Norman Rockwell would have found inspiration in the North Carolina town of Matthews. This suburban community is the kind of place where you can stroll past white picket fences and make small talk with strangers. If you need a night on the town, trek the 20 minute drive north to the hustle and bustle of Charlotte before returning to the tranquility of Matthews.
Mostly Mild in Matthews
Summers are sticky, but winters are mostly dry in Matthews. If you're in town between December and February, when average temperatures range from 30 to 50 degrees, you might see a little snow. The Charlotte area averages slightly less than 6 inches of the white stuff per year, but you're only a few hours drive from ski resorts. Spring and fall are typically pleasant and comfortable, and summer days can be alternately stormy and hot. Temperatures average in the 70s and 80s, but soar into the 90s during heat waves.
Small Town Quiet, Big City Lights
Spend some time walking the clean streets of downtown, visiting small shops and cafes. Stop by the Matthews Train Depot and Visitors Center, which dates back to the 1880s. Walk or bike the trails at Colonel Francis Beatty Park. Then make the short trip to Charlotte, where you can visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame and cheer on the city's pro football and basketball teams. Head to the Carowinds Amusement Park for a day of family fun or visit ImaginOn, a learning center that offers a variety of kids’ activities, and there is no admission charge.
Start Your Engines!
Matthews is small, but it's home to some big businesses. Family Dollar, the Harris Teeter chain of grocery stores and the manufacturing company known as Conbraco Industries are all headquartered in town. In the larger Charlotte metropolitan area, the biggest employers include Carolinas HealthCare System, Wells Fargo and Bank of America. And with a NASCAR track in town, it's no surprise that motorsports is a big industry in the city as well.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Enjoy the town's slow pace as you cruise through Matthews by car—that's one of the easiest ways to get to town. You’ll get a workout navigating the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the sixth-busiest airport in the world. Or skip the hassle and arrive via Amtrak or Greyhound.
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