Mayberry to Mt. Airy: Step Back in Time to When Life was Simple and Carefree

Mayberry Courthouse

On Main Street, adjacent to Wally’s Service Station is a replica of the Mayberry Courthouse. This is where Andy had his office and many of his heart-to-heart talks with others. And, in Mt. Airy, you can, too! It is completely interactive. Sit in Andy’s chair, type on his typewriter, even hang out in the jail cell where Otis Campbell, the “town drunk” that would let himself into and out of jail after sleeping off his binge. 

Did you know, Otis had a key to the front door to let himself in the courthouse. The cell keys were always hung on a nail near the cells. You think this was to accommodate Otis? The lack of crime in Mayberry made Otis the most frequent visitor to the jailhouse. Towards the end of the series, this character stopped appearing altogether. This was due to concerns of the sponsors over portraying excessive drinking.

Wally’s Service Station

Andy and Barney used to stop by here for a soda pop. Opie would air up his bike tires. And just about every Mayberry resident would get their gas here. Originally built as a service station in 1937, The Fruit Basket operates there now. The exterior still looks like a service station, replete with wooden rocking chairs and Hi-Test gas pump. Inside, The Fruit Basket has a wide range of Mayberry collectibles.

Floyd’s Barber Shop

Thousands have sat in owner Russell Hiatt’s chair over the last 62 years. He has snapped pictures of a lot of them. They adorn the walls of this barber shop similar to Floyds. If you are in need of having your ears lowered, you, too can have your picture on Russell’s “Wall of Fame”.

Snappy Lunch

Do you remember Andy suggesting to Barney that they go to Snappy Lunch? Well, it is a real restaurant that Andy Griffith used to frequent while growing up in Mt. Airy. Opened in the 1920s, it hasn’t changed much since Andy ate there. 

They are famous for their pork chop sandwich. A boneless, tenderized loin chop dipped in sweet-mile batter and fried to a golden crisp.

Mayberry Squad Car Tours

I told you I would reveal what Sheriff Taylor’s squad car was. A black and white Ford Galaxie 500. The years would differ as they replaced them during the 9-year run of the show. 

But, you can take a tour around town in one of four restored squad cars. During the tour, you will hear stories about Andy Griffith and Mayberry. You’ll learn about the real history of Mt. Airy, Snappy Lunch, Andy Griffith’s childhood home, and more. Tours start from Wally’s. 

Andy Griffith Playhouse

Originally built in the 1920s as the first public school in Mt. Airy. This was the elementary school Andy Griffith attended. He also performed on the stage in the 30’s and 40’s. 

Now operated by the Surry Arts Council, it hosts year-round classes, theater productions, art camps, and live music.

Andy’s Homeplace

For the true, die-hard Andy Griffith Show fan. You can stay in the house Andy lived in during his adolescence until graduating high school. Available for nightly rentals through the Mt. Airy Hampton Inn, the house is within walking distance of downtown.

Andy Griffith Museum

Andy’s childhood friend Emmett Forrest opened the Andy Griffith Museum. Located next to the Playhouse, it houses the largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia. Also included are momentos from Don Knotts, or Barney Fife. Betty Lynn who played Thelma Lou. And George Lindsay who played Goober.

TV Land Statue

In 2004, TV Land donated a bronze statue of Andy Griffith and a young Ron Howard. The statue captures the iconic moment from the opening sequence of Andy and Opie heading to the fishin’ hole. 

It stands outside the Andy Griffith Museum and is a perfect place for your Mayberry memory photographs. See if you can stand by the statue and not whistle the opening. I dare you.

Mayberry Days

Every year at the end of September, Mt. Airy goes all-in on Mayberry. Mayberry Days is a collection of activities, performances, and events taking place throughout the town. Geared towards fans of the show who wish to return to simpler times when the Sheriff didn’t carry a gun.

Disclaimer – In many instances in this article, I’ve used the term “here” to fictionalize being in Mayberry. All sites in Mt. Airy related to the show are replicas and not the filming locations. 

But is Mt. Airy really Mayberry?

Mt. Airy is best known as the birthplace of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for Mayberry. Town residents call the town by both names. The lines between what is real and what is fiction are sometimes blurred here. But maybe that isn’t a bad thing. Wouldn’t it be nice to be in a place where most problems are settled in 30 minutes or less. The town’s police force doesn’t need to carry loaded guns. Or guns, at all! A place where there is so little crime that the keys to the jail cells hang on a nail outside the cell door. If you long to be in a place like this, I suggest you take a trip here and get lost in its’ aura.

Get Out into Nature at Pilot Mountain State Park

This State Park is known for Big Pinnacle Peak that can be seen for miles. The park also has an extensive network of hiking trails. A bridle trail for horseback riding. And, if you’re adventurous enough, rock climbing and rappelling portions of the steep cliffs. If you want a more relaxed visit, the park is a hub for bird-watching, camping, and canoeing.

The Sonker Trail

I didn’t know what they were, either. But, it’s a regional dessert that is a cross between a pie and a cobbler. Different forms come in the variety of different fruits used by individual bakers. Currently, the trail has eight participants and each stop is guaranteed to be delicious. We didn’t have time to stop, but apparently, the versions at Miss Angel’s Heavenly Pies have a glaze made from local moonshine.

Earle Theater

Built in 1938, the Earle Theater is a movie theater, music venue, and museum. The Old-Time Music Heritage Hall is housed here, as well. It features artifacts and exhibits from Surry County’s old-time music icons. On Saturday mornings, WPAQ’s Saturday Morning Merry-Go-Round radio show is broadcast from here. One of the longest-running radio shows in the country, visitors can see it live from the theater.

The Gertrude Smith House

This Victorian-Colonial Revival home dates to 1903 and is on the National Register of Historical Places. Gertrude Smith, a New York educated interior designer, was an avid collector of art and antiques. Her home is filled with period furnishings from the US and around the world. When she passed away in 1981, she left her home as a living museum. Her home reflects life as it was in the early 1900’s.

Responsibly Enjoy Mt. Airy’s Spirits

The Yadkin Valley has over 30 wineries for you to try. With options ranging from sweet Muscadine wine to traditional Viognier, Pinot Grigio, and Sangiovese. If whiskey is more your thing, stop by Mayberry Spirits, the town’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. Owner Vann McCoy will educate you on the history of North Carolina’s distilling. The White Elephant Beer Company has a great collection of beers and ciders from around North Carolina and the world. Or, try one of their own IPA’s, Stouts, or others that they brew.

North Carolina Granite Corporation

When a quarry can be seen from space, you know it’s big. For over 150 years, granite has been quarried here. Because of safety regulations, you cannot tour the site, but a viewing area is open 7 days a week. It is located on a ridge overlooking the excavation site. A stop in the main office will get you a free sample and informational brochure.

Blue Ridge Parkway

13 miles north of town is the Blue Ridge Parkway. This beautiful scenic byway is America’s longest linear park. Running for 469 miles, it traverses 29 counties in North Carolina and Virginia. It links two National Parks, Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains. 

A nearby attraction on the Parkway is Mabry Mill. This watermill and the surrounding trail has historical exhibits depicting rural life in Virginia. It is a very picturesque area to bring out your inner photographer.