Matthews, NC: A Historic Small Town with Modern Charm Just Outside Charlotte

     Nestled just southeast of Charlotte, Matthews, North Carolina has become one of Mecklenburg County’s most desirable communities. Known for its Welcoming atmosphere, vibrant downtown, excellent schools, and thriving local businesses, Matthews offers the perfect balance of small-town hospitality and metropolitan convenience. Whether you’re visiting for business, attending a wedding, relocating to the Charlotte area, or simply exploring everything the region has to offer, Matthews delivers an exceptional experience.

     At 1776 Black Car Service, we’re proud to provide luxury chauffeur and executive transportation throughout Matthews and the greater Charlotte metropolitan area. As a locally owned and operated black car service—not a nationwide booking company—we know Matthews inside and out. From airport transfers and corporate travel to weddings, private events, and special occasions, our professional chauffeurs provide dependable, first-class transportation with personalized local service.

The History of Matthews, North Carolina

     Long before Matthews became one of Charlotte’s premier suburbs, the area was primarily farmland and forest occupied by Native American tribes, including the Catawba Nation. European settlers began arriving during the mid-1700s, drawn by fertile farmland and abundant natural resources.  The community was originally known as Stumptown, a nickname earned after large numbers of trees were cleared to make way for farms and roads, leaving countless tree stumps scattered throughout the area. While the nickname may have reflected its rugged beginnings, the community quickly developed into an important agricultural center for Mecklenburg County.

     The arrival of the Carolina Central Railway in the late 1800s transformed the town’s future. Cotton farmers suddenly had efficient transportation to regional markets, helping the local economy flourish. In 1879, the community officially incorporated as the Town of Matthews, named after Edward Matthews, a director of the Central Carolina Railroad who played a significant role in the railroad’s development through the area.  Throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Matthews remained a quiet farming community centered around cotton production. As Charlotte experienced explosive growth after World War II, Matthews gradually evolved into a residential destination while carefully preserving its historic downtown and community character.  Today, visitors can still experience much of Matthews’ history by strolling through downtown, where beautifully preserved buildings, local shops, churches, and historic landmarks continue to reflect the town’s rich heritage.

Matthews Today

     Modern Matthews has successfully maintained its small-town identity while embracing thoughtful growth. Located approximately 12 miles southeast of Uptown Charlotte, the town provides residents and visitors with easy access to one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas while offering a quieter, more relaxed environment.  Today, Matthews has a population of approximately 30,000 residents, making it one of Mecklenburg County’s largest suburban communities. Covering just over 17 square miles, the town consistently ranks among the most desirable places to live in the Charlotte region thanks to its highly rated schools, safe neighborhoods, attractive parks, and active community events.

     Matthews enjoys a strong local economy supported by healthcare, financial services, professional offices, retail, construction, hospitality, and small businesses. Its strategic location near Interstate 485 and Independence Boulevard (US-74) allows residents and businesses to reach Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Uptown Charlotte, SouthPark, Ballantyne, and neighboring communities quickly and conveniently.  The town also benefits from Mecklenburg County’s continued population growth, attracting families, retirees, and professionals looking for suburban living without sacrificing accessibility.

Historic Downtown Matthews

     One of Matthews’ greatest attractions is its charming historic downtown district.  Unlike many rapidly growing suburbs, Matthews has invested heavily in preserving its historic character while encouraging new restaurants, breweries, boutiques, coffee shops, and local businesses. Brick sidewalks, tree-lined streets, public art, and beautifully maintained historic buildings create an inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

Downtown hosts numerous annual events including:

  • Matthews Alive Festival

  • Farmers Market

  • Holiday Tree Lighting

  • Summer concerts

  • Art festivals

  • Seasonal community celebrations

The Matthews Community Farmers’ Market is consistently recognized as one of the largest and most popular producer-only farmers markets in the Charlotte region, attracting thousands of visitors throughout the year.

Business and Corporate Travel

Matthews has become home to numerous professional offices, medical facilities, engineering firms, technology companies, and financial service providers. Its proximity to Charlotte allows executives to enjoy a quieter environment while remaining close to major corporate headquarters.  Business travelers frequently require reliable transportation between:

  • Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

  • Executive offices

  • Hotels

  • Conference centers

  • Medical campuses

  • Corporate meetings

  • Regional business events

1776 Black Car Service specializes in executive transportation that allows professionals to travel comfortably, arrive punctually, and maintain a polished, professional image.

Luxury Transportation in Matthews

Whether you’re traveling for work or celebrating a special occasion, dependable transportation can make all the difference.

1776 Black Car Service proudly serves Matthews with:

  • Airport transportation to and from Charlotte Douglas International Airport

  • Executive black car service

  • Corporate transportation

  • Wedding transportation

  • Special event transportation

  • Hotel transportation

  • Concert transportation

  • Brewery and winery transportation

  • Hourly chauffeur service

  • Private transportation throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area

Unlike nationwide transportation booking companies, 1776 Black Car Service is locally owned and operated. When you call, you’ll speak with a real, English-speaking professional who understands Matthews, Charlotte traffic patterns, airport procedures, hotels, and event venues. That local knowledge helps ensure every trip is smooth, efficient, and stress-free.

Weddings in Matthews

     Matthews has become an increasingly popular wedding destination thanks to its scenic venues, historic charm, and convenient location near Charlotte.  Couples appreciate the area’s elegant event spaces, churches, gardens, and reception venues that accommodate intimate gatherings as well as large celebrations. Professional chauffeur service is especially valuable for weddings, allowing the bridal party, family members, and guests to travel comfortably while eliminating parking concerns and transportation logistics.  1776 Black Car Service provides luxury wedding transportation with professionally dressed chauffeurs and immaculate vehicles, helping every wedding day run according to schedule.

Hotels Near Matthews

Visitors have several excellent hotel options nearby, including nationally recognized brands that serve business travelers, wedding guests, and vacationers.

Popular hotel choices include:

  • Hampton Inn Charlotte/Matthews

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Matthews

  • Comfort Inn Matthews

  • Sleep Inn Matthews

  • Courtyard Charlotte Matthews

  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Charlotte Matthews

These hotels offer convenient access to both Matthews attractions and the greater Charlotte area.

Popular Wedding Venues

Matthews and the surrounding communities offer several beautiful wedding venues, including:

  • The Fullwood House

  • Matthews House

  • Alexander Homestead

  • The Collector’s Room

  • Morning Glory Farm

  • Separk Mansion

  • Rolling Hill Farms

These venues regularly host elegant weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and private celebrations.

Restaurants Worth Visiting

Matthews offers an impressive dining scene featuring everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine.

Popular restaurants include:

  • The Loyalist Market

  • Miro Spanish Grille

  • Grace O’Malley’s Irish Public House

  • Renfrow’s Hardware Restaurant

  • Mac’s Speed Shop

  • Kristophers Sports Bar

  • Mario’s Italian Restaurant

  • Sante Restaurant

Whether you’re enjoying a business lunch or celebrating a special occasion, Matthews offers dining options for every taste.

Local Breweries and Bars

Matthews has embraced North Carolina’s growing craft beer culture.

Popular nightlife destinations include:

  • Carolina Beer Temple

  • Seaboard Brewing

  • Grace O’Malley’s Irish Public House

  • Kristophers Sports Bar & Restaurant

  • Mac’s Speed Shop

Many visitors enjoy brewery tours or evenings out with friends, making private chauffeur service a convenient and responsible transportation choice.

Attractions Near Matthews

Visitors can enjoy numerous attractions throughout Matthews and the surrounding Charlotte region, including:

  • Historic Downtown Matthews

  • Matthews Heritage Museum

  • Squirrel Lake Park

  • Four Mile Creek Greenway

  • Colonel Francis Beatty Park

  • SportsPlex at Matthews

  • Matthews Community Farmers’ Market

  • Downtown Charlotte

  • NASCAR Hall of Fame

  • Carowinds

  • U.S. National Whitewater Center

  • Mint Museum

  • Discovery Place Science

Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor recreation, shopping, dining, or entertainment, Matthews provides easy access to some of North Carolina’s most popular destinations.

Experience Matthews with 1776 Black Car Service

Matthews continues to grow while preserving the charm and hospitality that have defined the community for nearly 150 years. Its rich history, thriving downtown, excellent dining, outstanding parks, and close proximity to Charlotte make it one of the region’s most attractive destinations for visitors and residents alike.  When your travels bring you to Matthews, trust 1776 Black Car Service for professional luxury transportation delivered with local expertise. From airport transfers and executive travel to weddings, corporate events, private celebrations, and hourly chauffeur service, our experienced team is committed to providing safe, reliable, and first-class transportation throughout Matthews, Charlotte, and the surrounding communities.  Experience the difference that comes from choosing a truly local chauffeur service dedicated to exceptional customer care, luxury vehicles, and dependable service every mile of the way.