FOR NON-RIDERS AND RIDERS ALIKE!
The Tour de Chesapeake is so much more than just a ride around a small town on a Saturday. We have lined up a whole assortment of things for everyone (including non-riders) to do before, after, and during the ride too. We hope you will make a weekend of it and see all Mathews has to offer.
Friday, May 19, 2023:
The Mathews Visitor Center and local merchants on Main Street keep their doors open late for your convenience. – hours vary – https://visitmathews.com/shopping-in-mathews-county/
Private Boat Tours by Mathews Deadrise Charters – Tour the East River’s historic homes and waterfront, explore the world of oyster aquaculture and even learn how to shuck the Chapel Creek Oyster – Book yours today! Contact Capt. Trey at 804-815-6132 or trey@shuckum.com. www.chesapeakebayboattours.com
2:30 p.m. – East River Kayak Tour from Town Point Landing – $50 pp – 6 person maximum – Call Dianne at Mobjack Kayaking for reservations at 757-645-6251 (campbelldnnc@yahoo.com).
10 a.m.-8 p.m. – The Bay School Community Arts Center on Main Street will keep its doors open until 8 p.m. for a viewing of the “Art Speaks Encore Exhibition” statewide Art show.
Saturday, May 20, 2023
9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Farmers Market – located on the Court Green – Fresh veggies, breads, muffins, soup, granola, and more – grown and made in Mathews!
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – 11th ANNUAL ART deTOUR – The artists of the Art deTour and other Market on Main vendors will gather on Main Street and around The Bay School Community Arts Center to exhibit and sell their fine art and handcrafted works. Live music can be enjoyed on the porch of the Arts Center as well as at the Farmers’ Market throughout the day.
10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Kayak Tours available by appointment only – Call Dianne at Mobjack Kayaking for reservations at 757-645-6251 (campbelldnnc@yahoo.com).
10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Visit our local merchants for some excellent shopping on Main Street and beyond (see Local Shopping); Free art demonstrations at Put-In Creek Carvings, Main Street, 804-725-3326; Buy fresh local seafood from Island Seafood, Risby Town Road, Gwynn’s Island (804-725-4962, Open Sat 9-5) or from the Seafood Shack next to M&M Building Supply.
SATURDAY NIGHT SEAFOOD FEAST & PARTY AT THE WHARF, Williams Wharf Landing, Rt. 614
- FREE ADMISSION AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
- Fresh seafood and other options by Creekside Catering. Available for purchase on site – this company takes credit cards.
- Beer, Wine, and soft drinks by the Mathews Land Conservancy – Cash only please
- Entertainment/Dancing provided by Lynda Smith & 7th Street
- Shuttle available to/from THMS; No drinks allowed on the shuttle
Sunday, May 21, 2023
EAT WITH US – FOOD OPTIONS
Try one of our local restaurants open for breakfast on Sunday – Richardson’s Café, Howard-Dooley Cafe, Mathews Grill & Deli, Hardee’s or Subway. For Restaurants open later, see “Local Eats”.
PLAY WITH US – ACTIVITIES OPTIONS
“No Frills Rides” – Ride the routes not yet experienced like Gwynn’s Island (Gwynn’s Island Museum) or Mobjack (The Poddery); Signage will remain in place until 2 p.m.
Private Boat Tours by Mathews Deadrise Charters – Tour the East River’s historic homes and waterfront, explore the world of oyster aquaculture and even learn how to shuck the Chapel Creek Oyster – Book yours today! Contact Capt. Trey at 804-815-6132 or trey@shuckum.com. www.chesapeakebayboattours.com
10 a.m. – East River Kayak Tour from Town Point Landing – $50 pp – 6 person maximum – Call Dianne at Mobjack Kayaking for reservations at 757-645-6251 (campbelldnnc@yahoo.com).
Sunrise to Sunset – Launch your own personal kayak, canoe or any non-motorized watercraft from the floating docks at Williams Wharf Landing (Route 614 – 804-725-9685) and take a nice tour of the East River and Mobjack Bay. www.mathewslandconservancy.org
See Mathews by Water – VisitMathews.com – Boating & Boat Tours in Mathews
TAKE US HOME – SHOPPING OPTIONS
7 a.m.-3 p.m. – Tour de Chesapeake merchandise on sale INSIDE THMS
Visit the Mathews Visitor Center and our local shops on Main Street and beyond
COME BACK TO SEE US – MATHEWS COUNTY EVENT INFORMATION
Visit www.visitmathews.com click on community calendar for a full list of happenings.
- Mathews Market Days – Annual hometown festival held on the Friday and Saturday after Labor Day each year. Craft booths, Food, Games, 5K Race, Entertainment, Poster contest, Bake/Craft/Canning Contests and more! www.mathewsmarketdays.com 804-725-7196
- Gwynn’s Island Festival – Held the last Saturday in June each year. The annual Chicken Dinner is Friday night from 4-7 p.m. and Festival Activities take place on Saturday from 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. For information, call Cricket Call at 804-725-7577.
- Mathews Community Yard Sale – Held the Saturday after Memorial Day each year from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Over 20 locations around Mathews take part selling antiques, collectibles and treasures you never knew you needed! Maps and information are available at the Visitor Center. Call for details 804-725-4229.
- Open Studio Tour – Held the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving each year from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Over 12 of Mathews’ leading artisans invite you to experience the intimate spaces and places that inspire their vast and varied collections of art. Visit www.madeinmathews.com for details.
- Party at the Wharf – Held the Friday night of Mathews Market Days at Williams Wharf Landing from 5-9 p.m. – Band, Food, Cash bar
- Williams Wharf Landing – This “gem” of Mathews is owned by the Mathews Land Conservancy and hosts a variety of events annually, such as Crew Regattas, Open Water Swims, Running Races, Micro-Triathlons/Duathlons, Sailing Camps, Summer Outdoor Concerts and much more. Visit www.mathewslandconservancy.org for event lists.
Check the VisitMathews.com – Community Calendar for a full list of County happenings
