Come Home to Mayberry
Start off Day 1 by stopping by the Mount Airy Visitors Center to pick up a map of downtown and arrange your tours and lodging. Then, head to Wally's Service Station for a famous Mayberry Squad Car Tour. You'll take a 30-minute ride down Main Street and visit well-known sites such as the Floyd's Barber Shop, the Mayberry Courthouse, and of course, Andy's original birthplace.
After the tour, head back up Main Street to Mount Airy's Historic District. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind pork chop sandwich at the famous Snappy Lunch, which Andy mentioned on The Andy Griffith Show episode "Andy and the Matchmaker" (just make sure to get there early; some days, it closes as early as 1:15pm). Walk off your lunch as you shop for Mayberry memorabilia at Mayberry on Main and experience the old country store charm at Mayberry Trading Post. Don't forget to satisfy your sweet tooth at Opie's Candy Store.
In the afternoon, head just a few blocks over to the NEW Andy Griffith Museum, to visit the World's Largest Andy Griffith Collection. The museum features props from The Andy Griffith Show and memorabilia including Otis's famous suit and hat, the Matlock suit worn by Andy Griffith and several items donated by "Thelma Lou" Betty Lynn. Outside the museum, admire the Andy and Opie statue erected by the TV Land Network.
Take your pick of restaurants around Mount Airy for dinner. That evening, consider checking out a movie at the Downtown Cinema Historic Theatre, where Andy Griffith's first movie premiered in 1958, or for a live performance sponsored by the Surry Arts Council, check out the Andy Griffith Playhouse.
For a particularly memorable experience, spend the night at Andy Griffith's Home Place, Andy's small childhood home converted into a Bed and Breakfast. The B&B is decorated with antiques and Andy Griffith memorabilia. For a complete list of accommodations, visit verysurry.com and go to Lodging.
On Day 2, spend a leisurely morning at the B&B, or take a break from Mayberry to see what else Mount Airy is known for at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History.
Then, visit Weaver's Department Store in Main Oak Emporium, the official souvenir shop of The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watcher's Club. Grab a bite to eat at the Blue Bird Diner around the corner. Then, enjoy a sweet treat at the authentic 1950's style Mayberry Soda Fountain.
Next, drive to the Mayberry Motor Inn where you can see "Aunt Bee's Room," a collection of actress Frances Bavier's personal belongings. While you are there, get a photo taken in front of Emmett's pickup truck parked outside.
Before heading home, take a scenic drive on Andy Griffith Parkway, a ten-mile stretch on U.S. 52 dedicated to the beloved actor. Head south to view Pilot Mountain, referred to on The Andy Griffith Show as "Mt. Pilot."
Come back in September for Mayberry Days, a festival that celebrates The Andy Griffith Show with BBQ, music and more! Visit mayberrydays.org for more info.
Want to spend an extra day? See the many other attractions in Mount Airy at verysurry.com/mountairy, or check out another Very Surry itinerary at verysurry.com/trip-planning-itineraries.
After the tour, head back up Main Street to Mount Airy's Historic District. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind pork chop sandwich at the famous Snappy Lunch, which Andy mentioned on The Andy Griffith Show episode "Andy and the Matchmaker" (just make sure to get there early; some days, it closes as early as 1:15pm). Walk off your lunch as you shop for Mayberry memorabilia at Mayberry on Main and experience the old country store charm at Mayberry Trading Post. Don't forget to satisfy your sweet tooth at Opie's Candy Store.
In the afternoon, head just a few blocks over to the NEW Andy Griffith Museum, to visit the World's Largest Andy Griffith Collection. The museum features props from The Andy Griffith Show and memorabilia including Otis's famous suit and hat, the Matlock suit worn by Andy Griffith and several items donated by "Thelma Lou" Betty Lynn. Outside the museum, admire the Andy and Opie statue erected by the TV Land Network.
Take your pick of restaurants around Mount Airy for dinner. That evening, consider checking out a movie at the Downtown Cinema Historic Theatre, where Andy Griffith's first movie premiered in 1958, or for a live performance sponsored by the Surry Arts Council, check out the Andy Griffith Playhouse.
For a particularly memorable experience, spend the night at Andy Griffith's Home Place, Andy's small childhood home converted into a Bed and Breakfast. The B&B is decorated with antiques and Andy Griffith memorabilia. For a complete list of accommodations, visit verysurry.com and go to Lodging.
On Day 2, spend a leisurely morning at the B&B, or take a break from Mayberry to see what else Mount Airy is known for at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History.
Then, visit Weaver's Department Store in Main Oak Emporium, the official souvenir shop of The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watcher's Club. Grab a bite to eat at the Blue Bird Diner around the corner. Then, enjoy a sweet treat at the authentic 1950's style Mayberry Soda Fountain.
Next, drive to the Mayberry Motor Inn where you can see "Aunt Bee's Room," a collection of actress Frances Bavier's personal belongings. While you are there, get a photo taken in front of Emmett's pickup truck parked outside.
Before heading home, take a scenic drive on Andy Griffith Parkway, a ten-mile stretch on U.S. 52 dedicated to the beloved actor. Head south to view Pilot Mountain, referred to on The Andy Griffith Show as "Mt. Pilot."
Come back in September for Mayberry Days, a festival that celebrates The Andy Griffith Show with BBQ, music and more! Visit mayberrydays.org for more info.
Want to spend an extra day? See the many other attractions in Mount Airy at verysurry.com/mountairy, or check out another Very Surry itinerary at verysurry.com/trip-planning-itineraries.
Mount Airy Events
2/4/2012
Come out and enjoy the 2nd longest-running live radio broadcast in the nation at the EARLE Theatre (Downtown Cinema) in Historic Mount Airy!
2/4/2012 at 7:30 PM
Old-Time Dance at the EARLE Theatre (Downtown Cinema) in Mount Airy!