Downtown Matthews
A charming, walkable downtown with unique shops, diverse eateries, and a friendly community vibe. Perfect for leisurely strolls and local discoveries.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, shops open
Downtown Matthews
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, shops open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, walkable downtown with unique shops, diverse eateries, and a friendly community vibe. Perfect for leisurely strolls and local discoveries.
"Downtown Matthews offers a delightful blend of local charm, unique shops, and great food, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed outing."
🚶♀️ Walkable Exploration
Downtown Matthews is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy discovering hidden gems!
📅 Check Event Calendars
Matthews Alive and other events can transform the downtown vibe. Plan around them or embrace the buzz!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Trade Street Charm
Trade Street
The heart of downtown, lined with boutiques, eateries, and local businesses. A perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
The Loyalist Market
The Loyalist Market
Savor artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and a curated selection of craft beers and wines in a cozy setting.
Santé Restaurant
Santé Restaurant
Experience sophisticated Franco-American cuisine, ideal for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
The Hangar
The Hangar
A popular spot for local events, markets, and even cornhole tournaments. Check their schedule for happenings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Parking & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkable Exploration
Downtown Matthews is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy discovering hidden gems!
📅 Check Event Calendars
Matthews Alive and other events can transform the downtown vibe. Plan around them or embrace the buzz!
🛍️ Support Local Shops
Discover unique finds at local retailers like Bear Food LLC.
🍻 Cornhole & Brews
Catch weekly cornhole draws on Sundays at The Hangar.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable Exploration
Downtown Matthews is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy discovering hidden gems!
📅 Check Event Calendars
Matthews Alive and other events can transform the downtown vibe. Plan around them or embrace the buzz!
🛍️ Support Local Shops
Discover unique finds at local retailers like Bear Food LLC.
🍻 Cornhole & Brews
Catch weekly cornhole draws on Sundays at The Hangar.
🏡 Staycation Spot
Consider a staycation at a charming Airbnb like The Conservatory on Main.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Downtown Matthews for its charming, walkable atmosphere and friendly local businesses. The variety of restaurants and unique shops along Trade Street are major highlights. Some visitors note that parking can be challenging during peak event times, and while dining options are good, they might not be as extensive as in larger cities.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Downtown Matthews is conveniently located about 20-25 minutes southeast of Uptown Charlotte by car. 
Parking is available in public lots throughout downtown. It can get busy on weekends and during events, so be prepared for a short walk from your parking spot.
Absolutely! Downtown Matthews is designed for walkability, with shops, restaurants, and attractions clustered together.
Matthews is affectionately nicknamed 'Stumptown.'
Yes, it's conveniently located near Four Mile Creek Greenway and Squirrel Lake Park, offering great outdoor recreation options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Downtown Matthews itself does not have an entrance fee. However, specific events like Matthews Alive may charge for carnival rides or special attractions, though admission is often free.
Most shops and restaurants in Downtown Matthews operate during standard business hours, typically opening around 10 AM and closing between 5 PM and 9 PM. Weekend hours may vary. It's always a good idea to check individual business hours before visiting.
Markets like The Landing Market at The Hangar are usually free to enter, though individual vendors will sell their goods.
Matthews frequently hosts events like Matthews Alive, local markets, and community gatherings. It's best to check the official Downtown Matthews website or local event calendars for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, charming Airbnbs like The Conservatory on Main offer a unique staycation experience right in the heart of downtown.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Downtown Matthews boasts a variety of dining options. For a sophisticated experience, try Santé for Franco-American cuisine.
Many restaurants in Downtown Matthews are family-friendly. Kristophers has been mentioned as a kid-friendly option. Exploring the main strip will reveal numerous casual eateries suitable for families.
Bear Food LLC on North Trade Street is a fantastic local retailer specializing in snacks from all over the Carolinas.
You'll find a diverse culinary scene, including Franco-American at Santé, artisanal markets like The Loyalist Market, and various casual dining spots offering American fare and pizza.
Yes, The Hangar often hosts events and is associated with local breweries, making it a spot for drinks and socializing.
📸 📸 Photography
The charming storefronts along Trade Street, the unique architecture of The Hangar, and the vibrant atmosphere during local events like Matthews Alive offer great photo opportunities.
While there aren't many towering landmarks, the overall aesthetic of the historic downtown, with its mix of old and new buildings, provides a picturesque backdrop. The signage for local businesses like Bear Food LLC can also make for interesting shots.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light for capturing the streetscapes. Weekday evenings provide a more relaxed setting for photography without large crowds.
Yes, local markets like The Landing Market at The Hangar are excellent for capturing vibrant scenes of vendors and shoppers.
If you're interested in local sports, The Hangar hosts cornhole tournaments, which can provide dynamic action shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many restaurants are welcoming to children, with Kristophers being a noted family-friendly option. Consider visiting during a weekend afternoon when the atmosphere is lively but manageable. Exploring the shops along Trade Street can be an adventure for kids, and finding a casual eatery for lunch or an early dinner is easy. The overall charm of the downtown area makes it a pleasant and engaging experience for families looking for a relaxed outing.
🛍️ Shoppers & Foodies
Don't miss Bear Food LLC for regional snacks or the artisanal offerings at The Loyalist Market. Foodies will rejoice in the diverse culinary scene, from the sophisticated Santé to the casual pizza at Tony's Pizza. Plan to spend a good portion of your day exploring the shops and sampling the local flavors. Weekend afternoons are ideal for experiencing the full buzz of the downtown area, with most establishments open and active. Consider a staycation at a local Airbnb to fully immerse yourself in the downtown experience.
couples
Alternatively, a relaxed evening at The Loyalist Market with artisanal cheeses and wine provides a cozy atmosphere. Stroll hand-in-hand along Trade Street, exploring unique shops and enjoying the quaint ambiance. Consider a staycation at a charming Airbnb like The Conservatory on Main, which features a hot tub and is within walking distance of downtown amenities.
The relaxed pace and friendly environment make it an ideal escape for a romantic getaway.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Trade Street: The Heartbeat of Downtown
to unique crafts and goods at various markets held at venues like The Hangar. This street is designed for leisurely strolls, encouraging visitors to pop into shops, enjoy a coffee, or plan for a meal at one of the acclaimed restaurants like Santé or The Loyalist Market.
The walkable nature of Trade Street makes it easy to discover new favorites and soak in the local atmosphere, especially during weekend afternoons when the area is buzzing with activity. Beyond shopping and dining, Trade Street often serves as a focal point for community events and festivals, transforming into a lively hub of activity. Keep an eye on local event calendars to experience the street at its most vibrant. The combination of local businesses, historic architecture, and community spirit makes Trade Street a must-visit destination within Downtown Matthews.
Culinary Delights: A Taste of Downtown Matthews
Complementing this is The Loyalist Market, a cozy spot celebrated for its artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and an excellent selection of craft beers and wines, making it ideal for a relaxed yet gourmet outing. Beyond these highlights, the area caters to various tastes. Tony's Pizza is a local recommendation for those craving a good slice.
The presence of these diverse eateries ensures that visitors can find something to satisfy any craving, from a quick bite to a memorable dining experience.Many of the restaurants and markets are situated along the walkable Trade Street, making it easy to combine culinary exploration with shopping and sightseeing.
The dining scene in Downtown Matthews is a significant draw, contributing to its reputation as a charming and vibrant destination.Events and Entertainment in Downtown Matthews
This event transforms the streets into a lively celebration, showcasing the best of local culture and entertainment.Beyond major festivals, The Hangar serves as a popular venue for regular events, including weekly blind draw cornhole tournaments every Sunday afternoon, attracting both participants and spectators.
This adds a unique recreational and social element to the downtown scene. Additionally, various markets, such as The Landing Market at The Hangar, showcase local artisans and vendors, providing opportunities to shop for unique goods and support small businesses. These events, from large-scale festivals to smaller community gatherings and sporting activities, contribute significantly to the dynamic atmosphere of Downtown Matthews, making it a destination that offers more than just shopping and dining. Checking local event listings is highly recommended to catch these exciting happenings during your visit.
Social
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