We have officially been inducted into the Brat Pack.
Okay, perhaps only in our own minds—but meeting Andrew McCarthy still felt like a pretty great initiation.
On September 10, 2026, we attended the opening event of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s 2026–2027 Visiting Writers Series in Hickory, North Carolina. Andrew McCarthy was there to discuss his new book, Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America.
Yes, we knew him from some of the most recognizable movies of the 1980s. What made us especially excited to attend, though, was the chance to hear him talk about the part of his career that feels much closer to our own lives: travel writing and storytelling.
Andrew McCarthy Comes to Hickory, North Carolina
The event began at 6:30 p.m. inside P.E. Monroe Auditorium on the Lenoir-Rhyne University campus.
McCarthy talked about his past as an ’80s heartthrob, including the experiences that eventually led him away from acting as his sole focus and into directing, writing, and travel journalism.
He spent 12 years as an editor-at-large for National Geographic Traveler, and his work has appeared in publications including The New York Times, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic. He was also named Travel Journalist of the Year by the Society of American Travel Writers.
As travel writers behind Arner Adventures, we loved hearing him speak abchout his connection to travel and his belief in the power of personal stories.
The Road Trip Behind Who Needs Friends
McCarthy’s latest book began with what he described as an accidental road trip across the United States.
Along the way, he visited male friends from different stages of his life and considered how those friendships had changed over time. The journey became a way to look more closely at male relationships, connection, aging, and what it takes to maintain a friendship through different seasons of life.
The book combines memoir, travel writing, and cultural reflection. During the discussion, McCarthy shared stories from the road and talked about how travel creates room for conversations and experiences that may never happen within our regular routines.
That part stuck with us.
We have always believed that travel is about more than checking places off a list. The stories we remember most often come from the people we meet, the conversations we have, and the unexpected turns that happen along the way.
Getting Our Book Signed
The first 300 attendees were able to receive a ticket for the book signing following the discussion. Thankfully, we arrived in time to get two of them.
After the event, we had our copy of Who Needs Friends signed and were able to speak with Andrew briefly. We told him that we are travel bloggers and shared how much we love travel writing and the experiences that come with it.
We also had a photo taken with him—which may be the closest we ever get to becoming official members of the Brat Pack. We’ll take it.
What Is the Lenoir-Rhyne Visiting Writers Series?
Founded in 1988, the Lenoir-Rhyne Visiting Writers Series brings nationally recognized writers to the university for public readings, discussions, and conversations.
The series gives students and members of the surrounding community access to authors whose work covers fiction, memoir, travel, history, culture, and other subjects.
Events are free and open to the public, although tickets are required. Popular speakers can draw a large audience, so we recommend reserving tickets as soon as they become available.
If a book signing is announced, arrive early. Signing access may be limited, as it was for the Andrew McCarthy event, and the process may be different for each visiting author.
The Remaining 2026–2027 Visiting Writers
Andrew McCarthy was the first speaker of the 2026–2027 season. The remaining lineup includes:
- Patrick Ryan — October 8, 2026: The award-winning author will discuss his novel, Buckeye.
- Marjan Kamali — October 22, 2026: The bestselling author of The Stationery Shop will discuss The Lion Women of Tehran.
- Michael Finkel — January 21, 2027: The journalist and bestselling author will discuss The Art Thief.
Event information, ticket announcements, and the current schedule are available through the official Visiting Writers Series page.
A Great Night for Travel Writers—and ’80s Kids
We went into the evening excited to see someone whose films were part of our younger years. We left feeling even more connected to Andrew McCarthy’s work as a traveler and storyteller.
Hearing how one unexpected road trip became a book about friendship was a reminder that some of the best stories begin without a perfectly planned itinerary. Sometimes, the trip itself shows you what the story is supposed to be.
That idea also fits the way we have redefined success around experiences, connection, and time together.
Meeting him afterward, talking briefly about our shared love of travel writing, and getting that photo made an already memorable night even better.
Brat Pack membership confirmed. At least according to us.
Looking for more trip ideas and firsthand experiences? Browse our travel guides.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
The Visiting Writers Series is a literary program that brings nationally recognized authors to Lenoir-Rhyne University for public discussions, readings, and conversations about their work. The series began in 1988 and is open to students and the surrounding community.
Yes. Visiting Writers Series events are free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Popular events may sell out, so reserve your tickets as soon as they become available.
Events are held on the Lenoir-Rhyne University campus in Hickory, North Carolina. Andrew McCarthy’s appearance was held in P.E. Monroe Auditorium. Locations may vary, so check the individual event listing before attending.
Yes. Even though the events are free, attendees must reserve tickets. Ticket information is posted on the Lenoir-Rhyne Visiting Writers Series website.
