Road trip to Mayberry and explore this beloved North Carolina town at the foothill of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Experience the charm of the 1960’s sitcom, The Andy Griffith Show, with plenty of fun-filled flashbacks. Mayberry and Mount Airy offer modern and trendy attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this unique destination!
What to See and Do in Mayberry & Mount Airy
Anything related to The Andy Griffith Show is going to be highly popular on your road trip to Mayberry or Mount Airy. Downtown stores that are sure to spark the nostalgia are Walker’s Soda Fountain, The Mayberry Trading Post, Floyd’s Barbershop, and Opie’s Candy Store.
You can select from homemade fudge or hand-dipped ice cream at Opie’s or fill your little brown sack with novelty and retro candy. Fans may even want to visit the Andy Griffith Museum located at 218 Rockford Street, home to the most extensive collection of his life and movie/TV career in the country.
The museum is open 9 to 5, Monday through Saturday, and 12 to 5 on Sundays. Mayberry Squad Car tours are fun, and Mayberry mule and wagon rides take place on Saturdays.
To really experience the Andy offerings, consider taking the 90-minute open-air Good Time Trolley Tour for $20 per person. Children under 8 are free.
At Bear Creek Gifts and Candy Kitchen, try the Cherries Jubilee fudge, a delicious sweet treat I can never pass up. Bear Creek has an eclectic array of gifs and souvenirs, plus a great t-shirt selection. They also feature a year-round Christmas section.
Fancy Gap Outfitters, Uncorked, and Pages, Books, and Coffee are a few of my favorite shops that you may want to explore if time permits.
The Mayberry Antique Mall, 100+ dealers in an 18,000 sq-ft space, is another point of interest, which could easily intrigue antique hunters for hours. The ladies’ clothing and accessories at The Venue and Vintage Boutique are excellent, plus the toy selection from Mt. Airy Tractor Co.
History lovers can explore the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History or experience a circa 1900 farm life setting at Horne Creek Living Historical Farm, about 20 minutes away in Pinnacle, NC. Music lovers may prefer the 1930’s Earle Theatre, a famous music hall offering jam sessions, exhibits, and movies.
The scenery and setting along the Ararat River are exceptional at Riverside Park. It is a popular place to soak up the sun, walk, or use the skate park. Two other noteworthy outdoor offerings are the kayak rentals at Kapps Mill and horseback riding lessons or a trail ride at Cardinal Riding Academy.
Mount Airy is a primo wine destination with eight wineries in the area. Two other recommendations are Shelton Vineyards, a popular choice for decades, in the Yadkin Valley, and Raffaldini Vineyards, considered the “Chianti in the Carolinas”, for your road trip to Mount Airy.
Where to Eat and Drink
Mayberry and Mount Airy have many food and drink options. Try Barney’s Cafe for pancakes, biscuit sandwiches, or fried bologna at breakfast. At Snappy Lunch, mentioned on The Andy Griffith Show, order classic breakfast dishes or come for lunch to try the World-Famous Pork Chop Sandwich. Another lunch choice would be veteran owned The Loaded Goat sports bar for wings, burgers, and salads.
Two of my top choices would be Gondola for Italian or Old North State Winery for dinner. At the family friendly Gondola, try stuffed shells . Another tasty lunch item is the spaghetti with meatballs.
At Old North State Winery, go for the Maryland-style crab cakes or Wagyu short ribs. For a unique experience, Old North has a Chef’s Table on Friday and Saturday evenings, with multiple courses paired with wines from their cellar. You dine with the Head Chef as he creates the dishes. Reservations are required.
Grab a delicious craft beer over at White Elephant Beer Company, or sample a single-malt sorghum whiskey at Mayberry Spirits Distillery’s small-batch craft distillery. Pick up a “big as your face” cookie, cinnamon roll, or homemade moonshine ice cream from Miss Angel’s Heavenly Pies to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Where to Stay in Mayberry and Mount Airy
Visitors have several choices between traditional hotel lodging, bed and breakfasts, and a motor inn. Heart & Soul, circa 1901, and Pilot Knob Inn (at the state park), are two popular B&Bs, offering complimentary breakfast and Wifi.
Another accommodations choice is Mayberry Motor Inn, where you can choose the room dedicated entirely to Aunt Bea. Cabins are also popular in this region and offer spectacular scenery. Eight minutes from downtown, Holly Hill Cabin features gas logs, a porch swing, jacuzzi, and is pet-friendly.
Consider Knight’s Inn or the Mount Airy Hampton Inn for inexpensive chain hotels.
Serious Andy fans can stay in Andy Griffith’s childhood home, decorated with antiques and TV show memorabilia. The house is within walking distance to downtown Mount Airy shops and attractions.
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