Hickory Raises the Bar

This North Carolina city is building buzz with craft beer, speakeasy cocktails, small-batch spirits, and neighborhood wine shops


Celebrated as the Furniture Capital of the World, Hickory, North Carolina, is crafting a fresh reputation as a lively destination for craft beer, cocktails, and small-batch spirits. At City Walk Brewing & Distilling, visitors find more than a standard tasting room. Hidden behind an understated entrance, the No Entry Cocktail Lounge delivers a speakeasy-style experience with inventive drinks and an intimate atmosphere. Beer lovers can settle in at the tasting room at Olde Hickory Brewery, one of North Carolina’s oldest craft breweries, whose pours are staples at beloved local spots including Olde Hickory Tap Room, Olde Hickory Station, Amos Howards, and McGuire’s Pub. Wine enthusiasts, meanwhile, gather at Hickory Wine Shoppe or nearby Little Birds Corks & More in Newton, where thoughtfully curated bottles and warm conversation create an inviting sense of community. Together, these locally loved establishments showcase a destination where craftsmanship extends well beyond furniture and into every glass.

Map out your Hickory itinerary at VisitHickoryNC.com.