May 6, 2016

Town-Hall-LibraryLocated just outside the city limits of Charlotte, Matthews, North Carolina, is a vibrant suburb full of entertaining activities you don’t usually expect from a city of its size. If you’re planning on visiting Matthews or you just want to try something new, there are tons of options. The next time you’re in town, don’t miss these must-do activities.

Four Mile Creek Greenway

If you’re a bit of a fitness buff or you just want to experience the great outdoors in an urban setting, there’s no better activity than walking, running, or biking around the Four Mile Creek Greenway. Linking downtown with Squirrel Lake Park, this 2.3-mile paved path takes you through some scenic areas of the town. On days when the sun’s out, it’s hard to find a better way to spend part of your day.

Matthews Community Farmers’ Market

April 16th, 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market, and there are many reasons to get excited. With dozens of vendors serving fresh produce, baked goods, and other culinary delights, the Farmers’ Market is the top destination for the food lover. So come by any Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon to sample some of the best local foods in the area. There’s even live entertainment.

Matthews Heritage Museum

Whether you’ve lived in Matthews for several generations, are new to town, or are just passing through, it’s interesting to see how a city grows from meager beginnings to its present state. At the Matthews Heritage Museum, you can do just that. The museum has loads of interactive exhibits for children and adults that explain and celebrate the heritage of the city. If you get there on the first Saturday of the month, admission is free. The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, and admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children.

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts

If you’re looking for some culture, the Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts is a surprisingly top-notch destination considering the size of the town. Here, you see plays performed throughout the year. They also have summer camps for kids to develop acting skills, as well as professional and student plays. Ticket prices vary depending on the act but typically run around $10. For that price, you don’t get Broadway, but you do find yourself impressed by the theater.

Firepower, Inc.

For something totally out of the ordinary, head down to Firepower, Inc. At Firepower, you learn the basics of shooting and gun safety. Once you’ve learned the right way to handle a gun, go to one of their two public shooting ranges and test your skills. Maybe you don’t have an eagle eye, but what you learn goes a long way in training both kids and adults on how to safely shoot, clean, and handle a gun. Open seven days a week, range time is just $11 per half hour.

Matthews is anĀ amazing town when it comes to activities for the family. Next time you’re in the mood, check out these fun places.

Image by jacreative, Licensed via CC BY 2.0