Post by Scott - 4/10/2025
One of the best things about living in Charlotte is not Charlotte. You’re at Trade and Tryon in the heart of Uptown and then, within 30 minutes, you can be somewhere completely different (let me paint this picture and we’ll assume that it isn’t at 5 pm on a Wednesday). Cute college town? Head north to Davidson. Fun on the water? Go west to Lake Wylie or the Catawba River. A perfect walkable downtown? I love how Pineville is growing and Huntersville with the 760 Craftworks across from the Discovery Place Kids Museum is pretty fantastic, but my favorite might be Matthews. Here are some spots in and around Matthews for every itinerary.
All of these plans really start with a trip to Brakeman’s Coffee. Just assume that you’re going to Brakeman’s, ordering your coffee of choice, and then heading out into the world.
Young Families
Start at Squirrel Lake Park. The playground is a hit with the under 7 crowd, but everyone can enjoy the miles of paved trails, perfect for walking or biking or the lake for fishing. After that, head back to downtown for a bite to eat. Depending on timing, you can grab brunch at Flying Biscuit or lunch at Moo & Brew. Review the schedule at the library and see if there’s a story hour or just check out your favorite Mo Willems book. Cross the street and get a treat for everyone, a beer or a glass of wine from Seaboard Brewing for you and an ice cream from Local Scoop for the kids. Hang out at a picnic table at Seaboard and wonder why you don’t do this every Saturday.
Older Families
You’re still starting at Squirrel Lake Park, but this time, let’s play some disc golf! It’s one of my beliefs that every kid before college should be able to throw a frisbee decently and play one song on the guitar, so it’s time to start that education. Once you’ve battled on the links, take the short drive downtown for lunch. My family’s go-to is ordering take out from Thai Taste and eating it at Carolina Beer Temple. Now that CBT has moved into a new location just a block from the former location, there’s more room to spread out and enjoy some pad thai and a pilsner (larb and lagers?). Shop for a game from the new Trailside Games and then play the day away; Loser buys gelato at Artisen Gelato.
Guys/Girls Night
Loyalist Market bills itself as a sandwich shop by day, cheese shop by night, and all of it is really good. Use it as your launching pad for a great time. If you’re feeling casual, head to Kristophers to watch a game, enjoy a beer at Jekyl and Hyde or explore the new Hangar for a chill hangout. I look terrible smoking a cigar, but if you’re not me, swing by 105 Cigar Co. Wrap it up with a drink at Matthews Social House or Grace O’Malley’s. It’s all the fun of South End without reminding yourself that you’re probably too old for South End.
Date Night
Portrait Gallery and Slainte both set a romantic tone, but my favorite thing to do might be a trip to the Farmers Market. Late morning dates might seem a bit strange, but staying out late when you know your kids will be up at 6:30 the next morning makes me anxious. Get through your family morning activities and then ditch the kids with a babysitter, grab a cooler, and head to a great Farmers Market right downtown. Find local produce, nibble on some baked goods, and make a plan for a gourmet meal at home tonight. Once you’ve grabbed great ingredients, head to White Duck Taco to mix and match tacos with your partner. Cut back through the market and sit on the porch at Seaboard with a beer or cocktail and talk about something besides who is picking up from softball practice this week. As a last stop, explore Matthews’ only distillery, Oaklore, and pick up a bottle of your favorite spirit to make a cocktail while you fake your way through making risotto tonight!
New Beer Temple
What do you consecrate a new Carolina Beer Temple with? Buried Bethabara beer? Just a lot of Mountain Candy? We’ll ask. That’s what we do.