Downtown Matthews has chicks and beer, wrapped in charm. 

If you haven’t visited Downtown Matthews lately, here’s what you’re missing.

(1) Chicks. Pop into Renfrow’s and pick up some chicks, no pick-up game necessary. If you need help, check out Renfrow’s Chick Report. Seriously, Renfrow’s has everything, seeds, crickets, bolts, 1000 variety of keys, cast iron, ladybugs. Even if you don’t need anything, stop in and marvel at the atmosphere of a vintage hardware store. It’s amazing. Grab a soda, sit outside, and wait for the train to come by.

(2) Beer. Carolina Beer Temple is all about the craft beer. Local, regional, international, they have it all. The selection is phenomenal and you can buy and go or buy and lounge. They offer a limited food menu but allow you to bring in your own food and loiter over a beer and talk about hops and stuff. They’ve posted their Wi-Fi password above the bar, so working while drinking beer is encouraged.

(3) Shopping. If you’re looking for the J.Crew, you’ll have to go elsewhere. Here, you’ll find unique boutiques and chic vintage and secondhand shops.

(4) Food. There’s everything from fine dining to bars. If you’re a Boston sports fan and want to mingle with other Boston sports fans in public, then try Beantown. Here, you can defend Brady on Deflate-Gate, make up conspiracy theories, and trash the Yankees without ridicule. You will not find me here.

(5) Farmer’s Market. Open Saturday mornings year-round, rain or shine. Fish, poultry, produce, dairy, baked goods — you’ll find it all. Check the website for a heads-up on what to expect at the market that week and any news on special chef events or entertainment.

(6) Walkability. Downtown Matthews is pedestrian friendly. Park your car and walk the town to fully enjoy the allure. The Library is as charming as they get. There’s plenty of parking available on the street or in one of the many municipal lots.

(7) Bikes. I own a baby blue beach cruiser, with baskets, for a bike. If I was a serious cyclist, I would go to Mojo Cycles. Mojo is local and though I’m not an enthusiast, their building made me want to wander inside. What I found was a full range of bikes, apparel, accessories, and perhaps a keg? The beauty of places like Mojo is the customized service by knowledgeable staff. I overhead intense bike talk.

(8) Stumptown Park. Stumptown Park serves as the community hub for Food Truck Fridays, artist showcases, outdoor concerts and movies, and also for one of the many festivals the Town hosts throughout the year. The vibe at these events is all small town and great.

The center of Downtown Matthews is on N. Trade St and W. John St, less than 30 minutes from Uptown. There’s a nostalgia here that will bring you back to simpler times, and with something for everyone, you’ll find yourself wanting to go back often.