2810[high]5: Places to Level Up Your Inner Nerd

A. Pennyworth’s Comics: Just like Alfred Pennyworth is a stable presence in the life of Bruce Wayne, so has A. Pennyworth’s Comics, News, and Collectibles been to Matthews. Celebrating their 20-year anniversary in September, A. Pennyworth’s offers new and old comics and collectibles from your favorite tv show, movie, and (of course!)comic book. Whether you’re Team Batman, Team Superman, or Team Not Sure Who to Root For, your Inner Nerd will enjoy questing through the racks of comics, graphic novels, and other pop culture items inside the shop.

11025 Monroe Road, Ste. D Matthews, North Carolina 28105

AMF Carolina Lanes: Does thinking of the bowling alley conjure up more of your Inner

Dude than your Inner Nerd? At AMF in Matthews, you don’t need to worry whether or not

your mystery block lands on your Big Lebowski or your Big Daddy- both can have a

great time. In addition to bowling, Matthews’ favorite bowling alley also includes an

extensive arcade with both new and classic video games for your Inner Nerd to dedicate

some time to leveling up.

11210 Brigman Rd, Matthews, NC 28105

Temple Mojo: Is your Inner Nerd more the drinking and knowing things type? TempleMojo frequently hosts themed trivia nights where you can prove both of those skills. Past themes have included The Avengers, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Game of Thrones. Plus, Temple Mojo has 26 beers on tap, so whether you fancy yourself a Lannister, a Stark, a Dothraki, or a Wildling, they have plenty of choices to fill up your cup.

195 N Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105

Charlotte Academy of Music: It may be too late to invest in a magic wand and send your own Inner Nerd off to Hogwarts, but for one magical, spellbinding week this summer, your child can experience the wizarding world of Harry Potter at the CharlotteAcademy of Music’s Harry Potter summer camp. They will start their week off meetingHogwarts famous sorting hat and learn once and for all whether they really are a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw. Once placed into their individual houses, campers will spend their time creating Harry Potter inspired art. Camp will end with an exhibition for family and friends and the announcing of the winner of the House Cup. Two sessions of camp are still available!

15040 Idlewild Rd Suite C, Matthews, NC 28104

NerdsToGo: Is your inner nerd still a technology newb? That’s okay, NerdsToGo has you covered. If you find your inner (or outer) nerd is facing a technology monster that’s above their player level, contact NerdsToGo. With their home office located in Matthews, NerdsToGo will travel to you and offers maintenance and repair services for your computer or smart device.

3521 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Matthews, NC 28105

Matthews Mojo Runners: Running Adorned

Despite cold, humid weather Saturday morning, more than eight people showed up in their finest Halloween attire (ranging from a touch of orange to a full body Monsters, Inc. suit) for Mojo Run Club’s annual Halloween run. Dubbed the (annual) “Halloween Costume Run,” the event is held as a way to combine the business of running with……well….fun!

Photo by Norah Burke

“Halloween is my very favorite day of the year,” said Bethany Salisbury, VP of the Charlotte Runners Club and organizer of the Matthews Mojo Runners runs. “I'm crazy about th(is) holiday and the only thing I like more than actual Halloween (day) are costumed Halloween runs!” she said. (One year, Salisbury tried to run in a Halloween tutu and witch's hat and learned the hard way that that didn't work! Another year, she dressed up as an injured runner and the next day she hurt her knee!)

The group, an offshoot of the Charlotte Running Club, runs weekly each Saturday at 8 a.m. from  Temple Mojo (195 North Trade Street) in the center of town to the Greenway and back – approximately five miles, (although some members meet at 6 a.m. or even 7 a.m. and run to the Sportsplex beforehand). They now call the group the Matthews Mojo Run.

Photo by Norah Burke

To support the event, partner Temple Mojo offered pumpkin beer and Bethany baked cupcakes to share with the runners after the event. They were joined by more friends to imbibe. “Not everyone dresses up but I always do,” said Bethany. “I like to bake something pumpkin-related to share with the runners afterward, while we drink our coffee (and beer!). It's always a really fun time.”

Photo by Renee Garner

Photo by Renee Garner

Photo by Renee Garner

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Morning Minute: October 26, 2018

Photo by Norah Burke 

Some Fun Things: Looking for Halloween fun? There’s plenty of fun for everyone!

• Today, October 26 through Tuesday, October 30, the Matthews Playhouse is ready to scare you silly on the Haunted Trail! Each day from 6 until 7 PM things are on the tame side of terrifying, but from 7 PM until closing at 10 PM there's no telling how frightful things will get. Tickets are $7 for 12 years and under and $10 for 13 years and older.  Located on the Greenway Connector Trail behind the Community Center, 100 McDowell St East.   

• Matthews Mojo Halloween Costume Run! Let’s cut to the chase, you’re going to eat a lot of candy. A LOT OF CANDY. Why not prep for Halloween by giving your costume a dress rehearsal and run on October 27 (8 AM til about 10 AM). Think of it as preemptively neutralizing the sugar?Post-run wind down with a (few?)  pumpkin beers and hang out with like-minded people.

• Don’t forget the Town’s Not-So-Spooky Halloween and Pumpkin Carving Contest, this Saturday, October 27, from 5 PM to 9 PM in Stumptown Park. The evening starts with festive fun and will end with the movie “Halloweentown”.

• Mount Moriah Church, 381 Crestdale Rd, is hosting a Trunk or Treat on Halloween with food and games. It’s open to everyone and costumes should be based on book characters. The festivities start at 6:30 PM and will go to 8:30PM.

• If you don’t have kids and want something to do, Halloween Bike Night is the season-ender on October 31 at Kristopher’s (at the Corner of Matthews-Mint Hill Road & Trade Street). The fun starts at 6 PM and you’ll want to get there in time to see bikers arrive in costume.