Fairgrove is a small community in Catawba County, North Carolina, technically within the city of Conover, though it lies extremely close to Hickory. Those two cities are considered part of the same metropolitan area northwest of Charlotte. With such a central location, there’s no shortage of fun around Fairgrove.
If you’re a fan of parks, there are plenty nearby. Down the road from Fairgrove, you’ll find playgrounds, picnic shelters, and a splash pad at Conover City Park. Walking trails take you over bridges and onto a wetland designed to treat urban stormwater runoff and provide a sanctuary for wildlife. The city uses that wetland area to educate about water quality and animals.
If you’re more into sports and games, Kiwanis Park might be your better option. It’s packed with a tennis court, outdoor basketball court, four baseball fields, two batting cages, picnic shelters, tables, grills if you bring your food, or two concession stands. The park also has a play space and treehouse accommodating individuals with disabilities.
Another new nature development you may want to check out is the Lyle Creek Greenway. It links up with the 220-mile Carolina Thread Trail. Lyle Creek’s portion offers a 1.5-mile concrete trail with footbridges and plenty of wildlife to see, like deer, rabbits, and squirrels.
And if those weren’t enough outdoor options, you may find yourself drawn to the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds, which hosts weekly farmers markets, along with shows for dogs, antiques, cars and motorcycles, model railroads, gun and weapons collections, and more. Of course, that’s also where the Hickory Fair is held each summer, with rides, performances, demonstrations, and plenty of food.
If you prefer to spend your time indoors, venture a few miles from Fairgrove to the Catawba Science Center. The children’s museum has hands-on exhibits, aquariums with saltwater and freshwater displays, and a digital planetarium.
If the aeronautical interests you more than the nautical, you may instead want to check out the Hickory Aviation Museum. The nonprofit has ever-changing exhibits on aircraft and artifacts from the Golden Age of Aviation. A Wall of Honor memorializes veterans and commemorates those involved with the museum. Display models help educate about how aircraft design has changed through the years, and one particular display honors native North Carolinians. Plus, it’s free to visit.
The Hickory Motor Speedway has been open since 1951; it is known as the “World’s Most Famous Short Track” and the “Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars.” The stock car racing track still hosts races today and is a hot spot for open racing practice. https://hickorymotorspeedway.com/about.php
Mexican is popular in the area if you’re looking for a bite to eat. Walking distance from the track, you’ll find Dos Amigos Mexican Restaurant, with specialty dishes like Costillas de Puerco, pork ribs served with rice, beans, and tortillas, and Pollo con Crema, shredded chicken in a creamy, cheesy sauce. For more seafood-oriented dishes and specialty cocktails, check out Casa Azul Mexican Kitchen.
Another local joint is Souper Bites, a fast, casual Asian fusion restaurant serving up made-to-order dishes like spicy garlic noodles, kimchi bowls, “Soushi” bakes, and tacos with an Asian twist.
Fairgrove may not be well-known, but as you can see, it’s a wonderful place to be. With so many fantastic options for things to do, places to see, and food to eat, there’s no need to venture far. The same is true of pest control: you don’t need to look to gigantic corporations or go with an out-of-town company that doesn’t know your community. At Ease Pest Solutions has a location in nearby
Troutman, and we are owned and operated by U.S. veterans who care about the well-being of our community. Contact us today for an estimate.
