☕Issue #5

Hello neighbors — welcome back to The Matthews Pulse, your go-to source for what’s happening right here in our corner of North Carolina! Each week, we highlight the best of local life — from restaurants and shops to community events and hidden gems — so you can stay connected, discover something new, and feel proud to call this place home.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to town, we’re glad you’re here. Let’s dive into what’s buzzing around Matthews this week!

Are you craving a fresh latte, a cozy spot to write, or just somewhere new to meet a friend? If so, light up your weekend with this mini coffee crawl through Matthews and Indian Trail. Whether you prefer a slow sit-down or a grab-and-go brew, here are three standout spots to check out:

Why visit: A faith-infused, family-owned café with a warm, welcoming vibe. Psalms Coffee offers a full menu of lattes, drip coffee, matcha, cold drinks, and sweet treats — all set in a space designed for gathering, relaxing, or just pausing mid-day.
Details: Located at 5904 Indian Trail Fairview Road, Indian Trail, NC. Open Monday through Saturday, 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
Link: psalmscoffeepressley.com

Why visit: This spot is beloved by locals for its “slow culture” ethos — a place to decelerate, linger, talk, or simply savor your drink. Brakeman’s also offers rotating feature coffees and baked goods from local sources.
Details: 225 N. Trade Street, Matthews, NC.
Extra tip: Try to grab a corner nook or seat on one of the patios if it’s a nice day.
Link: Brakemanscoffee.com

Why visit: More than just a café — it’s part of a community-driven project (Nexus) combining café, co-work, and gathering space. It’s a comfortable place to eat, work, or just hang out with a latte in hand.
Details: 1031 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews, NC. Open Monday–Saturday, 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Link: Collective-Cafe.com

Located in the heart of downtown Matthews, Ames Street Marketplace is your one-stop destination for craft beer, cocktails, ice cream, games, and good vibes. Enjoy a mix of local favorites all in one spot — Carolina Beer Temple, The Back Corner, Trailside Games & Hobbies, CannaBuddy, and Two Scoops Creamery.

With weekly events like live music, food trucks, yogo, trivia, and more, there’s always something happening at Ames Street Marketplace!

👉 Follow along on Instagram @Ames_st_Marketplace and on Facebook to see what’s coming up each week!

 Sip on Stories – Where Stories Steep and Magic Lingers

Based in Matthews, Sip on Stories is a cozy online bookshop that blends the joy of reading with the comfort of a perfect cup of coffee. More than just an independent bookstore, Sip on Stories invites readers to slow down, savor the moment, and connect through stories that inspire. As proud members of the American Booksellers Association, Sip on Stories brings indie charm to every shelf and every sip. Their mission? To make reading feel magical again, one story at a time.

  In 2024, they launched Silent Book Club Matthews, a monthly gathering for readers who crave connection without the pressure. No assigned books. No rules. Just a peaceful hour spent reading together in welcoming local spaces.

 Next meeting: Thursday, October 30
Learn more: siponstories.com/silent-book-club

Looking for your next cozy escape? Explore their Cottage Crate Book Box, a seasonal subscription that blends curated reads, small-batch coffee, and bookish treasures delivered right to your door.
Discover more: siponstories.com/box-subscriptions

If you’re looking for a warm, lively gathering place in Matthews to grab great food, drinks, and good company, check out Grace O’Malley’s—you’ll find it at 157 N Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105.

Grace O’Malley’s is the kind of place that balances casual local charm with enough energy to feel like a fun night out. The atmosphere leans into that Irish-pub welcome (think warm wood, maybe pints of Guinness, live entertainment) while still being comfortable and inclusive for families and friends. The fact they highlight being a destination for games (rugby, Panthers, Charlotte FC) adds to the communal pull—they’re creating a place where locals gather.

If you haven’t yet wandered into Painted Tree Boutiques on Matthews Township Pkwy, it’s well worth a stop. Nestled in our backyard here in Matthews, this charming boutique offers a treasure-hunt-style experience: fashion, home décor, and gifts all under one roof. The address is 1813 Matthews Township Pkwy, Suite E.

Tip for visitors: If you’re looking for a special gift or just craving a relaxed shopping moment, swing by when the afternoon lull hits (say 2–4 p.m.). You’ll likely have more time to browse and chat with staff about their latest finds than during peak after-work hours.

Support this local gem and mention it as a go-to when looking for “something a little different” in Matthews—whether that’s a fresh jacket, a home accent piece, or a standout gift.

Visit their website: Painted Tree Boutiques

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_{*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.}

🚶 Take a walking tour of Matthews
CLICK HERE for details and a map.

🎨 Take the ArtWalkChallenge and discover 12 pieces of public art in downtown Matthews.

Thanks to a local historian, we need to make a correction about the “Fun Fact” below. We appreciate our readers and their extensive knowledge of Matthews.

*The Funderburk livery stable was torn down in the 1970s for BB&T to build a bank, which is now Grace O’Malley’s.

Nothing says fall in Matthews like the aroma of cinnamon and sweet apples. While our town doesn't have its own official recipe, we can enjoy a taste of North Carolina's bountiful mountain apple orchards right at home with this easy-to-make apple fritter recipe. Serve these warm, glazed treats for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and add a local touch by grabbing your ingredients from the Matthews Community Farmers' Market.

Ingredients:

For the Fritters:

For the Glaze (optional):

Instructions:

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