- Hickory at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards is Bristol’s premier destination for elevated Appalachian, farm-to-table cuisine.
- Chef Travis Milton, a James Beard nominee, crafts seasonal menus using estate-grown and local ingredients.
- Guests enjoy breathtaking vineyard views, a 1,700+ bottle wine cellar, and a refined, intimate setting.
- Reservations are highly recommended for brunch and dinner; menus change with the seasons.
- Hickory exemplifies the best of Virginia’s farm-to-table movement and Appalachian culinary revival.
Discover the Heart of Appalachian Dining
What happens when a celebrated chef returns to his Appalachian roots, reimagining the flavors of his childhood with the bounty of a working vineyard? At Hickory restaurant in Bristol VA, every meal is a story, one that begins in the garden and ends with a view you’ll never forget.
Picture this: You’re seated by a window overlooking rolling vineyards, a glass of Nicewonder’s own wine in hand. The aroma of roasted chicken mingles with the scent of fresh herbs from the garden. Chef Travis Milton stops by your table, sharing the story behind the sorghum cake you’re about to enjoy (a recipe inspired by his grandmother, now elevated to a signature dessert). This is more than dinner at one of the best restaurants in Bristol VA. It’s a taste of Appalachian heritage, redefined for today’s discerning diner.
Why Hickory Is Bristol’s Farm-to-Table Gem
Hickory at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards stands out as a beacon of Appalachian fine dining in Bristol, VA. Helmed by Chef Travis Milton, a James Beard award nominee and a leading voice in the Appalachian food revival, the Hickory restaurant menu is a love letter to the region’s traditions, ingredients, and stories.
The restaurant’s farm-to-table philosophy is more than a trend; it’s a way of life, with produce harvested from on-site gardens, meats and cheeses sourced from local farms, and a wine list that celebrates the best of Virginia viticulture.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner, a celebratory brunch in Bristol VA, or a culinary adventure, Hickory delivers an experience that’s both rooted in tradition and refreshingly innovative. The setting (nestled among 13 acres of vineyards and a tranquil lake) offers a sense of escape, while the attentive service and chef-driven menus ensure every visit feels special.
Hickory Restaurant at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Executive Chef | Travis Milton, James Beard nominee |
| Cuisine | Elevated Appalachian, farm-to-table |
| Menu Highlights | Dry-aged steak, tartare, smoked trout dip, sorghum cake |
| Seasonal Specialties | Rotating seasonal dishes, holiday events |
| Hours | Mon–Thu: 7am–9pm (bar 10pm), Fri–Sat: 7am–10pm (bar 11pm), Sun: 7am–9pm (bar 10pm) |
| Reservations | Strongly recommended, online booking available |
| Wine & Cocktails | 1,700+ bottle wine cellar, Nicewonder wines, craft cocktails |
| Setting | Vineyard views, chef’s table, private dining, wine cellar |
| Dietary Options | GF, meatless, vegan, pescatarian clearly marked |
| Recent Recognition | Food & Wine, Forbes Travel Guide, regional press |
What Makes Hickory’s Appalachian Farm-to-Table Experience Unique?
Chef-Driven, Seasonal Menus
Chef Travis Milton’s approach is deeply personal: He draws on Appalachian foodways, using heirloom recipes and local ingredients to create dishes that are both nostalgic and new. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring that every visit offers something fresh.
Key Finding: Hickory’s farm-to-table dining is a living document, updated regularly to reflect the best of each season and the chef’s creative vision.
Estate-Grown and Local Ingredients
Hickory’s commitment to farm-to-table is more than a buzzword. Many ingredients are harvested from Nicewonder’s own gardens and vineyards, while others are sourced from trusted local farms and foragers. This hyperlocal approach supports the community and ensures peak freshness and flavor.
A Setting Like No Other
Dine in the elegant main room, reserve a private space for special occasions, or enjoy a chef’s table experience. Every seat offers a view: of the vineyards, the lake, or the scenic rolling hills. The wine cellar, with over 1,700 bottles, is a destination in itself.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Hickory
What are the current menu highlights at Hickory Restaurant in Bristol VA?
Hickory’s menu is a celebration of Appalachian flavors, with recent highlights including:
- Herb Foccaccia with melted leek butter
- Roma Wedge Salad with pimento blue cheese dressing, bacon, pickled red onion, and cornbread croutons
- Coq Au Vin with braised collard greens and root vegetables
- House Dry-Aged Steak with tallow pomme puree, broccolini, and peppercorn demi-glace
- Sorghum Cake with sticky toffee, pecans, and cream cheese mousse
Menus change seasonally, so guests are encouraged to check the latest offerings online.
What are Hickory’s hours and reservation policies?
| Day | Brunch | Bar Menu | Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon–Thu | 7am–12pm | 4pm–5pm | 5pm–9pm (Bar until 10pm) |
| Fri–Sat | 7am–4pm | 4pm–5pm | 5pm–10pm (Bar until 11pm) |
| Sunday | 7am–4pm | 4pm–5pm | 5pm–9pm (Bar until 10pm) |
Reservations: Strongly recommended for brunch and dinner, especially on weekends and holidays.
How does Hickory fit into the Appalachian and Virginia farm-to-table movement?
Hickory is at the forefront of a regional renaissance in Appalachian cuisine, blending tradition with innovation. Chef Milton’s leadership and the restaurant’s estate-grown approach have earned national recognition, positioning Hickory as a model for sustainable, place-based dining in Virginia. The restaurant’s focus on local sourcing, seasonal menus, and culinary storytelling reflects broader trends in Virginia’s farm-to-table scene and the growing demand for authentic, experiential dining.
What dietary accommodations are available at Hickory?
Hickory’s menu clearly marks gluten-free, meatless, vegan, and pescatarian options. The staff is happy to assist with special dietary needs; just let them know when you make your reservation.
Can I host a private event or special occasion at Hickory?
Yes! Hickory offers private dining rooms, chef’s table experiences, and wine cellar tastings for groups and special events. Contact the restaurant for details and availability.
What makes Hickory different from other restaurants in Bristol?
Hickory combines chef-driven Appalachian cuisine, estate-grown ingredients, and a luxury vineyard setting. The restaurant’s commitment to seasonal menus, sustainability, and culinary storytelling sets it apart in the region.
Why Choose Hickory for Your Next Culinary Adventure?
- Chef Travis Milton brings Appalachian heritage to life with every dish.
- Menus change with the seasons, offering new flavors and experiences year-round.
- The setting is unmatched: vineyard views, elegant interiors, and a world-class wine cellar.
- Reservations are easy and highly recommended for the best experience.
From Farm to Table: About Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards
Appalachian cuisine is experiencing a revival, with chefs like Travis Milton celebrating the region’s foodways. Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards is leading the way in Virginia’s farm-to-table movement, emphasizing sustainability, local partnerships, and seasonal menus, making our boutique hotel with a restaurant a must-visit for locals and travelers alike.
Learn more about our luxury boutique hotel and start planning your dream getaway today! Whether you just visit our Hickory restaurant in Bristol VA for a romantic dinner or spend the entire weekend with us, we can’t wait to welcome you!
