☕Issue #11 - Matthews Pulse

Hope your week is off to a good start! The holidays are creeping in, lights are popping up around town, and Matthews is sliding into that cozy December rhythm. Even though the event calendar is light this week, there’s still plenty of charm, good food, and local finds worth sharing — so let’s dive in.

If you’ve ever wandered through downtown Matthews and felt like you were missing something… you were right. Over the past few years, Matthews has quietly grown its own unofficial mural trail — a blend of bold color, local storytelling, and “I had no idea this was here!” moments that younger residents love discovering. It isn’t packaged or promoted like a big-city arts district, and maybe that’s the charm. It feels like a treasure hunt.

Start near the Matthews Community Center, where the “Matthews Alive” mural splashes a burst of color across the brick wall facing the greenway cut-through. It’s one of the most photographed murals in town — local musicians, runners, and weekend bike-riders use it as a backdrop. If you catch golden-hour light, you’ll see why.

Walk a few steps toward Trade Street and you’ll stumble onto smaller pieces tucked between storefronts — painted utility boxes, seasonal murals, and artist-collaboration pieces that pop up during events like ArtWalk. They’re easy to miss unless you’re paying attention, and that makes them all the better when you find one.

One of the coolest hidden-in-plain-sight pieces lives behind Renfrow Hardware. It’s not a giant wall-sized mural — instead it’s a softer, nature-themed piece that blends the town’s agricultural past with modern creative flair. Pair that with the old wood buildings in the background and you’ve got a photo spot that feels part-rural, part-urban, and uniquely Matthews.

If you head up John Street, the vibe changes again thanks to the greenway art boxes — painted by local high schoolers, working artists, and community volunteers. They’re small but packed with personality: honeybees, flowers, retro shapes, abstract color explosions. Younger adults love these because they feel community-made rather than corporate-sponsored — like genuine fingerprints of the people who live here.

And here’s the part many locals don’t know: Matthews sponsors rotating public art pieces throughout the year. You might walk by the same corner in April and see something new in June. For a small town, the creativity doesn’t sit still for long.

If you want a low-key adventure this week, grab a coffee from Brakeman’s, walk Trade Street with your camera open, and see how many pieces you can find. You’ll be surprised how many little pockets of color Matthews hides in plain sight.

🔗 https://www.matthewsnc.gov/pview.aspx?id=20919&catid=0

If you’re in the mood for a little holiday warmth, the community-favorite Melody Makers Christmas Concert returns today, December 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Matthews United Methodist Church.
📍 801 S. Trade St.
🔗 Event details: https://matthewsumc.org/events/melody-makers-christmas-concert/

A family-friendly way to ease into the season.

Stumptown Station is one of those local spots that feels a bit like Matthews’ living room — warm lighting, comfy atmosphere, and a lineup of seasonal drinks to match the season. Their winter lattes are a great post-concert treat or an end-of-week recharge.
📍 151 S. Trade St., Matthews
🔗 https://stumptownstation.com/

If you’re hunting for unique Christmas gifts, stocking stuffers, ornaments, or holiday home pieces, Painted Tree is loaded with local vendors and handcrafted finds. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure of holiday shopping, all inside one huge store.
📍 1811 Matthews Township Pkwy
🔗 https://paintedtree.com/stores/matthews-north-carolina/

A great place to knock out several gifts in a single stroll.

Today, December 9 — 11:00 a.m.
Matthews UMC Sanctuary
Warm harmonies, Christmas classics, and a peaceful midday holiday outing.
🔗 https://matthewsumc.org/events/melody-makers-christmas-concert/

While not this week, WinterFest will bring over 50 local vendors, food, music, and last-minute gift ideas to Downtown Matthews.
Worth pinning on your calendar.

Even with a slow events week, Matthews restaurants are in peak “comfort season.” Here are two reader-friendly favorites to highlight:

If you're in the mood for hearty comfort food, Metro Diner is a safe bet. Think pancakes, burgers, fried chicken & waffles, and filling southern-style comfort meals — perfect for a laid-back brunch or cozy dinner after a chilly day.
📍 10412 E Independence Blvd, Matthews, NC 28105.
🔗 https://metrodiner.com/locations/north-carolina/matthews/

A longtime Matthews favorite, Mama’s serves up pizza, pasta, stromboli, and hearty Italian-style dishes — ideal for a family dinner or a comforting night out. Portions tend to be generous, and the vibe stays casual and welcoming.
📍 15080 Idlewild Rd, Matthews, NC 28104.
🔗 https://mamasitaliannc.com/

📍 159 N. Trade Street, Downtown Matthews
Curated boutique offering vintage-style, artisan-made gifts, home décor, jewelry, and seasonal finds. Great for unique holiday gifts that don’t feel mass-produced.

🔗 https://www.moxiemercantile.com (or search “Moxie Mercantile Matthews NC”) — you’ll find current hours, inventory, and gift-idea browsing from their online catalogue.

📍 1218 Industrial Dr, Matthews, NC 28105
If you’re shopping for someone who loves North Carolina or wants a “home state” keepsake, this shop offers mugs, magnets, apparel and regional-themed souvenirs. Good for out-of-town family, friends, or anyone who appreciates a little local pride wrapped up as a gift.

🔗 https://www.mycitysouvenirs.com

If you’re a local maker, vendor, or small business planning to set up at an upcoming market, festival, or community event, Cuthbertson Event Rentals has you covered. They offer clean, sturdy 10x10 pop-up tents, plus tables and chairs, sized perfectly for vendor booths, outdoor displays, and customer-friendly setups.

Whether you’re doing one weekend craft market or a full season of holiday pop-ups, they make it easy—no hauling, no storage, and no scrambling the night before. Just reserve what you need, and let them handle the rest.

Perfect for:
• Market vendors & artisans
• Food cottage businesses
• Local boutiques doing outdoor events
• Nonprofits & church events
• Community groups hosting fundraisers or outreach
• Anyone who needs quick, professional-looking event space

Available Rentals:
• 10x10 Pop-Up Tents
• 6' & 8' Vendor Tables
• Folding Chairs
• Bundle packages for full booth setups

Give your booth a clean, polished look—and keep yourself and your customers sheltered from the sun, wind, and December chill—without the cost and hassle of owning the equipment.

Learn more or book your setup:
🔗 Cuthbertson Event Rentals

What's your favorite spot to stop and relax in Matthews or surrounding area? We read every response and would love to share with our readers in our next issue!

📰 Want to start a newsletter for yourself, family, business, or cause?
Been thinking about starting a newsletter for your family, hobby, organization, business, event , or cause? CLICK HERE to learn how!