mt airy places to visit

Get us in your inbox

Subscribe to get the latest travel articles by the North Carolina Travel Guides team straight to your inbox.

16 Amazing Things To Do in Mount Airy, NC (Mayberry)

Taylor Martin --> February 10, 2024

With its great museums, amazing attractions, and much more, there are many fun things to do in Mount Airy, NC .

Mount Airy, also known as Mayberry, is a city with a large variety of fun and unique activities. From visiting a replica of the courthouse from the 1960s TV show “The Andy Griffith Show” to doing a wine tasting tour at a winery to seeing a movie, the things you can do in the city will surprise you.

I made this guide with the most fun activities in the city to help you decide what to do in Mount Airy.

Best Things To Do in Mount Airy

Go to the mayberry courthouse.

The Mayberry Courthouse, which is situated at 625 S Main Street, is a replica courthouse.

The courthouse is interesting to visit for those who love The Andy Griffith Show, as it is a replica of the courthouse from that TV series.

You can visit this place for free and you don’t need a ticket.

The courthouse is a small place you can walk around in. You can also sit behind the desk of the courthouse, and the Mayberry Courthouse is a great place to take photos when you are visiting the city.

Address: 625 S Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Visit the Andy Griffith Museum

The Andy Griffith Museum is a museum in Mount Airy where you can learn about the personal life and career of Andy Griffith, a famous American actor who was born in Mount Airy in the year 1926.

The museum has the largest collection of objects related to Andy Griffith, who played the lead role in The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock TV series.

Some of the objects that you can see at the museum include items related to these shows, such as props. You can also find personal items at the museum that were given by cast members of The Andy Griffith Show, friends of Andy Griffith, and other people.

Address: 218 Rockford St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Go to Wally’s Service Station

Wally’s Service Station is a historic service station that dates back to the 1930s. Through the years, Wally’s Service Station was an Esso, as well as other gas stations.

Nowadays, this is a candy and gift shop. You can get a selection of old-fashioned candy here, as well as a variety of souvenirs and gifts.

Wally’s Service Station is also the start of the Squad Car Tours. During such a tour, you can explore Mount Airy and sights related to Mayberry.

These tours are great for Andy Griffith fans as you’ll visit Barney’s Cafe, Floyd’s Barber Shop, and lots of other Andy Griffith-related places.

See a Movie at Creekside Cinemas

Creekside Cinemas is a movie theater that you can find at 605 E Bluemont Road. You can see the newest movies here which is a very fun thing to do in Mount Airy.

The movie theater has great concessions, such as delicious popcorn, and the customer service at the movie theater is great too.

Creekside Cinemas is located at the New Market Crossing shopping mall, where some shops and eateries are located. For example, you can find the Mexican restaurant El Agavero Mexicano at this place, where you can get delicious authentic Mexican dishes. The restaurant is great for lunch and dinner.

Address: 605 E Bluemont Rd, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Do a Tasting Tour of Old North State Winery

The Old North State Winery is a winery that is located at 308 North Main Street in Mount Airy. The winery was founded in the year 2002.

The winery is unlike other wineries in North Carolina, as you cannot find the winery at a vineyard. Instead, this is a winery that is housed inside a historic building in downtown Mount Airy. You can find the Old North State Winery inside a former hardware store that dates back to the year 1890.

You can visit the winery and do a tasting tour 5 days per week.

During a tasting tour, you can see the winery and taste a selection of the wines.

In addition to that, you can go to the Old State Winery for lunch or dinner as well, during which you can enjoy incredible food and great wine. For example, you can get delicious burgers.

Address: 308 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Try Delicious Candy at Opie’s Candy Store

Opie’s Candy Store is a candy store that is located on North Main Street in Mount Airy’s downtown.

At this candy shop, you can get delicious old-fashioned candy. For example, some of the candy that you can get here includes chocolate-covered raisins, fudge, and double-dip peanuts. There are more than 500 different types of candies to choose from.

In addition to that, you can get delicious hand-dipped ice cream at Opie’s Candy Store as well. Some of the flavors that are available include black cherry, vanilla, cookies and cream, and white chocolate raspberry.

Address: 135 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Learn About History at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History

The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History is a museum that makes for one of the best things to do in Mount Airy if you like culture and history. At this museum, you can learn about the history and culture of Mount Airy and the surrounding region.

The museum’s permanent collection can be found on 4 floors of the museum in a space of more than 35,000 square feet.

The permanent exhibits cover many different parts of history and culture.

For example, there is one permanent exhibit through which you can learn about the life of Native Americans and early settlers.

Another permanent exhibit lets you learn about a turn-of-the-century country store, and there’s also an exhibit that focuses on some of the most famous people who lived in Mount Airy, such as Andy Griffith.

Sometimes, there are events at the museum through which you can learn new things as well.

Address: 301 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Get Craft Beer and Pizza at Thirsty Souls Community Brewing

Thirsty Souls Community Brewing is a brewpub that is located on Market Street.

At this place, you can get freshly brewed European-style beers by Thirsty Souls, as well as a selection of wines.

Thirsty Souls brews small craft beer, and there are always 12 brews on tap that are brewed on-site. In addition to a few core brews, there are also seasonal and new brews.

Besides craft beer and wine, you can also get delicious artisan pizza at Thirsty Souls.

There are many flavors to choose from. For example, one of the best ones is “The Veggie”, which comes with artichoke hearts, squash, sweet bell pepper, mushrooms, red onion, and black olives.

Another great one is the “Whatever TF” pizza. This is a pizza with spicy Italian sausage, crushed red pepper, and jalapeno peppers.

Besides pizza, you can get salads and other food items.

Address: 238 Market St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

See a Movie at the Earle Theatre

The Earle Theater is a historic theater that dates back to the year 1938. It started out as a movie theater.

Throughout the years, many renovations took place and other types of events were held at the Earle Theatre.

Nowadays, you can see movies and attend live performances at the theater, and the theater is used for other types of events.

The theater’s beautiful historic interior makes going to an event great too.

You can find the theater at 142 Main Street.

Address: 142 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Go to an Event at Round Peak Vineyards

Round Peak Vineyards is a vineyard in the Yadkin Valley. The vineyard was founded in 1999.

Round Peak Vineyards makes wines that are all hand-harvested and bottled on-site. The vineyard has 11 different types of grapes, including French and Italian varietals. Some of these are Merlot, Chardonnay, and Norton varietals.

You can visit the tasting room of the winery, which has a patio, and try the different wines. A great way to do that is by getting a wine flight of 6 of the 12 wines that are available.

In addition to tasting wine, you can also get delicious food at Round Peak Vineyards.

Throughout the year, there are some events that take place at the winery that can be amazing to check out if you’re looking for activities in Mount Airy. For example, there are events with live music, events with food, and other types of events.

Round Peak Vineyards also has a disc golf course that is open to the public during tasting room opening hours.

Address: 765 Round Peak Church Rd, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Visit the Mayberry Antique Mall

The Mayberry Antique Mall is a large antique mall on Mount Airy’s Main Street that is open every day of the week.

There are more than 100 dealers at the Mayberry Antique Mall that sell all kinds of antique, vintage, and collectible items.

It can be very fun to explore the items and buy an item if you like it. From antique toys to vintage signs to old furniture, there’s much to see at this place.

Address: 160 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Get Delicious Baked Goods at Miss Angels Heavenly Pies

Miss Angel’s Heavenly Pies is a bakery that is located on Main Street in Downtown Mount Airy that is open 7 days per week.

You can get delicious fruit pies at this place that are made from scratch using high-quality ingredients and fruit that is grown at the Miss Angles farm and orchard.

The fruit pies are made with seasonally grown fruit and berries, and there are more than 28 flavors of pie to choose from.

In addition to fruit pies, you can get other delicious treats at Miss Angeles too, from other types of cakes to muffins to gourmet cookies.

You can also go here for delicious ice cream.

Address: 153 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Bowl at Mt Airy Bowling Lanes

Mt. Airy Bowling Lanes is a locally-owned bowling alley that you can find at 304 Center Street, and the bowling alley is open every day of the week.

At this place, you can have a fun time duckpin bowling. This is similar to a regular game of bowling, but the balls that you throw are smaller than regular bowling balls and the pins are smaller as well. The rules of duckpin bowling are also similar, but slightly different from the rules of regular bowling.

The bowling alley sometimes has specials. For example, on Friday and Saturday nights, you can enjoy “Rock and Bowl”. During this, you can experience unlimited bowling for 2 hours and there are special lights.

You can also get great food at the bowling alley. The menu of the restaurant of Mt Airy Bowling Lanes includes pizzas, sandwiches, wings, and many other items.

Address: 930 W Lebanon St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Learn About Mount Airy at the Mount Airy Visitors Center

The Mount Airy Visitors Center is a place that is open 7 days per week. The center is a great place to start your visit to Mount Airy as you can get a lot of information here.

The staff that works at the visitor center is very helpful.

In addition to that, you can find some displays at the visitors center as well as many brochures with helpful information.

Address: 200 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

See a Show at the Blackmon Amphitheatre

The Blackmon Amphitheatre is an outdoor live music venue that is located on Spring Street.

This venue is great if you’re looking for a fun activity in Mount Airy during summer. The Surry Arts Council presents great live music and other types of shows at the theater during the summer months.

The summer series consists of about 60 concerts that take place from May through October.

In September, there are three large shows during the Mayberry Days, an annual event, and in October, there are free concerts.

The concerts during the summer series all start at 7:30 PM, and during the concerts, you can enjoy great food and drinks from local companies.

For example, Thirsty Souls Community Brewing, a place that I mentioned in this article, serves beer and wine during the concert series.

Address: 231 Spring St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Play Miniature Golf at Hardy’s Custom Golf

Hardy’s Custom Golf is a miniature golf course that was established in 1993. The organization focuses on offering family entertainment for affordable prices throughout the year.

There are two 18-hole miniature golf courses that feature unique elements, such as small waterfalls, a lighthouse, and other obstacles. These miniature golf courses are challenging for the whole family.

You can play miniature golf all year round.

In addition to miniature golf courses, there is also a driving range at Hardy’s Custom Golf, which has a depth of 300 yards and an average width of 175 yards.

There are also 3 chipping greens and there’s a putting green.

Another activity that you can do at Hardy’s Custom Golf is playing footgolf. This is a combination of soccer and golf and involves kicking a soccer ball in a hole using as few kicks as possible. It is possible to play 9 or 18 holes.

Address: 2003 W Pine St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

More North Carolina Articles

Best places to visit in North Carolina

Small towns near Raleigh

Best things to do in Winston-Salem

Best things to do in Raleigh

What To Do in Mount Airy Tips

At some of the places that I mentioned in this article, there are events. Before choosing where to go, I recommend finding out if there’s an event that you want to attend.

For some of the activities that I mentioned in this article, an advanced reservation is recommended, so keep this in mind when you’re choosing what to do in Mount Airy.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some of the places have seasonal opening hours. For the correct opening hours, you can check out the websites of the places that you plan on visiting.

Mount Airy Things To Do Map

As you see, there are a lot of fun things to do in Mount Airy, NC. Thanks for reading my guide!

11 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Mount Airy, NC

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Set in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Mount Airy is well-known for being the hometown of Andy Griffith and his inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry. Many of the town's attractions and things to do are aimed at fans of the Andy Griffith Show , from squad car tours to his namesake theater and museum, but this small town has much more to offer than just nostalgia for this classic show.

Antique shops, the world's largest open-face granite quarry, a lively Main Street, friendly residents, and the scenic surroundings make this a great place to spend a day or two. It's also a convenient stopping point along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For a more complete look at how to spend your time here, see our list of tourist attractions and things to do in Mount Airy.

1. Mount Airy's Main Street

2. mayberry squad car tours, 3. andy griffith museum, 4. mount airy museum of regional history, 5. historic earle theatre, 6. world's largest open pit granite quarry, 7. interesting restaurants & shops in mount airy, 8. antique stores in mount airy, 9. day trip to nearby state parks: pilot mountain & hanging rock, 10. blue ridge parkway, 11. granite city greenway, where to stay in mount airy, map of attractions & things to do in mount airy, nc, mount airy, nc - climate chart.

A stroll down Main Street Mount Airy will give you a feel for the charms of this small town. Restored buildings house interesting shops and restaurants. You can find that perfect souvenir, get the kids wired on candy and ice-cream, or catch a show at the famous Earle Theatre.

In summer, many of the stores along Main Street have goods for sale out on the sidewalks. If you work up an appetite, you can find an assortment of ice-cream and dessert shops and interesting diners serving tasty lunches.

For first-time visitors, Main Street is the place to begin your sightseeing.

Ideally suited for fans of the Andy Griffith Show , but also a great way to see the sites, the Mayberry Squad Car Tours are a fun way to learn some little-known facts about the show and the fictional town of Mayberry.

The tour is conducted by a local expert, chauffeuring guests around in a vintage Ford Galaxie 500 squad car replica dating from 1962. Stops and highlights on the tour include Floyd's Barbershop, Andy Griffith's birthplace, Snappy Lunch, and the Old Jail, along with several other interesting sites. Tours leave from Wally's Service Station.

Address: 625 South Main Street, Mount Airy, North Carolina

Official site: https://www.tourmayberry.com/

Located a short stroll off Main Street, the Andy Griffith Museum, next to the Andy Griffith Playhouse, is a must-see local attraction. The facility presents a wonderful overview of this famous actor through displays and touchscreens and holds the world's largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia. The museum also has an exhibit on Betty Lynn and a Maybury Mural. Out front of the Playhouse is the iconic TV Land statue of Andy and Opie going fishing.

While visiting the museum, be sure to pop in and see the entire floor dedicated to the history of the Siamese conjoined twins, Chang and Eng Bunker, who lived in Mount Airy. Their lives are expertly chronicled from their early days in Siam (modern day Thailand) through their performing years, their retirement and farming period, and finally their passing in 1874 at the age of 63.

The admission fee to the museum also includes a visit to the historic Earle Theatre on Main Street.

Address: 218 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, North Carolina

Official site: http://www.surryarts.org/agmuseum/index.html

Located right on Main Street, the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History offers four floors of local history on the town and surrounding areas. You'll find exhibits on the first resident Native Americans, early settlers, and hometown heroes.

Of particular note is a turn-of-the-century country store, providing insight into the period and how this key community provider operated. Music fans will enjoy an exhibit on the unique music style native to this area called Old Time, and children will be entertained by the "Hands on History" gallery.

Address: 301 North Main Street, Mount Airy, North Carolina

Official site: http://www.northcarolinamuseum.org/

This iconic theater, set on Main Street, has been a fixture in Mount Airy since 1938. The theater has been restored, and films are shown here five days a week. Local musicians host a Thursday Jam Night every week, and admission is free.

If you time it right, you can visit when the WPAQ Merry Go Round radio show is broadcast live from the theater on Saturdays from 11-1:30pm. Housed in the theater is the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall, which showcases old records, microphones, and musical instruments, along with other items.

Address: 142 Main Street, Mount Airy, North Carolina

Set just outside of town is a site so large that it can be seen from space: the North Carolina Granite Corporation's quarry. Granite, the official state rock, has been quarried here for over 150 years. Due to federal regulations, the quarry cannot be toured, however an excellent free viewing area, open seven days a week, is located high on a ridge above the excavation site.

If you time it right, you might be lucky enough to see blasting taking place. You can stop in at the main office to get a free sample and an information brochure.

Mount Airy has an assortment of places to eat and shop, some of which are long-running establishments that have become entwined with the town's history. One of the more famous is the Snappy Lunch restaurant, open since 1923, and a place Andy Griffith would come to eat when he was a boy. It's open for breakfast and lunch, and you might want to come early for lunch to avoid a line.

Another good lunch or breakfast option is Leon's Burger Express , an old-style diner and long-running institution in Mount Airy, in the 400 block of Main Street.

For treats, check out Walker's Soda Fountain , where you can enjoy an ice-cream or milkshake and listen to music from the 1950s or 60s, or Hillbilly, another interesting ice-cream and dessert shop with an old-fashioned theme.

The Bear Creek Gifts and Fudge store is the place to visit for souvenirs, fudge, and other fun items. All of these places are conveniently located on Main Street.

You can't help but be drawn into the antique stores that line Main Street in Mount Airy. These shops are an interesting mix of items and old treasures just waiting to be found by sharp-eyed shoppers. If you know what you are looking for, you may have a very good chance of finding it at one of these unique stores.

The Mayberry Antique Mall features items from over 100 dealers offering collectibles, vintage goods, and antiques. Other places to check out include the Mayberry Antique Hideaway and Memories on Main Antiques and Collectibles.

The scenery around Mount Airy is one of the great attractions of this small town. You can easily base yourself in Mount Airy for a night or two and day trip to the nearby mountains to soak up some nature or enjoy a bit of hiking.

From Interstate 77, you can see a large rock outcropping. Rising 2,000 feet into the sky is Pilot Mountain. Pilot Mountain State Park is an easy day trip from Mount Airy, just 13 miles away, and offers 27 miles of hiking, 42 camping spots, 9.8 miles of equestrian trails, along with canoeing, fishing, rock climbing, and rappelling. From the top are stunning views of the surrounding Sauratown and Blue Ridge Mountains. One of the most popular trails is the three-mile hiking route to the top, the Grindstone Trail .

A little farther out is Hanging Rock State Park . Here, you'll find a family-friendly park with 18 miles of hiking trails, some of which take you to scenic overlooks of the surrounding countryside. Owing to the relatively mild climate, these trails can be enjoyed at almost any time of year. Camping is available at one of the 74 sites in the main campground, and day trippers can enjoy the expansive picnic areas.

For paddlers, access points along the Dan River are available, and mountain bikers will find 8.4 miles of rolling trails. Be sure to visit the museum, where the history of the Sauratown Mountains is explained.

Mount Airy is a great stopping place along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Accommodation here is plentiful, and reasonably priced hotels are easy to find. The Blue Ridge Parkway is only 13 miles north of the town and is accessed easily off highways 671 and 679. Note that the drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway from Mount Airy is long and steep.

Attractions along the Blue Ridge Parkway in this area include Puckett Cabin, Groundhog Mountain, Mabry Mill, Rocky Gorge Overlook, Blue Ridge Music Center, and the Rocky Knob Visitors Center.

If you feel like getting a bit of exercise while in Mount Airy, the Granite City Greenway with a paved 6.6-mile trail, 10 feet wide, is ideal for walkers, bikers, rollerblades, and children in strollers.

The trail hugs the lush shorelines of Lovill's Creek and the Ararat River. The path starts in Veteran's Park, passes through Tharrington Park, HB Rowe Park, and finally ends at Riverside Park.

Along the way, you'll be able to participate in a variety of pastimes, including fishing at Westwood Park, perhaps a game of basketball or pickle ball at Riverside Park, or even a round of disc golf. If just plain strolling along listening to music is more your speed, this is the perfect place to do it.

Mount Airy has a variety of quality, mid-range hotels available. Chain hotels are plentiful, and a couple of locally owned establishments provide good value.

The Hampton Inn is a large, newer, modern hotel located on the outskirts of town. Rooms and suites are large and comfortable. Suites come in a variety of sizes and layouts, offering good options for families. The hotel has an indoor pool and serves a free hot breakfast in the morning.

Also ideal for families is the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites . This hotel has large rooms and suites with separate sleeping and sitting areas, and also has a large indoor pool.

A more affordable option is the Bryson Innn , about a five-minute drive from downtown. This hotel has 59 comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and the rate includes breakfast.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Mountain Towns in North Carolina: South of Mount Airy, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can find a number of interesting and welcoming small mountain towns . Depending on your interests and the time of year, these make great bases for hiking or skiing vacations, or places to spend a weekend getaway. Not far from Asheville is Hendersonville , a small town worth a stop in summer or winter.

Skiing in North Carolina: Less than a two-hour drive from Mount Airy, you can find yourself in the heart of North Carolina's ski country. To find out about the best places to hit the slopes and where to base yourself nearby, have a read through our list of Top Ski Resorts in North Carolina .

More on North Carolina

The 10 Best Things to Do in Mount Airy NC (& Surry County)

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies .

Though we’ve lived within an hour of Mount Airy, North Carolina, for the last five years, we’ve rarely found time to make our way over to the beloved mountain town .

For those who haven’t heard of Mt Airy, actor Andy Griffith was born there, and it was the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry on The Andy Griffith Show  and Mayberry RFD .

Some 60 years later, backwoods “Mayberry NC” (which has grown to 10,000+ residents) has become the cosmopolitan hub of Surry County NC.

But you don’t have to be a huge fan of  The Andy Griffith Show  to enjoy the diverse array of Mount Airy attractions.

Historic Downtown Mount Airy offers plenty of late 1800s/early 1900s architecture, great antique stores, and restaurants for every appetite, from sushi to pork chop sandwiches.

There’s locally made wine , the actual Floyd’s Barber Shop, and a cool collection of al fresco art scattered about town.

Once we got into the retro nostalgia spirit of the town, even the Andy Griffith obsession in Mt Airy turned out to be much more entertaining than we expected.

Read on for our in-depth guide to the best things to do in Mount Airy NC, from Mayberry-related tours and attractions to our favorite restaurants, shops, and nearby hiking trails .

READ MORE:  The 20 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit

Things to Do in Mount Airy NC (a.k.a. Mayberry North Carolina)

• Ride  with Mayberry Squad Car Tours
• Tour Mount Airy Wineries
• Sample Mount Airy Restaurants
• Hike Pilot Mountain
• Do the Downtown Mount Airy Art Walk
• Shop for Treaures at the Mount Airy Antique Mall
• Check out the Local Music Scene at the Earle Theatre 
• Explore the Mt Airy Museum of Regional History
• Go Goofy for Mt Airy Granite
• Celebrate at Mount Airy Festivals

READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Visit in North Carolina

1. Ride with Mayberry Squad Car Tours

Neither my wife Emma (who is British) or I grew up with The Andy Griffith Show . We feared there wouldn’t be other things to do in Mt Airy NC, or that we might find ourselves yawning through the city’s star attractions.

Luckily, we were wrong on both accounts.

Andy Griffith has undoubtedly left an enduring mark on the town of Mount Airy, both culturally and economically. There are all sorts of Andy-themed attractions on the south end of Main Street.

Opie’s Candy Store is on the same side of the street as Snappy Lunch, Floyd’s City Barber , and Miss Angel’s Heavenly Pies. Across the street you’ll find the  Mayberry Antique Mall , Mayberry Market & Souvenirs , and Mayberry Trading Post .

They’re all around the corner from the Andy Griffith Museum, which is right next to the Andy Griffith Playhouse .

On our first afternoon in Mount Airy, we explored all of these places. Then we headed to Wally’s Service Station , where we caught a ride in a vintage police car as part of the endearing  Mayberry Squad Car Tours .

We finished our Andy Griffith afternoon by visiting a replica of Mayberry Jailhouse, including Andy’s desk.

So is there a Mayberry, North Carolina? Not really. But, for a couple of blocks on the south end of Main Street, it’s easy to embrace the idea, step back in time, and enjoy a bath of warm nostalgia.

READ MORE:   Visiting the Andy Griffith Museum in Mt Airy NC

2. Tour Mount Airy Wineries

As residents of Elkin NC area, we’ve been to a few Yadkin Valley wineries in the past.

But we’ve never been to any of the Mount Airy Wineries, such as  Round Peak Vineyards or  Old North State Winery .

Round Peak is a few miles outside of town, just south of the Virginia border, with a fantastic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina . The wine is playful, the vibe is relaxed, and it’s a great place to spend an afternoon.

Old North State Winery is located in an old hardware store building in Downtown Mt Airy, with a fantastic restaurant attached to it. Their grapes come from around the Yadkin Valley , and it’s all made in the basement.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg for Mount Airy wineries and tasting rooms to explore. There’s a cool collection of mom-and-pop-style vineyards (including  Pilot Mountain Vineyards ), as well as commercial outfits like Shelton Vineyards .

Combined with the surrounding counties, there are over 40 vineyards in the Yadkin Valley, and 20 of the Yadkin Valley wineries are located in Surry County.

READ MORE:  The 20 Best NC Wineries to Visit

3. Sample Mount Airy NC Restaurants

There are lots of independent, local places to eat in Mt Airy NC, and the restaurants ‘ menus run the gamut.

Snappy Lunch is famous for once being mentioned on The Andy Griffith Show , and for its pork chop sandwich.

Miss Angel’s Heaven Pies is serious about both savory and sweet pastries. The Loaded Goat  gastropub does burgers and beer better than anyone else in town.

On our first night, we had dinner at Old North State Winery and were blown away by both the wines and food.

A quick snack at Kazoku Sushi & Bar  had the feel of being at one of the most happening spots in town. On the Saturday afternoon we visited, it was packed to the gills and well worth the wait.

Our Mount Airy accommodation, Heart & Soul Bed & Breakfast , blew our socks off with their 2-course morning meals. 

For our last meal in town, we stopped at the  Mill Creek General Store . It has a deli counter with a laundry list of fresh sandwiches, salads, and wraps. It’s a great stop just to explore the shop, but the food is excellent, too.

There were still many more Mt Airy NC restaurants to try, so we plan to go back soon, even if only just to eat!

READ MORE:   The 25 Best Western NC Small Towns To Visit (and Live In!)

4. Hike Pilot Mountain

Pilot Mountain is a natural landmark that has been celebrated for centuries, long before colonialism. It was made famous by  The Andy Griffith Show , where it was known as “Mount Pilot.”

Part of the Sauratown Mountain range (which are isolated from the Blue Ridge Mountains ), Pilot Mountain stands out in the NC Piedmont and is located along the Mountains-to-Sea trail .

Known to the Saura people as “The Great Guide,” it was first used as a navigational device by Native Americans , and later by European settlers.

Pilot Mountain State Park offers several great hiking trails, including different routes to the summit as well as along Pilot Creek and the Yadkin River. In all, there are some 14 miles of Pilot Mountain hiking trails to explore

There’s also Pilot Mountain camping , a beautiful visitors center, and expansive picnic grounds at the drive-up summit area.

We did a lovely lollipop loop hike to the top of Pilot Mountain, circling around Pilot Knob and passing by loads of rock climbers who were scaling the rock face.

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Campgrounds in the North Carolina Mountains

5. Do the Downtown Mount Airy NC Art Walk

We discovered the Downtown Mount Airy NC Art Walk by accident. As we pulled in to visit the Andy Griffith Museum, we saw a couple of nice street art murals that caught our eye.

As we walked around town, we kept noticing more murals and other little artistic features here and there, such as painted musical instruments along the sidewalks.

On our Mayberry Squad Car Tour, the driver took us to a remarkable mural of Andy Griffith, and we were sold. Emma couldn’t get it out of her head, and we decided we’d walk back and take another look.

At our Mt Airy bed and breakfast , we were flipping through brochures and discovered there was an established art walk. 

We decided to do the rest of the walk before dinner that night, and I discovered my favorite,  The Whittling Wall . It’s an impressive collection of amazing brick sculptures of important characters and stories from Mount Airy history. 

READ MORE:  10 Great Train Rides in North Carolina

6. Shop for Treasures at Mount Airy Antique Mall

As with any great town in Western North Carolina , antiques and local crafts feature prominently as part of the Downtown Mt Airy shopping experience. 

There’s a huge, central Mayberry Antique Mall on Main Street, not to mention a few others that have caught overflow vendors.

These shops are full of market stalls, some of which are tasteful displays of well-thought-out treasures, while others offer piles of oddities that may or may not have value.

Whatever the approach, it’s fun to explore the different personalities each stall represents.

As perpetual thrift store enthusiasts, we love a good root around old stuff. We’re cast iron addicts, love old kitchen implements, and have a soft spot for hardwood.

We wiled away a good hour or two browsing the Mount Airy antique mall’s offerings.

READ MORE:  7 Covered Bridges in North Carolina You Can Visit in 1 Day

7. Check out the Local Music Scene at the Earle Theatre

One of our dear friends, Buck Buckner, is an old-time musician of several decades. He had mentioned several times that we needed to visit the Historic Earle Theatre in Mount Airy.

Unbeknownst to us, the Earle Theatre in Mt Airy NC was the hub for regional radio for decades.

It’s still kicking, and we went for the free Saturday morning broadcast concert, exchanging texts with Buck’s daughter to let him know we finally made it.

The Earle specializes in regional music , especially (but not limited to) old-time, bluegrass , and country. We got a country band for our live show.

This historic facility has kept its 1930s style intact, and welcomes visitors to stop in for a look. It’s worth taking a minute to see it while strolling around downtown Mt Airy.

READ MORE: The 20 Best North Carolina Music Festivals

8. Explore the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History

Not to be confused with the Mt Airy Visitor Center, the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History is a mishmash of local history, dating from Native Americans through to 1970s country-pop icon Donna Fargo.

This is the one Mount Airy attraction we had visited before. Emma’s father was a major history buff, so we took him there when he visited from England.

But on our second visit we found that the place has expanded over the past few years.

For us, the highlights of the museum included the log cabin display, the permanent music exhibition, moonshine distillery -related stuff, and the collection of old fire engines in the basement.

The museum is located a historic building that’s noteworthy as well.

We were tickled to learn that the Heart and Soul B&B, where we were staying, had once been the home of William E. Merritt, the local businessman who owned the museum building as well.

He operated a hardware store there, and they’ve left his office intact as a historic museum display.

READ MORE:  30 Fun Facts About North Carolina State History & Culture

9. Go Goofy for Mt Airy Granite

Though it isn’t as highly publicized as the “Mayberry town” nickname, Mount Airy is also known as Granite City.

Not only does the area have the largest North Carolina granite quarry, but it is also the largest open-faced granite mine in the world. The mine has been in operation since the late 1800s, and it’s so large it can be seen from space. 

In fact, Mt Airy’s  North Carolina Granite Corporation Quarry Complex (which includes 22 contributing buildings, 1 contributing site, and 8 contributing structures) has been named a US National Historic District!

There are several old churches around town that were built from Mt Airy granite. But once the valuable stone makes it on your radar, you start to notice and appreciate the flourishes of it that pop up everywhere.

Stones from the mine were used to construct the Fort Knox Bullion Depository, the Wright Brothers Monument at Kitty Hawk, the WWII Memorial in DC, and Centennial Olympic Plaza in Atlanta .

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Winston Salem NC

10. Make It to Mount Airy Festivals

Mount Airy hosts a fleet of festivals throughout the year, and some of them draw massive crowds and create quite the local buzz.

Mayberry Days in Mount Airy, North Carolina is the must-do event for Andy Griffith fans. It’s a September festival filled with Griffith memorabilia, as well as music, family activities, and heaps of nostalgia.

The Surry County Sonker Festival is celebrated on the first Saturday of October, with music and dancing ( The Sonker Trail offers a chance to sample the local cobbler-like dessert at other times of year). 

Other annual events in Mt Airy NC include the Autumn Leaves Festival in October, the Downtown Christmas Parade in November, the Budbreak Wine & Craft Beer Festival in May, and the Mayberry Farm Fest in May.

The Mayberry Cool Cars & Rods Cruise-In is held on the third Sunday of every month from May to September.

And the Mayberry Food Truck festival happens twice a year, in spring and fall , when the weather is ideal for enjoying the outdoors. –by Jonathon Engels; photos by Emma Gallagher

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the  Leave No Trace   principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

Jonathon Engels

After visiting North Carolina for the first time, Senior Writer Jonathon Engels and wife Emma spent 2 years exploring Western NC in search of a homestead property. They first lived in Brevard, where Jonathon taught writing at Blue Ridge Community College and extensively explored the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest. For the last several years they have lived just off the BRP near Elkin, Southwest Virginia, and the NC High Country. The couple also volunteers with the Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, the Elkin Valley Trail Association, and Reeves Downtown School of Music.

25+ Fun Things to Do in Mount Airy NC | Mayberry 2024

Looking for Things to Do in Mount Airy NC?

Originally settled in the 1750s, Mount Airy, North Carolina, is a small mountain town that first got its start as a frontier commercial and trading center for travelers passing through. During the better part of the 1800s, the focus shifted to agriculture, and the economy gradually shifted to include farming and manufacturing of tobacco, granite, and lumber. From the late 1890s on, Mount Airy would receive its nickname “Granite City” as the development of the Flat Rock granite quarry became the largest open-faced granite quarry in the world. This remained the city’s top claim to fame until the premier of The Andy Griffith Show in the 1960s. Since the 1960s, visitors have flocked to the small town of Mt Airy to catch a glimpse of some of the highlights of where The Andy Griffith Show was filmed. The history of the city remains largely preserved, and visitors can enjoy an authentic experience of what life was like in “Mayberry” in the 1960s and beyond. 

Things to do in Mount Airy NC

Often known for its depiction as the fictitious town of Mayberry on The Andy Griffith Show, Mount Airy, NC, is a small town of just over 10,000 people located in northwest North Carolina.

While many visitors come to experience the highlight of the TV show that made the city famous, there’s much more than meets the eye in this little mountain town. With everything from Andy Griffith hot spots and historic monuments to craft beer, wine, and shopping, there’s plenty to see in Mount Airy! Let’s dive into all the fun things to do in Mount Airy NC.

1. Andy Griffith Museum

Address: 218 Rockford St, Mount Airy, NC 27030 Dedicated to the life of the late actor Andy Griffith, this museum, located in his hometown of Mount Airy, NC, is home to the largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia in the world.

Known for his television roles on the namesake The Andy Griffith Show, Matlock, Diagnosis: Murder, and more, this actor was a household name for many years during his prime.

The Andy Griffith Museum is open seven days a week and costs just $8 for adults or $6 for kids aged 12 and under.

2. Andy Griffith Playhouse

Address: 218 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030 Paying homage to the late actor who called Mount Airy home, the Andy Griffith Playhouse is a public theater dedicated to highlighting and preserving the arts within the community.

In addition to showcasing plays featuring local amateur actors, the playhouse serves as a space to provide an opportunity for people to develop their talents through workshops, summer camps, dance classes, and more. 

3. Mayberry Squad Car Tours

Address: 625 S Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030 If you’re looking for a unique, exciting way to explore the Mount Airy area, Mayberry Squad Car Tours offers guided tours of historic downtown, including all the highlights of classic Mayberry.

Guests on this tour can enjoy a chauffeured tour in an antique police car like those seen on The Andy Griffith Show for just $50 per carload (up to 4 passengers). Available seven days a week, this tour includes all of the Mayberry highlights like Barney’s Cafe, Floyd’s Barbershop, Snappy Lunch, and more.

4. Mayberry Replica Courthouse

Address: 625 S Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030 As one of the many sites of Mayberry in Mount Airy, fans of The Andy Griffith Show can enjoy a trip to this replica of the courthouse and jail seen on TV.

Open every Monday through Saturday, the Mayberry Courthouse & Jail offers visitors a glimpse into what it was like on the set of the show. Inside the courthouse, guests can stage the perfect photo op behind Andy’s desk or even recreate a photo behind the bars of the jail cell.

5. Wally’s Service Station

Address: 625 S Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030 Take a trip back in time at Wally’s Service Station in Mt. Airy, North Carolina! As made famous by The Andy Griffith Show, this Mt. Airy highlight offers visitors an unforgettable Mayberry experience every Monday through Saturday.

In addition to being the departure point for the Mayberry Squad Car Tours, guests who peruse the shelves of this service station can find a huge selection of old-fashioned candy, snacks, soda, classic souvenirs, and more.

6. Andy’s Homeplace

Address: 711 E Haymore St, Mount Airy, NC 27030 Located in the heart of Mayberry, Andy’s Homeplace is the ultimate must-see for Andy Griffith fans!

Guests can book a stay at Andy’s childhood home through the Mount Airy Hampton Inn starting at just $179 per night and enjoy amenities like free breakfast, maid service, and access to all Hampton Inn facilities as well as close proximity to all area Mayberry attractions.

The house is decorated in the 1930-1940s style with a collection of antique pieces and memorabilia seen on the show. 

7. Aunt Bee’s Room

Address: 501 Andy Griffith Parkway North, Mount Airy, NC 27030 Located within the Mayberry Motor Inn, this room dedicated to the late Frances Bavier pays homage to the actress with a collection of items purchased from Aunt Bee’s estate after her passing.

Aunt Bee’s Room features a collection of more than 30 authentic pieces and is available for bookings. Guests can enjoy access to all of the amenities at the inn, including walking trails, an outdoor pool, a gift shop, and more.

8. Floyd’s Barber Shop

Address: 129 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030 Still operating as a functional barber shop today, this Mayberry, NC, original has been a community staple since its conception in 1929.

Open Tuesday through Saturday, this iconic barber shop welcomes visitors looking to snap a photo in the same chair that Andy Griffith used to frequent. Floyd’s Barber Shop is filled with tons of original pieces, artwork, photos, and memorabilia and offers services by appointment. 

9. Andy and Opie, TV Land Statue

Address: 218 Rockford St., Mount Airy, NC 27030 Located directly in front of the Andy Griffith Museum, visitors can stop to take their photo with this bronze statue of Andy Griffith donated by TV Land.

The Andy Griffith TV Land Statue depicts actors Andy Griffith and Ron Howard as Sheriff Andy Taylor and Opie Taylor holding hands while going fishing, as seen in the opening scene of The Andy Griffith Show.

10. Good Time Trolley Tours

Address: N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030 For visitors looking for a unique way to explore the best of what Mount Airy has to offer, trolley tours provide an unbeatable experience!

Good Time Trolley is a tourism company utilizing two refurbished trolleys to shuttle visitors around on one-hour tours throughout the city. Tours are offered Thursday through Saturday, with prices starting at just $20 per person.

11. Shopping Downtown Mt Airy

Address: Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030 Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, historic downtown Mount Airy brings visitors an authentic Southern experience.

Many of the original buildings still stand in downtown Mt Airy but are now home to a variety of locally owned shops featuring art, music, food, clothing, crafts, and more.

During the warmer months, the downtown area is bustling with special events and festivals, and many of the Andy Griffith attractions are located in this area.

12. Horne Creek Living Historical Farm

Address: 308 Horne Creek Farm Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043 Take a step back in time at this authentic working farm located near Pinnacle, North Carolina! Registered as a North Carolina State Historic Site, Horne Creek Living Historical Farm welcomes visitors to tour the grounds to get a glimpse of what farm life was like around 1900.

Tours of the farm are offered between 9 am and 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday and feature an original farmhouse from the era, tobacco curing barn, cultivation fields, apple orchard , and more. 

13. Mabry Mill

Address: Milepost 176.1 Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 176.1, travelers can find one of the most photographed places in the United States, Mabry Mill.

This restored working mill draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and features live exhibits, including a working miller demonstrating the milling process.

Nearby, guests can catch a glimpse of traditional mountain architecture at Matthews Cabin or visit the restaurant and gift shop for some souvenir shopping and a bite to eat. 

14. Mount Airy Museum of Regional History

Address: 301 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030 Located in historic downtown, the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History is home to a variety of cultural and historical exhibits that showcase life throughout Appalachia and the US.

The museum strives to preserve the history of the region and offers guests a self-guided tour of several permanent exhibits as well as rotating exhibits, special events, a research library, and more. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, and admission is just $6 for adults.

15. Rockford General Store

Address: 5174 Rockford Rd, Dobson, NC 27017 Located in Dobson, NC, this historical site offers visitors a blast from the past at their authentic, working general store originally built in the early 1900s.

Rockford General Store is open Wednesday through Sunday and has a variety of old-fashioned candies, treats, and snacks for purchase, as well as an onsite grill with sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, homemade bread and desserts, and more.

Make sure to try out their locally made Sonker desserts for something new and exciting!

16. Granite City Greenway

Address: 350 Riverside Dr, Mount Airy, NC 27030 Operated by the Mount Airy Parks & Recreation Department, the Granite City Greenway System is a highly trafficked 6.6-mile paved trail winding through the heart of Mt Airy.

The trail is divided into three distinct sections and offers visitors access to several of the city’s parks as well as pedestrian, parking, and boat accesses along the trail.

17. Riverside Park

Address : 350 Riverside Dr, Mount Airy, NC 27030 First developed in 1977, Riverside Park is a community outdoor space featuring walking trails, playgrounds, soccer fields, a skate park, a canoe launch, and more.

The park was recently renovated in 2004-2005 and is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk, free of charge. 

18. Old City Jail

Address: 215 City Hall Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030 Used as the county’s real jail for many years, this recreation jailhouse is an exact replica of the one seen on The Andy Griffith Show.

The Old City Jail offers admission for a small fee and houses a small collection of television memorabilia and other historic pieces, and offers guests an opportunity to take their photo behind bars!

19. The Historic Earle Theatre

Address: 142 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030 Originally built as a music hall in the 1930s, the historic Earle Theatre was one of the sites where the famous Gone with the Wind movie had its very first showing.

Today, the theater is still in operation as a cinema and music heritage museum where visitors can enjoy special showings of films, access to the museum, and a photo op with the WPAQ merry-go-round characters.

20. The Gertrude Smith House

Address: 708 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030 The Gertrude Smith House is a Victorian-Colonial Revival home that once belonged to the late Gertrude Smith, an interior decorator.

Upon her passing in 1981, the home was willed to become a living museum with the original home decor still in place to allow visitors to experience an authentic feeling of life in the home.

The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and visitors can enjoy self-guided tours four days a week from April to December.

21. Opie’s Candy Store

Address: 135 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030 Bring your inner child to life at Opie’s Candy Store in historic downtown Mt Airy!

As one of the area’s most popular shops, Opie’s offers “Old-Tyme” treats like classic candies, homemade fudge, hand-dipped ice cream cones, gift baskets, and more. Open Monday-Saturday. It’s a must-see for children of all ages. 

22. Public Art Walk

Address:  Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030 The Mount Airy Public Art Walk is a collection of art installations located throughout the historic downtown area.

Visitors can grab a map and enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the many murals, sculptures, and art installations in the area that celebrate the culture and history of the city.

23. The Whittling Wall

Address: West Oak Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030 Located in historic downtown Mt. Airy, The Whittling Wall is a famous art installation depicting a number of local icons who have helped shape the history of this North Carolina city.

The brick wall and statues were erected using grant money from the state as well as private donors and feature notable Mt Airy natives like Fred Cockerham, L.H. Jones, Donna Fargo, North Carolina mill workers, and more.  

24. Pilot Mountain State Park

Address: 1721 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043 Spanning across 3,872 acres, Pilot Mountain State Park offers tons of space for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, and more.

Located just 20 miles northwest of Winston-Salem , the park can be accessed at several entrance points and is only about a 15-minute drive from Mt Airy. Pilot Mountain is a great addition to your list of things to do in Mount Airy NC.

Breweries, Wineries & Spirits in Mount Airy NC

If you’re looking for the best place to check out some of the area’s local wine and beers, Mount Airy offers plenty of options nestled within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains .

From upscale winery estates and revitalized industrial breweries to a simple outdoor beer garden, there’s plenty for everyone when it comes to libations in Mount Airy, NC.

🥃 White Elephant Beer Company – 225 Market St, Mt Airy, NC 27030 Located in the foothills of North Carolina, White Elephant Beer Company is a family-owned and operated brewery and tap house offering some of the best selections of beer in the state.

With more than ten beers on tap, this brewery offers everything from sour and fruit beers to IPAs and stouts; this brewery has one of the most varied taps around.

🥃 Mayberry Spirits Distillery – 461 N South St, Mt Airy, NC 27030 Whiskey drinkers can delight in visiting this Mt Airy distillery, which offers handcrafted, small-batch sorghum whiskey on-site as well as at dozens of liquor stores across the state.

Mayberry Spirits Distillery is open every Friday and Saturday for patrons to enjoy tours, tastings, artisan-crafted gifts, housemade essential oils, gourmet cigars, and more.

🥃 Old North State Winery – 308 North Main Street, Mt Airy, NC 27030 Founded in 2002, this upscale winery is owned and operated by Mt Airy native Ben Webb and his wife, Elise. In an effort to help preserve the history of downtown Mt Airy, Webb and his wife lovingly renovated an old 1890s hardware store where Old North State Winery now sits.

In addition to serving high-quality wines, the winery offers special events and dining available five days a week, featuring menu items from the world-renowned chef Chris Wishart. 

🥃 Thirsty Souls Community Brewing – 238 Market St, Mt Airy, NC 27030 Owned by Slovakian transplants Jan and Maria Kriska, Thirsty Souls Brewing specializes in European-style beers, with 12 of their craft beers on tap.

The brewery is located in a hip, renovated industrial space and serves beer, wine, pizza, and more seven days a week. It’s the perfect place to hang with friends or grab a bite to eat before exploring the sights and sounds of Mt Airy!

🥃 Uncorked in Mayberry Wine & Craft Beer – 126 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030 Located in the heart of historic downtown Mt Air, Uncorked features a collection of over 100 quality wines and craft beers crafted locally and from all across the US.

Originally founded in 2010 and obtained by the Martin family in 2018, this locally owned and operated shop and wine bar is one of the best spots in town for libations.

🥃 JOLO Winery and Vineyards – 219 JOLO Winery Lane Pilot Mountain, NC 27041 Rated as one of the top 10% of attractions worldwide by Tripadvisor, JOLO Winery and Vineyards offers visitors a unique, upscale experience nestled in the countryside of Yadkin Valley.

Their acclaimed onsite restaurant, End Posts, offers casual lunch and dinner options as well as brunch specials that have earned them a spot as one of the top 100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America, according to OpenTable.

🥃 Round Peak Vineyards – 765 Round Peak Church Rd, Mt Airy, NC 27030 Nestled on 12 acres of land in the Yadkin Valley , guests at this award-winning estate and winery can enjoy the serene natural setting while sipping on over 12 different types of wine at Round Peak Vineyards.

Owned and operated by Kari Heerdt and Ken Gulaian, this vineyard features onsite accommodation in cozy pet-friendly cabins as well as activities such as winery tours, disc golf, shopping, and more, all with easy access to the most popular nearby Mt Airy attractions. 

🥃 Serre Vineyards – 364 Beast Trail, Mt Airy, NC 27030 Serre Vineyards is a family-owned and operated vineyard and winery located just over 20 minutes outside of downtown Mt Airy.

Open every Saturday and Sunday, their tasting room is the perfect place to enjoy spending some time with friends and enjoying wine tastings and flights, food trucks, snacks, live music, and more.

Guests visiting the winery can book a stay in one of their two onsite accommodations situated on over 70 acres of land nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

🥃 Midsummer Brewing – 8544 North Carolina 89 Westfield, NC, 27053 With over 20 freshly brewed beers on tap, Midsummer Brewing is a beer lover’s paradise! Get a breath of fresh air at this pet-friendly outdoor brewery situated deep in the woods of North Carolina.

The brewery is open Thursday through Sunday, and guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks as no food is served on-site. 

Annual Events in Mount Airy NC

Although small, Mount Airy is a city rich in history, culture, and community. Every year, this city hosts a variety of outdoor festivals and events that bring the community together for music, food, and fun to celebrate everything that makes Mount Airy special. 

Here are some great events to add to your list when planning your things to do in Mount Airy NC.

✅ Mayberry Days Festival Hosted by the Surry Arts Council, this annual festival pays homage to the show that made Mt Airy famous – The Andy Griffith Show. Happening every September, the Mayberry Days Festival is a ticketed event featuring local musicians, many of whom performed on the show, as well as plenty of food, fun, and games for the whole family. 

✅ Downtown Art Walks Located in the Market Street Arts & Entertainment District, the streets of Mount Airy come to life every weekend from May to October during the Downtown Art Walks .

Each weekend, the city blocks off the street to allow family and friends a safe space to enjoy shopping from dozens of local artisans showcasing their crafts as well as live music, food trucks, and more.

✅ Budbreak Wine & Craft Beer Festival Happening each spring, the Budbreak Wine & Craft Beer Festiva l is a celebration of local libations from local wineries and breweries in the area. More than 15 vendors come from all across the state to showcase their high-quality wines, craft beer, and more for sampling and purchase.

Tickets to the event start at just $20, and visitors can enjoy trying out some of the area’s best wine and beer while enjoying food, live music, shopping, and more at this outdoor festival. 

✅ Mayberry Farm Fest Each year, farmers and local artisans gear up for the Mayberry Farm Fest to celebrate the rich agricultural background of this North Carolina town.

Happening each spring, this family-friendly event starts with a tractor parade and ends in historic downtown, where there’s plenty of food, demonstrations, crafts, children’s activities, music, and more that celebrate and highlight the hard-working farmers and artisans of Mt Airy. 

✅ Mayberry Cool Cars & Rods Cruise-In Events In keeping with the classic theme of Mayberry, visitors from all over come together every third Sunday from May through September to showcase some of the coolest antique cars and hot rods from generations past.

The Mayberry Cool Cars & Rods events take place in historic downtown from 1 pm to 5 pm, where visitors can enjoy checking out classic cars, listening to music, shopping, dining, and more.  

✅ Autumn Leaves Festival Originally started as a celebration of the tobacco and apple harvesting seasons, the Autumn Leaves Festival has been a Mt Airy tradition since 1966.

Every October, this free festival brings together vendors from all across the state to offer a weekend full of music, arts and crafts, and tons of delicious food options to locals and visitors alike. 

Where is Mount Airy NC?

Located in the northwest part of the state, Mt Airy, North Carolina, is just across the Virginia state line and smack dab in the middle of the Yadkin Valley . This city in Surry County is located just under an hour west of Winston-Salem and about an hour and a half outside of Charlotte, NC, making it a popular destination for visitors from all across the globe.

​​Where To Stay in Mount Airy NC

📍 Bryson Inn – 140 Plaza Lane, Mount Airy, NC 27030 Although only listed as a two-star accommodation, Bryson Inn has received superior ratings from guests for its location, cleanliness, and affordability. Each room at the Bryson Inn offers visitors a comfortable yet casual hotel room with a private bath, air conditioning, television, and wifi, as well as access to their onsite outdoor pool and included continental breakfast. With prices starting at around $80 per night, it’s guaranteed to be the best bang for your buck when visiting Mount Airy!

📍 Bees B & B – 314 West Pine Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030 Centrally located to all Mount Airy attractions, this bed and breakfast is the ideal stay for visitors looking for an authentic Mt Airy experience. With rooms starting at around $160 per night, Bees B & B offers comfortable accommodations in a well-preserved traditional farmhouse setting. The home is decorated with authentic antique and vintage pieces and offers freshly cooked meals each morning, as well as free wifi, air conditioning, tennis courts, and more. 

Mount Airy NC: FAQs

📌 Is Mt Airy, NC, worth visiting? Yes! Mount Airy is a city rich in history and culture where visitors can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities, shopping, dining, sightseeing, and more, accompanied by a charming, small-town vibe.

📌 Was Andy Griffith filmed in Mt Airy, NC? No, although the small town of Mt Airy was the birthplace of Andy Griffith and was used as a reference point for scenes from the show, it did not actually take place in the town and was shot in a movie set in California.

📌 How far is Mount Airy to Asheville? Mount Airy is located about two and a half hours northeast of Asheville, North Carolina .

📌 What TV show was filmed in Mount Airy, NC? Often referred to by its nickname of “Mayberry,” Mt Airy was made famous by the popular classic television series, The Andy Griffith Show.

📌 ​​How far is Mount Airy to Charlotte? Mount Airy is located a little over an hour and a half directly north of Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Final Thoughts

No matter if you’re a diehard fan of The Andy Griffith Show or just looking for a laidback mountain retreat, Mount Airy is the perfect place to experience life at a slower pace or reconnect with nature. With plenty of family and pet-friendly activities, this North Carolina county is sure to be the ideal spot for creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Sarah Murphy is the expert traveler, writer, professional photographer, and owner of Explore More NC. Sarah's passion for adventure has taken her all over, building a rich two-decade-long tapestry of travel expertise. She's the brains and the creative force of Explore More NC, where she shares her wealth of knowledge to help you discover stunning destinations and make the most of your travels.

Similar Posts

20+ Fun Things to Do in Atlantic Beach NC & Nearby in 2024

8 Great Things to Do in Old Fort NC + Breweries, Events 2024

50+ Great Things to Do in Winston-Salem NC & Nearby 2024

14+ Great Things to Do in Lexington NC | BBQ, Wine & More

36 Hours in Asheville – Fun Things to do

45 Amazing Yadkin Valley Wineries in NC

1-Day Mount Airy Itinerary

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

• Mount Airy in 1 day
• 2-Day Mount Airy Itinerary

Table of contents

1-day itinerary, andy griffith museum.

Mayberry Courthouse & Jail

Gertrude Smith House

Mount airy museum of regional history, mount airy visitors center, where to eat, barney's cafe, old north state winery, snappy lunch.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Popular road trips from Mount Airy

What's the weather like in mount airy.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Mount Airy for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Mount Airy in January
• Weather in Mount Airy in February
• Weather in Mount Airy in March
• Weather in Mount Airy in April
• Weather in Mount Airy in May
• Weather in Mount Airy in June
• Weather in Mount Airy in July
• Weather in Mount Airy in August
• Weather in Mount Airy in September
• Weather in Mount Airy in October
• Weather in Mount Airy in November
• Weather in Mount Airy in December

All road trips from Mount Airy

• Mount Airy to New York City drive
• Mount Airy to Washington DC drive
• Mount Airy to Orlando drive
• Mount Airy to Chicago drive
• Mount Airy to Pigeon Forge drive
• Mount Airy to Nashville drive
• Mount Airy to Atlanta drive
• Mount Airy to Toronto drive
• Mount Airy to Savannah drive
• Mount Airy to Charleston drive
• Mount Airy to Myrtle Beach drive
• Mount Airy to Philadelphia drive
• Mount Airy to Baltimore drive
• Mount Airy to Niagara Falls drive
• Mount Airy to Charlotte drive
• Mount Airy to Williamsburg drive
• Mount Airy to Asheville drive
• Mount Airy to St. Augustine drive
• Mount Airy to Pittsburgh drive
• Mount Airy to Memphis drive
• Mount Airy to Cleveland drive
• Mount Airy to Chattanooga drive
• Mount Airy to Louisville drive
• Mount Airy to Raleigh drive
• Mount Airy to Saint Louis drive
• Mount Airy to Tampa drive
• Mount Airy to Gatlinburg drive
• Mount Airy to Virginia Beach drive
• Mount Airy to Gettysburg drive
• Mount Airy to Cincinnati drive

Explore nearby places

• Pilot Mountain
• Laurel Fork
• Meadows of Dan
• Roaring Gap
• Tobaccoville
• Patrick Springs
• Yadkinville

All related maps of Mount Airy

• Map of Mount Airy
• Map of Ararat
• Map of Westfield
• Map of Dobson
• Map of Lambsburg
• Map of Pilot Mountain
• Map of Fancy Gap
• Map of Pinnacle
• Map of Laurel Fork
• Map of State Road
• Map of Boonville
• Map of Woodlawn
• Map of Hillsville
• Map of Thurmond
• Map of King
• Map of Meadows of Dan
• Map of East Bend
• Map of Galax
• Map of Stuart
• Map of Dugspur
• Map of Elkin
• Map of Roaring Gap
• Map of Tobaccoville
• Map of Jonesville
• Map of Danbury
• Map of Rural Hall
• Map of Patrick Springs
• Map of Yadkinville
• Map of Fries
• Map of Traphill
• Map of Willis

Mount Airy throughout the year

• Mount Airy in January
• Mount Airy in February
• Mount Airy in March
• Mount Airy in April
• Mount Airy in May
• Mount Airy in June
• Mount Airy in July
• Mount Airy in August
• Mount Airy in September
• Mount Airy in October
• Mount Airy in November
• Mount Airy in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Mount Airy?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 1-Day Meadows of Dan Itinerary
• 1-Day Pinnacle Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

The Best Things To Do In Historic Mt. Airy, NC

John M. Chase / Shutterstock

• Destinations
• North Carolina
• United States

Mt. Airy, North Carolina, is best known as the birthplace and boyhood home of actor Andy Griffith. It is affectionately known as “Mayberry” after the fictional town in the television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show , which ran from 1960 to 1968. It is said that the town of Mayberry was modeled after Andy’s hometown, Mt. Airy. The locals use the two names interchangeably and happily answer to either one.

Mt. Airy’s history dates to the 1700s, when it was but a stagecoach stop between Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Galax, Virginia. And long before Mt. Airy was known as Mayberry, it was (and still is) known worldwide as Granite City. The world’s largest open-face granite quarry, discovered in 1889, is located just east of town.

Mt. Airy is also very rich in musical history. Surry County is the birthplace of old-time music, or bluegrass with fiddles and banjos and the like. Greats like the Easter Brothers, Tommy Jarrell, Fred Cockerham, and more called this place home. Country singer and songwriter Donna Fargo also hails from Mt. Airy.

There are so many things to do in Mt. Airy. The city is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Ararat and Yadkin Rivers, and the recreation options for outdoor enthusiasts are endless.

Here is my list of the best things to see, do, and experience in Mt. Airy.

The Mount Airy Visitors Center provided a complimentary stay at the Mayberry Motor Inn. However, all opinions remain my own.

Visit The Andy Griffith Museum

Mt. Airy resident and Griffith’s lifelong best friend Emmett Forrest founded The Andy Griffith Museum and donated much of the collection that he lovingly collected over the years. The collection includes actual props, wardrobe items, and other artifacts donated by Griffith himself; his wife, Cindi; and others.

There are hundreds of items on display that cover Griffith’s life and career in theater, film, and music. Be sure to use the interactive touchscreens. You can hear much of Andy’s music and early comedy recordings (some of which I had never heard). You could easily spend an hour or more here.

The Andy Griffith Museum is open year-round seven days a week, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Pro Tip: The price of admission to the museum also includes admission to The Original Siamese Twins exhibit, the Betty Lynn exhibit, the Historic Earle Theatre, and the Blackmon Amphitheatre. You can find a map of these venues here .

Loretta Berry

Take In A Show At The Andy Griffith Playhouse

Adjacent to the museum is the Andy Griffith Playhouse , originally the elementary school that Griffith attended as a boy and where he first performed onstage. The building now holds community classes, theater productions, art camps, and live music concerts.

The Original Siamese Twins exhibit and Betty Lynn exhibit are also located in the playhouse. And be sure to see the TV Land landmark statue of Andy and Opie in front between the two buildings.

Pro Tip: Parking is free in the large lot next to the playhouse.

Learn About Eng And Chang Bunker, The Original Siamese Twins

Eng and Chang Bunker’s story is an interesting one. They were born conjoined, attached at the liver, in Siam, now Thailand, in 1811. They were brought to the United States and were on the circus and exhibition circuit for many years. They became U.S. citizens in 1839, taking the surname of Bunker. The twins moved to North Carolina, married sisters Adelaide and Sarah Yates, and soon after moved their growing families (together they had 21 children) to Mt. Airy. The twins died in 1874 and are buried in a common grave at the White Plains Baptist Church cemetery.

An exhibit dedicated to Eng and Chang is located at the Andy Griffith Museum. The exhibit charts their life history and features rare photos, newspaper articles, and artifacts donated by the twins’ descendants. Some of their descendants still live in Mt. Airy.

This exhibit is relatively small, but there is a lot to look at and read. Time spent here, including time at the Betty Lynn exhibit, could take an hour or so.

Pro Tip: You can visit the twins’ burial site just a 15-minute drive from downtown.

See The Historic Earle Theatre

The beautiful Historic Earle Theatre , built in 1938, is where Griffith used to watch movies with his friends. In 1958, the premiere of A Face in the Crowd , Andy Griffith’s first movie, was featured at the Earle.

The Earle is now home to the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall and the WPAQ Merry-Go-Round, the nation’s second-longest-running live radio broadcast show. The Earle also shows feature films five days a week.

The area’s rich musical history is represented at the Earle, and the regional and national music legends who played here are now honored in the Heritage Hall. You can see a tribute to them on the short self-guided tour with an audio guide.

Visit The Mount Airy Museum Of Regional History

The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History ’s three stories of exhibits cover life in the Mt. Airy area from the early 1700s to the present day. Exhibits highlight the discovery of The Rock in the late 1880s, the railway’s appearance, the emergence of furniture and textile factories, and the city’s reputation as a “Little Chicago.” Other exhibits showcase music, sports, education, and military history.

Admire The Historic Homes

Mt. Airy has a long and colorful history. There are many grand old homes still standing, holding on to their stories and waiting to tell them. Some offer tours, and others currently operate as bed and breakfasts.

The Gertrude Smith House is a Victorian colonial revival home containing period furnishings and art. It was built around the turn of the 20th century.

The oldest-known structure still standing in Mt. Airy is the William Alfred Moore House , built around 1862. It has an Italianate and Gothic revival exterior and a Greek revival interior.

Both of these homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are open for tours through the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History.

Hike Through Pilot Mountain State Park

A 14-mile drive from Mt. Airy is Pilot Mountain State Park , a recreational destination that offers miles of trails, camping, and canoeing. Some visitors just want to reach the summit for spectacular 360-degree views. While you can certainly climb to the 2,000-foot summit, you can also drive up or take the shuttle from the visitor center. Check the website for current times, fees, and other important information.

Nagel Photography / Shutterstock

Take A Mayberry Squad Car Tour

A Mayberry squad car tour will surely be the highlight of your visit. Starting at Wally’s Service Station with sirens wailing, an animated, story-filled tour guide will take you on a memorable ride around town, showing off all its famous landmarks, including Griffith’s boyhood home, the schools and churches he attended, and the places he frequented growing up. A stop at The Rock — Mt. Airy’s historic granite quarry — is also included.

Make Time For Other Mayberry Must-Sees

On South Main Street is Wally’s Service Station , where Goober worked on The Andy Griffith Show . In Mt. Airy, it’s the gas station where Griffith used to walk when he was a boy to grab a bottle of orange pop.

Next to the service station is the Mayberry Replica Courthouse , where you can sit behind Griffith’s desk, type on his typewriter, and even sit in the recreated jail cells that appeared in the show.

Behind these two buildings is the Darling family’s old pickup truck and rustic hillbilly cabin, complete with what appears to be a moonshine still.

On North Main Street is Floyd’s City Barber Shop . You can have your picture taken in the same exact chair that the real-life Griffith sat in when he got his hair cut.

Specializing in goodies that you knew and loved as a kid, Opie’s Candy Store is a must-stop. Wooden barrels brim full of treats, and rows of jars are filled with penny candy. Oh, my!

Our squad car tour guide, Gary, said that Walker’s Soda Fountain has “the best shakes on the East Coast, bar none!” We think he’s right. We swooned over the old-fashioned chocolate malt with two straws. Locals declare that Walker’s has the best hot dogs, too.

Across the street is Barney’s Cafe , and a little farther down Main Street is Leon’s Burger Express , named for Little Leon from The Andy Griffith Show .

Book A Stay At A Local Inn

For the ultimate fan, there is no better place to experience Mayberry than Griffith’s own home. The house is decorated as it would have been when the star lived there and contains Griffith memorabilia, including the complete The Andy Griffith Show . Luckily, Griffith’s boyhood home is available for nightly rental. Reservations can be made through the Hampton Inn Mount Airy and include the Hampton Inn’s continental breakfast.

You will feel right at home at the Mayberry Motor Inn . The beautiful grounds include Thelma Lou’s trail through fragrant gardens, a gazebo to relax on, and a swimming pool. Parked out front is a Mayberry squad car and Emmett’s pickup truck. The inn’s office is filled with Andy Griffith and Donna Fargo memorabilia. Be sure to ask to see Aunt Bee’s room, fully decorated with memorabilia from actress Frances Bavier’s estate.

Two bed and breakfasts that stood out to me and were mentioned by locals are the award-winning Sobotta Manor Bed and Breakfast and the exquisite, highly rated Heart & Soul Bed and Breakfast . Both are reasonably priced and located near the historic downtown area.

Indulge In Delicious Dining

Opened in the 1920s, Snappy Lunch hasn’t changed much since Griffith ate there growing up. The prices haven’t changed much, either. Their famous pork-chop sandwich is just $4.45, and it’s the most expensive item on the menu.

The Loaded Goat — named for Jimmy, the dynamite-eating goat on The Andy Griffith Show — is a casual pub with great food and signature drinks. I recommend the fried green tomato BLT.

The Old North State Winery is an upscale but very warm and inviting winery and deli located in the renovated 1890s mercantile building on Main Street. They offer daily wine tastings and a chef’s table wine-pairing experience by reservation. We had a wonderful time tasting their award-winning wines and amazing charcuterie board. We were even treated to a tour of the barrel room downstairs.

All the locals we asked said that 13 Bones serves up the best barbecue around. It’s got good food, good prices, good service — everything you want from a restaurant. It’s a casual, hometown ribs place. The menu also includes steak, chicken, seafood, and sandwiches.

Folks watching The Andy Griffith Show were reminded of a simpler time. Being in Mayberry — I mean Mt. Airy — really takes you down memory lane.

Loretta Berry is a freelance travel writer and photographer. She loves discovering new places, learning its history, and experiencing the local food and drink. She has traveled extensively throughout the United States. She loves traveling with her kids and grandkids, sharing with them her passion for fun and adventure. She is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA), International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), and TravMedia.

26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Mt. Airy (NC)

Looking for the best and most fun things to do in Mt Airy, NC?

Mount Airy, North Carolina, is famous for being the birthplace of Andy Griffith. This destination is commonly called “Mayberry.” It derived this name from the fictional town in the Andy Griffith Show.

The fictional town is believed to be centered on the life of Andy of Mount Airy. Mount Airy’s history stretches back to the 1700s as it is a stop along the road from Winston-Salem, NC, to Galax, Virginia.

This town was previously known as Granite City before Mayberry was widely known.

Very close to the eastern side of Mt Airy is located the largest open-face granite quarry, which was founded in 1889. Mount Airy is famous for its rich musical history.

Surry County is where blues music originated, which comprises fiddles, banjos, and many other instruments.

Mt. Airy was a place of abode for legends such as Tommy Jarrell, Easter Brothers, Fred Cockerham, and numerous others. The city is located in the surrounding areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is nestled on the edge of the Ararat and Yadkin rivers. Here offer lots of great opportunities for outdoor lovers.

There are many cool things to do in Mt. Airy, NC and from this well-curated list, be sure to have a fantastic vacation. 

Things to Do in Mt. Airy

1. visit the andy griffith museum.

One of the top things to do in Mt. Airy, NC if you are a history buff is to visit the Andy Griffith Museum . The museum took its name after a famed American TV celebrity, producer, and singer.

The museum is a 2,500-square-foot exhibit space located in Griffith’s birthplace in Mount Airy. The museum has a wide variety of memorabilia belonging to Andy Griffith that an old friend of Griffith built by the name Emmett Forrest.

The museum also has artifacts from the TV show Matlock and The Andy Griffith Show, and it also has on display the rocking chair of Griffith’s father. The museum is open to all and sundry all through the year.

Address: 218 Rockford St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

2. Mount Airy Museum of Regional History

If you love history, one of the fun things to do in Mt. Airy, NC is to visit the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, which is located on Main Street and comprises four strata of rich local history in the town and its surrounding areas.

Visitors can find exhibits that showcase the early lifestyle and settlement of locals in this area and be sure to also learn about the local heroes of this place. 

Here is a significant attraction to see when you visit this town. It allows visitors to learn about the beautiful history of this region and how it survived over time.

The kids are not left out of the fun as they can check out the “Hands on History” exhibition, where music enthusiasts can enjoy the outstanding music exhibition attributed to the region.

Address: 301 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

3. Pilot Mountain State Park

The next item on this list is visiting the Pilot Mountain State Park , where you get the opportunity to see the Big Pinnacle Summit.

This destination is an exciting spot for numerous pleasurable activities, including kayaking, birdwatching, camping, and beautiful terrain.

Pilot Mountain State Park also features a vast connection of hiking routes and even roads for horse company

If you are a Rock Climber, you can go check out the high cliffs in the park, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Sauratown Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Address: 1792 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043, United States

4. Historic Downtown Mount Airy

The Historic Downtown in Mount Airy is filled with much excitement and fun as it is a town that incorporates both traditional and urban lifestyles.

The most efficient way to discover this downtown area is by walking the entire place on foot while still enjoying the rich culture and history of this town that grew famous because of the show Andy Griffith.

Various small-scale businesses have been able to thrive in the historic downtown area of Mount Airy, ranging from retail stores to gift shops and antique shops to the numerous cafes and restaurants and the Blackmon and Earle Theater.

This lovely town has numerous attractions to see, including Snappy Lunch, Wally’s Service Station, The BlueBird Diner, and Wally’s Service Station, and guests can have a lovely ride on one of the numerous RFD Mayberry squad cars as they try to learn about the rich history of this town.

Address: Mt Airy, NC 27030

5. Take a Walk Along Main Street

Another exciting thing to do when you visit is to stroll along the beautiful Main Street of Mount Airy and enjoy the lovely attraction in this city.

The beautiful stores and restaurants to find here are accommodated in revamped buildings. Be sure to find that perfect souvenir you need to take back home, and you can see a play at the Historic Earle Theater or get your children some tasty ice cream and sweets.

Numerous shops to find along Main Street provide quality goods for sale on the street all summer. In addition, there are different kinds of pastry and ice cream stores and lovely restaurants that offer guests delicious meals.

Address: Mount Airy, NC, United States

6. Round Peak Vineyard

One place you do not want to miss out on when you visit Mount Airy is the Round Peak Vineyard , and it should be on your bucket list of fun things to do in Mt. Airy, NC. It is an ideal place to enjoy nature’s fresh air, gorgeous environment, and incredible wine collection here.

This laid-back and furry-friendly vineyard is perched on a land area of 30 acres and is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The vineyard organizes indoor and outdoor tastings on their expansive patio that overlooks the vineyard.

Samplings of their various collections of canned and bottled wines can be seen here as well as dry wines such as blended red wine with flavors of red fruits and cherry, Obsession and tasty wines such as their red sangria.

Different sorts of beers are available for everyone in the tasting room. For individuals who wish to spend much time in the vineyard, it is a place of abode for two rental cabins, which can house about eight persons. These two rentals have excellent estate views, complementing them with incredible beer and wine tasting.

Address: 765 Round Peak Church Road, Mt. Airy, North Carolina 27030

7. Earle Theater

The Earle Theater was built in 1938 and frequented by Griffith as he always visited with his friends to see some interesting movies in this iconic Theater.

The Earle Theater once held the premiere movie by Andy Griffith in 1958 named the Face of the Crowd.

You can also check out the WPAQ Merry-Go-Round and the Old-Time Music Heritage, which are some of the oldest live radio channels you can find in Earle.

The Earle Theater acknowledges the musical history of this region, coupled with regional and national superstars who have showcased their art here and are also recognized in the Earle Theater.

Address: 142 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

8. The Gertrude Smith House

The Gertrude Smith House was constructed during the early 1900s. It is one of the many famous iconic markers to find on Mount Airy.

The Gertrude Smith House is a Victorian-style iconic home previously owned by an indigenous businessman named Jefferson Smith.

The beautiful home was inherited by the daughter of Gertrude Smith, whose name the house was called after. She was an ex-educated professional decorator residing in New York, not until her father’s demise, which made her return home to oversee the family business.

She did the home decoration of this home; her earnest wish was for the house to be made into a museum after her demise. Currently, guests can have an exciting tour of the place as all of its initial furnishings are the same as they were, coupled with its gorgeous yard that features vintage terrain.

  Address: 708 North Main Street, Mt. Airy, North Carolina 27030;

Check out the top  things to do in Frisco ,  things to do in Jacksonville , and  things to do in High Point  for a memorable exploration of North Carolina .

9. Little Richard’s BBQ

One of the best Mt. Airy, NC activities is to checkout Little Richard’s Barbeque. It is a considerable eatery attraction founded in 1991 in Winston Salem.

The eatery provides visitors with barbecue in a relaxed and lovely ambiance. The restaurant focuses on ensuring that it offers the best barbecue in this region and beyond. A typical example is hickory-smoked hog shoulders that get slowly roasted and get freshly served.

Little Richard’s BBQ also provides visitors with incredible meals such as grilled brisket, smoked chicken, pit beef, hefty burgers, hot dogs, and pit beef, and even sides such as vegetarian meals and fresh salads that are prepared using the traditional Lexington style technique passed on from one generation to another.

Visitors can have their food with various kinds of regular wines and homemade beers, and the eatery is available for visitors throughout the week for different meal sessions.

Address: 455 Frederick St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

10. Checkout The World’s Largest Open Pit Granite Quarry

Another interesting item on this list of fun things to do in Mt. Airy, NC, is visiting the Largest Open Pit Granite Quarry . This Quarry is perched not far from the town and is so large that it can be seen from afar.

Granite, the state’s primary used rock for about 150 years, is always mined in the area. Unfortunately, visits to the quarry are not allowed due to restrictions placed by the government.

Furthermore, an ideal site where visitors can observe freely is perched on a hilly area whose height is above the dig site and is available for visits throughout the year.

You might be lucky enough to see how they carry out blasting if you visit at the right time. Free sampling is available, and you will be given an information leaflet when you stop at the main office.

Address: Mount Airy, Nc, United States

11. Mount Airy Public Library

Another interesting item on this list of things to do in Mt. Airy, NC, is visiting the Mount Airy Public Library , a general library that houses a vast range of books, DVDs, ebooks, and other readable materials.

The library is an integral part of the Northwestern Regional Library System that encompasses 13 different libraries found in Stokes, Yadkin, Alleghany, and Surrey counties.

The Public Library comprises numerous study and reading spaces, a secluded area used as a library for children and teens, good access to public computers and collections, an excellent wireless Internet system, an exhibit Gallery, a comfy lounge area, and different conference rooms.

Mount Airy Public Library also organizes events, including poetry and book readings, workshops, storytime, etc.

Address: 4759, 145 Rockford St, Mt Airy, NC 27030,

12. Eng And Chang Bunker

Visit the Eng And Chang Bunker and learn about the exciting history of the Siamese Twins who were delivered conjoined in Thailand.

The twins later relocated to the United States and were much more active in circuses and exhibition performances. They became country citizens in 1839 and had a surname named Bunker.

They later moved to North Carolina, where they married two sisters, Adelaide and Sarah Yates, and began residing in Mount Airy with children; they gave birth to 21 children.

The twin brothers died in 1874 and were buried in White Plains Baptist Church cemetery. Visitors can find exhibits in the Andy Griffith Museum that are in honor of Eng and Chang.

Address: 614 Old U.S. 601, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

13. Visit the Historic Houses in Mount Airy

The historic houses to find here have a history stretching back many years back. The town is filled with beautiful historic homes, and every story behind them will be interesting for you to hear.

Some historic houses to visit here offer tours, whereas others provide bed and breakfast upon visitation. A typical unique Victorian home with furniture and art to look out for is the Gertrude Smith House.

The home was built around the twentieth century. However, the most ancient building to find in Mt. Airy, known as the William Alfred Moore, was built in 1862.

The building has a unique Greek interior and an Italianate and Gothic revival facade. There are tours available for these two houses, which are also acknowledged on the National Register of Historic Places.

14. Dine At Snappy Lunch,

If you love good food, one of the best things to do when you visit Mount Airy is to dine at the Snappy Lunch . This attraction promised incredible breakfast dishes, famous pork chop sandwiches, and handmade biscuits.

Snappy Lunch is a little restaurant located behind North Main Street in Mount Airy, and it has two eating spots with a diner area and comfy seats and has hung photos of Andy Griffith in a lovely and convenient ambiance.

This restaurant attracts many locals and tourists alike, who check to treat their stomachs to their famous sandwiches, which are filled with chili, coleslaw, mustard, pork, onions, and tomato. Be sure to stop by anytime during the day to have breakfast or lunch.

Address: 125 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

15. Old North State Winery

Suppose you are a beer enthusiast; one of the fun things to do in Mt. Airy, NC is visiting the historic North State Winery. It is a modern winery and brewery that allows visitors to enjoy wine sampling tours, incredible foods, drinks, and good live music.

The Old North State Winery is accommodated in a revamped old hardware shop located on Main Street; it is such a critical dining site to see with a beautiful ambiance.

The restaurant offers visitors a vast range of wine collections, such as Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, and even Nobel Muscadines, Riesling, and Petit Manseng, and all these wines are available for tasting during the sampling tour.

The Old North State restaurant provides visitors with farm-to-fork dishes made with locally grown ingredients and organizes various live performances throughout the year.

Address: 308 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

Are you considering more exploration of North Carolina, here is our list of  things to do in Franklin ,  things to do in Mooresville  and  things to do in New Bern ,  for a fun vacation

16. Be Part Of the Autumn Leaves Festival or Mayberry Days

One of the top things to do in Mt. Airy, NC, is to be part of the Autumn Leaves Festival organized in October on Mt Airy Main Street; during this time, the leaves change color.

During the festivity, visitors can enjoy delicious food truck fare and buy various local and handmade goods. Despite the Mayberry Days being about the Andy Griffith Show, it also has food vendors and other merchants.

The Mayberry Days happens annually during the third week of September but checkmate this information online before heading out.

17. Libby Hill Seafood

Libby Hill Seafood is a famous seafood restaurant providing guests with various kinds of freshly caught seafood, shellfish harvested locally from Carolinas and Virginia, and fresh fish.

The Libby Hill Seafood is a family-owned and managed restaurant that has been in the business of providing top-notch seafood dishes for about 50 years

It has been serving incredible dishes such as

Atlantic perch and clams from New England,

salmon from Chile, shrimp from North Carolina and the Gulf Coast, flounder and whitefish from Alaska, flounder and whitefish from Alaska, scallops from Canada, and oysters from the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.

The Libby Hill Seafood also has an incredible collection of homemade beers, boutique wines, and top-notch cocktails that comes with the cuisine. You can also visit the Mayberry Mall location, which is available daily for lunch and quick dinner throughout the week.

Address: 199 Mayberry Mall, Mt Airy, NC 27030,

18. Prudence McCabe Confections

To satisfy your stomach cravings for confectionery goods, be sure to visit the Prudence McCabe Confections , which provides visitors with delicious treats that are homemade and produced by Sue Heckman.

Over the years, Sue Heckman only made chocolates for friends and family before establishing a confectionery shop perched in the downtown area of Mount Airy.

The shop took its name after her grandmother, Prudence, and Sue Heckman’s husband’s grandmother, McCabe.

The family-owned shop was named after her grandmother, Prudence, and her husband’s grandmother, McCabe. Visitors will find nearly every confectionary treat their mind can think of, from chocolates to gourmet popcorn.

The store also offers a variety of cheesecakes, truffles, infused truffles, chocolate-dipped treats, cake pops, chocolate bark, and gourmet apples.

Address: 192 North Main Street #400, Mt. Airy, North Carolina 27030

19. Mayberry Spirits Distillery

Community, sustainability, and authenticity are core characteristics of this small-batch craft distillery.

With its premium handcrafted spirits, Mayberry Spirits Distillery in the city’s center aims to foster genuine connections between friends and families.

The distillery is known for its distinctive single-malt whiskies, produced using the more environmentally friendly sorghum grain rather than the more frequently used corn mash. The distillery welcomes visitors to take tours and try its three whiskies and specialty drinks.

Gourmet extracts and flavorings, salts and sugars, items infused with whiskey, whiskey wizard kits, and cigars are also available at the retail location. The retail area of the distillery also supports the creations of regional artisans and artists.

Address: 461 N. South Street, Mt. Airy, North Carolina 27030,

20. Wally’s Service Station

As you take a stroll down Main Street, you will be able to find Wally’s Service Station if you are a lover of the Andy Griffith Show and the artificial Mayberry city. Here should be a must-see destination for you if you visit Mount Airy.

The Wally’s Service Station is a previous gas station built in 1937, and in 2001 it transformed into a famed tourist destination that attracts many people.

The Wally’s Service Station makes for an excellent backdrop to take lovely photos and even for visitors to make purchases of presents, candies, and souvenirs.

Address: 625 S Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

21. Squad Car Tour

One of the best things to do in Mt. Airy, NC, is to be a part of the Squad Car Tour .

The road trip is more of a cartoon story-like tour that will help you enjoy a lovely time even as you enjoy the iconic sites to see in the town, including Griffith’s childhood residence.

Other sites to see include the schools and churches that were attended by Griffith and the various areas that were visited by him, starting from y’s Service Station.

22. White Elephant Beer Company

If you love good liquor, one of the best places to be is the White Elephant Beer Company. It is a great place to enjoy a delicious beer in town and should be on your bucket list of things to do in Mt. Airy, NC.

White Elephant Beer Company provides visitors with excellent alcoholic beverages and rums from around the world and throughout North Carolina. The brewery also produces brands such as IPAs, stouts, and various unique beers made on site.

The beer company has a beautiful terrain that makes it outstanding. The locals are amiable as they will offer to help you get conversant with the town while enjoying the exciting features of this region.

The brewery also organizes from time to time weekly Banjos meet-ups and Trivia Nights and Beer to give visitors a lovely experience. So be sure to stop by when you visit.

Address: 225 Market St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

23. Visit The Sonker Trail

Do something rather unusual by visiting the Sonker Trail. It is one weird activity to be part of when you see it, but it is worth the try.

Do you have any idea what sonker is? If you do not, visiting the Sonker Trail should be on your list of fun things to do in Mt. Airy, NC. Sonkers are delicious indigenous sweets made by mixing them between a pie and a cobbler.

There are different locations of Sonker shops to find here. These sonkers come in different flavors and shapes. The sonkers Trail has five shops, each sweet promise to be incredible and unique.

Be sure to visit Miss Angeles to taste their delicious pies coated with glaze prepared from local moonshine.

24. Opie’s Candy Store

Relive old memories and step back in time at Opie’s Candy store . Here, your childhood fantasies can come alive as you indulge yourself with treats from back in the day.

It is a great store for the young and old, as there are over 500 candy options. You can find candy necklaces, sugar-free candies, gummies, candy bars, etc.

They’ve got chocolate-covered goodies that will leave you wanting more, from chocolate turtles to cookie dough and coffee beans.

You can even find the world’s best hand-dipped ice cream and delicious fudge present, and if you’re uncertain, they’ve got friendly staff to help you out.

If you’re ever downtown Mount Airy, drop by Opie’s Candy store on North Main street for a treat. You’ll be glad you did.

Address: 135 N Main Street, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States.

25. Mayberry Campground

Mayberry Campground was established on a 2,000-acre farm owned by Eng and Chang Bunker, the notable Siamese twins.

This RV-styled campground has a multi-level park that shows the beautiful terrains of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The facility is fully equipped with internet, water, electricity, sewage, and cable TV connections. They also have a laundry establishment, fire pits, playground, biking trails, and community grills.

You can spend the day fishing or walking the trail leading to The White plains church, where you’ll find Eng and Chang Bunker buried.

Address: 114 Byron Bunker Ln, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States.

26. Mount Airy Visitors Center

One place you can’t afford to miss is the Mount Airy Visitors Center. Think of it as that ultimate guide to help you tour Mount Airy.

You will find maps and brochures about Mount Airy, Surry county, and Yadkin Valley Wine Region.

The Center is open seven days a week, offering trolley tours, squad car tours, and an on-tour operator for tour groups, including accommodation options.

Learn about the top activities, restaurants, spots, shopping centers, and housing selections available in Mount Airy at the Visitors Center.

You can find this place right at the heart of Mount Airy, so you surely can’t miss it.

Address: 200 N Main Street, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States.

Want to spend more time in North Carolina? Explore other cities of North Carolina, here is our list of  things to do in Emerald Isle  ,  things to do in Atlantic Beach , and  things to do in Rocky Mount .

Plan a Trip to Mt. Airy

There are numerous fun things to be part of when you visit this beautiful town as it has tons of attractions that will pique your interest, including museums, shops, exquisite restaurants, and outdoor areas.

If you want an ideal vacation experience be sure to stop by. Have fun!

Home » North America » 14 Things to Do in Mount Airy, North Carolina

14 Things to Do in Mount Airy, North Carolina

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: January 2, 2024

It’s not every day that the setting of a beloved television classic comes to life before your eyes. Mount Airy–affectionately known as Mayberry–was Andy Griffith’s hometown and the inspiration for the setting of The Andy Griffith Show . Today, the town pays homage to its television counterpart in many ways, but it is more than just Mayberry.

This charming town with just over 10,000 residents only 40 minutes from Winston-Salem offers good eats, excitement in the great outdoors, and unexpected history lessons, with a bit of moonshine thrown in for good measure. Here’s a look at just a few of our favorite things to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina.

Is Mount Airy Mayberry?

Things to do in mount airy, enjoy nature at pilot mountain state park, take a squad car tour, sample brews at the white elephant beer company, see the andy griffith boyhood home, make a stop on the sonker trail, visit the andy griffith museum, stroll down main street, see a show at the earle theater, explore the mount airy museum of regional history, go wine tasting at a yadkin valley winery, step into the 1900s at the gertrude smith house, sample whiskey at mayberry spirits, see live music, see the siamese twins exhibit and grave.

Yes and no. Andy Griffith’s formative years were spent in Mount Airy, which he called home until he went away to college. The welcoming little town formed the basis for Mayberry in the The Andy Griffith Show that ran for eight years in the 1960s. Today, the fictional town is honored in everything from the annual Mayberry Days celebration each September to the names of businesses that line Main Street.

The television show was actually filmed at studios in California.

Pilot Mountain State Park is known for its picturesque Big Pinnacle peak that can be seen for miles around. In addition to its natural beauty, the park is a year-round recreation hub for activities like bird watching, camping, and canoeing.

The park also offers an extensive network of hiking trails plus a bridle trail for horseback riding. Visitors feeling particularly adventurous can rock climb or rappel on portions of the park’s steep cliffs, which have great views of the nearby Sauratown Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains.

Wondering where to stay in Mt. Airy? Classic comfort: Hampton Inn Delightful bed & breakfast: Bee’s B&B Close to everything: Comfort Inn You’ll find more details about where to stay at the end of this article.

A squad car tour —in a car like the one Barney drove, of course—is one of the quintessential fun things to do in Mount Airy. On this cruise around Andy Griffith’s Mayberry, you visit Andy’s homeplace and the important Main Street sites like Floyd’s Barber Shop and Snappy Lunch. You can even see the Old Jail, complete with jail cells and the sheriff’s desk. This is a must for any die-hard Mayberry fan.

White Elephant Beer Company is the perfect place to hang out in town. They sell excellent beers and ciders—both at the bar and to take home—from around the world and across North Carolina. They also brew a selection of their own IPAs, stouts, and other craft beers.

What really sets the White Elephant Beer Company apart, though, is its fun and welcoming atmosphere. Within five minutes of sitting down, three locals were chatting with us, offering recommendations, and singing the praises of their town.

We missed out on the weekly Trivia Night but got to listen to the Beer and Banjos meet up, which was as full of laughter and great music as you might imagine. Make sure it’s on your list when you visit Mount Airy.

Another one of the popular Mayberry-related attractions is Andy Griffith’s homeplace . Griffith lived in the two-bedroom home with his parents from the time he was six years old until he moved away for college, and many things in the home still look much the way they did decades ago.

Andy Griffith’s homeplace is one of the most popular photo stops in town, but big fans can take it a step further and stay there overnight. The property rents for about $250 a night, but you’ll need to plan ahead because reservations can be hard to come by.

One of the more unique things to do in Mt Airy is to try a sonker. Don’t know what a sonker is? We didn’t either until our first visit to Mayberry.

Sonkers are enjoyable regional desserts that are a cross between pie and cobbler but can take many different forms with many different fruits depending on where you have the good fortune to stop. The Sonker Trail currently has eight participants, and the desserts at each shop are likely to be very different and delicious. No matter what you do, don’t miss the versions at Miss Angels Heavenly Pies that are topped with a glaze made from local moonshine.

Founded by Andy’s longtime friend Emmett Forrest, the Andy Griffith Museum is a treasure-trove of keepsakes from the actor’s career. The collection features hundreds of items from the star’s movies, television shows, and musical efforts, including costumes, photos, records, and other memorabilia. There are actual props donated by Andy himself from The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock along with items donated by fellow cast members.

Downtown is home to a vibrant Main Street. There are dozens of shops, restaurants, and Mayberry-related sites to visit.

Pop into one of the antique stores, stop by the soda fountain, or spend time browsing in a music shop. There are plenty of souvenir stores to visit, and you can even go wine tasting or catch a live concert.

Built in 1938, the Earle Theater is a museum, movie theater, music venue, and must-see attraction for music lovers. It is home to the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall, which features artifacts and exhibits related to Surry County’s old-time music icons.

On the weekends, the sounds of fiddles and banjos fill the theater from jam sessions and WPAQ ’s Saturday Morning Merry-Go-Round, one of the longest-running radio shows in the country, which visitors can see live at the theater. There is also a regular list of rotating, family-friendly movies.

In downtown, the Museum of Regional History tells the story of the original settlers of “The Hollows” of North Carolina. Visitors will learn about the lives of the Saura Indians who lived here in the 1600s and the 18th-century immigrants who came to call the area home. Photos and artifacts help bring the story to life.

The Yadkin Valley—where Mount Airy is located—is home to over 30 wineries . Products made here range from sweet Muscadine wine to complex European vintages such as Viognier, Pinot Grigio, and Sangiovese.

Check out Old North State Winery on Main Street or one of the many options within a 30-minute drive. With so many vineyards and wine options to choose from, you’re sure to find a new favorite (or a dozen!).

On the National Register of Historic Places, the Gertrude Smith house is a Victorian-Colonial Revival home that dates from 1903. A New York-educated interior designer, Smith was an avid collector of art and antiques. She filled her home with period furnishings and accessories from the U.S. and around the world. Upon her death in 1981, Smith left her home as a living museum, reflecting the lifestyle of the early 1900s.

Mayberry Spirits is the town’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. Stop in to taste their sorghum whiskeys and mixed drinks and keep an eye out for their new offering, Cinder Speakeasy, which is in the works.

Bluegrass and old-time music are the heartbeat of the town. Nearly every day of the week, there is some live music available in town—either formal or informal. Multiple downtown bars and restaurants feature bands and some host regular open jam sessions. Look for concerts happening at the Andy Griffith Playhouse, the Earle Theater, or one of the other venues around town.

Eng and Chang Bunker—the twins whose birth led to the term “Siamese Twins”—settled in the area in the 1840s after years touring the world as a sideshow attraction. North Carolina became their home.

The Bunker twins married sisters Adelaide and Sarah Yates and raised their families, with 22 children in all. Their descendants (over 1500 of them) now live across the country but return for regular giant family reunions. The lower level of the Andy Griffith Playhouse is home to an exhibit about the lives of this unusual pair, and they are buried nearby at the White Plains Baptist Church.

Where to Stay Hampton Inn : Large, comfortable, quiet rooms just 5 minutes from downtown. Friendly staff oversees the free breakfast and the wine and cheese happy hour, and they provide free cookies. Bee’s B&B : Charming 1880s Victorian home offers personalized service and a great breakfast. Comfort Inn : Clean, comfortable, well-located hotel offers free breakfast and an indoor pool. Where to Eat Harvest Grill : Serves upscale American fare on the grounds of Shelton Vineyard. We loved the brisket sliders and crab cakes, in particular. Old North State Winery : Seafood, steak, and Southern specialties on Main Street. Little Richard’s : One of the best barbecue spots in town in a state known for its barbecue . The pulled pork, brisket, and BBQ slaw are all winners.

I was the guest of Mount Airy Tourism and The Tourism Partnership of Surry County and Visit North Carolina on my first visit, but I liked it so much I returned and brought Lance with me at our expense. All opinions of the delicious and entertaining are our own.

What would you do with a day in Mayberry?

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

Share this post:

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Monday 8th of January 2024

Hello My husband and I visited Mt Airy a few times maybe 4 or 5 years ago. There was a festival in the town filling up the streets with people showing their wares. Would you know when this event might be going on in Mt Airy. I am not sure it is an annual event or not. They had music and dancing down one of the streets. It was great. We are now retired and want to plan a trip there during this event if possible. Would you know when this takes place? It is a great little town.

Laura Longwell

Impossible to say without knowing the time of year. Possibly the Autumn Leaves festival.

Colleen Lingle

Friday 21st of July 2023

Can not wait until tomorrow. We will be in Mount Airy NC for a week of camping and touring. The article was a great way to find out what to do.

Cindy Kelley

Thursday 16th of February 2023

We’re planning a long weekend in March, 10-13. I realize it’s off season. Do most things run year round?

Monday 20th of February 2023

@Laura Longwell, yes I'd love to visit could I get a brochue on what all we can do in March

Saturday 18th of February 2023

Yes, it's very much a year-round destination.

Judy Bollar

Thursday 26th of January 2023

Enjoyed the comments but need to know the hours and days that the Andy Griffith attractions are open.

Sunday 22nd of January 2023

I visited there in fall of 2013. The whole town was so hospitable! I love the Old North State Winery and Miss Angel’s bakery the best. I made sure to see Floyd’s Barber shop and got to meet Mr. Russell who inspired the character of Floyd. He was so sweet and posed for a picture with me. Visit the Couthouse and Wally’s and see a facade of the Darlin’s house. Close by is a great barbeque place to eat called 13 Bones.

Top Things to Do in Mount Airy, NC

Places to visit in mount airy, tours in and around mount airy.

Stand Up Paddledboard Rental, Jordan Lake

Pilot Mountain Rock Climb with a Certified Guide

Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour

Skip the Line: Copper Barrel's Premium Distillery Tour & Tasting

Winston–Salem Treasure Hunt:When Winston Met Salem!

Zombie Scavengers Game - Winston-Salem, NC

Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Winston Salem by Operation City Quest

Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winston-Salem by Wacky Walks

Wacky Winston-Salem Scavenger Hunt

Top attractions in mount airy.

Other Top Attractions around Mount Airy

What travellers are saying

• The Andy Griffith Museum
• Downtown Mt. Airy
• Mayberry Replica Courthouse
• Floyd's City Barbershop
• The Mount Airy Visitors Center

Beyond the Guidebook: Mount Airy, the Real-Life Mayberry

This quaint North Carolina town was Andy Griffith’s childhood home and the inspiration for Mayberry in the beloved 1960s sitcom "The Andy Griffith Show."

Everyone says you have to visit the real-life Mayberry in Mount Airy. But being a “must see” doesn’t mean it can’t surprise you. Learn more about this classically North Carolina destination, and then go beyond the guidebook with our insider tips.

Must-See Merits

It’s Andy Griffith’s childhood home and the inspiration for Mayberry in the beloved 1960s sitcom "The Andy Griffith Show." Located 40 minutes northwest of Winston-Salem, Mount Airy has embraced its role with a number of attractions that honor its native son and his show.

Plan Your Visit

1 mount airy visitors center.

The Mount Airy Visitors Center offers free maps for those who’d like to explore by foot, and it's always fun to get recommendations from locals.

2 Squad Car Tours

Take a Squad Car Tour in a replica of Deputy Barney Fife’s. Leaving from Wally’s Service Station, up to four people can climb in and cruise the Mayberry sights – including The Andy Griffith Playhouse, Snappy Lunch and more – for 30 to 45 minutes. A replica of the jail and courthouse is next door.

3 Mayberry Motor Inn

Overnight accommodations are available at the Mayberry Motor Inn, where guests can request the Aunt Bee room, furnished with items once owned by the late actress, Frances Bavier, who played beloved Aunt Bee.

4 Andy’s Homeplace

Andy Griffith’s childhood home is also nearby, called Andy’s Homeplace, a bed and breakfast owned and operated by the Hampton Inn of Mount Airy.

5 Floyd’s City Barber Shop

Need a haircut? A visit to Floyd’s City Barber Shop could be in order. Though Russell Hiatt – the inspiration behind the Floyd the Barber character – passed away in 2016, you can still get your hair cut there today and take a look at the more than 30,000 photographs on Hiatt's Wall of Fame.

6 Snappy Lunch

No Mayberry visit would be complete without a fried pork chop sandwich from Snappy Lunch. Then-student Andy Griffith frequented this quaint diner for a quick lunch before local schools had cafeterias on campus.

7 Andy Griffith Playhouse

Originally an early 20th-century elementary school, the Andy Griffith Playhouse was the site of Griffith’s own early thespian training. A TV Land bronze statue of Sheriff Taylor and Opie resides outside the playhouse.

8 Andy Griffith Museum

Those interested in learning even more about Griffith’s life can visit the Andy Griffith Museum, which features hundreds of items from the career of the actor, producer, singer and writer, all collected by his friend Emmett Forrest.

9 Pilot Mountain State Park

Approach from any direction and see Pilot Mountain – or as fans of the show might know it, Mount Pilot – rising more than 2,000 feet above the rolling countryside of the region. Dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1974, this solitary peak is the centerpiece of Pilot Mountain State Park.

Go Beyond the Guidebook

In addition to Mayberry-themed attractions open year-round, thousands of fans visit Mount Airy each September for its Mayberry Days celebration. The family-friendly festival, hosted by the Surry Arts Council, features a parade, golf tournament, Andy Griffith trivia contests, screenings of show episodes, live entertainment and more.

Ends: 6/15/2024

2024 Outdoor NC Pledge Sweepstakes

Sweepstakes, try a film-focused trip to the triad, see sites from critically acclaimed movies filmed in north carolina, festivals & tours for film & tv buffs.

• Mount Airy Tourism
• Mount Airy Hotels
• Mount Airy Bed and Breakfast
• Mount Airy Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Mount Airy
• Mount Airy Restaurants
• Things to Do in Mount Airy
• Mount Airy Travel Forum
• Mount Airy Photos
• Mount Airy Map
• All Mount Airy Hotels
• Mount Airy Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Mount Airy
• Mount Airy Motels
• Mount Airy Campgrounds
• Mount Airy Business Hotels
• Mount Airy Family Hotels
• Mount Airy Green Hotels
• 3-stars Hotels in Mount Airy
• Choice Hotels in Mount Airy
• Mount Airy Hotels with Pools
• Pet Friendly Hotels in Mount Airy
• Mount Airy Hotels with Bike Rentals
• Budget Hotels in Mount Airy
• Mount Airy Accessible Hotels
• Mount Airy Hotels with Outdoor Pool
• Mount Airy Non-Smoking Hotels
• Mount Airy Hotels with Air Conditioning
• Mount Airy Hotels with Laundry Facilities
• Mount Airy Hotels with Gym
• Mount Airy Shopping Hotels
• Mount Airy Hotels with Fireplaces
• Hotels near The Andy Griffith Museum
• Hotels near Downtown Mt. Airy
• Hotels near Floyd's City Barbershop
• Hotels near The Mount Airy Visitors Center
• Hotels near Mayberry Replica Courthouse
• Hotels near Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
• Hotels near Old City Jail
• Hotels near The Gertrude Smith House
• Hotels near Riverside Park
• Hotels near Mount Airy Public Library
• Hotels near Resting Place of Chang and Eng Bunker, Siamese Twins
• Hotels near Holy Angels Catholic Church
• Hotels near Serre Vineyards
• Hotels near The Owl's Nest NC
• Hotels near (GSO) Piedmont Triad Intl Airport
• Hotels near (INT) Smith-Reynolds Airport
• Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
• Bellagio Las Vegas
• Flamingo Las Vegas
• Hilton Grand Vacations Club on the Las Vegas Strip
• Melia Punta Cana Beach Wellness Inclusive - Adults only
• Excellence Punta Cana
• Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa
• Royalton Riviera Cancun
• The Land Of Legends Kingdom Hotel
• Horseshoe Las Vegas
• Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
• Moon Palace Cancun
• Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
• Excellence Oyster Bay
• Park MGM Las Vegas
• Popular All-Inclusive Resorts
• Popular Beach Resorts
• Popular Family Resorts
• Popular All-Inclusive Hotels
• Popular Hotels With Waterparks
• Popular Honeymoon Resorts
• Popular Luxury Resorts
• Popular All-Inclusive Family Resorts
• Popular Golf Resorts
• Popular Spa Resorts
• Popular Cheap Resorts
• All things to do in Mount Airy
• Things to do near Prudence McCabe Confections
• Things to do near Downtown Mt. Airy
• The Andy Griffith Museum
• Downtown Mt. Airy
• Mayberry Replica Courthouse
• Floyd's City Barbershop
• The Mount Airy Visitors Center
• Mayberry Spirits Distillery
• Round Peak Vineyard
• Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
• The Gertrude Smith House
• The Historic Earle Theatre
• Old City Jail
• Riverside Park
• Mayberry Antique Mall
• Creekside Stadium 10
• Remember When Antiques
• Art Galleries in Mount Airy
• Antique Stores in Mount Airy
• Department Stores in Mount Airy
• Gift & Specialty Shops in Mount Airy
• Cemeteries in Mount Airy
• Sacred & Religious Sites in Mount Airy
• Historic Sites in Mount Airy
• Neighborhoods in Mount Airy
• Points of Interest & Landmarks in Mount Airy
• Churches & Cathedrals in Mount Airy
• History Museums in Mount Airy
• Specialty Museums in Mount Airy
• Sightseeing Tours in Mount Airy
• Wine Tours & Tastings in Mount Airy
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Mount Airy
• Ghost & Vampire Tours in Mount Airy
• Historical & Heritage Tours in Mount Airy
• Wineries & Vineyards in Mount Airy
• Breweries in Mount Airy
• Distilleries in Mount Airy
• Golf Courses in Mount Airy
• Spas in Mount Airy
• Yoga & Pilates in Mount Airy
• Libraries in Mount Airy
• Visitor Centers in Mount Airy
• Theaters in Mount Airy
• Parks in Mount Airy
• Wedding Chapels in Mount Airy
• Paint & Pottery Studios in Mount Airy
• Things to do near Bees B & B
• Things to do near Andy Griffith Parkway Inn
• The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg
• Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel and Casino
• ''Turkish Maldives'' Boat trip Adrasan-Suluada island from Antalya
• Four- Seater Polaris Slingshot Family Adventure
• Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran
• The best of San Salvador in 1 day: El Boqueron + Rainbow slide + Historic Center
• The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood
• Nice to St Tropez Ferry Ticket and Cruise
• Dalma Island
• Navarre Beach
• Topkapi Palace
• Universal Studios Japan
• World's Largest Entertainment McDonald's & PlayPlace
• Elafonissi Beach
• Cape Fear Serpentarium
• Therme Bucuresti
• GreenLeaders
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near The Mount Airy Visitors Center

• United States    
• North Carolina (NC)    
• Mount Airy    
• Things to Do in Mount Airy    
• Things to do near The Mount Airy Visitors Center

Things to Do near The Mount Airy Visitors Center

15 Day Trips From Mount Airy, NC

Sharing is caring!

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, history, or cute small towns, there are plenty of options for day trips from Mount Airy, NC.

I’ve lived near Mount Airy for almost seven years now – before that I was just in the county over – so I’ve taken plenty of day trips during that time.

Some of my favorites and the easiest to make are Elkin and Winston-Salem but Boone is great too, just a bit more of a drive.

While there are tons of things to do in Mount Airy , it’s fun to explore the surrounding foothills a bit more.

Disclaimer: This post ma y contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going!

1. Pilot Mountain

This is the closest little town to Mount Airy and while the town may be small, there are plenty of things to do in Pilot Mountain! Definitely go to Pilot Mountain State Park.

If it’s a weekend, get there early so you can drive to the top before they start running the shuttle. For those with mobility issues, you can drive to the top and there is a nice overlook right by the parking lot.

You can also do a super quick hike around the knob on the Jomeokee Trail, or my favorite hike is the Jomeokee, Ledge Springs, and Grindstone Trail.

Once you’re done with hiking, head into town and check out some of the local shops. Pilot Knob Outfitters has some neat stuff and Indulge Soapery is one of my favorite shops.

Grab a cupcake or other sweet treat from Liv for Sweets and if you’re a tea drinker then you definitely need to stop by The Grove Teas and Botanical Gifts.

There are also lots of antique shops downtown if you like to go antiqueing. The Tilted Ladder is a popular spot to grab food but you should also try Viridescence. They are a wine bar that serves vegan food.

If you didn’t already know, Pilot Mountain is “Mount Pilot” from the Andy Griffith Show and Mount Airy is Mayberry .

Elkin is one of my favorite day trips from Mt. Airy becuase of the wineries and great restaurant options. Start by taking a hike out to Carter Falls. We love getting on the trail at Grassy Creek Vineyard and then grabbing a glass of wine here after.

Some of our favorite wineries near Elkin are Elkin Creek Vineyard, Grassy Creek Vineyard, and Adagio. If you don’t have a designated driver there are a few tour options plus the Elkin Vine Line.

Yellow Door Café is a great lunch option in town and for dinner, there are a few places we love. If you’re looking for a laid-back no-frills bar, head to Harry’s. For pizza, go to Angry Troll Brewing. For an upscale dinner, The Wisdom Table is one of the best restaurants in Elkin .

If beer is more your thing, then be sure to check out the Railyard or head to Fruition for cocktails.

3. Winston-Salem

Since it’s only 30 minutes from Mount Airy, Winston-Salem is a really convenient day trip with plenty to do. Check out Quarry Park with a nice view of the Winston-Salem skyline.

Reynolda House & Gardens is interesting to tour and if you’re there in the spring, then the gardens will have plenty of things blooming. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Winston-Salem.

Bailey Park downtown is a neat space and you can grab pizza & beer at Incendiary Brewing. There are plenty of other breweries in Winston like Foothills, Radar, and Wiseman.

Check out the Mast General Store in downtown and there are many other shops that you can walk to in this area.

A few of my favorite restaurants here are Mozelle’s, Old Fourth Street Filling Station, and Village Tavern.

4. Hanging Rock State Park

If you love to hike, then you’ll want to visit Hanging Rock! It offers some of the closest waterfalls to Mount Airy as it has five in the park.

Other than the waterfall hikes, there is the most popular Hanging Rock Trail that leads to a rocky outcropping high above the valleys of the piedmont. You can also hike Moore’s Knob or Cook’s Wall.

The waterfalls are pretty easy to get to, but the other hikes are rated as moderate or strenuous so do your research on those before heading out.

There’s even a lake where you can swim, but this requires a fee. Entrance to the park itself is free which is amazing as it’s one of the most beautiful state parks on the East Coast.

Once you’re done hiking, head over to John Brown’s Country Store & Grill, an old-timey general store with a sandwich counter where you can grab a great meal.

5. Stone Mountain State Park

Another amazing state park nearby is Stone Mountain. It’s a bit further of a drive, but it’s closer to other things to do so you could spend longer out this way.

If you’ve never been here, then you’ll want to do the Stone Mountain Loop, but be warned. This is a strenuous hike that’s over 4 miles.

The loop will take you by Hutchinson Homestead, a large waterfall, and to the top of the granite dome where the park got its name from.

If you want to pack a picnic or at least some snacks, this is a great spot to sit and hang out for a while.

Once you’re done at the park, I would recommend heading to either Roaring River Vineyards or Dooley’s in North Wilkesboro.

Roaring River Vineyards does have food – I’ve been in my hiking gear before and was just fine. Dooley’s is a casual burger place with indoor and outdoor seating in town.

6. Lexington

This is such an overlooked town! There are tons of fun things to do in Lexington , you could spend a whole weekend here if you wanted.

For NASCAR fans, you’ll want to check out the Richard Childress Racing Museum. Childress Vineyards is also located near here and well worth a visit as it’s one of the best wineries in Lexington .

Visit Uptown (their downtown area) where you can check out some local shops like Missions Pottery, The Candy Factory, Backyard Retreat, or River House Emporium.

Don’t miss Red Donut Shop to grab some donuts to go. There are also plenty of great restaurants here too – you have to try the Lexington-style BBQ!

If you’re a little more adventurous and the weather is warm, then visit Elevated Wake Park where you can learn to wakeboard on their cable system.

7. Greensboro

Greensboro is a great day trip from Mount Airy if you’re a big city person. If you love museums, then check out the Greensboro History Museum, International Civil Rights Center & Museum, or the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park – a neat East Coast National Park Site.

There are also plenty of gardens to tour like the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden or Greensboro Arboretum.

If you’re looking for a spot to relax and hang out, head to the LeBauer Park which has plenty of seating and public art installations.

For foodies, there are endless options in Greensboro. I love Natty Greene’s – their food and beer – or Hop’s Burger Bar.

8. North Carolina Zoo

Some people believe that the zoo is for kids, but I love visiting zoos whenever I travel and the NC Zoo is fantastic! It’s actually the world’s largest natural habitat zoo.

They have a North America and Africa section and their Asia exhibit is currently under construction. You will definitely get your exercise in on a visit to the zoo!

There are plenty of snack bars and restaurants here but they also have picnic areas by the parking lot if you want to pack your own food.

Durham is such a fun day trip! Visit Eno River State Park or walk around the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Catch a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center if you’re in town at the right time.

I love exploring downtown Durham too. If you visit on the weekend, there are all kinds of events going on and I love the Farmer’s Market and local craft markets they have.

Check out the American Tobacco Campus where there are different restaurants and retail spaces. There are also a few great breweries in town – my favorite is Fullsteam and Durty Bull.

I also love eating at the Durham Food Hall but there are plenty of great restaurants in town.

10. Charlotte

We’ve taken numerous day trips from Mount Airy to visit Carowinds in Charlotte and my husband used to visit the US Whitewater Center all the time.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame is a neat stop if you are interested at all in the sport – my husband is a super fan but I tagged along and found it fun. If you venture downtown, then you’ll want to check out some of the many murals.

There are breweries galore here too. We also loved eating at Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe and Fahrenheit Charlotte offers some amazing city views, though it’s expensive.

You can easily turn Charlotte into a weekend getaway and there are tons of great places to stay in the city.

Boone and the surrounding High Country is one of my all time favorites to visit for a day trip. You can’t beat the Blue Ridge Mountain views and the small town vibe.

I actually posted an Instagram Reel all about how to take a day trip to the area in the fall. Start with a sunrise hike at Rough Ridge – you’ll want to get there well before sunrise as this gets crowded.

Dan’l Boone Inn is an iconic place to eat here but there are tons of other restaurants in Boone you should try. In addition to Rough Ridge, stop at Moses Cone Memorial Park or Julian Price Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Boone Fork Trail at Julian Price has been one of my favorite hikes in NC but I also love Elk Knob State Park. Grandfather Mountain is also a popular attraction nearby.

There are so many fun things to do in Boone that you’ll end up wanting to stay longer than a day.

12. New River Trail State Park, VA

I love taking our bikes up here and riding the New River on a Sunday afternoon, especially in the fall. The section that we have done the most is riding from the Gambetta Access to Fries Junction.

Once we reach the Junction, we’ve gone left and right and ridden until we wanted to turn around. It’s really up to you how far you want to go, but remember if you didn’t run a shuttle for your cars, then you have to ride back!

When planning your trip, double check that the bridges are open because they have closed a few of them to renovate.

Pack a picnic and some snacks – there are plenty of picnic areas along the trail. It’s gorgeous as it winds through the woods following the river.

13. Blacksburg, VA

This one is special to me because I went to Virginia Tech for my first two years of college. There are tons of neat things to do in Blacksburg.

Walking around Virginia Tech itself is absolutely beautiful and there are plenty of cute shops to check out in downtown Blacksburg.

If you have time, in the morning hike McAfee’s Knob or Dragon’s Tooth then come back south to explore Blacksburg for the afternoon.

They have a great Farmer’s Market in town but if you’re looking for a hearty lunch, then eat at The Blacksburg Tavern. The fried chicken is amazing.

Cabo Fish Taco and Cellar are great choices too. As a college town, there are also no shortage of bars to choose from. Sharkey’s and Rivermill are two of my favorites.

14. Bristol, TN

Ahh Bristol. If you like NASCAR, then you’ll want to visit Bristol Motor Speedway on race day. There are plenty of other attractions in Bristol though.

Downtown is super cute and walkable where you can visit cute stores, State Street Brewery, and see the iconic Bristol “A Good Place to Live” sign.

You also don’t want to miss The Birthplace of Country Music Museum which is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. This will teach you all about Bristol’s role in the beginning of the country music genre.

You’ll find some of the best fly fishing around in the South Holston River – fishing in Bristol was my first experience fly fishing!

15. Winterplace Ski Resort, WV

If you’re looking for something to do in the winter, head up to Winterplace Ski Resort. It’s an easy day trip from Mount Airy as it’s a straight shot up I-77 and about an hour and 45 minutes away.

This is where I first learned to snowboard! Depending on weather, I would recommend going here over the resorts in North Carolina. It’s the best ski resort in West Virginia for beginners, but they do have black diamond slopes.

The food at their cafeteria isn’t the greatest, so I recommend bringing some food with you that you can eat for lunch. After you’re done skiing, you could also head out to Weathered Ground Brewery nearby – they have amazing pizza.

It’s a really affordable option for skiing or snowboarding and if you’re learning, they have a great “Learn to Ski & Snowboard Package.”

Wrap Up: Day Trips from Mount Airy , NC

I love this area of the southeast because of the natural beauty, but you’re also so close to major cities if you want to check them out for the day.

No matter which day trip from Mount Airy you choose, it’s always fun to explore some other areas of NC, VA, or TN.

Taking day trips is one of my favorite ways to explore locally!

Anna is a North Carolina native who grew up traveling the southern US with her family. Now she is a full-time travel blogger who road trips the US and shares about outdoor adventures and epic things to do. Want to know more? Read her full story here.

Similar Posts

The Absolute Best Places to Stay in North Carolina

North Carolina is special because there is such a wide range of landscapes to enjoy across the entire state. We’ve got the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi and some of the most beautiful coastline you’ve ever laid eyes on. If you’re like me, when you’re traveling you want to stay somewhere that brings out…

20 Asheville Day Trips for Outdoor Adventure Lovers

Looking for some fun Asheville day trips without the long drive? You’re in luck! As a lifelong North Carolina native with countless adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains under my belt, I’ve spent plenty of time exploring the best spots. From Asheville, you’ll find beautiful scenery, quaint towns, and outdoor fun. Plus, all of these…

Red Hook, St. Thomas Restaurants for Your Vacation

When staying on the East End, you’ll want to check out some of the best Red Hook, St. Thomas restaurants. It’s one of the most popular areas on this side of the island for restaurants and nightlife, and many tours leave from American Yacht Harbor. Every time I’ve been to St. Thomas, we stay on…

A Complete Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Review

My sister and I decided to take a trip to Universal Studios so we could visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Let me just say it was well worth it. But here is my complete Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Review! We loved Bonnet Creek and are planning a return trip in the winter. Our…

8 Wineries Near Williamsburg, VA for Your Next Wine Tour

I love finding wineries to try on my travels so good thing there are plenty of wineries near Williamsburg, VA. On my recent trip to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, I was able to try one winery. I knew I had to come back though and hit a couple more on the return trip! You can try…

Hiking Near Johnson City, TN: 10 Trails Not to Miss

If you are planning on going hiking near Johnson City, TN, then you’ll have no shortage of fantastic options. I’ve visited Johnson City a few times now, and each time I’ve gotten to experience a few different hikes. There are so many good ones! The best part is you don’t have to travel far to…

Privacy Overview

Wander + Live + Create

5 Places Andy Griffith Fans Must Visit in Mount Airy, North Carolina

The following blog post may contain affiliate links (meaning I will get a small commission if you buy through my link). You won’t pay any more if you use this link and this will help me to keep the rest of my content free! Read the full Disclosure  here .

I’m constantly amazed at the amount of history that is around me and near where I grew up. Recently, I took a day trip to Mount Airy, North Carolina. I’ve known for a long time that the Andy Griffith show was based on the area near Mount Airy and that The Andy Griffith Show is a big deal there. I just never took the time to go check out all memorabilia and history the town has to offer.

After doing so, I’d highly recommend checking out Mount Airy, especially if you are a fan of the classic Andy Griffith Show. To help you plan a trip, I’ve come up with the Five places Andy Griffith fans must visit in Mount Airy, North Carolina.

The first and most obvious place to visit is the Andy Griffith Museum.

This was my first stop and I would definitely recommend it as a first stop as well for fans of the show. You pay a small fee to enter the museum and that covers admission to the Andy Griffith Museum as well as the Mayberry Mural Theatre, the Betty Lynn exhibit, the Mount Airy to Mayberry Photo exhibit, and the Original Siamese Twins exhibit all located below the museum. Admission to the museum also includes admission to the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall at the Historic Earle Theatre.

I checked out all of the exhibits listed above except the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall as I believe it was under construction at the time. However, all of the other exhibits were really interesting and well worth the small fee! The main museum displayed a lot of costumes, scripts, and original props from The Andy Griffith Show, which was fun to see. Lots of history and facts about Andy Griffith himself were also displayed in the museum.

When I went below the museum, I found a beautiful mural of Mayberry which is definitely worth seeing! I’m not sure who the artist was, but they are amazingly talented! The photo exhibit and Betty Lynn exhibit were also below the museum as well. 

The surprising and especially interesting exhibit was the one about the Siamese twins. I wasn’t expecting that but was fascinated to learn about the twins’ history. I had no idea they had even existed before visiting the exhibit!

Next, head over to the Mayberry Courthouse.

As you walk up to the doors, you’ll just know you’re about to see Andy and Barney waiting inside. When you walk in, you’ll see the desk, jail cells, and even a jar of Aunt Bee’s infamous pickles! It’s such a cute setup and it does look a lot like the actual set on the show, however it’s all just a replica. Some of the actual props and sets are in the museum I mentioned earlier. Still, you can see and touch everything in the courthouse which also makes for some great photo opportunities!

I had to sit behind the desk and pretend to be Andy and then I headed into one of the jail cells to be Otis for a bit. It was such a fun little stop and I highly recommend it for any Andy Griffith fan. After finishing up at the Mayberry Courthouse, go next door to another place fans of the show must visit.

The third place to visit is Wally’s Service Station.

The outside of Wally’s looks like an old service station where maybe Andy or Barney would have filled up the squad car. There are wooden rocking chairs on the front porch so anybody that wants to can sit and chat and rock for a bit. There are also a few antique vehicles parked around that are great for photos! 

Inside Wally’s, you’ll find lots of Andy Griffith collectibles and souvenirs. They have crafts, t-shirts, and old-fashioned snacks like Moon Pies and RC Cola too! I enjoyed looking at the local artists recreations of their favorite Andy Griffith moments or characters displayed throughout the store.

Perhaps the most popular reason to visit Wally’s Service Station though, is the squad car rides. At Wally’s you can hop in an old police car, just like the one from the Andy Griffith Show and tour Mount Airy! I personally didn’t get to go for a ride but I saw several car loads of people touring the town. It looked like a super fun way to see Mount Airy! If riding in a squad car isn’t your thing, then drive to this next location, park nearby, and see it on foot.

Downtown Mount Airy is a must-visit location.

There is parallel parking on Main Street but if you’re like me and hate attempting to parallel park on a busy street, then there are other parking lots nearby. After you’ve parked, be sure to check out all of the little shops and restaurants right on Main Street. You’ll find antiques, Andy Griffith and Mount Airy souvenirs, restaurants that look like 50s diners, and even a theater!

I went into a lot of the shops and me and my family decided to stop in at Walker’s Soda Fountain and get a milkshake. Walker’s is set up like a 50s diner and is so adorable inside! Go there for good food and a fun atmosphere! I didn’t get to eat at Snappy Lunch or get a haircut at Floyd’s City Barber Shop but they are there on Main Street if you want to stop in.

Finally, on our way out of Mount Airy, we decided go by Andy Griffith’s actual house that he had purchased in 1935 and lived in.

It’s still right in Mount Airy!

We found the address at the Andy Griffith museum I mentioned earlier. It now has another owner who rents out the house as sort of a Bed and Breakfast. So it’s possible to actually stay in Andy Griffith’s old house !

If you’re a fan of the Andy Griffith Show or even just appreciate classic television and small towns, then I hope you’ll put Mount Airy on your list of places to see. I’m not a huge fan of the show but I have seen enough of it to love and appreciate it. To see and learn more about the show, the actors, and feel like I’m really in Mayberry, was such a treat!

Are you a fan of the Andy Griffith Show? Let me know in the comment section below!

Did you enjoy this blog post? If so, consider  subscribing  to my email list so you can stay up to date on the latest from brianadayle.com and receive exclusive freebies delivered right to your inbox! Plus, get the desktop wallpaper shown below for FREE when you subscribe today!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)

When and where the solar eclipse will be crossing the U.S.

A total solar eclipse will grace the skies over North America on Monday, one of the most hotly anticipated sky-watching events in recent years.

Weather permitting , millions of people in Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada will have the chance to see the moon slip between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light .

The total solar eclipse will be visible along a “path of totality” that measures more than 100 miles wide and extends across the continent. Along that path, the moon will fully obscure the sun, causing afternoon skies to darken for a few minutes.

Follow live updates on the solar eclipse

In all other parts of the continental U.S., a partial solar eclipse will be visible, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun. Exactly how big a bite depends on the location.

The first spot in North America that will experience totality on Monday is on Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PT, according to NASA .

After moving northeast across Mexico, the eclipse’s path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Slivers of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

In Canada, the eclipse will be visible in parts of southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

The timing of the eclipse and the duration of totality varies by location. Most places will experience around 2 minutes of darkness, but the longest periods of totality are typically in the center of the eclipse’s path.

This year, the longest stretch of totality will last 4 minutes and 28 seconds in an area northwest of Torreón, Mexico.

Below is a list of timings for some U.S. cities along the path of totality, according to NASA .

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m. CT.
• Idabel, Oklahoma: Partial eclipse begins at 12:28 p.m. CT and totality at 1:45 p.m. CT.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m. CT.
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: Partial eclipse begins at 12:39 p.m. CT and totality at 1:56 p.m. CT.
• Paducah, Kentucky: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 2:00 p.m. CT.
• Carbondale, Illinois: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 1:59 p.m. CT.
• Evansville, Indiana: Partial eclipse begins at 12:45 p.m. CT and totality at 2:02 p.m. CT.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Erie, Pennsylvania: Partial eclipse begins at 2:02 p.m. ET and totality at 3:16 p.m. ET.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Burlington, Vermont: Partial eclipse begins at 2:14 p.m. ET and totality at 3:26 p.m. ET.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.
• Caribou, Maine: Partial eclipse begins at 2:22 p.m. ET and totality at 3:32 p.m. ET.

Other resources can also help you figure out when the various phases of the eclipse will be visible where you live, including NationalEclipse.com and TimeandDate.com .

If you plan to watch the celestial event, remember that it’s never safe to look directly at the sun, including through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses. Special eclipse glasses are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent permanent eye damage.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.