This Here Town is Mathews, Virginia
Are you looking for the best things to do in Mathews, VA? Read on for a quick synopsis of Mathews, Virginia’s history, restaurants, and the best things to do in historic downtown Mathews.
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The three-story mural on the Halcyon Building welcomes visitors to Mathews, Virginia.
Are you a sucker for a historic, no-stoplight town? How about one with a retro diner and a three-story mosaic on Main Street? My husband’s family has ties to Mathews, Virginia, and I fell in love with this tiny town long before I started a blog about small towns. We’re fresh off another Memorial Day weekend in Mathews (shout-out to our amazing Airbnb), so it felt like the perfect time to dive into this maritime gem.
Mathews, Virginia, is a charming community with strong coastal influences due to its proximity to the Chesapeake and Mobjack Bays and the abundance of waterways weaving through the Middle Peninsula. The heart of Mathews lies along the historic Main Street, Church Street, and Brickbat Road, which curves behind the commercial area. The downtown backs directly up to Put-In Creek, which flows out to Mobjack Bay.
So, how small is Mathews? According to the official website, Mathews County is one of the smallest of Virginia’s counties at only 86 square miles of land.
How many people live in Mathews? The answer varies by source, largely because the data seems to reflect Mathews County rather than just the town of Mathews. Anyway, the answer falls somewhere between the 1,052 figure quoted on several very unofficial websites and the 8,490 for Mathews Country as found on the US Census Bureau (updated July 2022).
The churches throughout Mathews County feature beautiful trim, bell towers, and windows.
The History:
Mathews, Virginia, is OLD. This lovely little community dates to the 1650s when it was delineated as Kingston Parish within Gloucester County. The Virginia General Assembly designated Mathews as its own county in 1791 and named it for General Thomas Mathews of Norfolk, an esteemed American Revolutionary War hero, lawyer, and politician.
Some other historical highlights, as informed by the Mathews County Historical Society, include:
1776: The last of Virginia’s Royal Governors, Lord Dunmore, was driven from the colony’s shores by Continental cannons at Cricket Hill across from Gwynn’s Island.
1830: The county served as an important shipbuilding center.
Captain Sally Louisa Tompkins, the first woman to serve as a commissioned officer in the Confederate Army, was born at Poplar Grove.
1861: Second Lieutenant William Henry Clarke, CSA, supervised the construction of Fort Nonsense, a military earthwork intended to prevent Union forces from advancing westward from the Chesapeake Bay toward Richmond.
1867: View the list of Mathew’s County’s first registered Black voters here.
There’s a sense of pride and community among residents in Mathews, VA.
The Vibe:
Mathews is a coastal community, and you’ll quickly tune into the finer aspects of Chesapeake living here. The Mathews’ town website also helps set the tone with their laidback, mindful motto, “Be here,” and while the pace of life is delightfully slower, there’s still plenty going on in this small town. Mathews manages to be both a lovely place to visit and remains authentic, dodging some of the touristy aspects that take root in other small towns.
Historic buildings permeate Mathews.
The Charm:
Well-curated antique stores, art spaces, restaurants, and local museums line Mathews’ main drag. The buildings are an interesting blend of historic colonial (along Court Street) and eclectic, colorful updates like Richardson’s Cafe and the Halcyon Building. Beautiful, well-maintained public spaces feature benches, flowers, and gurgling fountains throughout the town, making visitors feel safe and welcome.
Richardson’s Cafe is known for its fun, nostalgic atmosphere.
The Best Things to Do in Mathews, VA
Grab lunch, dinner, or a milkshake at Richardson’s Cafe.
My husband’s uncle actually once owned Richardson’s Cafe, so I’d be remiss not to kick off your visit to Mathews with a tasty meal at this wonderfully nostalgic eatery. Don’t let the Instagrammable interior distract you from the menu, however. The Classic Reuben and Grilled Chicken Melt are tasty, and I swear the Greek Shrimp Wrap is downright addictive.
Note: Richardson’s is currently closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Go shopping and antiquing downtown.
There are some darling and well-curated shops along Main Street in Mathews, and you’re sure to find some treasures during a morning or afternoon of retail therapy.
In our last two visits to Mathews, we picked up a striking vintage red glass decanter from Doodlebugs, luxury soap from The Cottage, embellished wine glasses created by a local artist, and a precious, tiny pottery gnome from Art Speaks Gallery.
Spend Saturday morning wandering the farmer’s market.
Hit the Mathews Farmer’s Market.
Come shop local food items, produce, meat, gifts, flowers, and more at the Mathews Farmer’s Market. Started an impressive 30 years ago, you’ll find the Mathews Farmer’s Market on the Historic Courthouse Green from 9 AM until 1 PM each Saturday from April through October. The last time we went, we brought home dog treats, a birdhouse made by a local artist, duck eggs, and freshly baked brownies.
Kayak to the New Point Comfort Lighthouse.
Let’s talk about this lighthouse: there are some misleading guides online that fail to mention that you cannot simply park your car and walk up to the New Point Comfort Lighthouse. You can only tour the lighthouse by boat, kayak, or SUP.
The New Point Comfort Lighthouse is located on a tidy circle of stabilized land at the entrance to Mobjack Bay. Built in 1805 on what was once the southernmost peninsula in Mathews County, the lighthouse is now surrounded by water and hundreds of yards from the mainland. It has a fascinating history, however, and you can learn about it here.
Order a wine tasting Zoll Vineyards next time you’re in town.
Do a wine tasting and food pairing at Zoll Vineyards.
Listen, in our house, stumbling across a vineyard is like finding buried treasure. (Did you catch the recent piece on WNC vineyards?) Just 15 minutes down the road from downtown Mathews, you’ll find Pastry Chef & Vintner Frank Zoll’s 16.5-acre winery estate. Zoll Vineyards offers wine, mead, cider, and a tasty food menu alongside classes and events, so be sure to check their website before you go. We enjoyed the Chardonnay, Cab Franc, and Merlot the most during our tasting.
Note: The current tasting room hours are Wednesday – Sunday, 12 - 8 PM.
Support and visit local farms.
When will you be in Mathews? Eastfields Farms offers U-pick blueberries from late June - August. Belmont Pumpkin Farm will host a sunflower celebration in mid-July with U-pick sunflowers, a maze, hayrides, and food, and they also do U-pick pumpkins with a corn maze in the fall.
The CA&J Farm welcomes visitors on open farm days (check their website, please). Their calendar currently features Wellness Days & Farm Jam events, garden tours, Christmas drums, and an upcoming winter solstice celebration.
Register for a single-session art class at the Bay School Community Art Center.
Visit the Art Speaks Gallery and attend a class at the Bay School Community Art Center.
The Bay School Community Art Center features beautiful works by Mathews artists in the Art Speaks Gallery, which overlooks Main Street. The rotating exhibitions are always worth checking out, and if you’re artistically inclined (or craft-curious), you should look into attending a class!
The Bay School Community Art Center’s classes cover a breadth of topics, such as Fused Glass Panels, Paper Flowers, Oil Painting Basics, Rescue a Chair, and Single Crochet Necklace. If you’re planning your visit and fun things to do in Mathews, add a class to your list, but be sure to 1) register in advance and 2) double-check that you’re registering for a single-session class and 3) respect the recommended age recommendations for the kids’ classes.
I lucked my way into Alcohol Ink on Tiles for Beginners via the waitlist during this year’s visit, and I had an absolute blast… even if my first tile came out a royal hot mess. My instructor was personable, knowledgeable, and, most importantly, very encouraging!
Try the New Point Island Pizza at Southwind.
Head to Southwind for pizza and music.
Southwind Pizza serves up delicious pies, salads, and entrees in a lively setting. Everything we’ve tried has been delicious, but the New Point Island Pizza and Mediterranean Salad are heavenly. And, if the food wasn’t reason enough to drop in, Southwind Pizza currently features local musicians on Thursday evenings. The first time we wandered into this Mathews restaurant, we got lucky and caught an incredible set of live music, and it was a highlight of our trip.
Note: Southwind Pizza serves lunch and dinner Tuesday - Saturday.
See what’s going on at the Mathews Memorial Library.
If you still think of a library as some place just to get books, it’s time for a refresh. Modern libraries, particularly in small towns, are often community hubs with events that range from local author presentations to cooking demos.
For example, the Mathews Memorial Library is about to host a Highland Games & Picnic kids’ event that includes a traditional caber toss, sheaf toss, clachneart, and tug of war! The library also offers a lot of other programming for adults, kids, and teens, along with special holiday events, most of which can be found on their Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Note: Kindly preregister for events in advance as requested.
Mathews boasts several history museums.
Brush up on local history.
Part of Mathews’ charm is its rich history, so make time to dive beneath the surface during your stay.
The Tompkins Cottage Museum is nestled beside Put-In Creek Park. Named for prominent local planter, merchant, sea captain, and ship owner/builder Christopher Tompkins, the cottage is one of the oldest frame structures in the courthouse area. An excellent example of early Tidewater folk architecture, the cottage museum features changing exhibits and gives you a window into a typical home of the 1800s.
The Mathews Historical Museum resides in an old Texaco garage on Main Street. The Mathews Historical Museum works to "preserve and promote the cultural heritage and history of Mathews County through exhibits and programs."
Mathews has been a watermen's town since colonial days, and the Mathews Maritime Foundation Museum and Boat Shop houses artifacts, documents, and photographs depicting the history and legacy of Mathews County and the Middle Peninsula of Virginia.
And, if you're up for a 10-minute drive, check out the Gwynn's Island Museum. Located in a 100-year-old historic building, the museum features exhibits and artifacts that celebrate the colorful history of Gwynn's Island and Mathews County.
Oysters are a part of the fabric of life on the Chesapeake Bay.
Enjoy a meal with waterfront views at Hole in the Wall on Gwynn’s Island.
What’s not to love about freshly shucked oysters with a Chesapeake sunset? Hole in the Wall offers indoor and waterfront dining in a rustic, eclectic setting. Drive or boat up for lunch or dinner - but remember they’re currently closed on Wednesdays. Wondering what to order? We have it on good authority that the burgers are where it’s at, but I keep ordering those fish tacos every time we go.
Check out the Thomas James Store.
The Thomas James Store is just cool. The rustic one-story vernacular A-frame wood structure is a rare and excellent example of an early nineteenth-century rural commercial building, and it’s one of the best-preserved stores in the entire South. According to the Mathews County Historical Society:
“It dates to c. 1820 and appears to be the oldest building in the downtown commercial district. Its original floor plan measures approximately 375 square feet, with an attic above that has the same footprint. Shed-roof rectangular wings were a later addition on the east and west facades of the old building.”
Note: The Thomas James Store is open to the public for display and interpretation on Saturdays, April through October, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mathews County has more than 200 miles of shoreline.
Spend the day on the water.
Is there a better way to unwind than spending a day on the water? Mathews, Virginia, is ideally situated between Mobjack Bay and the Chesapeake Bay with easy access to the East River. Charter a boat, take a guided paddle tour, or rent a kayak and go exploring.
My husband and I stumbled on beautiful views of Poplar Grove Mill and House from our kayaks last year, and the property actually has the only surviving tide mill in Virginia. Add it to your itinerary if you're putting in nearby!
Note: Don’t forget the number 1 rule of kayaking: Don’t get stuck in the muck! Check the tide schedules before you head out, especially if you’re launching from Put-in Creek Park.
Visit Sibley’s General Store.
Sibley’s General Store is one of the prettiest buildings in Mathews, but the old gal is in the midst of a bit of a facelift (literally, they’re lifting the building), so, unfortunately, I didn’t snap a photo during this visit.
Sibley’s General Store dates back to 1898 when Mathews residents regularly stocked up on necessities like whiskey, cotton gingham, penny nails, tobacco, light fixtures, salt fish, and cheese. Their slogan back then was, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.”
Today, the picturesque space houses the Mathews County Visitor and Information Center, informative exhibits, and retail space. Sibley’s is due to reopen soon, hopefully by the time you read this!
Williams Wharf has beautiful water views.
Go fishing at Williams Wharf.
For a reel-y fin-tastic day on the water, head to Williams Wharf. The 5-acre facility offers a riverfront pavilion and viewing tower, fishing pier, restrooms, and a floating dock on the East River.
Williams Wharf is currently undergoing a massive renovation, but the park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Note: Williams Wharf also hosts seasonal activities such as yoga, supervised open swims, and community celebrations. Check their calendar!
Do an oyster hatchery tour and tasting.
High on our list of things to do next time we’re in town is an oyster hatchery tour and tasting with Oyster Seed Holdings! Did you know that oyster farming is one of the only forms of aquaculture that actually improves the environment? Oysters are incredible organisms - and delicious to boot.
The tours and tastings kick off at 5 PM on select Fridays, and the $20 reservation includes an educational trip through the hatchery, an oyster tasting, and access to the pop-up oyster bar, the Hatchery.
The Hatchery Oyster Eatery (planned to open at the time of this article’s publishing) is a waterfront food truck specializing in oyster-centric fare. They plan to be open Friday-Sunday 9-5, spring through fall.
Check out the dessert menu at the Howard-Dooley Cafe.
Grab a meal at the Howard-Dooley Cafe.
I’m a sucker for a cute diner with a solid, fuss-free menu, and I’m still dreaming about the Flat Matt (a gooey grilled cheese with bacon and tomato) from the Howard-Dooley Cafe.
The Howard-Dooley Cafe is a cheerful little restaurant just outside downtown Mathews, Virginia. The dishes are named after friends and family, which is adorable, and the extensive dessert menu is a thing of beauty.
Note: The Howard-Dooley Cafe is open Tuesday - Sunday. Confirm their hours before going.
Enjoy the relaxing pace of life during your stay in Mathews, Virginia.
Kick back and relax.
Last but certainly not least, one of my greatest joys when visiting a small town is, in fact, getting away from the stress and chaos of our “big city” life. Make a cup of coffee and head to the dock at Put-In Creek Park to watch the world go by, or grab a book and settle in on one of the many beautiful benches by the library. As it says on the Mathews town website and street flags, “Be here.”
And, on a personal note, thank you to Will and Emily for such an amazing stay at the Sugar Toad Cottage.
Have you been to Mathews? Drop your favorite things to do in Mathews, Virginia and the surrounding areas in the comments below!
