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Hudson Con 2026: The Small-Town Comic Convention That Keeps Getting Bigger

Posted on June 14, 2026June 15, 2026 by Emily

Something most people wouldn’t guess about me is that I absolutely love comic conventions.

Back in college, I spent a week at San Diego Comic-Con conducting a field study on aggressive marketing tactics (yes, really) and even hosted my own panel. Since then, I’ve made the pilgrimage to Dragon Con in Atlanta more times than I can count, wandered through horror conventions, anime conventions, and just about every flavor of nerd gathering in between.

So when I heard that Hudson—a town of roughly 3,700 people—was hosting its own comic convention, I’ll admit I was skeptical.

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Strange Celebrations: Paranormal & Cryptid Festivals of Western North Carolina [Updated 2026]

Posted on April 29, 2026April 30, 2026 by Emily

Every year, thousands of enthusiasts gather across mountain towns to attend festivals dedicated to aliens, ghosts, Bigfoot, and other oddities. Whether you’re a true believer or just a curious traveler looking for an unforgettable weekend, these festivals are worth the trip.

Here’s a guide to some of the best cryptid and paranormal festivals lighting up Western North Carolina.

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This May in the Foothills: A Local Arts + Culture Guide

Posted on April 23, 2026April 23, 2026 by Emily

There’s no shortage of things happening this May—our community is buzzing with art, performance, and experiences that invite you to show up, explore, and take part in something creative. This month feels especially alive with connection, as artists, performers, and neighbors come together to share stories, spark conversation, and celebrate the spaces where creativity and community meet.

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Your Midweek (and Weekend) Farmers Market List

Posted on April 16, 2026May 12, 2026 by Emily

A good farmers market is the cornerstone of any community, especially important in a growing area such as Hickory. Supporting local farmers, makers, and small businesses is part of it, but so is the simple act of showing up and being part of something shared is so desperately needed in this day and age.

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Investing in the Arts: A Growing Community Trend

Posted on April 7, 2026April 7, 2026 by Emily

I’ve written before about some of the changes happening right here in our arts community, and one trend keeps standing out: more and more towns are choosing to invest in their arts and culture.

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Hi, I’m Emily — the creator behind Nothing to Do HKY.

My family and I moved to Western North Carolina in 2021 from the coast, drawn here by the mountains, the slower pace, and the feeling that this was a place meant to be lived in — not just passed through. We now call a six-acre patch of land home between Lenoir, Morganton, and Hickory, where we’re slowly building a life surrounded by gardens, animals, and a deep appreciation for the seasons.

Nothing to Do HKY began as a way to explore our new home, but it’s grown into something more: a love letter to Western North Carolina and the everyday beauty of life here.

This is a place to celebrate backroads and small towns, gardens and trails, local food and community gatherings — the simple, meaningful things that make this region feel like home. My hope is to help both locals and visitors fall in love with where they live (or where they’re visiting), and to see Western North Carolina not just as a destination, but as a way of life.

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