. James
Lutheran Church
Old St. Pauls

Lutheran Church
1940 Saint James

Church Rd., Newton
St. Marks
Lutheran Church
2035 Old Conover-Startown

Road, Newton
828-464-9786
324 Second Ave., SE.,

Hickory
3216 W. Main St., Claremont
Concordia Lutheran Church
St. Stephens
Lutheran Church
216 Fifth Ave., SE., Conover
828-464-3324
Faith Evangelical
Lutheran Church
439 7th Street

Place, SW, Conover
828-464-3804
Holy Trinity
Lutheran Church
547 Sixth St., NW., Hickory
828-322-2536
Messiah Lutheran Church
3510 Main Avenue

Drive, NW, Hickory
828-328-1363
Mt. Zion Lutheran Church
828-465-2484
Sardis Lutheran Church
4420 County Home Road,

Conover
503 Thornburg Drive, SE,

Conover
828-256-2123
Lutheran
6103 NC 10 W., Hickory
523 16th St., SE, Hickory
St. Andrews
Lutheran Church
Christ Lutheran Church

828-328-1483
43
6175 St. Peters Church Road,

Conover
828-495-7462
828-464-1953
828-327-3600
St. Peters
Lutheran Church
1011 Shiloh Church Road,

Hickory
1686 Sixth St., SE, Hickory
Church of Jesus Christ

Latter-day Saints
Augustana Lutheran Church
Shiloh Lutheran Church
828-459-2161
2304 Springs Road, Hickory
828-256-9865
Unity Evangelical
Lutheran Church
3025 Falling Creek Road,

Hickory
828-324-1533
Zion Lutheran Church
1911 Zion Church Road,

Mountain View
828-294-2532
LIFETRANSITIONS
treating the person, not just an illness
We help
manage
chronic
illnesses
that limit
daily
activities.
704-462-2081
Call for a
consultation
today.
828.464.9459
YourLifeTransitions.org
44 Explore 2015
Methodist
Bethlehem United
Methodist Church
3214 Catawba St., Claremont
828-459-7480
Catawba United
Methodist Church
207 E. Central Ave., Catawba
828-241-4868
St. Johns United

Methodist Church
Browns Chapel
828-256-2794
Christ Alive Church
2805 Kool Park Rd, NE,

Hickory
St. Lukes United

Methodist Church
52 16th Ave., NW., Hickory
828-327-9837
St. Pauls United

Methodist Church
Concord United
Methodist Church
103 S. Ervin Ave., Newton
828-478-3110
437 S. Center St., Hickory
7618 Monbo Road, Catawba
First United
Methodist Church
311 Third Ave., NE, Hickory
828-322-6058
First United Methodist
410 First Ave., N, Conover
828-464-4635
Friendship United
Methodist Church
2900 NC 16 S, Newton
828-464-5408
Hartzell Memorial United

Methodist Church
465 S. Center St., Hickory
828-324-2209
Highland United
Methodist Church
1020 12th Street Place, NE,

Hickory
828-327-8066
Mt. Bethel United

Methodist Church
9042 NC HWY 127 N, Hickory
828-464-5416
St. Paul AME Zion Church

828-327-0623
Wesley Chapel United

Methodist Church
828-465-5483
Christian Community
Outreach Ministries
870 Eigth St., NE, Hickory
828-328-1803
Church of God Seventh Day
828-322-9382
Moravian
828-294-4802
Other
316 Christian
Community Church
1406 Second Street

Drive, SW, Hickory
Mt. Olin AME Zion
Brittain Ministries
323 Third St., NW, Hickory
828-327-8888
1385 33rd St., SE, Conover
704-325-3185
Freedom Assembly Church
691 Ninth St., NW, Hickory
828-304-4000
Fresh Oil Ministries
139 Lenoir-Rhyne Blvd., SE,

Hickory
Church of the Nazarene

828-294-0640
828-464-8482
3404 S NC 127, Hickory
Clinton Tabernacle
828-327-9070
2968 Hughey Drive, Newton
828-464-5074
Exodus Missionary
1763 Highland Ave., NE,

Hickory
828-327-7482
Tabernacle Church
New Hope Moravian Church Faith
1429 14th Ave., NE, Hickory
2897 Sandy Ford Road,
Newton
Freedom Biker Church
Glendale Street Church

of Christ
Covenant Christian Church
1309 First Ave., SW, Hickory
349 33rd St., SW, Hickory
828-855-9191
828-855-2118
828-465-4035
West View United

Methodist Church
704-462-2236
First Hmong Alliance Church
1190 Mckay Road, Newton
492 Catawba Valley Blvd.,

Hickory
828-322-7684
828-464-8755
1549 SW Blvd., Newton
2613 Wesley Chapel Road,

Newton
828-495-8941
2583 Smyre Farm Road,

Newton
1346 Brown Chapel Road,

Catawba
828-241-3158
828-327-0085
First Assembly of God
1301 12th Street Drive, NW,

Hickory
915 Glendale St., Newton
Gospel Hall
253 17th Ave., NE, Hickory
828-324-2118
Harvest Bible Chapel
3240 Sixth Street Drive, NW,

Hickory
Hickory Bible Tabernacle

2751 Robinson Road,
Newton
828-294-0633
Iglesia Evangelica
Cristiana Espiritual
942 Second Street
Place, SW, Hickory
Marketplace Church
2936 HWY 127 S, Hickory
828-322-2040
828-330-4466
First Advent
Christian Church
New Heights
Holiness Church
314 14th Ave., SW, Hickory
828-322-1732
828-327-7742
First Christian Church
New Horizon Ministries
1272 Long Drive, Newton
828-466-3311
2309 Emmanuel Church Rd,

Conover
828-466-2233
Newton First Assembly
801 Mount Olive Church Rd,

Newton
828-466-7733
Reflection Church
828-328-1205
Rehoboth Family
Worship Center
629 Second Ave., SW.,

Hickory
828-322-5965
Resolution Church
3165 NC HWY 10 E,
Claremont
828-514-5033
Resurrection Cathedral
for Christ
318 Herman Sipe Road,
Conover
828-464-3034
Resurrection
International Church
2010 Clement Blvd., NW,

Hickory
828-324-5372
St. Marks Anglican Church
1007 15th Ave., NW, Hickory
828-324-8263
The Favor Center
203 First Ave., SE., Hickory
828-325-4773
The Heavenly
Dove Tabernacle
531 Second Ave., SW, Hickory
828-323-1937
Unifour Christian
Fellowship Church
2257 Old Conover-Startown

Road, Newton
828-466-7400
Victory in Jesus
Racing Ministries
4905 Jeffrey Lane, Conover
828-256-2194
Vintage City Church

2425 N. Center St.
#154, Hickory
828-209-8950
Pentecostal
Sherrills Ford
Presbyterian Church

Sherrills Ford
828-478-2748
Reformed
Corinth Reformed Church
150 16th Ave., NW., Hickory
828-328-6196
Sovereign Grace Reformed

Catawba Valley Pentecostals 613
Third Ave., NE, Hickory
1022 Smyre Farm Road,
Newton
828-464-8899
First Pentecostal
Holiness Church
1500 NW Blvd., Newton
828-466-1634
828-381-8008
St. Pauls Reformed Church
3562 Startown Road, Newton
828-465-0931
Shekinah
Hickory Pentecostal
Holiness Church Parsonage Greater Shekinah
2105 3rd Ave., SE, Hickory
Glory Church
828-324-6491
3066 HWY 127 S., Hickory
828-294-1700
Presbyterian United
Abernethy Memorial United Bethany United

Methodist Church
Church of Christ
111 W 13th St., Newton
828-464-2296
First Presbyterian Church

701 N. Main Ave., Newton
828-464-0648
New Vision
Presbyterian Church
502 Thornburg
Drive, NE., Conover
828-464-1330
Faith United Church

of Christ
204 19th Ave., SW, Hickory
828-327-2572
Grace Reform
United Church of Christ
117 E J St., Newton
828-464-4421
Smyrna United Church

of Christ

Catawba
828-478-2057
Trinity Reformed United

Church of Christ
217 Second
Ave., NE, Conover
828-464-8226
Universalist
Unitarian Universalist Church

of Catawba Valley
833 Fifth St., SE., Hickory
828-328-5457
Wesleyan
Bethel Wesleyan Church
2952 Bethany Church Road,

Claremont
1616 Wilkes Grove Road,

Hickory
828-781-8919
828-328-4221
Bethel United Church

of Christ
Sandy Ridge
Wesleyan Church
4547 Bethel Church Road,

Hickory
828-294-1447
Church of the Master United

Church of Christ
2230 29th Avenue Drive, SE.,
Hickory
828-358-7438
45
2330 16th St., NE,

Hickory
828-324-2781
46 Explore 2015
Catawba County
The Great Success Stories
Provided by the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce

Recognized in Business
North Carolina Magazine in
their December 2013 issue
called Lessons Learned.
Catawba Valley opened its
new Corporate Development
Center in 2013 that houses
the Small Business Center,
the Workforce Development
Innovation Center and
the robotics and
mechatronics lab.
CVCC was chosen by the
Kauffman Foundation as one
of three community colleges
in the country for a pilot
project called Innovation
Fund North Carolina.
Manufacturing Solutions
Center opens in 2013, which
creates more than $1 billion
in direct economic impact
for its customers.
$1 billion Apple
announcement in Maiden
was largest business
investment in state history.
Major expansions and
job creators for 2013
include: HSM Solutions,
Lee Industries, Cargo
Transporters, CR Laine
Furniture, Ethan Allen,
Convergys and Interstate
Foam. GKN Driveline
announces it will create 228
jobs. Transportation Insight
announces it will locate its
corporate campus in Hickory
and add at least 50 new jobs.
Conover Station is built. For
every dollar Conover spent,
the facility received nearly

$9 back in grants, public and
private investment.
Furniture made in Hickory
is in the White House, the
Governors Mansion and the
homes of Tina Fey, LeAnn
Rimes and Blake Shelton.
Hickory Metros
manufacturing workforce is
the largest in both Carolinas
and eighth nationally.
Local corporate giants
Corning, Commscope and
Prysmian account for nearly
half of the worlds fiber optic
cable production.
Last year, the EcoComplex
produced 18,952 megawatt
hours of electricity from
landfill gas. This is enough
electricity for about
1,400 houses.
Longview Yarns partnered
with Ralph Lauren to
produce the dyed yarn for
the U.S. Olympic Teams
sweaters for the official
Opening Ceremonies. They
also dyed the yarn for Team
USAs official Teddy Bears.
At the Hickory Metro
Convention Center, 87,000
attendees attended events.
A new parking deck will add
157 new parking spaces.
The Hickory Crawdads will
host the 2014 South Atlantic
League All-Star game. Itll be
the third time it has hosted
the game.
Conover hosts the Greater

Hickory Kia Classic, one of
only 26 Champions Tour
events in the world.
played in the NCAA Division
II national championship
game, which was televised
live on ESPN2. The Bears had
the most rushing yards of
any NCAA team ever and the
second-best winning season
record.
opened in 1951 and is the
oldest professional sports
venue in Catawba County.
Famous folks from
Catawba County, to name a
few: Ryan Succup (kicker for
the Kansas City Chiefs), Jon
Reep (winner of NBCs Last
Comic Standing), Rick Barnes
(head basketball coach
at Texas), Chris Hughes
(co-founder of Facebook)
and Dale and Ned Jarrett
(NASCAR legends).
has 2,000 students on three
campuses in two states.
It also has the fifth largest
endowment among N.C.
private schools.
The Catawba Science
Center had 53,000 students
participate in programs and
field trips from 24 different
counties. A total of 132,000
visitors walked through
the doors.
The Green Room

Community Theatre serviced
30,000 people last year
audience members, actors,
volunteers and students
attending school field trips.
The Hickory Museum of Art
sees 40,000 people annually.
The Hickory Choral Society
has about 120 singers from
10 counties.
The Hickory Community
Theatre recently completed
a $1.25 million renovation.
The Western Piedmont
Symphony is the largest
employer of professional
artists in the region.
Eugene Brown, the founder
and executive director of
Exodus Homes, had his life
story depicted by Cuba
Gooding Jr. in the movie,
Life of a King.
Frye Regional Medical
Centers heart center is
the only hospital within 48
hours of Hickory to have full
cardiology service and onsite heart surgery 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week.
Catawba Valley Medical
Center operates without
funding from county
taxpayers and absorbs
$16 million in charity costs
annually. The new Level III
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
is the only unit of this type
in the region.
Hickory motor speedway guide
Hickory Motor Speedway,

in its 64th year of racing,
is called Birthplace of the
NASCAR Stars and The
Worlds Most Famous Short
Track for good reason.
HMSs rich history began
when Gwyn Staley won the
tracks first race and became
the first track champion
in 1951.
Big-time drivers Ned Jarrett,
Junior Johnson, Ralph
Earnhardt, Harry Gant, Sam
Ard and Jack Ingram were all
track champions. Other track
luminaries include Morgan
Shepherd; Bob and Robert
Pressley; Tommy, Andy
and Marty Houston; Shane
Huffman; 1994 national
short-track champion Dexter
Canipe Sr.; five-time NASCAR
Dash Series champion

Robert Huffman; Dennis
Setzer and many others.
Hall-of-fame driver Tim Flock

won the first Cup race
then called Grand National
at the track in 1953, and
Tiny Lund won the last Cup
race run there in 1953. Along
the way, all-time greats like
Herb Thomas, Lee Petty, Rex
White, David Pearson, Junior
Johnson, Bobby Isaac and
many more won NASCAR
Cup races at Hickory.
The NASCAR-sanctioned
track also hosted the
NASCAR Busch Series
now Nationwide Series
from 1982 until 1998, and
some of the series all-time
greats won there.
On Saturday nights from

mid-March through October
fans will witness spectacular
racing action featuring
the NASCAR Whelen AllAmerican Series (Late
Models), plus the Limited
Late Models, Street Stocks,
Renegades, 4-Cylinders and
Super Trucks. This year, the
ZLOOP Challenge features
10 100-lap Late Model races
that pay extra for each
race and a separate
ZLOOP championship.
In recent years, HMS has also

hosted a variety of touring
series events, among them
the UARA-Stars, the NASCAR
Whelen Southern Modified
Tour, the PASS Super Late
Model Series and ISCARS.
Also on this years
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47
schedule is the Knights

of Destructions
Crash-A-Rama series.
The track in Newton is the
oldest professional sporting
venue in Catawba County
and has been credited as
the longest continually
operating motor speedway
in the country.
HMS is fully equipped with
three concession stands,
a souvenir stand, six large
restroom areas and three
enclosed climate-controlled
suites. The speedway also
has RV parking available for
those race fans who are
looking to camp out on the
grounds of the nostalgic
short track.
SPRING IS THE
TIME FOR PLANS
& PROJECTS,
Nw is he e
t rmodl!
NEW LOCATION!
2053 US Hwy 70 SE Hickory, NC
828-327-9947
www.sunrise-appliance.com
48 Explore 2015
HICKORY METRO AREAS LARGEST FORD DEALER

CATAWBA COUNTYS ONLY FORD DEALER
BY FAR, BEST SELECTION
ONE
SOLD EVERY 43 SECONDS.
Thats About How Long It Takes For A New One To Get Put To Work.
888-683-7320
1241 Highway 70 East
Hickory, NC 28602
CloningerFordofHickory.com

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1 Explore 2015

More heart specialists means more

The heart of the community.

A product of The Hickory Daily Record

Welcome to Catawba County

Performing & Cultural Arts

Once a furniture and textiles mecca,

sales, improve quality and improve

The Catawba River flows through

A product of The Hickory Daily Record

Murrays Mill Historic District will

Source: 2013 U.S. Census Bureau

January 2015: 5.8%

The area also boasts a golf club

(Age 25 and Over)

can check out the action at Hickory

Source: American Communities Survey

0.53 per $100 valuation

Persons below Poverty Level:

Source: NC Dept. of Commerce

We shop more insurance companies to save you more.

Health Life Home Auto

2329 Springs Road NE | Hickory | www.gardnergroup.org

Mayor Rudy Wright

Ward 4: Hank Guess

Ward 1: Brad Lail

Ward 5: David Zagaroli

Ward 2: Bruce Meisner

Ward 6: Jill Patton

Ward 3: Danny Seaver

The City of Hickorys brand

improvement of overall quality

Hickory Museum of Art, Hickory

A product of The Hickory Daily Record

Mayor Pro Tem, Mary Bess Lawing

Mary Bess Lawing

While Hickory might be

The city offers WiFi

Robert C. Abernethy Jr.

Hiking Rock Climbing Picnicking Beautiful Views

Mayor Lee E. Moritz

Mayor Pro Tem Kyle J. Hayman

For every dollar Conover spent

A product of The Hickory Daily Record

City officials say Claremont

Claremont Hardware & Farm Supply,

Dale D.B. Setzer

Longview has its roots

Long View is a solid, working class

town, business signs frequently

and towns within those counties.

A product of The Hickory Daily Record

Located in the southernmost portion of

The town is also home to Getrag Gears of

Department that offers a wide range

Walking along the streets of

1873, the federal style building

A product of The Hickory Daily Record

1580 32nd St. SW,

21 16th Ave. NW,

302 28th Avenue NE,

Hickory Career and

Celebrating 20 years of classical

1234 Third St. NE,

451 Catawba Valley Blvd SE,

2620 Balls Creek Road,

7651 West N.C. 10 Highway,