Hart Square opens its gates for annual fall festival WSOC TV

May 2024 · 2 minute read

Located in Catawba County, Hart Square is the largest collection of original, historical log structures in the U.S. For over 40 years, Dr. Robert Hart, a family physician in Hickory, N.C., has rescued and restored Carolina life of the 19th century, creating an entire village in the rolling countryside.

From corn cribs and barns, to houses and chapels, and even a few outhouses, the Hart Square village has preserved over 90 original structures, all but two originally sited within a 60-mile radius of Hart Square, which is located south of Hickory about 20 minutes by car.

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Each October, on the fourth Saturday, the village opens its gates for a day-long festival featuring over 300 knowledgeable artisans and docents demonstrating and sharing the craftsmanship and subsistence of Carolinas pioneers. Visitors will see everything from flax making, cotton baling, and tinsmithing to apple butter making.

This year, the festival happens on Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets cost $45 and are on sale now. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

>> See vibrant colors on display across the NC mountains

You can also celebrate the holidays at Hart Square during “Christmas in the Village,” happening Dec. 13-16.

Walk through the village by the light of lantern and experience the magic of Christmas in the fully decorated Chapel of Peace. Lessons and Christmas carols will be led by local pastors and accompanied by acoustic music during a candlelight service. After the service guests can gather inside the (heated) Kahill house for warm apple cider, hors d’oeuvres, and holiday treats.

For tickets, click here.

For more information on Hart Square, visit hartsquare.com.

>> See photos from the 2017 Hart Square Village Festival

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