Things To Do
Forest Trail House
This is the coffee shop where we met! It's got a chill, eclectic atmosphere with fun cocktails and after-hours events.
Cajun Yard Dog
The Cajun Yard Dog is one of our favorite spots for casual dining. You can't go wrong with the catfish nuggets!
Stacks Kitchen
This is a popular family-owned diner that specializes in tasty breakfasts. Don't miss out on the fresh squeezed orange juice. Warning - the portions are huge!
Downtown Matthews
This is a very walkable and beautiful area with shops and dining to explore! While in town, we recommend checking out the Matthews Community Farmers Market on Saturday mornings from 8AM-12PM. Other favorite spots within walking or driving distance are listed below. Food: The Flying Biscuit Cafe (Breakfast) Stacks Kitchen (Breakfast/Brunch) Artisen's Gelato (Vegan Ice Cream) The Local Scoop (Ice Cream) Mac's Speed Shop (BBQ) Pepero (Korean Food) White Duck Taco (Quirky Local Taco Chain) The Exchange Pizza Depot (Quirky Local Pizza Joint next to the vintage train-themed Seaboard Brewing) Ming Fu (Chinese) The Imperial Treasure (Chinese Dim Sum/More Authentic Chinese ) Shopping: 2nd and Charles Bookstore Hope*Books Store Troubadour Booksellers Backporch Treasures Thrift Shop Outdoor Recreation and Entertainment: Four-Mile Creek Greenway Squirrel Lake Park Cinemark Movie Bistro Trailside Games and Hobbies Matthews Social House Carolina Beer Temple Stumptown Station
Mint Museum Randolph
The Mint Museum is the first art museum in North Carolina. This site was built in 1837 as a US Mint in what is now uptown Charlotte (West Trade Street). In 1933 a group of women fundraised to reclaim the building from demolition and transform it into the region's premiere cultural institution. You'll find a portrait of Queen Charlotte, our city's namesake, in the upstairs gallery. She is featured in the now famous Netflix "Bridgerton" series. We love visiting the ancient Mesoamerican art collections and walking the nature trails that cross the museum grounds. We hope you will too! The Mint Museum also has a newer uptown Charlotte location featuring more modern art and a special interactive area for kids. See the website here: https://www.mintmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/mint-museum-uptown/
The Arboretum Shopping Center
For those of you who love to shop, we got you. The Arboretum is a large regional shopping center. Don't miss the Arboretum's water fountain, lake, and short walking path next to Link & Pin for a moment of outdoor relaxation. Other venues to check out within the Arboretum include: Barnes and Noble Clothes Mentor (Gently used women's clothing) Massage Envy Gap Factory Bath and Body Works New South Kitchen and Bar (American Food) Nautical Bowls (Superfood Acai Bowls) Curry Junction (Indian Food) Link & Pin (Fine Dining)
Stevens Creek Nature Preserve
Charlotte is filled with forested parks and greenways (linear parks designed for connecting people and places to outdoor recreation). Stevens Creek is one of several great nature preserves nearby that offers nature trails and occasional views of owls, deer, woodpeckers, hawks, and other wildlife. Stevens Creek trails are easy to moderate and well traversed by other fellow-hikers on the weekends. There is also an indoor nature center within the preserve that offers hands-on experiences for kids.
Crowders Mountain State Park
If you are a nature lover, you would be amiss without a trip to Crowders Mountain State Park! This is one of the closest mountains to the wedding venue, and is about 1 hour away. This park offers amazing views of downtown Charlotte and the surrounding area from 1,625 feet high. You will also find gently rolling forested trails surrounding the mountain with low elevation gains. Please check out the park website for trail difficulty ratings and additional safety details as you consider.
South Mountain State Park
Charlotte is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains. Our region has several major waterfalls within 2 hours driving distance and many have reopened after Hurricane Helene. If time and weather permit, we recommend checking out a few for a day trip. South Mountain is an excellent spot for a day trip and picnic. It offers a more strenuous hike, but the view from the top of High Shoals Falls is worth it! Please check out the park website for various trail difficulty ratings and additional safety details as you consider.
Catawba Falls
If you can accommodate a 2 hour drive, we highly recommend a Catawba Falls day trip and picnic. Catawba Falls offers something for everyone - you can hike all the way to the top of the 100ft main waterfall or simply take in relaxing views of the Appalachian Mountain range. The falls are separated into two viewing areas (Upper Catawba, Lower Catawba). Along the path there is also an old abandoned mill overlooking streams of crisp mountain water for fun family photos and easy resting. Please check out the park website for trail difficulty ratings and other safety details as you consider.