Plant Based Boss-- yummy bowls, sandwiches, smoothies

Tasteful Beans-- coffeehouse with small bites

The Peanut House -- Thai food

Downtown Hickory, around Union Square, is quite charming to walk around and has good ice cream at Carolina Crafted Creamery.

The river walk from Rotary-Geitner Park features a 2.3 mile waterfront trail along the Catawba river.