someone put a restraining order on me and now wants to drop it. do i need to attend this court hearing in order for it to be dropped?

if they want to drop it, all they would have to do is file a dismissal entry and the case is closed.  So if there is still a hearing pending, and you fail to attend, you could be found in default for not appearing, and the court could grant a permanent restraining order.  If you will be out of town, all you have to do is file a motion with the court for a continuance, stating that you will be out of town with the dates you will be gone, and requiring you to appear on the date of the hearing would cause you a financial hardship.  More likely than not, the court will grant the extension and reset the hearng for another date.