What is it about small towns that makes people use the words, quaint, and charming? Perhaps it’s the often modest size of what locals claim as their “downtown?” Maybe it’s the country-chic aesthetic that encompasses worn or paint chipped buildings, even clever store names. Or maybe the well-used sidewalks that connect community and businesses on a first-name basis and small-town gossip.
These charming qualities exist because small towns like Mathews County often escape the changes of time. Mom and Pop stores are key in keeping the Mathews small town spirit alive. Whatever IT is, downtown Mathews County has IT. Our town loves small business owners, especially antique and boutique stores where you can find all the quaint and charming things our town has to offer. Here’s a list of our favorite boutiques within a couple miles radius of Main Street. And don’t forget to check out our local restaurants after shopping.
Unique Boutiques Downtown:
Sibley’s General Store – Mathews County Visitor Information Center
Sibley’s, or “MCVIC” as the locals call it, is not only the charming visitor center of Mathews County, filled with all the information you need to make the most out of your stay in Mathews, but it also holds a consignment of local art, authors, historical perspective of the area, and Chesapeake Bay small town gems. Definitely make a visit to MCVIC when you’re passing through town!
Bay School Community Arts Center
The Bay School is a community hub for locals and visitors of all ages to celebrate local artists, and become an artist themselves! This gallery is filled with art styles that reflect and honor the natural beauty of life on the Chesapeake Bay. The Bay School also offers classes in many mediums including pottery, painting, jewelry design, seasonal craft classes and so much more!
Roane’s Antiques at The Cottage
“The Cottage” is one of the cutest boutiques you may ever set your eyes on. Small and rustic on the outside, and carefully decorated on the inside, Roane’s offers vintage, antique, and country-inspired furniture and home decor. There is so much novelty packed into one tiny building, it’s hard to walk out empty handed!
Put In Creek Carvings
This shop offers an experience unlike any in Mathews. Put-In-Creek Carvings brings together a collection of artwork from all around the Middle Peninsula. This gallery is all about the details. Many of the items in this shop have been hand carved, welded, painted, or etched. We recommend you pay Ben Richardson and his little dog a visit!
Doodlebug’s Consignment
Doodlebug’s offers vintage galore that will have you coming back for more! This store is packed with unique gifts and items such as rugs, home furnishings, jewelry, bottles, records, clothing, and plenty of vintage items. This funky consignment shop is located under the sign called “The Halcyon Building” across from Richardson’s Diner.
Unique Boutiques Up the road a ways:
Etc. Vintage
Etc. is one of our larger consignment stores in Mathews, and it has become popular for finding that perfect home accent. Separated by vendors, Etc. gives a little bit of variety for the whole family to find something.
The Thrifty Spot
The Thrifty Spot was started by the MHS Special Education Department as a transition program for students to gain life skills and work experience after high school. This unique thrift store is engaging with, and giving back to the community while offering great deals on thrift items!
The Poddery
Robert and Karen Podd have shared their pottery studio and showroom to the public for over 30 years. This talented couple feature handcrafted tiles, wall decor, drawer handles, bird houses, and kitchenware that is microwave, dishwasher and oven safe. Many of the pieces crafted by the Podds are inspired by the wildlife and the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. Take a tour of their studio or find their pottery sold in galleries, and boutiques across town.
