Attractions and Places To See around Matthews - Top 20

Matthews offers a rich history. You can visit the Matthews Heritage Museum, housed in the 1879 Massey-Clark House, which provides insights into the town's agricultural past. The elegant 1890 Matthews Reid House showcases Victorian architecture. Additionally, the Historic Downtown Matthews area features ten structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with preserved turn-of-the-century buildings, shops, and restaurants. The Matthews Community Center, originally a 1907 schoolhouse, is now a vibrant hub, and Renfrow Hardware Store, established in 1900, is a local institution.

Yes, Matthews has several family-friendly outdoor options. Huntingtowne Farms Park is a great spot with a picnic shelter, playground, basketball court, multi-purpose sports field, and tennis courts. Squirrel Lake Park offers walking trails, picnic areas, and fishing. Colonel Francis Beatty Park has a playground and opportunities for mountain biking, kayaking, and fishing. You can also explore the "Enchanted Forest" at Purser-Hulsey Park, which features teepee-like structures and painted rocks along its trails. The Stevens Creek Nature Center also offers programming for all ages.

Matthews is well-equipped with greenways and trails. The Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a prominent 19-mile cycleway extending through parks and suburbs, offering a tree-lined path. The Four Mile Creek Greenway provides picturesque trails for walking, jogging, and cycling. You can also find a short, paved path along the creek at Briar Creek Greenway. Many of these greenways are also accessible from parks like Huntingtowne Farms Park.

Matthews hosts several cultural attractions. The annual Matthews Alive! Festival is a popular Labor Day weekend tradition with live music, arts, crafts, and carnival rides. The Matthews Community Farmers' Market operates year-round on Saturday mornings, offering local produce and goods. You can also enjoy performances at the Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts or explore the Matthews Cultural Arts District, which includes the McDowell Arts Center and the Matthews Community Center.

Yes, Squirrel Lake Park features a serene lake for fishing and relaxation. Additionally, McAlpine Creek Park Lake is known for its scenic beauty and offers various bike routes with both gravel and paved sections, making it ideal for recreational riding. Colonel Francis Beatty Park also has a lake where you can kayak or fish.

Near Matthews' attractions, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. For cycling, explore routes like the "Tree tunnel – The Lucas Family Gristmill loop" or the "Huntingtowne Farms Park – Little Sugar Creek Greenway loop." If you prefer hiking, consider the "Four Mile Creek Greenway and Squirrel Lake Park Loop" or the "McAlpine Creek Greenway." Mountain biking enthusiasts can tackle trails like the "Colonel J. Francis Beatty Regional Park loop" or the "Larry McAfee Course at McAlpine Creek Park." You can find more details on these and other routes in the Cycling around Matthews, Easy hikes around Matthews, and MTB Trails around Matthews guides.

Yes, Huntingtowne Farms Park is specifically noted as a dog-friendly park, offering a great space for you and your pet along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Many of the greenways and parks in Matthews, such as the Four Mile Creek Greenway and Colonel Francis Beatty Park, are generally welcoming to dogs on leash, but always check local regulations for specific areas.

Yes, the Stevens Creek Nature Center is a great place to start your visit to the Stevens Creek Nature Preserve. Opened in 2021, it offers various programs for all ages, features live native animals, a classroom, an exhibit hall, and a gift shop, with ample parking and direct access to hiking trails.

To experience the natural beauty of Matthews, explore its extensive greenway system. The Little Sugar Creek Greenway offers a long, tree-lined path perfect for cycling or walking. Colonel Francis Beatty Park and McAlpine Creek Park provide wooded trails for hiking and mountain biking. Don't miss the unique "Enchanted Forest" at Purser-Hulsey Park for a whimsical nature walk. These areas allow you to immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna.

Yes, the Briar Creek Greenway is a short, completely paved path that is wheelchair accessible. While many greenways are generally paved and flat, it's always good to check specific trail conditions for accessibility. The Four Mile Creek Greenway also offers paved sections suitable for wheelchairs.

You can find fresh, locally sourced produce, meats, and artisanal goods at the Matthews Community Farmers' Market. This bustling market is held year-round on Saturday mornings and features vendors from within a 50-mile radius, making it a great place to support local businesses and find unique items.

The Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews is a state-of-the-art facility for sports enthusiasts. It features 11 multipurpose lighted fields, including nine synthetic turf fields, and a 4,300-seat stadium. It hosts a variety of events and caters to various sports, making it a significant hub for athletic activities in the region.