If there’s one thing we love about living in Matthews, it’s that perfect mix of small-town warmth and big personality. Just outside of Charlotte, our town offers walkable streets, welcoming neighbors and a surprising number of places to explore. Whether you’re new here, a longtime local or thinking about making Matthews home, you’ll find plenty to fill your weekends and your evenings.
Part of what makes life here so enjoyable is the way our neighborhoods connect, great parks close to bustling restaurants and seasonal festivals just a short walk from home. It’s the kind of setting JPOrleans understands well when they build new home communities, blending everyday comfort with nearby adventure.
So let’s take a tour through some of our favorite things to do in Matthews NC.
Sometimes the best nights out don’t require leaving town. We’re spoiled with spots where you can grab a pint, enjoy a great meal or just meet friends for conversation.
Picadelis is a go-to for casual eats and a rotating tap list that keeps beer lovers happy. If you’re into craft brews Carolina Beer Temple has an impressive selection and a laid-back vibe, plus their run club brings neighbors together in a way that’s very Matthews.
For something different 105 Cigar offers a relaxed lounge feel perfect for unwinding. And for good hearty pub fare Kristophers Sports Bar is a tried-and-true favorite where you’ll always run into someone you know.
When we want fresh air and open space, Matthews delivers. Squirrel Lake Park is a peaceful spot for picnics and fishing while Colonel Francis Beaty Park offers miles of wooded trails and a playground the kids love.
A short drive away, McAlpine Creek Park is perfect for a morning walk around the lake and Stevens Creek Nature Preserve offers quiet trails where you can really hear the wind in the trees. For something a little more playful Idlewild Road Park has a great disc golf course set among the pines.
If you’re up for a day trip Jetton Park on Lake Norman, Crowders Mountain for a challenging hike or Cane Creek Park with its beautiful lake views are all worth the drive.
Local tip: hit the parks early in the morning during summer, cooler temps, lighter crowds and better bird-watching.
We know how to keep our calendars full here. Matthews Alive is the highlight of Labor Day weekend with rides, food, parades and live music that fill downtown with energy.
Car lovers have their pick between the Matthews North End Cruise-In each month and Cars and Coffee Charlotte on first Saturdays. These meet-ups bring together everything from classic muscle cars to sleek imports and even if you’re not a gearhead the atmosphere is contagious.
Then there’s the smaller but equally enjoyable gatherings like the Carolina Beer Temple’s run club or the farmer’s market on Saturday mornings. These events make it easy to bump into neighbors and strike up a chat over fresh produce or a pint.
Sometimes the most memorable experiences are the ones a little off the beaten path. The Union Exchange in Monroe is a prime example, a mix of live music, food trucks and even farm animals. It’s casual, family-friendly and just the right kind of quirky.
If you’re into games check out Your Local Game Store for board games, trading cards and an enthusiastic community of players. Or grab a disc and try one of the area’s disc golf courses including the one at Idlewild Park.
Biking and walking the greenways is another favorite pastime. They weave through town offering a peaceful way to explore Matthews and beyond. And yes you’ll still see folks chasing Pokémon in downtown Matthews, it’s become a charming little part of the scenery.
That’s the beauty of Matthews, there’s always something happening no matter the season. From craft beer nights and cozy taverns to miles of greenways and big community festivals our town has a way of making you feel both connected and inspired.
It’s that balance of comfort and opportunity that makes Matthews such a great place to live. And it’s why builders like JPOrleans put so much care into creating neighborhoods here, ensuring that when you step outside your door you’re already part of something special.
So whether you’re exploring a new park, sampling a local IPA or dancing at a summer festival you’ll find that the real magic of Matthews is how easily it becomes home. And once you’re here you’ll always have a list of favorite things to do in Matthews NC, plus a few you haven’t discovered yet.
