In this series, I’m taking a look at towns and cities all across the state of North Carolina. Without a doubt, North Carolina is one of the most diverse states in the country, featuring mountains, rolling hills and farmlands, and coastal beaches. Scattered throughout these different regions are a vast array of small towns, several big cities, and everything in between. It is these towns/cities, all so different from one another due to the geographical differences, that make up this great state that 10.5 million people call home. Let’s explore them one by one.

Mount Airy

Tucked against the southern border of Virginia near the middle of the state is the small town of Mount Airy, North Carolina. With a population of just over 10,000, it is a pretty quiet town. But for its small size, it is very well known around the entire state, and even around the country (whether people realize it or not). This is because of the popularity of the Andy Griffith tv show. The fictional town “Mayberry” was the setting in the show and is based off Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy. Take a walk around downtown and you’ll recognize many places featured in the hit show. But more on that later.

Location

An hour and a half north of Charlotte and 40 minutes northwest of Winston-Salem, Mount Airy is right below the northern border of North Carolina.

History

When stagecoaches trekked back and forth between the towns of Galax, Virginia and Winston-Salem, North Carolina in the 1700s, small settlements began to spring up in the region. One of those settlements was Mount Airy sometime in the 1750s. People called Mount Airy home for about 130 years before it was finally incorporated into an official town in 1885. Throughout the years, furniture and textiles have been major industries, and the world’s largest open-faced granite quarry has played a very valuable role in the town’s economy.

Things to Do

You have to start with the influence of Mayberry. As you walk along the streets of downtown Mount Airy, you’ll notice several places featured in the show, such as Floyd’s Barber shop, the Old Mayberry Jail where Otis spent so many nights, Snappy Lunch, and even Andy Griffith’s childhood house. When you go to Snappy Lunch, make sure to get the famous pork chop sandwich, but also be prepared to wait in a long line. But if you have to wait, just know it is worth it. After lunch take a tour ride in Sheriff Taylor’s police squad car featured on the show. As you ride, you’ll see and learn everything that Mayberry is all about. Also be sure to check out the Andy Griffith museum, just a half mile away from Andy’s childhood home. The museum is home to all sorts of artifacts from Andy Griffith’s acting career, including from the tv series Matlock. During the last weekend of every September, the town hosts “Mayberry Days,” which celebrates its identity as Mayberry and brings in around 40,000 visitors a year.

In addition to being Mayberry, Mount Airy offers plenty more to do. There are several golf courses and country clubs nearby, parks and campgrounds, horse riding trails, and several state parks within a short distance away. There are ample fishing opportunities on the Yadkin River, as well as hiking opportunities, such as those in Hanging Rock State Park which offer beautiful views at the top. On clear days you can even see the Winston-Salem skyline in one direction and turn around to see the Greensboro skyline in the other.

Hanging Rock State Parkvisitnc.com — Hanging Rock State Park
visitnc.com

Every second weekend of October the “Autumn Leaves Festival” is held in Mount Airy. Just as the leaves begin to change their color to indicate the changing of the seasons, over 200,000 people gather together throughout the weekend to enjoy good food, music, and vendors selling unique goods. The food you should try at this festival are ground steak sandwiches and collard green sandwiches, both a popular choice in the region. The music you can expect to hear is bluegrass, gospel, and “old-time” music which are all very popular in the region as well.

Autumn Leaves Festivalmountairydowntown.org — Autumn Leaves Festival
mountairydowntown.org

To Sum It Up

Mount Airy is a quintessential North Carolina small town with friendly people wherever you go. The people here are proud to call Mount Airy home and love to share it with visitors. Everyone is very proud of Mayberry and their ties to such a great tv show, as well as their native son Andy Griffith. They always welcomed him back with open arms, but the truth is, they welcome anyone with open arms. Outdoor and nature lovers have plenty to do in and around Mount Airy with mountains, trails, the Yadkin River, and many recreational parks. When you’re here, you always feel like you’re a part of a community, whether you’re a resident or just a visitor. This is a town that everyone in the state of North Carolina should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Garett

Exploring North Carolina: Mount Airy