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Mayberry Madness: The Best & Most Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Mount Airy, NC

Mount Airy costs you very little if you stay on and around Main Street. The Andy Griffith Museum holds the largest collection of his memorabilia in the world. And Wally’s Service Station lets you photograph the squad car replica there for nothing. Historic Downtown Mount Airy runs a self-guided walking tour that costs you nothing. The WPAQ Merry-Go-Round has been broadcasting live out of here since 1948.

Looking for an unusual travel destination? Try Mount Airy, North Carolina. The town is known for its connection to the TV show The Andy Griffith Show, but there is a good deal more here. History buff, wine drinker or outdoor person: Mount Airy has a version of each.

Walk down Main Street and you are back in the days of Mayberry. Go to the Andy Griffith Museum for the life and career of the actor and producer. Then take the Good Time Trolley Tour for a ride around town. Along the way you get historic sites, stories, and a few landmarks from the show.

On food and drink, Mount Airy holds up. The Yadkin Valley wine region is a short drive away and there are local wineries to work through. Stop at Old North State Winery for a tasting, or take Round Peak Vineyards for a picnic with a view. And for lunch, there is Snappy Lunch, a Mount Airy institution serving pork chop sandwiches since 1923.

Key Takeaways

• Mount Airy, North Carolina is a charming town with something for everyone, from history buffs to wine lovers to outdoor enthusiasts.
• Take a stroll down Main Street and visit the Andy Griffith Museum to learn more about the town’s connection to “The Andy Griffith Show.”
• Don’t miss the chance to explore the Yadkin Valley wine region and sample some delicious local wines.

A Stroll Down Mayberry: The Andy Griffith Influence

If you follow The Andy Griffith Show, Mount Airy is the place to go. The town was the inspiration for the fictional Mayberry, and it is where Andy Griffith grew up. Here are the Mayberry-inspired activities worth putting on the list:

The Andy Griffith Museum

You cannot visit Mount Airy without The Andy Griffith Museum. The museum covers the life and career of Andy Griffith and holds the largest collection of his memorabilia in the world. Costumes and props from The Andy Griffith Show sit alongside personal items from his life. Anyone who follows the show should see it.

Mayberry Squad Car Tours

Ride in a vintage police car like the one Barney Fife drove on The Andy Griffith Show. Mayberry Squad Car Tours is an unusual way to see the town and pick up its history. You ride the streets of Mount Airy while the guide points out landmarks and tells behind-the-scenes stories from the show.

Wally’s Service Station

Wally’s Service Station is a real gas station that was the inspiration for Wally’s Filling Station on The Andy Griffith Show. Today it is a popular stop where you can photograph a replica of the Mayberry squad car and go through the souvenirs. It is a quirky stop and it works.

The Andy Griffith Playhouse

The Andy Griffith Playhouse is a historic theater built in 1920. It is named after the best-known resident of the town, and it is where Andy Griffith performed in his youth. The playhouse now runs concerts, plays and community events. It suits a show and a piece of the history of Mount Airy at once.

So put on the Mayberry hat and take the walk down memory lane. With this many Mayberry-inspired activities, the visit to Mount Airy will land.

Sip and Savor: The Wine and Dine Experience

For a taste of the good life in Mount Airy, North Carolina, take the wine and dine side of the town. Vineyards through to restaurants, there is a version of each in this town.

Old North State Winery

Start the wine-tasting at the Old North State Winery. The local winery pours across the range, dry through to sweet, so most palates are covered. And there is a tour of the winery if you want the wine-making process and the history.

Round Peak Vineyard

Next, go to Round Peak Vineyard to keep the wine-tasting going. The vineyard opens out over the surrounding mountains, so the view comes with the glass. And the selection runs long, unique blends included.

Miss Angels Heavenly Pies

After the wine you will want food. That is where Miss Angels Heavenly Pies comes in. The local restaurant is known for its pies, but the menu runs the full comfort-food range. Order the chicken and dumplings or the homemade meatloaf.

Snappy Lunch

For a quick lunch, go to Snappy Lunch. The local diner has been serving sandwiches and burgers since 1923. The pork chop sandwich is the one to order.

The Loaded Goat

For a livelier room, go to The Loaded Goat. The bar and grill runs craft beer and cocktails alongside a full menu of pub food. And there is live music on weekends.

So there you have it, the wine and dine side of Mount Airy, North Carolina. Wine connoisseur or just after good food, this town covers both.

The Great Outdoors: Activities and Adventures

Looking for outdoor time in Mount Airy, North Carolina? The outdoors here runs wide. Hiking through to rock climbing, there is a version of each.

Pilot Mountain State Park

Pilot Mountain State Park is where outdoor people should go. The landmark opens out over the Blue Ridge Mountains and suits hiking, camping and more.

Hiking in the Sauratown Mountains

Want a hard hike? Take the Sauratown Mountains. The rugged peaks are the harder walking in the area, with long views and demanding ground.

Canoeing on the Yadkin River

Get on the water and take the Yadkin River by canoe. The scenic river is the strongest kayaking and canoeing in the area, with calm water and good scenery.

Rock Climbing at the Granite City

Want a thrill? Try rock climbing at the Granite City. The climbing destination runs routes for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Seasoned climber or first-timer, the Granite City works.

So what are you waiting for? Get out and take the outdoors in Mount Airy, North Carolina.

Step Back in Time: Museums and Historic Sites

Are you a history buff? Do you like learning about the past? Then Mount Airy, North Carolina is the place. The town is full of museums and historic sites that take you back. Here are the places worth finding:

Mount Airy Museum of Regional History

To learn about the history of Mount Airy and the area, take the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. The museum runs exhibits from the Native American inhabitants of the region through the early settlers to the rise of the textile industry. And there are artifacts from the filming of The Andy Griffith Show, which was set in Mount Airy and based on the childhood of the star of the show, Andy Griffith.

Gertrude Smith House

The Gertrude Smith House is a well-preserved Victorian mansion showing how the wealthy lived in the early 20th century. The house was built in 1903 and has been restored to its original condition, period furnishings and decor included. Take a guided tour and pick up the Smith family and their place in Mount Airy society.

Old Jail

For a different kind of history, take the Old Jail. The 19th-century jail is now a museum telling the story of crime and punishment in Mount Airy and Surry County. See the cells where prisoners were held and pick up some of the more notorious criminals in the history of the area.

Historic Downtown Mount Airy

And do not miss a walk through Historic Downtown Mount Airy. The area is full of well-preserved buildings dating back to the early 20th century. Take the self-guided walking tour and find landmarks like the Earle Theatre, the Mount Airy Visitors Center and the WPA Post Office. It reads like a simpler era.

So what are you waiting for? Go and take the museums and historic sites of Mount Airy, North Carolina.

You are going back to a town you have never actually been to. Mount Airy was the inspiration for the fictional Mayberry and Andy Griffith grew up here. Wally’s Service Station is what stands in for Wally’s Filling Station on the show. And Opie’s Candy Store is named after the character and sells old-fashioned candy. The whole place runs on a memory that half the visitors borrowed.

Shop Till You Drop: Unique Stores and Souvenirs

If you shop, Mount Airy, North Carolina will suit you, because there are unusual stores and souvenir shops here. Main Street shops through to antique stores, the town has what you need.

Main Street Shops

Main Street in Mount Airy is where to start the shopping. There are shops selling everything from clothing to handmade crafts. Here are a few of our favorites:

Mayberry on Main:

This shop is the one for any fan of the classic TV show The Andy Griffith Show. You’ll find Mayberry-themed souvenirs in there, T-shirts, mugs and even Sheriff Taylor’s badge.

Old North State Winery:

Wine drinkers should not miss this shop. Old North State Winery pours across the range, reds, whites and even fruit wines. And you can sample before you buy.

Opie’s Candy Store:

This candy store is named after the character Opie from The Andy Griffith Show. There are sweets in there, chocolates, fudge and old-fashioned candy.

Antique Stores

If you go antiquing, Mount Airy has options. Here are a few of the stronger antique stores in the area:

Mayberry Antique Mall:

The antique mall sits in a historic building on Main Street. Inside there are over 50 vendors selling antiques and collectibles across the range.

The Snappy Llama:

This shop works in vintage clothing and accessories. There is everything from 1920s flapper dresses to 1970s bell-bottoms.

The Old-Time Antiques Mall:

The mall has been in business for over 30 years and runs antiques and collectibles across the range. There is everything from vintage toys to antique furniture.

Souvenirs or a general browse, Mount Airy has the options. So grab the wallet and go.

Let the Music Play: Bluegrass and Old-Time Tunes

Looking for foot-stomping, finger-picking old-fashioned music? Go to Mount Airy, North Carolina, where bluegrass and old-time music fill the air. Here are a few places to find it:

Earle Theater

The historic Earle Theatre is where music people should go. The restored theater runs live performances through the year, plenty of bluegrass and old-time music among them. Check their schedule for who is playing next, and take a seat up front so you can feel it.

Old-Time Music Heritage Hall

For the history of old-time music, take the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall. The museum preserves the legacy of this American genre and runs exhibits on the influential musicians of the past century. And you can try your hand at playing some of the instruments.

WPAQ Merry-Go-Round

For old-time music as it actually happens, take the WPAQ Merry-Go-Round. The live radio show has been broadcasting from Mount Airy since 1948 and runs strong local and regional musicians. You get everything from bluegrass to blues, and you may end up dancing.

Die-hard bluegrass fan or just after a night out, Mount Airy covers both. And take the Sonker Trail while you are in town, with the dancing shoes.

Beyond Mount Airy: Nearby Attractions

To go beyond Mount Airy, North Carolina, there are nearby attractions to work through. Scenic drives through to hard hikes, here are a few to add to the itinerary:

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is the one to see in the area. The scenic drive opens out over the Appalachian Mountains, with plenty of places to stop. Hiking, camping, or just a slow drive: the Blue Ridge Parkway covers each.

Hanging Rock State Park

For a hike, Hanging Rock State Park is worth the trip. With over 18 miles of trail, there is room to stretch the legs. The park also has a waterfall and a lake where you can swim, fish or rent a paddleboat.

Winston-Salem

A short drive from Mount Airy, Winston-Salem fills a day. The city runs several museums, the Reynolda House Museum of American Art and the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art among them. And there is the historic Old Salem district, which shows life in the 18th century.

Whatever your interests, there is plenty beyond the borders of Mount Airy. So pack the bags, get on the road, and take this part of North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the scoop on Mt Airy’s Andy Griffith Museum?

If you follow the TV show The Andy Griffith Show, you are in for something. The Andy Griffith Museum is the attraction to see in Mt Airy. There is memorabilia from the show, props, costumes and the squad car included. And you pick up the life and career of Andy Griffith. So do not miss it.

Mount Airy: Is it worth the trip?

Absolutely. Mt Airy is a small town full of history, culture and natural setting. Fan of The Andy Griffith Show or not, there is plenty to see and do. Hiking in Pilot Mountain State Park through to the local wineries, the range holds. So pack the bags.

What are the top attractions in Mt Airy?

Alongside the Andy Griffith Museum there are other attractions in Mt Airy worth seeing. You can tour the town in a vintage squad car, take the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, or work through the Mayberry-themed shops and restaurants on Main Street. And stop at Snappy Lunch for the pork chop sandwich.

Where can I find the best shopping in Mt Airy?

For unusual, locally-made items, go to the Downtown Mt Airy Arts District. There are galleries and studios showing the work of local artists. And there are the Mayberry-themed shops on Main Street for souvenirs and memorabilia.

What are some nearby towns worth visiting from Mt Airy?

If you have time, take some of the other small towns in the area. A short drive away is Pilot Mountain, with its rock formation and hiking trails. There is also Dobson, which has several wineries and vineyards. And for small-town Southern character, take Elkin or Yadkinville.

Are there any upcoming events in Mt Airy?

Yes. Mt Airy runs events through the year, from the Mayberry Days Festival to the Autumn Leaves Festival. Check the official website of the town for the calendar and plan the trip around it.

Frequently asked questions about Mount Airy, North Carolina

Which Mount Airy museum works for a whole family?

The Andy Griffith Museum. It holds the largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia in the world, with costumes and props from the show alongside personal items, and children spot the squad car first. The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History covers settlers and the textile industry. The Old Jail then handles the crime and punishment in Surry County. Do the squad car first, because everything else then follows more easily.

Which park near Mount Airy suits a day with children?

Hanging Rock State Park. It runs over 18 miles of trail, a waterfall and a lake where you can swim, fish or rent yourself a paddleboat for when the legs give out. Pilot Mountain State Park has the views over the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Sauratown Mountains are the harder walk of the three by far. Hanging Rock suits the children and Sauratown can wait for another trip.

Which Mount Airy vineyard is worth the drive with a picnic?

Round Peak Vineyard. It opens out over the surrounding mountains so you can drink the wine with the view, and the selection runs to unique blends you will not find elsewhere. Old North State Winery runs everything from the dry through to the sweet. Snappy Lunch has been doing pork chop sandwiches since the year 1923. Feed the children first, because the vineyards are not built for them.

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